V.

DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 1

LECTURE 8 Two-dimensional (Plane) Stress State. Graphical Method of
Stress State Analysis

1 Two-Dimensional (Plane) Stress State Definition and Examples

A two-dimensional (plane) state of stress exists at a point of deformable solid,
when the stresses are independent of one of the three coordinate axis. It means that the
general feature of this type of stress state is the presence of one zero principal plane.
Examples include the stresses arising on inclined sections of an axially loaded rod
(Fig. 1), a shaft in torsion (Fig. 2), a beam at combined loading (Fig. 3), thin-walled
vessel under internal pressure p (Fig. 4), aircraft wind skin (Fig. 5), scoop box (Fig. 6).

Fig. 1 Two-dimensional stresses on inclined section in axial loading

Fig. 2 Plane stress state at surface points of the shaft in torsion

Fig. 3 Plane stress state at the surface point of a bar under combined loading

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2 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020

Fig. 4 Element in plane biaxial stress state in pressure vessel

Fig. 5 Two-dimensional stress state in the point of Fig. 6 Plane stress state in the point of scoop
wing skin (stresses, normal to skin surface, are zero) box

Two-dimensional problems are of two

classes: plane stress and plane strain. The
condition that occurs in a thin plate
subjected to loading uniformly distributed
over the thickness and parallel to the plane
of plate typifies the state of plane stress
(plane stressed state, plane stress) (Fig. 7).
Fig.7 Thin plane subjected to plane stress
Because the plate is thin, the stress-
distribution may be closely approximated by assuming that two-dimensional stress
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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 3
components do not vary throughout the thickness and the other components are zero.
Another case of plane stress exists on the free surface of a structural or machine
component (see Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6).
To explain plane stress, we will consider the stress element shown in Fig. 8. This
element is infinitesimal in size and can be sketched either as a cube or as a rectangular
parallelepiped.

Fig. 8 Elements in plane stress: (a) three-dimensional view of an element oriented to the x ,
y , z axes, (b) two-dimensional view of the same element, and (c) two-dimensional view of an

element oriented to the x1 , y1 , z1 axes

The xyz axes are parallel to the edges of the element, and the faces of the element
are designated by the directions of their outward normals. For instance, the right-hand
face of the element is referred to as the positive y face, and the left-hand face (hidden
from the viewer) is referred to as the negative y face. Similarly, the top face is the
positive z face, and the front face is the positive x face.
When the material is in plane stress in the yz plane, only the y and z faces of the
element are subjected to stresses, and all stresses act parallel to the y and z axes, as
shown in Fig. 8a. This stress condition is very common because it exists at the surface
of any stressed body, except at points where external loads act on the surface. When the
element shown in Fig. 8a is located at the free surface of a body, the x face is in the
plane of the surface (no stresses) and the x axis is normal to the surface. This face may
be considered as zero principal plane (see Fig. 5).
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4 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
The symbols for the stresses shown in Fig. 8a have the following meanings. A
normal stress  has a subscript that identifies the face on which the stress acts; for
instance, the stress  y acts on the y face of the element and the stress  z acts on the z

face of the element. Since the element is infinitesimal in size, equal normal stresses
act on the opposite faces. The sign convention for normal stresses is the familiar one,
namely, tension is positive and compression is negative.
A shear stress  has two subscripts – the first subscript denotes the normal to the
face on which the stress acts, and the second gives the direction on that face. Thus, the
stress  yz acts on the y face in the direction of the z axis (Fig. 8a), and stress  zy acts

on the z face in the direction of the y axis.

The sign convention for shear stresses is as follows. A shear stress is positive
when it acts on a positive face of an element in the positive direction of an axis, and it
is negative when it acts on a positive face of an element in the negative direction of
an axis. Therefore, the stresses  yz and  zy shown on the positive y and z faces in

Fig. 8a are positive shear stresses. Similarly, on a negative face of the element, a shear
stress is positive when it acts in the negative direction of an axis. Hence, the stresses
 yz and  zy shown on the negative y and z faces of the element are also positive.

The preceding sign convention for shear stresses is dependable on the

equilibrium of the element, because we know that shear stresses on opposite faces of an
infinitesimal element must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. Hence,
according to our sign convention, a positive stress  yz acts upward on the positive face

(Fig. 8a) and downward on the negative face. In a similar manner, the stresses  zy

acting on the top and bottom faces of the element are positive although they have
opposite directions.
We know that shear stresses on mutually perpendicular planes are equal in
magnitude and have directions such that both stresses point toward, or both point away
from, the line of intersection of the faces. Inasmuch as  yz and  zy are positive in the

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 5
directions shown in the Fig. 8, they are consistent with this observation. Therefore, we
note that

 yz   zy . (1)

This equation was called earlier the law of equality for shear stresses. It was derived
from equilibrium of the element.
For convenience in sketching plane-stress elements, we usually draw only a two-
dimensional view of the element, as shown in Fig. 8b.

2 Stresses on Inclined Planes

Our goal now is to consider the stresses acting on inclined sections, assuming
that the stresses  y ,  z , and  yz (Figs. 8a and b) are known. To determine the stresses

acting on an inclined section at positive (counterclockwised)  -angle, we consider a

new stress element (Fig. 8c) that is located at the same point in the material as the
original element (Fig. 8b). However, the new element has faces that are parallel and
perpendicular to the inclined direction. Associated with this new element are axes y1 ,
z1 and x1 such that the x1 axis coincides with the x axis and the y1, z1 axes are rotated
counterclockwise through an angle  with respect to the yz axes. The normal and
shear stresses acting on this new element are denoted  y1 ,  z1 ,  y1z1 , and  z1 y1 , using

the same subscript designations and sign conventions described above for the stresses
acting on the yz element. The previous conclusions regarding the shear stresses still
apply, so that

 y1z1   z1 y1 . (2)

Note, that more simple designation of the stresses on inclined faces is used:  y1   ,

 z1    ,  yz   ,  zy    .

From Eq. 2 and the equilibrium of the element, we see that the shear stresses acting on
all four side faces of an element in plane stress are known if we determine the shear
stress acting on any one of those faces.
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6 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
The stresses acting on the inclined y1, z1 element (Fig. 8c) can be expressed in
terms of the stresses on the yz element (Fig. 8b) by using equations of equilibrium.
For this purpose, we choose a wedge-shaped stress element (Fig. 9a) having an
inclined face that is the same as the y1 face of the inclined element. The other two side
faces of the wedge are parallel to the y and z axes.

Fig. 9 Wedge-shaped stress element in plane stress state: (a) stresses acting on the
element, and (b) internal forces acting on the element

In order to write equations of equilibrium for the wedge, we need to construct a

free-body diagram showing the forces acting on the faces. Let us denote the area of the
left-hand side face (that is, the negative y face) as A0 . Then the normal and shear forces
acting on that face are  y A0 and  yz A0 , as shown in the free-body diagram of Fig. 9b.

