BENDING LOSS - In a fiber optic system a form of increased attenuation caused by: a) Having the fiber curved around a restrictive radius of curvature; or b) Micro bends caused by minute distortions in the fiber imposed by externally induced disturbances. Excessive bending loss may result from poor drawing or cable manufacturing technique.
BENDING RADIUS - Radius of curvature around which a fiber is bent under a stated pulling force.
BerC - Abbreviation for beryllium-copper alloy.
BIAS - a) A voltage applied to a device to establish a reference level for operation. b) A high frequency voltage combined with an audio signal to reduce distortion.
BINDER - A spirally served tape or thread used for holding assembled cable components in place awaiting subsequent manufacturing operations.
BLASTING WIRE - Wire used for detonating explosives. It is usually a very inexpensively constructed wire.
BLK - Abbreviation for black.
BMS - Abbreviation for Boeing Material Specification.
BOND STRENGTH - Amount of adhesion between bonded surfaces, e.g., in cemented ribbon cable.
BONDABLEWIRE - An insulated wire whose surface has been specially treated to make it possible to adhere to other materials such as potting compounds. The term usually refers to extruded PTFE insulated wires. The etching process roughens the surface of the insulation permitting an interlocking effect with potting compounds.
BONDED CONSTRUCTION - A type of insulation construction in which the glass braid and nylon jacket are bonded together as in certain wire sizes of MIL-DTL-5086 Type II.
BOOT - A protective covering over any portion of a cable or conductor in addition to its jacket or insulation.
