undeflected

Undeflected is an adjective describing something that has not been deflected; it remains on its original path or position despite available forces, fields, or loads. The expression is commonly used as a qualitative description in science and engineering to indicate the absence of measurable deviation from an intended trajectory.

In physics, undeflected is often used with reference to particle or ray trajectories. A neutral particle traveling through a magnetic field experiences no Lorentz force and is typically undeflected; similarly, a beam that passes through a region without asymmetrical interactions may be described as undeflected. In optics or wave mechanics, an undeflected ray is one that continues in its original direction when conditions are symmetric or when interfaces do not produce refraction, scattering, or bending.

In engineering and structural analysis, undeflected describes a condition in which a component shows no measurable displacement under a given load, within the limits of measurement accuracy. Designers specify deflection limits; beyond those limits a member is not undeflected.

Etymology: the word derives from deflect, with the negative prefix un-.

Related terms include deflection, deflected, and deflect.