The area of the bottom face (or negative z face) is A0 tan  , and the area of the inclined
face (or positive y1 face) is A0 sec . Thus, the normal and shear forces acting on these
faces have the magnitudes and directions shown in the Fig. 9b.
The forces acting on the left-hand and bottom faces can be resolved into
orthogonal components acting in the y1 and z1 directions. Then we can obtain two

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 7
equations of equilibrium by summing forces in those directions. The first equation,
obtained by summing forces in the y1 direction, is

 y1 A0 sec   y A0 cos   yz A0 sin  

(3)
 z A0 tan  sin    zy A0 tan  cos  0.

Summation of forces in the y1 direction gives

 y1z1 A0 sec   y A0 sin    yz A0 cos 

(4)
 z A0 tan  cos   zy A0 tan  sin   0.

Using the relationship  yz   zy , we obtain after simplification the following two

equations:

 y1   y cos2    z sin 2   2 yz sin  cos , (5)

 
 y1z1    y   z sin  cos   yz cos2   sin 2  .   (6)

Equations (5) and (6) give the normal and shear stresses acting on the y1 plane in
terms of the angle  and the stresses  y ,  z , and  yz acting on the y and z planes.

Due to  y1 and  y1z1 are applied to the inclined face at the  angle relative to y

direction, it is convenient to designate, that

 y1   and  y1z1   . (7)

It is interesting to note, that in   0 Eqs. (5) and (6) give  y1   y and

 y1z1   yz . Also, when   90 , these equations give  y1   z and

 y1z1   yz   zy . In the latter case, since the y1 axis is vertical when   90 , the

stress  y1z1 will be positive when it acts to the left. However, the stress  zy acts to the

right, and therefore  y1z1   zy .

Equations (5) and (6) can be expressed in a more convenient form by introducing
the following trigonometric identities:

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1 1 1
cos2   1  cos 2  , sin 2   1  cos 2  , sin  cos   sin 2 . (8)
2 2 2
After these substitutions the equations become

 y z  y  z
 y1   cos 2   yz sin 2 , (9)
2 2
 y z
 y1z1   sin 2   yz cos 2 . (10)
2

These equations are known as the transformation equations for plane stress
because they transform the stress components from one set of axes to another.
Note. (1) Only one intrinsic state of stress exists at the point in a stressed
body, regardless of the orientation of the element, i.e. whether represented by
stresses acting on the yz element (Fig. 8b) or by stresses acting on the inclined
y1z1 element (Fig. 8c). (2) Since the transformation equations were derived only
from equilibrium of an element, they are applicable to stresses in any kind of
material, whether linear or nonlinear, elastic or inelastic.
An important result concerning the normal stresses can be obtained from the
transformation equations. The normal stress  z1 acting on the z1 face of the inclined

element (Fig. 8c) can be obtained from Eq. (9) by substituting   90 for  . The
result is the following equation for  z1 :

 y z  y  z
 z1   cos 2   yz sin 2 . (11)
2 2

Summing the expressions for  y1 and  z1 (Eqs. (9) and (11)), we obtain the

following equation for plane stress:

 y1   z1   y   z  const . (12)

Note. The sum of the normal stresses acting on perpendicular faces of

plane-stress elements (at a given point in a stressed body) is constant and
independent on the angle  .
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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 9
The graphs of the normal and shear stresses varying are shown in Fig. 10, which
are the graphs of  y1 and  y1z1 versus the angle  (from Eqs. 9 and 10). The graphs
are plotted for the particular case of  z  0.2 y and  yz  0.8 y . It is seen from the
plots that the stresses vary continuously as the orientation of the element is changed. At
certain angles, the normal stress reaches a maximum or minimum value; at other
angles, it becomes zero. Similarly, the shear stress has maximum, minimum, and zero
values at certain angles.

Fig. 10 Graphs of normal stress  y and shear stress  y z versus the angle  (for
1 11
particular case:  z  0.2 y and  yz  0.8 y )

3 Special Cases of Plane Stress

3.1 Uniaxial Stress State as a Simplified Case of Plane Stress

The general case of plane stress reduces to
simpler states of stress under special conditions. For
instance, as previously discussed, if all stresses
acting on the yz element (Fig. 8b) are zero except for
the normal stress  y , then the element is in uniaxial
Fig. 11 Element in uniaxial stress
stress (Fig. 11). The corresponding transformation
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10 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
equations, obtained by setting  z and  yz equal to zero in Eqs. (9) and (10), are

y
 y1  1  cos 2    y cos2  , (13)
2
y
 y1z1    sin 2  . (14)
2

Note, that this type of stress state corresponds to axial tension deformation (see Fig. 1)

3.2 Pure Shear as a Special Case of Plane Stress

Pure shear is another special case of plane stress

state (Fig. 12), for which the transformation equations are
obtained by substituting  y  0 and  z  0 into Eqs. (9)

and (10):

 y1   yz sin 2 , (15)

 y1z1   yz cos2 . (16) Fig. 12 Element in pure shear

3.3 Biaxial Stress

The next special case of plane stress state is called biaxial stress, in which the yz
element is subjected to normal stresses in both the y and z directions but without any
shear stresses (Fig. 13). The equations for biaxial stress are obtained from Eqs. (9) and
(10) by dropping the terms containing  yz :

 y z  y  z
 y1   cos 2 , (17)
2 2
 y  z
 y1z1   sin 2 . (18)
2

or in  ,  designation,
 y1   y cos2    z sin 2  , (19)

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 y1z1  
 y   z  sin 2 . (20)
2

Biaxial stress occurs in many kinds of structures, including thin-walled pressure

vessels (see Fig. 14).

Fig. 14 Element in biaxial

stress state in pressure
Fig. 13 Elements in biaxial stress vessel (stresses, normal to
the surface are assumed to
be zero)
Example 1
The state of stress at a point in the machine element is shown in Fig. a.
Determine the normal and shearing stresses acting on an inclined plane parallel to (1)
line a  a and (2) line b  b .

(a) (b) (c)

Solution The x1 direction is that of a normal to the inclined plane. We want to
obtain the transformation of stress from the xy system of coordinates to the x1 y1
system.

