Calculate average axial normal stress magnitude, force magnitude, or cross-sectional area with selectable engineering units.

Average axial normal stress magnitude for a force distributed uniformly over a cross-section.

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Stress Formula

Average normal stress magnitude under uniform axial loading can be estimated by:

σ = F / A
  • Where σ is average axial normal stress magnitude
  • F is the axial force magnitude normal to the cross-section
  • A is the cross-sectional area perpendicular to that force

To calculate average normal stress, divide the normal force magnitude by the cross-sectional area, using consistent units.

Stress Definition

Mechanical stress describes internal force per unit area. Normal stress acts perpendicular to a section, while shear stress acts parallel to it. This calculator estimates the magnitude of average axial normal stress using force divided by cross-sectional area.

For a material obeying linear-elastic uniaxial behavior within its proportional range, stress and strain satisfy σ = Eε, where E is Young’s modulus. Applicability depends on the material and loading conditions.

The following example will outline the steps to calculate stress in a real-world problem.

How to calculate stress?

How to calculate stress

  1. First, the area the force is being exerted on must be determined

    Determine the cross-sectional area normal to the force. For this example, use a cross-sectional area of 200 square meters under a centered, uniformly distributed axial load.

  2. Next, determine the total force acting on the area.

    Use the total normal force acting on that area. For this example, the total force is 500 newtons.

  3. Finally, enter the information into the stress formula

    Using the formula provided above we can calculate the stress. Stress = Force/Area = 500/200 = 2.50 N/m^2. The units of stress depend only on the force and area units, in this case newtons and meters squared which equals pascals.

  4. Analyze the results

    The last step, as with all scientific problems, is to analyze the results for accuracy and apply what’s been learned to future problems.

FAQ

What is stress?

Mechanical stress describes internal force per unit area. Normal stress acts perpendicular to a section and shear stress acts parallel to it. This calculator estimates average axial normal stress magnitude under uniform loading.