Tensile force

Structural Analysis

A tensile force (also tension force, Opposite of compressive forces, Norsk: strekkraft) is a force that pulls or stretches a structural member apart along its longitudinal axis.

In a truss, when a member is subjected to tensile force, the forces at its two ends act away from the member, tending to elongate it.

In simple words:

Tensile force = a pulling force that tends to stretch a member