​Mechanical forces

​A mechanical force can be defined as a force that features some direct contact between two objects (one applying the force and another which is in a state of rest or in a state of motion) and results in the production of a change in the state of the object (state of rest or state of motion).

​Types of mechanical forces

​

• Tensile force.

• Compressive force

• Shear force.

​Tensile force

​

Tensile force is the stretching forces acting on the material and has two components namely, tensile stress and tensile strain.​

​Compressive force

​

Compression force (or compressive force) occurs when a physical force presses inward on an object, causing it to become compacted. In this process, the relative positions of atoms and molecules of the object change. This change can be temporary or permanent depending on the type of material receiving the compressive force. There can also be different results depending on the direction or position on the object that the compressive force is applied.

​Share force

​

A force acting in a direction parallel to a surface or to a planar cross section of a body, as for example the pressure of air along the front of an airplane wing. Shear forces often result in shear strain. Resistance to such forces in a fluid is linked to its viscosity. Also called shearing force