Stress Calculator

Mechanical Stress Analysis

Calculate tensile, compressive, and shear stress with safety factor analysis for engineering applications.

Calculator

Stress Formula:
σ = F / A
σ = normal stress, F = force, A = area

About Stress

Stress is the internal force per unit area within a material that arises from externally applied forces.

Formula:

σ (or τ) = F / A

Units:

Pa (N/m²), MPa, psi

Stress Types

Tensile:

Pulling force, material stretches

Compressive:

Pushing force, material compresses

Shear:

Parallel force, material slides

Common Materials

Steel (Mild):

Yield: 250 MPa, Ultimate: 400 MPa

Aluminum:

Yield: 95 MPa, Ultimate: 110 MPa

Concrete:

Compressive: 20-40 MPa

Wood (Pine):

Tensile: 40 MPa, Compressive: 35 MPa

Safety Factor

Safety Factor (SF) = Yield Strength / Applied Stress

Typical Values:

• Buildings: SF = 2-3

• Bridges: SF = 3-5

• Aircraft: SF = 1.5-2

• Pressure vessels: SF = 3-4

Applications

  • Structural engineering (beams, columns)
  • Mechanical design (shafts, bolts)
  • Civil engineering (bridges, buildings)
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Material selection
  • Failure analysis
  • Quality control
  • Safety assessment

Key Concepts

Important Points:

Elastic Region: Material returns to original shape (stress < yield)

Plastic Region: Permanent deformation (yield < stress < ultimate)

Failure: Material fractures (stress ≥ ultimate)

Strain: Deformation per unit length (ε = ΔL/L)