Enter the stress in the x-direction, the stress in the y-direction, and shear stress into the calculator to determine the principal stresses.

## Principal Stress Formula

The following formula i used to calculate the two principal stresses.

• Where σ1,2 are the principal stresses
• σx is the stress in the x-direction
• σy is the stress in the y-direction
• τ is the shear stress

## Principal Stress Definition

Principal stress is defined as the maximum and minimum total stresses acting on an object at any given point.

## Principal Stress Example

How to calculate a principal stress?

1. First, determine the normal stress.

Calculate the normal stress in the x and y directions along the plane of action.

2. Next, determine the shear stress.

Calculate the shear stress in the x-y plane.

3. Finally, calculate the principal stresses.

Calculate the principal stress (max and min) using the equation above.

## FAQ

What is a principal stress?

A principal stress is defined as the normal stress calculated at an angle where the shear stress in the plane is 0.