buigen

Buigen is a Dutch verb meaning to bend, curve, or flex. It is used to describe the action of changing a straight form into a curved one, either by applying force or through muscle action. The noun buiging denotes the act of bending or the resulting bend.

In physics and engineering, bending refers to the deformation of a structural element subjected to bending moments. A beam under load curves; the curvature relates to deflection and moment. The Euler–Bernoulli beam theory connects bending moment to curvature, often expressed as M = E I κ, where E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the second moment of area, and κ is the curvature. Bending also produces stresses within the material, with bending stress commonly approximated by σ = M y / I, where y is the distance from the neutral axis. Practical design focuses on maximum bending moment, material strength, allowable deflection, and the bending radius to prevent failure.

In manufacturing, bending is a forming operation used for metals, plastics, and composites. Cold bending and hot bending adjust ductility and shape, typically employing dies, rollers, or presses. Key considerations include tooling geometry, material springback after unloading, tolerances, and surface finish.

In biomechanics, joints bend as part of normal motion. Flexion and extension describe bending of limbs such as the knee or elbow, with movement confined to specific anatomical planes and governed by soft tissues and joint structure.

Overall, buigen encompasses both the physical act of creating a curve and the resulting curved form, across technical, industrial, and biological contexts.