1. What is Stress?

Stress (σ) is a physical quantity that expresses the internal forces that neighboring particles of a continuous material exert on each other. It's defined as force per unit area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the stress equation:

Where:

• Force (F) — Applied force in Newtons (N)
• Area (A) — Cross-sectional area in square meters (m²)
• Stress (σ) — Result in Pascals (Pa)

Explanation: The equation shows that stress is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to area.

3. Importance of Stress Calculation

Details: Calculating stress is essential in engineering and materials science to ensure structures and components can withstand applied loads without failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons and area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of stress?
A: The SI unit is Pascal (Pa), which equals 1 N/m². Other common units include psi (pounds per square inch) and MPa (megapascals).

Q2: What's the difference between stress and pressure?
A: Pressure is external force per unit area, while stress is internal resistance to deformation per unit area.

Q3: What is normal stress vs shear stress?
A: Normal stress acts perpendicular to the surface, while shear stress acts parallel to the surface.

Q4: How does stress relate to strain?
A: Stress causes strain (deformation). Their relationship is defined by material properties in Hooke's Law.

Q5: What is yield stress?
A: The stress level at which a material begins to deform plastically (permanently).