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12 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Note, that the stresses and the rotations must be designated with their
correct signs.
(1) Applying Eqs. (9 through 11) for   45 ,  x  10 MPa,  y  5 MPa, and

 xy  6 MPa, we obtain

1 1
 x1  10  5  10  5 cos90  6sin 90  3.5 MPa,
2 2
1
 x1 y1   10  5 sin 90  6cos90  7.5 MPa,
2
and
1 1
 y1  10  5  10  5 cos90  6sin 90  8.5 MPa.
2 2
The results are indicated in Fig. b.
(2) As   30  90  120 , from Eqs. (9 through 11), we have
1 1
 x1  10  5  10  5 cos 240  6sin 240  3.95 MPa,
2 2
1
 x1 y1   10  5 sin 240  6cos 240  9.5 MPa,
2
and
1 1
 y1  10  5  10  5 cos 240  6sin 240  1.05 MPa.
2 2
The results are indicated in Fig. c.
Example 2
A two-dimensional stress state at a point in a loaded structure is shown in Fig. a.
(1) Write the stress-transformation equations. (2) Compute  x1 and  x1 y1 with 

between 0 and 180 in 15 increments for  x  7 MPa,  y  2 MPa, and  xy  5 MPa.

Plot the graphs  x1   and  x1 y1   .

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Variation in normal stress  x and shearing stress  x y with angle  varying between 0 and 180°
1 11

Solution (1) We express Eqs. (9) and (10) as follows:

 x1  A  B cos 2  C sin 2 ,
 x1 y1   B sin 2  C cos 2 ,

where

A
1
2
 1
 
 x   y , B   x   y , C   xy .
2

(2) Substitution of the prescribed values into Eqs. (9) and (10) results in
 x1  4.5  2.5cos2  5sin 2 ,

 x1 y1  2.5sin 2  5cos2 .

Here, permitting  to vary from 0 to 180° in increments of 15° yields the data
upon which the curves shown in Fig. b are based. These cartesian representations
indicate how the stresses vary around a point. Observe that the direction of maximum
(and minimum) shear stress bisects the angle between the maximum and minimum
normal stresses. Moreover, the normal stress is either a maximum or a minimum on
planes   31.7 and   31.7  90 , respectively, for which the shearing stress is

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14 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
zero. Note. The conclusions drawn from the foregoing are valid for any state of
stress.
Example 3
An element in plane stress is subjected to stresses  x  110.32 MPa,
 y  41.37 MPa, and  xy   yx  27.58 MPa, as shown in Fig. a. Determine the stresses

acting on an element inclined at an angle   45 .

(a) Element in plane stress, and (b) element inclined at an angle   45

Solution To determine the stresses acting on an inclined element, we will use

the transformation equations (Eqs. (9) and (10)). From the given numerical data, we
obtain the following values for substitution into those equations:
x  y x  y
 75.845 MPa,  34.475 MPa,  xy  27.58 MPa,
2 2
sin 2  sin90  1 , cos2  cos90  0 .
Substituting these values into Eqs. (9) and (10), we get
x  y x  y
 x1   cos 2   xy sin 2 
2 2
 75.845 MPa   34.475 MPa  0   27.58 MPa 1  103.425 MPa,

x  y
 x1 y1   sin 2   xy cos 2 
2

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   34.475 MPa 1   27.58 MPa  0  34.475 MPa.

In addition, the stress  y1 may be obtained from Eq. (11):

x  y  x  y
 y1   cos 2   xy sin 2 
2 2
 75.845 MPa   34.475 MPa  0   27.58 MPa 1  48.265 MPa.

From these results we can obtain the stresses acting on all sides of an element
oriented at   45 , as shown in Fig. b. The arrows show the true directions in which
the stresses act. Note especially the directions of the shear stresses, all of which have
the same magnitude. Also, observe that the sum of the normal stresses remains constant
and equal to 151.69 MPa from Eq. (12):
 x1   y1   x   y  151.69 MPa.

Note. The stresses shown in Fig. b represent the same intrinsic state of stress
as do the stresses shown in Fig. a. However, the stresses have different values
because the elements on which they act have different orientations.
Example 4
On the surface of a loaded structure a plane stress state exists at a point, where
the stresses have the magnitudes and directions shown on the stress element of Fig. a.
Determine the stresses acting on an element that is oriented at a clockwise angle of 15°
with respect to the original element.

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16 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Solution The stresses acting on the original element (see Fig. a) have the
following values:
 x  46 MPa,  y  12 MPa,  xy  19 MPa.

An element oriented at a clockwise angle of 15° is shown in Fig. b, where the x1 axis is
at an angle   15 with respect to the x axis (clockwised rotation).
We will calculate the stresses on the x1 face of the element oriented at   15
by using the transformation equations (Eqs. (9) and (10)). The components are:
x  y  x  y
A  17 MPa, B  29 MPa,
2 2
sin 2  sin  30  0.5 , cos2  cos  30  0.8660 .

Substituting into the transformation equations, we get

x  y x  y
 x1   cos 2   xy sin 2 
2 2
 17 MPa   29 MPa  0.8661   19 MPa  0.5  32.6 MPa,

x  y
 x1 y1   sin 2   xy cos 2 
2
   29 MPa  0.5   19 MPa  0.8660  31.0 MPa.

Also, the normal stress acting on the y1 face (Eq. (3.10)) is

x  y  x  y
 y1   cos 2   xy sin 2 
2 2
 17 MPa   29 MPa  0.8661   19 MPa  0.5  1.4 MPa.

To check the results, we note that  x1   y1   x   y .

The stresses acting on the inclined element are shown in Fig. b, where the arrows
indicate the true directions of the stresses.
Note. Both stress elements shown in the figure represent the same state of
stress.

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 17
4 Principal Stresses and Maximum Shear Stresses

The transformation equations for plane stress show that the normal stresses  y1

and the shear stresses  y1z1 vary continuously as the axes are rotated through the angle

 . This variation is pictured in Fig. 10 for a particular combination of stresses. From

the figure, we see that both the normal and shear stresses reach maximum and
minimum values at 90° intervals. These maximum and minimum values are usually
needed for design purposes. For instance, fatigue failures of structures such as
machines and aircraft are often associated with the maximum stresses, and hence their
magnitudes and orientations should be determined as part of the design process.
The determination of principal stresses is an example of a type of mathematical
analysis known as eigenvalue problem in matrix algebra. The stress-transformation
equations and the concept of principal stresses are due to the French mathematicians
A. L. Cauchy (1789–1857) and Barre de Saint-Venant (1797–1886) and to the Scottish
scientist and engineer W. J. M. Rankine (1820–1872).

4.1 Principal Stresses

The maximum and minimum normal stresses, called the principal stresses, can
be found from the transformation equation for the normal stress  y1 (Eq. 9). By taking

the derivative of  y1 with respect to  and setting it equal to zero, we obtain an

equation from which we can find the values of at which  y1 is a maximum or

minimum. The equation for the derivative is

d y1
d
 
   y   z sin 2  2 yz cos 2  0 , (21)

from which we get

2 yz
tan 2 p  , (22)
 y z

or in more simple designation,

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18 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
2
tan 2 p  , (23)
   

The subscript p indicates that the angle  p defines the orientation of the principal

planes, i.e. the planes, on which the principal stresses act.

