Deflection is a result of what type of stress?

Deflection is primarily a result of bending stress, which occurs when a structural element is subjected to forces that cause it to curve or deform. When a beam or similar structure is loaded, it experiences bending moments that lead to a change in its shape. The material also experiences different levels of tensile and compressive stresses along its length, but it is the bending that specifically contributes to observable deflection.

In a beam, the top fibers may experience compression while the bottom fibers undergo tension as the beam bends. This differential stress distribution illustrates how forces lead to curvature and thus deflection. Understanding this concept is crucial for engineers, as it helps them design structures that can adequately handle loads without excessive deformation, ensuring both functionality and safety.