To strike or rest against the absolute limit of mechanical travel, leaving no remaining clearance. This occurs when a suspension system compresses fully, a piston hits the end of a cylinder, or a screw reaches the end of a blind hole. Engineers must design adequate clearance to prevent components from bottoming under maximum load, which causes severe impact forces.
Heard on the job
The suspension bottoms over heavy bumps, so we need stiffer springs or a longer shock body.
Insider tip
When a fastener bottoms in a blind hole before clamping the parts, it creates a false torque reading that leaves the joint loose.
Also heard as
- bottom out