How to Calculate Principal Stresses in a Stressed Component?

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In summary, the conversation is about finding the maximum and minimum direct stresses in a component at a critical point using a formula for plane stresses. The conversation also touches upon finding the angle of the maximum stresses with the direction sigma(x) and whether it involves using the 2D Mohr Circle. A formula using normal and shear stresses is provided as a solution to the problem.
  • #1
cabellos
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Principal stresses help please?

I am looking through past paper examinations and have come a across a question:

At a certain critical point in a stressed component, calculations show that the stresses are sigma(x) = 220MPa sigma(y) = -95MPa and shear = 60MPa

Find the maximum and minimum direct stresses (principal stresses) in the component at that point?

How do i go about this problem?

Thankyou.
 
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  • #2
Well, do you know any related formulae? To be more specific, there is exactly one formula you need to apply.
 
  • #3
Ah yes i think I have a solution to this problem now using the general formula for plane stresses.

There is a second part to the question where it now asks to find the angle which the maximum stresses make with the direction sigma(x)?

Does this involve the 2D Mohr Circle?
 
  • #4
cabellos said:
Ah yes i think I have a solution to this problem now using the general formula for plane stresses.

There is a second part to the question where it now asks to find the angle which the maximum stresses make with the direction sigma(x)?

Does this involve the 2D Mohr Circle?

You can simply use tg(2A) = Txy / (Nx - Ny), where A is the angle of the principal stress, Nx and Ny are normal stresses and Txy is the shear stress.

Have on mind that tg2(A + Pi/2) = tg(2A).
 

What are principal stresses?

Principal stresses are the maximum and minimum normal stresses that an object experiences at a given point in a material. They are perpendicular to each other and are used to determine the strength and failure of a material.

How are principal stresses calculated?

Principal stresses can be calculated using mathematical equations derived from the stress tensor, which represents the magnitude and direction of stress at a point. These equations involve the normal and shear stresses in three dimensions.

Why are principal stresses important?

Principal stresses are important because they help engineers and scientists understand the behavior of materials under different loading conditions. They also provide valuable information for designing structures and predicting failure points.

What is the difference between maximum and minimum principal stresses?

The maximum principal stress is the greatest normal stress experienced at a point, while the minimum principal stress is the smallest normal stress. The difference between these two stresses indicates the amount of stress an object can withstand before it fails.

What is the significance of the principal stress direction?

The direction of principal stresses is important because it determines the orientation of the planes on which the material is most likely to fail. This information is crucial for designing structures and predicting potential failure points.

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