noun
alternating stress
Technical term in engineering and materials science for stress that cyclically changes direction or magnitude.
交番応力が繰り返し加わると、金属疲労が生じる。
When alternating stress is repeatedly applied, metal fatigue occurs.
Compound of 交番 (alternation) and 応力 (stress). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the technical meaning.