1.7. Principal Stresses and Strains

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define principal stresses.

   Hint

   Think about where shear forces have no effect.

2. 2.

   What are principal strains?

   Hint

   Consider the deforming aspect of materials.

3. 3.

   What defines principal stresses?

   • Only tensile stresses
   • Maximum and minimum normal stresses
   • Only compressive stresses

   Hint

   Consider where shear stresses are absent.

4. 4.

   Principal planes are characterized by:

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the stress orientations.

5. 5.

   A cylindrical rod is subjected to an axial stress of 50 MPa. Calculate the principal stress if the radial stress is 10 MPa.

   Hint

   Think about how axial and radial stresses correspond to principal stresses.

6. 6.

   Discuss how understanding principal stresses impacts the design of a skyscraper.

   Hint

   Focus on safety measures in vertical structures.