What is a rib in engineering terms?

In engineering, a rib is typically understood as a thin member providing support within various structures or components. The primary function of a rib is to enhance structural integrity without significantly adding to the overall weight. Ribs are often used in conjunction with other materials where their lightweight nature can provide necessary strength and stiffness, making them particularly useful in applications such as aerospace, automotive, and architectural designs.

Ribs can be found in items like molds, frames, or even in sheet materials, where they help resist bending and buckling under load. This specific characteristic distinguishes them from thicker, solid structures that focus more on overall stability, or hollow sections that primarily aim for weight reduction while potentially sacrificing stiffness. Additionally, ribs do not function as joints that connect separate components; instead, they serve as integral parts of a support system. This clarity in roles helps engineers in designing optimized structures that meet specific performance criteria.