Image for stress accumulation

stress accumulation

Stress accumulation refers to the gradual buildup of stress within a material or object over time due to external forces, pressure, or environmental conditions. When forces are applied, the material experiences tiny internal changes. If these forces persist or increase, these small changes can add up, potentially leading to deformation or failure. It's similar to how repeated bending or stretching weakens a paperclip; over time, it can break. Understanding stress accumulation helps in predicting when materials might fail or need reinforcement, ensuring safety and durability in engineering and construction.