The smallest radius about which a metal can be bent without exhibiting fracture. It is often described in terms of multiples of sheet thickness.
The smallest radius an optical fiber or fiber cable can bend before increased attenuation or breakage occurs.
The minimum bend radius is the radius below which an object such as a cable should not be bent. The minimum bend radius is of particular importance in the handling of fiber-optic cables, which are often used in telecommunications. The minimum bending radius will vary with different cable designs.