inwardbending

Inwardbending is a descriptive term used across several disciplines to denote a deformation or shaping in which a region curves toward the interior of the object, yielding an inward-facing curvature. The opposite is outward bending, where curvature bulges outward. The term covers static configurations and dynamic deformations, and is often related to differential growth, stresses, or boundary constraints that promote a concave profile.

Biology and biomechanics: In plant and animal tissues, inward bending describes folds that move inward toward a central cavity or axis. Examples include edge curling of leaves due to differential growth rates, or morphogenetic folding during early development.

Engineering and materials science: In thin shells and plates, inward bending can occur under external pressure, thermal stress, or mechanical loading, leading to inward local curvature or buckling modes. Designers may exploit inward folds in origami-inspired structures to achieve compactness and stiffness, while maintaining weight efficiency. Manufacturing processes such as bending or forming can produce inward bends by tooling that creates concave radii on edges.

Design, art, and architecture: Inward bends are used to reinforce components, create aesthetic concave contours, or facilitate connections between parts.

See also: curvature, buckling, folding, origami, concave, convex.