What is the definition of stress in aviation terms?

In aviation, stress is fundamentally defined as the force applied to an object divided by the cross-sectional area over which that force is distributed. This concept is crucial in structural engineering and materials science as it helps to assess how materials and structures respond under various loading conditions.

Understanding stress is vital for ensuring that aircraft structures can withstand the forces experienced during flight, such as aerodynamic loads, impacts, and other operational stresses. Engineers must calculate stress to verify that the materials used in aircraft manufacturing can handle these loads without failure, thus ensuring safety and structural integrity during operation.

The other definitions provided, while related to aerodynamics and aircraft performance, do not encompass the technical notion of stress. Total weight relates to the gravitational force acting on the aircraft, drag pertains to the aerodynamic resistance an aircraft faces while moving through air, and lift is the upward force generated by the wings due to airflow. Each of these elements is important in understanding aircraft performance and dynamics but they do not define stress in the context of materials and structural analysis.