Two values of the angle 2 p in the range from 0 to 360° can be obtained from

Eq. (22). These values differ by 180°, with one value between 0 and 180° and the other
between 180° and 360°. Therefore, the angle  p has two values that differ by 90°, one

value between 0 and 90° and the other between 90° and 180°. The two values of  p are

known as the principal angles. For one of these angles, the normal stress  y1 is a

maximum principal stress; for the other, it is a minimum principal stress. Because
the principal angles differ by 90°, we see that the principal stresses occur on mutually
perpendicular planes.
The principal stresses can be calculated by substituting each of the two values of
 p into the first stress-transformation equation (Eq. 9) and solving for  y1 . By

determining the principal stresses in this manner, we not only obtain the values of the
principal stresses but we also learn which principal stress is associated with which
principal angle.
Let us obtain the formulas for the principal stresses, using right triangle in
Fig. 15, constructed from Eq. (22). The hypotenuse of the triangle, obtained from the
Pythagorean theorem, is

2
 y z 
   yz .
2
R  (24)
 2 

The quantity R is always a positive number

and, like the other two sides of the triangle,
has units of stress. From the triangle we
Fig. 15 Geometric analogue of Eq. (22)
obtain two additional relations:

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 19
 y z
cos 2 p  , (25)
2R
 yz
sin 2 p  . (26)
R

Now we substitute these expressions for cos 2 p and sin 2 p into Eq. (9) and obtain

the algebraically larger of the two principal stresses, denoted by 1 :

2
 y z  y z 
1       yz .
2
(27)
2  2 

The smaller of the principal stresses, denoted by  3 , may be found from the condition
that the sum of the normal stresses on perpendicular planes is constant (see Eq. 12):

1   3   y   z . (28)

Substituting the expression for 1 into Eq. (28) and solving for  3 , we get

2
 y z  y  z 
3       yz .
2
(29)
2  2 

The formulas for 1 and  3 can be combined into a single formula for the
principal stresses:

2
 y z  y  z 
 max,min  1,3       yz .
2
(30)
2  2 

Note. The plus sign gives the algebraically larger principal stress and the
minus sign gives the algebraically smaller principal stress.
Let us now find two angles defining the principal planes as  p1 and  p2 ,

corresponding to the principal stresses 1 and  3 , respectively. Both angles can be

determines from the equation for tan 2 p (Eq. 22). To correlate the principal angles

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20 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
and principal stresses we will use Eqs. (25) and (26) to find  p since the only angle

that satisfies both of those equations is  p1 . Thus, we can rewrite those equations as

follows:

 y  z
cos 2 p1  , (31)
2R
 yz
sin 2 p1  . (32)
R

Only one angle exists between 0 and 360° that satisfies both of these equations. Thus,
the value of  p1 can be determined uniquely from Eqs. (31) and (32). The angle  p2 ,

corresponding to  3 , defines a plane that is perpendicular to the plane defined by  p1 .

Therefore,  p2 can be taken as 90° larger or 90° smaller than  p1 .

It is very important to evaluate the value of shear stresses acting at principal

planes since it was noted earlier that they are zero. For this purpose, we will use the
transformation equation for the shear stresses (Eq. (10)). If we set the shear stress  y1z1

equal to zero, we get an equation that is the same as Eq. (21). It means that the angles
to the planes of zero shear stress are the same as the angles to the principal planes.
Thus, the shear stresses are zero on the principal planes.
The principal planes for elements in uniaxial stress and biaxial stress are the y
and z planes themselves (Fig. 16), because tan 2 p  0 (see Eq. 22) and the two values

of  p are 0 and 90°. We also know that the y and z planes are the principal planes from

the fact that the shear stresses are zero on those planes.

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 21

Fig. 16 Elements in uniaxial (a) and (b) and biaxial (c), (d), (e) stress state:
(a)  y  80 MPa  1 ,  z  0   2(3) ,  x  0   3(2) ;

(b)  y  80 MPa   3 ,  z  0  1(2) ,  x  0   2(1) ;

(c)  y  60 MPa  1 ,  z  25 MPa   2 ,  x  0   3 ;

(d)  y  60 MPa   3 ,  z  25 MPa  1 ,  x  0   2 ;

(e)  y  60 MPa   3 ,  z  25 MPa   2 ,  x  0  1

For an element in pure shear (Fig. 17a), the principal planes are oriented at 45°
to the y axis (Fig. 17b), because tan 2 p is infinite and the two values of  p are 45°
and 135°. If  yz is positive, the principal stresses are 1   yz and  3   yz .

Fig. 17 Element in pure shear

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22 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Two principal stresses determined from Eq. (30) are called the in-plane
principal stresses, since they refer only to rotation of axes in the zy plane, that is
rotation about the x axis. Really any stress element is three-dimensional (Fig. 18a) and
has three (not two) principal stresses acting on three mutually perpendicular planes. By
making a more complete three-dimensional analysis, it can be shown that the three
principal planes for a plane-stress element are the two principal planes already
described plus the x face of the element. These principal planes are shown in Fig. 18b,
where a stress element has been oriented at the principal angle  p1 which corresponds

to the principal stress 1 . The principal stresses 1 and  2 are given by Eq. (30), and
the third principal stress (  3 ) equals zero. By definition,  1 is algebraically the
largest and  3 is algebraically the smallest one.
Note. There are no shear stresses on any of the principal planes.

Fig. 18 Elements in plane stress: (a) original element, and (b) element oriented to the three
principal planes and three principal stresses

4.2 Maximum Shear Stresses

Now we consider the determination of the maximum shear stresses and the
planes on which they act. The shear stresses  y1z1 acting on inclined planes are given

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 23
by the second transformation equation (Eq. 10). Equating the derivative of  y1z1 with

respect to  to zero, we obtain

d y1z1
d
 
   y   z cos 2  2 yz sin 2  0 , (33)

from which

 y z
tan 2 s   . (34)
2 yz

The subscript s indicates that the angle  s defines the orientation of the planes of
maximum positive and negative shear stresses. Equation (34) yields one value of  s
between 0 and 90° and another between 90° and 180°. These two values differ by 90°,
and therefore the maximum shear stresses occur on perpendicular planes. Because shear
stresses on perpendicular planes are equal in absolute value, the maximum positive and
negative shear stresses differ only in sign.
Comparing Eq. (34) for  s with Eq. (22) for  p shows that

1
tan 2 s     cot 2 p . (35)
tan 2 p

This equation is the relationship between the angles  s , and  p . Let us rewrite this

equation in the form

sin 2 s cos 2 p
  0, (36)
cos 2 s sin 2 p

or

sin 2 s sin 2 p  cos2 s cos2 p  0 . (37)

