What occurs to the metal around a bend during the bending process?

During the bending process, the behavior of the metal is influenced by the mechanics of deformation. As the metal is bent, the outer edge of the bend experiences tension, causing it to stretch. This occurs because the outer fibers of the material have to elongate more than the inner fibers in order to accommodate the curvature of the bend.

On the other hand, the inner edge of the bend experiences compression. The material on this side contracts and is squished together since it is shorter in length than the outer edge. This dual action of stretching on the outside and compressing on the inside is a fundamental aspect of how materials respond to bending forces.

Understanding this principle is critical in aerospace applications where materials must maintain their integrity and performance characteristics under various loads, ensuring that components can withstand operational stresses without failure.