title: Bending
text: This article is about the structural behavior.  For other meanings see Bending (disambiguation).
  
  In engineering and mechanics, bending (also known as flexure) characterizes the behavior of a structural element subjected to a lateral load (i.e. at right angles to its length).  
  
  A structural element subjected to bending is known as a beam. Stiffness is its ability to resist bending.
  
  A closet rod sagging under the weight of clothes is an example of a beam experiencing bending.
  
  Related pages
   Engineering
   Mechanics
   Deflection
   Shear strength
   Shear stress
   Mechanical Strain
  
  Engineering
  Mechanics