Eq. (37) is equivalent to the following expression:


cos 2 s  2 p  0 . 
Therefore,
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24 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
2 s  2 p  90 ,

and

 s   p  45 . (38)

Note. Eq. (38) shows that the planes of maximum shear stress occur at 45° to
the principal planes.
The plane of the maximum positive shear stress  max is defined by the angle
 s1 , for which the following equations apply:

 yz
cos 2 s1  , (39)
R
 y z
sin 2 s1   , (40)
2R

in which R is given by Eq. (24). Also, the angle  s1 is related to the angle  p1 (see

Eqs. (31) and (32)) as follows:

 s1   p1  45 . (41)

Corresponding maximum shear stress is obtained by substituting the expressions for

cos 2 s1 and sin 2 s1 into the second transformation equation (Eq. 8), yielding

2
 y  z 
 max      yz .
2
(42)
 2 

The maximum negative shear stress has the same magnitude but opposite sign.
Another expression for the maximum shear stress  max can be obtained from the
principal stresses 1 and  3 , both of which are given by Eq. (30). Subtracting the
expression for  3 from that for 1 and then comparing with Eq. (42), we see that

 
 max  1 3 . (43)
2

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 25
Note. Maximum shear stress is equal to one-half the difference of the
principal stresses.
The planes of maximum shear stress  max also contain normal stresses. The
normal stress acting on the planes of maximum positive shear stress can be determined
by substituting the expressions for the angle  s1 (Eqs. (39) and (40)) into the equation

for  y1 (Eq. 9). The resulting stress is equal to the average of the normal stresses on

the y and z planes:

 y z
 aver  . (44)
2
This same normal stress acts on the planes of maximum negative shear stress.
In the particular cases of uniaxial stress and biaxial stress (Fig. 16), the planes of
maximum shear stress occur at 45° to the y and z axes. In the case of pure shear
(Fig. 17), the maximum shear stresses occur on the y and z planes.
The analysis of shear stresses has dealt only with the stresses acting in the yz
plane, i.e. in-plane shear stress. The maximum in-plane shear stresses were found on an
element obtained by rotating the x, y, z axes (Fig. 18a) about the x1 axis through an
angle of 45° to the principal planes. The principal planes for the element of Fig. 18a are
shown in Fig. 18b.
We can also obtain maximum shear stresses by 45° rotations about the other two
principal axes (the y1 and z1 axes in Fig. 18b). As a result, we obtain three sets of

maximum positive and maximum negative shear stresses (compare with Eq. (43)).
Example 5
An element in plane stress is subjected to stresses  x  84.8 MPa,

 y  28.9 MPa, and  xy  32.4 MPa, as shown in Fig. a. (1) Determine the principal

stresses and show them on a sketch of a properly oriented element; (2) Determine the
maximum shear stresses and show them on a sketch of a properly oriented element.

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26 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020

(a) Element in plane stress

(b) principal stresses; and (c) maximum shear stresses

Solution (1) Calculation of principal stresses. The principal angles  p that

locate the principal planes can be obtained from Eq. (22):

2 xy 2  32.4 MPa 
tan 2 p    0.5697.
x  y 84.8 MPa   28.9 MPa 

Solving for the angles, we get the following two sets of values:
2 p  150.3 and  p  75.2 ,

2 p  330.3 and  p  165.2 .

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 27
The principal stresses may be obtained by substituting the two values of 2 p

into the transformation equation for  x1 (Eq. (9)). Determine preliminary the following

quantities:
x  y 84.8 MPa  28.9 MPa
A   27.9 MPa ,
2 2
x  y 84.8 MPa  28.9 MPa
B   56.8 MPa .
2 2
Now we substitute the first value of 2 p into Eq. (9) and obtain

x  y x  y
 x1   cos 2   xy sin 2 
2 2
 27.9 MPa   56.8 MPa  cos150.3   32.4 MPa  sin150.3  37.5 MPa .

By the similar way, we substitute the second value of 2 p and obtain  x1  93.4 MPa.

In result, the principal stresses and their corresponding principal angles are
1  93.4 MPa and  p1  165.2

 3  37.5 MPa and  p2  75.2 .

Keep in mind, that  2  0 acts in z direction.

Note, that  p and  p differ by 90° and that  1   3   x   y .
1 2

The principal stresses are shown on a properly oriented element in the Fig. b. Of
course, the principal planes are free from shear stresses.
The principal stresses may also be calculated directly from Eq. (30):

2
x  y  x  y 
1,2(3)       xy 
2
2  2 

 27.9 MPa   56.8 MPa 2   32.4 MPa 2 ,

1,2(3)  27.9 MPa  65.4 MPa .

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28 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Therefore,

1  93.4 MPa ,  3  37.5 MPa ,  2  0  .

(2) Maximum shear stresses. The maximum in-plane shear stresses are given by
Eq. (42):

2
 x  y 
 max      xy 
2
 56.8 MPa 2   32.4 MPa 2  65.4 MPa .
 2 

The angle  s1 to the plane having the maximum positive shear stress is calculated from

Eq. (41):
 s1   p1  45  165.2  45  120.2 .

It follows that the maximum negative shear stress acts on the plane for which
 s2  120.2  90  30.2 .

The normal stresses acting on the planes of maximum shear stresses are
calculated from Eq. (44):
x  y
 aver   27.9 MPa.
2
Finally, the maximum shear stresses and associated normal stresses are shown on the
stress element of Fig. c.

5 Circular Diagrams for Plane Stress (Mohr’s circles)

The basic equations of stress transformation derived earlier may be interpreted
graphically. The graphical technique permits the rapid transformation of stress from
one plane to another and also provides an overview of the state of stress at a point. It
provides a means for calculating principal stresses, maximum shear stresses, and
stresses on inclined planes. This method was devised by the German civil engineer Otto
Christian Mohr (1835–1918), who developed a plot known as Mohr’s circle in 1882.
Mohr’s circle is valid not only for stresses, but also for other quantities of a similar
nature, including strains and moments of inertia.

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 29
5.1 Equation of Mohr’s circle
The equations of Mohr’s circle can be derived from the transformation equations
for plane stress (Eqs. ((9), (10)). These two equations may be represented as

 y z  y  z
 y1   cos 2   xy sin 2 , (45)
2 2
 y z
 y1z1   sin 2   yz cos 2 . (46)
2

Squaring each equation, adding them, and simplifying, we obtain well-known equation
of a circle:
2 2
  y z  2  y  z 
  y1     y1z1      yz .
2
(47)
 2   2 

This equation can be written in more simple form using the following notation:

 y z
 aver  . (48)
2

2
 y z 
   yz .
2
R  (49)
 2 

Equation (47) now becomes

 y 
2
1
  aver   y1z1 2  R 2 , (50)

which is the equation of a circle in standard algebraic form. The coordinates are  y1
and  y1z1 , the radius is R and the center of the circle has coordinates  y1   aver and
 y1z1  0 .

