Mechanical Engineering

Stress and Strain

< Stress >

Stress is the intensity of force over an area and it can be categorized as shear stress and tensile stress

Shear stress: Applied force is parallel to the cross-section of the object

Equation:                       

Tensile stress: Applied force is perpendicular to the cross-section of the object

Equation:                     

< Strain >

• Strain is quantified as change in length over initial length
• Strain can be induced by both applied force and change in temperature

< Stress and strain relationship and application >

• Stress-strain curve is used to analyze the deformation characteristics of a material under applied force – straining of the object induce stress: refer to the next slide for the curve
• Stress in a support system is calculated based on strain characteristics of the rigid body