What type of stress involves a material being pushed from opposite ends?

Compression is the type of stress that occurs when a material is subjected to forces that push inward from opposite ends. This compressive force causes the material to shorten or become denser in the direction of the applied load. In structural engineering and material science, understanding compression is essential because it affects how materials behave under loads, especially in components such as columns, beams, and other structural elements designed to bear weight.

When a material undergoes compression, it can lead to buckling or failure if the limits of the material's strength are exceeded. In aviation maintenance and engineering, recognizing how different materials respond to compression is crucial in ensuring safety and performance in aircraft structures.