5.2 Mohr’s circle construction

Mohr’s circle can be plotted from Eqs. (45, 46) and (50) in two different ways.
We will plot the normal stress  y1 positive to the right and the shear stress  y1z1
positive downward, as shown in Fig. 19. The advantage of plotting shear stresses

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30 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
positive downward is that the angle 2 on Mohr’s circle is positive when
counterclockwise, which agrees with the positive direction of 2 in the derivation of
the transformation equations.
Mohr’s circle can be constructed in a variety of ways, depending upon which
stresses are known and which are unknown. Let us assume that we know the stresses
 y ,  z and  yz acting on the y and z planes of an element in plane stress (Fig. 20a).
This information is sufficient to construct the circle. Then, with the circle drawn, we
can determine the stresses  y ,  z and  y1z1 acting on an inclined element (Fig. 20b).
We can also obtain the principal stresses and maximum shear stresses from the circle.
With  y ,  z and  yz known, the
procedure for constructing Mohr’s circle is
as follows (see Fig. 20c):
(a) Draw a set of coordinate axes with
 y 1 as abscissa (positive to the right) and
 y1z1 as ordinate (positive downward).
(b) Locate the center C of the circle at
the point having coordinates  y 1   aver
and  y1z1  0 (see Eqs. (48) and (50)).
(c) Locate point A, representing the
Fig 19 The form of Mohr’s circle with  y z
stress conditions on the y face of the element 11
positive downward and the angle 2 positive
shown in Fig. 20a, by plotting its coordinates counterclockwise
 y 1   y and  y1z1   yz . Note that point A
corresponds to   0 . The y face of the element (Fig. 20a) is labeled “A” to show its
correspondence with point A in the diagram.
(d) Locate point B representing the stress conditions on the z face of the element
shown in Fig. 20a, by plotting its coordinates  y 1   z and  y1z1   yz . Point B
corresponds to   90 . The z face of the element (Fig. 20a) is labeled “B” to show its
correspondence with point B in the diagram.
(e) Draw a line from point A to point B. It is a diameter of the circle and passes
through the center C. Points A and B, representing the stresses on planes at 90 to each
other, are at opposite ends of the diameter (and therefore are 180 apart on the circle).
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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 31
(f) Using point C as the center, draw Mohr’s circle though points A and B. The
circle drawn in this manner has radius R (Eq. (49)).
Note. When Mohr's circle is plotted to scale, numerical results can be
obtained graphically.

Fig. 20 Construction of Mohr’s circle for plane stress

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32 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
(1) Stresses on an inclined element. Mohr’s circle shows how the stresses
represented by points on it are related to the stresses acting on an element. The stresses
on an inclined plane defined by the angle  (Fig. 20b) are found on the circle at the
point where the angle from the reference point (point A) is 2 . Thus, as we rotate the
y1z1 axes counterclockwise through an angle  (Fig. 20b), the point on Mohr’s circle
corresponding to the y1 face moves counterclockwise through an angle 2 . Similarly,
in clockwise rotation of the axes, the point on the circle moves clockwise through an
angle twice as large.
(2) Principal stresses. The determination of principal stresses is the most
important application of Mohr’s circle. As we move around Mohr’s circle (Fig. 20c),
we encounter point P1 where the normal stress reaches its algebraically largest value
and the shear stress is zero. Hence, point P1 gives the algebraically larger principal
stress and its angle 2 p1 from the reference point A (   0 ) gives the orientation of the
principal plane. The next principal plane, associated with the algebraically smallest
normal stress, is represented by point P3 , diametrically opposite to point P1 .
(3) Maximum shear stresses. Points S1 and S2 which represent the planes of
maximum positive and maximum negative shear stresses, respectively, are located at
the bottom and top of Mohr’s circle (Fig. 20c). These points are at angles 2  90
from points P1 and P3 , which agrees with the fact that the planes of maximum shear
stress are oriented at 45 to the principal planes. The maximum shear stresses are
numerically equal to the radius R of the circle. Also, the normal stresses on the planes
of maximum shear stress are equal to the abscissa of point C, which is the average
normal stress  aver .
Various multiaxial states of stress can readily be treated by applying the
foregoing procedure. Fig. 21 shows some examples of Mohr's circles for commonly
encountered cases. Analysis of material behavior subject to different loading conditions
is often facilitated by this type of compilation. Interestingly, for the case of equal
tension and compression (this type of stress state was named as pure shear) (see
Fig. 21a),  x  0 and the x-directed strain does not exist (  x  0 ). Hence the element is
in a state of plane strain as well as plane stress. An element in this condition can be
converted to a condition of pure shear by rotating it 45° as indicated.

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 33
In the case of triaxial tension (Fig. 21b and 22a), a Mohr's circle is drawn
corresponding to each projection of a three-dimensional element (see Fig. 22b). The
three-circle cluster represents Mohr's circle for triaxial stress. The case of tension with
lateral pressure (Fig. 21c) is explained similarly.

Fig. 21 Mohr's circle for various states of stress

2 2

2 1 3
1 1
 3 1  2 3 1  2
3
3
(a) (c)
(b)
Fig. 22 Three-dimensional state of stress

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34 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Note. Mohr's circle eliminates the need to remember the formulas of stress
transformation.
Example 6
At a point on the surface of a cylinder, loaded by internal pressure, the material is
subjected to biaxial stresses  y  90 MPa and  z  20 MPa, as shown on the stress
element of figure (a). Using Mohr's circle, determine the stresses acting on an element
inclined at an angle   30 . (Consider only the in-plane stresses, and show the results
on a sketch of a properly oriented element).

(a) (b)

(c)
(a) Element in plane stress; (b) stresses acting on a n element oriented at an angle   30 ; (c) the
corresponding Mohr’s circle (Note: All stresses on the circle have units of MPa)

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 35
Solution (1) Construction of Mohr’s circle. Let us set up the axes for the
normal and shear stresses, with  y1 positive to the right and  y1z1 positive downward,

as shown in figure (c). Then we place the center C of the circle on the  y1 axis at the

point where the stress equals the average normal stress:

 y z 90 MPa  20 MPa
 aver    55 MPa.
2 2
Point A, representing the stresses on the y face of the element (   0 ), has coordinates
 y1  90 MPa ,  y1z1  0 .

Similarly, the coordinates of point B, representing the stresses on the z face (   90 ),
are
 y1  20 MPa ,  y1z1  0 .

