What is the term for the sharpest bend that can be made in metal without critically weakening it?

The term for the sharpest bend that can be made in metal without critically weakening it is referred to as the minimum radius of bend. When bending metal, there is a limit to how tightly it can be bent before the risk of cracking or structural failure increases significantly. This limit is defined as the minimum radius of bend.

When metal is bent, it undergoes deformation, and if it is bent too sharply, it can reach the point where the internal stresses exceed the material's strength, potentially leading to cracks or even breakage. Understanding the minimum radius of bend is essential for ensuring the integrity and longevity of metal components in structural applications.

This concept is critical when designing metal parts for aircraft, as improper bends can lead to failure in critical components. The other options do not accurately capture this concept. "Minimum bend angle" refers to the angular measurement of the bend, while "critical bend radius" is not a standard term used. "Maximum bend tolerance" suggests an allowable deviation in bending that does not address the sharpness of the bend itself. Thus, the term that best describes the sharpest bend that can be made without critically weakening the material is the minimum radius of bend.