Material Stress

Compressive strength is defined as the maximum compressive load an object can withstand before failure, divided by its cross sectional area.

A compressive load is one that pushes on an object from both directions simultaneously, such as a pillar between a bridge and the bedrock of a river.

Ceramics typically have excellent tensile strengths and are used under compression (e.g. concrete).

Tensile strength is defined as the maximum tensile load an object can withstand before failure, divided by its cross sectional area. 

A tensile load is one that pulls on an object from both directions simultaneously, such as a connector between two lengths of cable supporting a bridge.

Typically, ceramics perform poorly in tension, while metals are quite good. Fibres such as glass, Kevlar and carbon fibre are polymeric materials that are frequently added as a supplement in the direction of the tensile force to reinforce or improve an object's tensile strength.

Shear strength is the maximum shear load an object can withstand before failure occurs, divided by its cross sectional area.

Unlike perpendicular pushes and pulls of compressive and tensile loads, a shear load occurs when we apply two (2) parallel but opposite forces, such as when a sword is applied rapidly against a roll of bamboo or when a bridge's rebar becomes crippled under stress and the top half of the pillar slides progressively to the left and the bottom half slides progressively to the right.

This property is relevant to adhesives and fasteners, as well as in material operations such as the guillotining of sheet metals.

Torsional strength is the maximum amount of torsional load an object can withstand before it fails, divided by its cross sectional area.

A torsional load is when a stationary object is twisted in one direction or when an object is twisted in opposite directions, such as the vertical drive shaft on the pulley propelling a ski lift, when you wring out a wet towel, or when an object is spun for several revolutions and is either released or begins to compress unpredictably.

This property is relevant for components such as shafts and axels which must withstand the twisting force in order for other components to function properly.