Now we draw the circle through points A and B with center at C and radius R equal to

2
 y z   90 MPa  20 MPa 
2
   yz  
2
R    0  35 MPa.
 2   2 

(2) Stresses on an element inclined at   30 . The stresses acting on a plane

oriented at an angle   30 are given by the coordinates of point D, which is at an
angle 2  60 from point A (see figure (c)). By inspection of the circle, we see that the
coordinates of point D are

 y1   aver  R cos60  55 MPa   35 MPa  cos60  72.5 MPa,

 y1z1   R cos60    35 MPa  cos60  30.3 MPa.

In a similar manner, we can find the stresses represented by point D , which

corresponds to an angle   120 (or 2  240 ):

 y1   aver  R cos60  55 MPa   35 MPa  cos60  37.5 MPa,

 y1z1  R cos60   35 MPa  cos60  30.3 MPa.

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36 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
These results are shown in figure (b) on a sketch of an element oriented at an angle
  30 , with all stresses shown in their true directions.
Note. The sum of the normal stresses on the inclined element is equal to
 y   z or 110 MPa.

Example 7
An element in plane stress at the surface of a structure is subjected to stresses
 y  100 MPa,  z  35 MPa, and  yz  30 MPa, as shown in figure (a). Using Mohr's

circle, determine the following quantities: (1) the stresses acting on an element inclined
at an angle   40 , (2) the principal stresses, and (3) the maximum shear stresses.
Consider only the in-plane stresses, and show all results on sketches of properly
oriented elements.
Solution (1) Construction of Mohr’s circle. Let us set up the axes for Mohr's
circle, with  y1 positive to the right and  y1z1 positive downward (see figure (c)). The

center C of the circle is located on the  y1 axis at the point where  y1 equals the

average normal stress:

 y z 100 MPa  35 MPa
 aver    67.5 MPa.
2 2
Point A, representing the stresses on the y face of the element (   0 ), has coordinates
 y1  100 MPa,  y1z1  30 MPa.

Similarly, the coordinates of point B, representing the stresses on the z face (   90 ),

are
 y1  35 MPa,  x1 y1  30 MPa.

The circle is now drawn through points A and B with center at C. The radius of the
circle is

2
 y z   100 MPa  35 MPa 
2
   30 MPa   44.2 MPa.
2
   yz  
2
R 
 2   2 

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 37

(a) Element in plane stress; (b) stress acting on an element oriented at   40 ; (c) the
corresponding Mohr’s circle; (d) principal stresses; (e) maximum shear stresses

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38 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
(2) The stresses acting on a plane oriented at an angle   40 . They are given
by the coordinates of point D, which is at an angle 2  80 from point A (see
figure (c)). To calculate these coordinates, we need to know the angle between line CD
and the  y1 axis (that is, angle DCP1 ), which in turn requires that we know the angle

between line CA and the  y1 axis (angle ACP1 ). These angles are found from the

geometry of the circle, as follows:

30 MPa
tan ACP1   0.857 , ACP1  40.6 ,
35 MPa

DCP1  80  ACP1  80  40.6  39.4 .

Knowing these angles, we can determine the coordinates of point D directly from the
figure:

 y1  67.5 MPa   44.2 MPa  cos39.4  101.65 MPa ,

 y1z1    44.2 MPa  sin39.4  28.06 MPa .

In an analogous manner, we can find the stresses represented by point D , which

corresponds to a plane inclined at an angle   130 (or 2  260 ):

 y1  67.5 MPa   44.2 MPa  cos39.4  33.35 MPa ,

 y1z1   44.2 MPa  sin39.4  28.06 MPa .

These stresses are shown in figure (c) on a sketch of an element oriented at an angle
  40 (all stresses are shown in their true directions).
Note. The sum of the normal stresses is equal to  x   y or 135 MPa.

(3) Principal stresses. The principal stresses are represented by points P1 and P2
on Mohr's circle (see figure (c)). The algebraically larger principal stress (point P1 ) is

1  67.5 MPa  44.2 MPa  111.7 MPa ,

as seen by inspection of the circle. The angle 2 p1 to point P1 from point A is the angle

ACP1 on the circle, that is,

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 39

ACP1  2 p1  40.6 ,  p1  20.3 .

Thus, the plane of the algebraically larger principal stress is oriented at an angle
 p1  20.3 , as shown in figure (d).

The algebraically smaller principal stress (represented by point P2 ) is obtained

from the circle in a similar manner:
 2  67.5 MPa  44.2 MPa  23.3 MPa .

The angle 2 p2 to point P2 on the circle is 40.6  180  220.6 ; thus, the second

principal plane is defined by the angle  p2  110.3 . The principal stresses and

principal planes are shown in the figure (d).

Note. The sum of the normal stresses is equal to 135 MPa.
(4) Maximum shear stresses. The maximum shear stresses are represented by
points S1 and S2 on Mohr's circle; therefore, the maximum in-plane shear stress (equal
to the radius of the circle) is
 max  44.2 MPa .

The angle ACS1 from point A to point S1 is 90  40.6  49.4 , and therefore the
angle 2 s1 , for point S1 is

2 s1  49.4 .

This angle is negative because it is measured clockwise on the circle. The

corresponding angle  s1 to the plane of the maximum positive shear stress is one-half
that value, or  s1  24.7 , as shown in Figs. (c) and (e). The maximum negative shear
stress (point S2 on the circle) has the same numerical value as the maximum positive
stress (44.2 MPa).
The normal stresses acting on the planes of maximum shear stress are equal to
 aver , which is the abscissa of the center C of the circle (67.5 MPa). These stresses are
also shown in figure (e).
Note. The planes of maximum shear stresses are oriented at 45° to the
principal planes.
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40 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Example 8
At a point on the surface of a shaft the stresses are  y  50 MPa,  z  10 MPa,
and  yz  40 MPa, as shown in figure (a). Using Mohr's circle, determine the
following quantities: (1) the stresses acting on an element inclined at an angle   45 ,
(2) the principal stresses, and (3) the maximum shear stresses.
Solution (1) Construction of Mohr’s circle. The axes for the normal and shear
stresses in the Mohr’s circle are shown in figure (c), with  y1 positive to the right and
 y1z1 positive downward. The center C of the circle is located on the  y1 axis at the
point where the stress equals the average normal stress:
 y z 50 MPa  10 MPa
 aver    20 MPa.
2 2
Point A, representing the stresses on the y face of the element (   0 ), has coordinates
 y1  50 MPa,  y1z1  40 MPa.

Similarly, the coordinates of point B, representing the stresses on the z face (   90 ),
are
 y1  10 MPa,  y1z1  40 MPa.

