What term describes the strength of a material to resist being crushed?

The term that describes the strength of a material to resist being crushed is compressive strength. This property specifically measures how much load a material can withstand before failing under compression. When a compressive force is applied, it causes the material to shorten in the direction of the force, and the compressive strength is the maximum stress that the material can endure in this scenario without yielding or collapsing.

Compressive strength is critical in many engineering applications, particularly in structural engineering, where materials must support loads without deforming or breaking. Factors that influence compressive strength include the material’s composition, temperature, and the size and shape of the specimen being tested. Understanding this property is essential for selecting appropriate materials for designs that involve load-bearing elements, ensuring safety, durability, and functionality.

Other terms, while related to material strength, encompass different phenomena that are not specifically about resisting crushing forces.