A material or structure is considered compliant if it can bend, twist, or stretch in response to applied forces and return to its original shape. Engineers design specific components to have high elasticity to absorb vibrations, accommodate misalignment, or store strain energy. It is the functional opposite of rigidity in mechanical assemblies.
Heard on the job
We need a flexible coupling between the motor and the pump to handle the shaft misalignment.
Also heard as
- compliant
- elastic