The circle is now drawn through points A and B with center at C and radius R equal to:
2
 y z   50 MPa  10 MPa 
2
   40 MPa   50 MPa.
2
   xy  
2
R 
 2   2 

(2) Stresses on an element inclined at   45 . These stresses are given by the
coordinates of point D, which is at an angle 2  90 from point A (figure (c)). To
evaluate these coordinates, we need to know the angle between line CD and the
negative  y1 axis (that is, angle DCP2 ), which in turn requires that we know the angle
between line CA and the negative  y1 axis (angle ACP2 ). These angles are found from
the geometry of the circle as follows:
40 MPa 4
tan ACP2   , ACP2  53.13 ,
30 MPa 3

DCP2  90  ACP2  90  53.13  36.87 .

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(a) Element in plane stress; (b) stresses acting on an element oriented at   40 ; (c) the
corresponding Mohr’s circle; (d) principal stresses, and (e) maximum shear stresses. (Note: All
stresses on the circle have units of MPa)

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42 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
Knowing these angles, we can obtain the coordinates of point D directly from the
figure:

 y1  20 MPa   50 MPa  cos36.87  60 MPa,

 y1z1   50 MPa  sin36.87  30 MPa.

In an analogous manner, we can find the stresses represented by point D , which

corresponds to a plane inclined at an angle   135 (or 2  270 ):

 y1  20 MPa   50 MPa  cos36.87  20 MPa,

 y1z1   50 MPa  sin36.87  30 MPa.

These stresses are shown in Fig. b on a sketch of an element oriented at an angle

  45 (all stresses are shown in their true directions).
Note. The sum of the normal stresses is equal to  y   z or – 40 MPa.

(3) Principal stresses. They are represented by points P1 and P2 on Mohr's

circle. The algebraically larger principal stress (represented by point P1 ) is
1  20 MPa  50 MPa  30 MPa,

as seen by inspection of the circle. The angle 2 p1 to point P1 from point A is the angle
ACP1 measured counterclockwise on the circle, that is,

ACP1  2 p1  53.13  180  233.13 ,  p1  116.6 .

Thus, the plane of the algebraically larger principal stress is oriented at an angle
 p1  116.6 .
The algebraically smaller principal stress (point P2 ) is obtained from the circle in
a similar manner:
 3  20 MPa  50 MPa  70 MPa.

The angle 2 p2 to point P2 on the circle is 53.13°. The second principal plane is
defined by the angle 2 p2  26.6 .
The principal stresses and principal planes are shown in Fig. (d).
Note. The sum of the normal stresses is equal to  y   z or – 40 MPa.
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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 43
(4) Maximum shear stresses. The maximum positive and negative shear stresses
are represented by points S2 and S2 on Mohr's circle (figure (c)). Their magnitudes,
equal to the radius of the circle, are
 max  50 MPa.

The angle ACS1 from point A to point S1 is 90  53.13  143.13 , and therefore the
angle 2 s1 for point S1 is

2 s1  143.13 .

The corresponding angle  s1 to the plane of the maximum positive shear stress is one-
half that value, or  s1  71.6 , as shown in figure (e). The maximum negative shear
stress (point S2 on the circle) has the same numerical value as the positive stress
(50 MPa).
The normal stresses acting on the planes of maximum shear stress are equal to
 aver , which is the coordinate of the center C of the circle ( 20 MPa). These stresses
are also shown in figure (e).
Note. The planes of maximum shear stress are oriented at 45° to the
principal planes.

6 Examples of Simplified Analytical and Graphical Solutions of the Problems of

Plane Stress State

6.1 Direct problem of plane stress state. Determination of stresses on inclined

planes

Example 1

2 Given: 1  80 MPa,  2  20 MPa.

n It is necessary to determine the stresses on the
 plane of general position with the normal at
1    30 relative to 1 direction and also the
 1 stresses on perpendicular plane.
 Analytical solution

  1 cos2    2 sin 2  

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44 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020

  80  cos2  30    20  sin 2  30  

2
 3 1
2
 80    20    65 MPa,
 2  2

   1 sin 2    2 cos2    80  sin 2  30    20  cos2  30  

2
1
2  3
 80    20    35 MPa.
2  2 
Checking:
1   2      ,

80  20  65  35 ,
   80   20 sin 60  26 МPа,
  1 2 sin 2   
2 2
     26 МPа.

Graphical solution using Mohr’s circles.

Given: stresses on the faces of the
element are described by two points
lying on the diameter of Mohr’s
circle in system of coordinates

 ,  : point А 1,0  , point В

 2 ,0  .
It is necessary to determine the

coordinates of the point С  , 


and point D   ,  , which belong 
to the diameter of the Mohr’s circle.

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 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020 45
Example 2
Given: Stress state of the element is described by the
stresses on two mutually perpendicular planes:
1  400 MPa,  3  400 MPa.
It is necessary to determine the stresses on the plane
of general position with the normal at
  45 relative to direction of 1 .
Analytical solution

  1 cos2    3 sin 2  
  400  cos2  45    400  sin 2  45   0 ,

   1 sin 2    3 cos2    400  sin 2  45    400 cos2  45   0 .

Checking:
1   3      ,

 400  400  0  0  ,
   400   400 sin 90  400 MPa,
  1 3 sin 2   
2 2
     400 МПа.

Graphical solution using Mohr’s circle

Given: stresses on the faces of the element
are represented by two points lying on the
diameter of the Mohr’s circle: point А
1,0  , point В  3,0 .
It is necessary to determine coordinates of
the point С  ,  and point D   ,  ,  
lying on the diameter of Mohr’s circle
inclined at the angle 2  90 (clockwise
rotation).
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46 V. DEMENKO MECHANICS OF MATERIALS 2020
6.2 Inverse problem of plain stress state. Determination of principal planes
position and values of principal stresses

Example 3


Given:


  2 

   65 MPa

   35 MPa ,     ,   26 MPa .

It is necessary to find principal stresses and

 1  0 = - 30 0 position of principal planes, i.e.
  p  ?  max  ?

min

Analytical solution
1. Position of principal plane is determined by the angle
2 2  26  52
tg 2 0      1.73 ,
     65   35 30
 p  30 . Note, that  p should be originated from   direction and to be clockwise.

    1
    
2
 max    42 
min 2 2
 65   35 

2
 65   35 2  4  262  50  30 MPa
1  80 MPa ,  2  20 MPa .

Graphical solution

 Given:
M(, ) point M  ,  and point N
+26
L(2, 0) 35 K(1, 0)   ,   , which belong to Mohr’s
3  65  1 circle and are lying on its diameter.
- 26 It is necessary to determine position
N( , ) Направление 1 of the point K 1,0  and point L
 2 ,0 , also lying on the Mohr’s
circle and belonging to its diameter. Solution is evident from the Fig.
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