Hey it's a me again @drifter1! Today we continue with Physics and more specifically the branch "Classical Mechanics" to continue with the chapter of Equilibrium and Elasticity. In this article we will get into Tensile Stress and Strain. So, without further ado, let's dive straight into it!
Tensile Stress
Tensile stress is defined as the resistance an object has to forces tending to break it. It is equal to the force per unit area that a material can endure without tearing apart. The maximum stress that the material can stand is called the ultimate tensile stress or breaking stress.
Stress is defined by the following formula:
σ = tensile stress measured in N/m2 or pascals (Pa)
F = force in newtons (N)
A = cross-sectional area in m2
Lots of mechanical properties of materials can be determined from a tensile test. When a tensile force acts on a material, the following tensile properties can be calculated:
Elastic modulus
Ultimate tensile stress (UTS)
Modulus of resilience
Fracture stress
Tensile Strain
The ratio of extension to original length is called strain and has no units. Mathematically, we can write it as following:
ε = tensile strain with no units
ΔL = extension measured in metres (m)
L = original length measured in metres (m)
Young's Modulus
Young's modulus of elasticity is defined as "The mechanical property of a material to withstand the compression or elongation with respect to its length". It is denoted as E or Y. Using Hooke's Law of elasticity, Young's modulus is defined as:
σ = tensile stress
ε = tensile strain
F = tensile force
A = cross-sectional area
L0 = original length
Ln = new length
Poisson's Ratio
Stretching a material in one diretion it tends to get thinner, whilst compressing it tends to make it thicker in the lateral direction. Poisson's ratio is expressed as:
μ = Poisson's ratio
εt = transverse strain
εl = longitudinal or axial strain
Longitudinal (or axial) strain can be expressed as:
εt = longitudinal or axial strain
ΔL = change in length
L = initial length
Contraction (or transverse, lateral or radial) strain can be expressed as: