Maximum von Mises Stress Criterion

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Maximum von Mises Stress Criterion

The maximum von Mises stress criterion is based on the von Mises-Hencky theory, also known as the Shear-energy
theory or the Maximum distortion energy theory.
In terms of the principal stresses , , and , the von Mises stress is expressed as:
1 2
3
2
2
2 (1/2)
vonMises = {[( - ) + ( - ) + ( - ) ]/2}
1 2
2 3
1 3
The theory states that a ductile material starts to yield at a location when the von Mises stress becomes equal to the
stress limit. In most cases, the yield strength is used as the stress limit. However, the software allows you to use the
ultimate tensile or set your own stress limit.
vonMises limit
Yield strength is a temperature-dependent property. This specified value of the yield strength should consider the
temperature of the component. The factor of safety at a location is calculated from:
Factor of Safety (FOS) = limit / vonMises

Pure Shear
In the case of pure shear , von Mises stress can be expressed as:

vonMises

= (3)

1/2

Failure occurs if:

max

= 0.577
yield

Related Topics
Performing factor of safety check

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