Contraflexure

/ˌkɒntrəˈflɛkʃər/ noun

Definition

In engineering and architecture, a point where a structural member bends in opposite directions, or a curve that reverses its curvature.

Etymology

From Latin 'contra-' (against) + 'flexura' (bending, from 'flectere,' to bend). Technical term describing structural bending that changes direction.

Kelly Says

Engineers love this term—it describes that crucial point on a bent beam where the stress changes direction, which is exactly where beams are most likely to catastrophically fail.

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