Definition
A type of internal stress in a material caused by forces pushing inward on it from opposite directions, tending to shorten or crush it.
Plain English
The squeezing force inside a part when something is pressing on it from both ends, trying to make it shorter.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft structures, landing gear, struts, and maintenance discussions about loads on aircraft parts.
Derivation
From Latin 'comprimere,' meaning 'to press together.' The word captures exactly what the force does: it presses the material together from both sides.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must respect aircraft structural limits because excessive compression stress can cause buckling or permanent damage during flight or landing.
Analogy
Pressing down on an empty soda can creates compression stress in the can. If the load becomes too great, the can starts to collapse.
Grounding Statement
Picture pressing down hard on a soda can from above with your palm — that inward squeeze is compression stress.
Intuition Check
Compression stress is not mental stress, and it is not just compressed air. Here, it means squeezing load inside a solid aircraft part.
Example Sentence 1
The lower wing spar caps experience compression stress during positive-G flight as the wing flexes upward.
Example Sentence 2
Landing gear designers calculate compression stress to ensure the struts will not buckle on touchdown.