untwisting

Untwisting is the process of removing twists or torsion from a material, structure, or system. It can refer to practical actions, natural relaxation, or mathematical transformations that reduce a twisted configuration to a simpler form.

In engineering and everyday life, untwisting commonly means unwinding cables, ropes, springs, or wires by applying opposing torque or by unrolling the twisted strands. Proper untwisting reduces stress concentrations, improves performance, and prevents fatigue. Techniques include manual rotation in the opposite direction, counter-spooling, or using fixtures to hold ends during unwinding.

In molecular biology, untwisting describes the relaxation and opening of over-twisted DNA during processes such as replication and transcription. Enzymes called topoisomerases cut and reseal DNA strands or otherwise alter supercoiling to relieve torsional strain and permit enzyme access.

In fibers and textiles, untwisting refers to loosening or reversing twist in yarns or fibers to achieve evenness, reduce stiffness, or set a fabric. Methods include moisture, heat, or mechanical relaxation; improper untwisting can cause snarls or kinked fibers.

In mathematics and physics, untwisting can describe a deformation that removes a twist from a twisted object, yielding an equivalent untwisted state in a topological or geometric sense.