CHAPTER FOUR

Analysis of plane stress:

Transformation of plane stress
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• plane stress = stress components in all
directions (σx, σy,τxy, τxy) of an isolated
element (dx, dy, t)
• Unlike the vector of a force (F [kN]), a stress
vector (σ,τ [kN/cm²]) is to be multiplied by the
respective area (dA) of a face to be applicable
to mathematic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication).
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Equations of equilibrium on an isolated

wedge of an infinitesimal element (dx, dy, t):
definition: area of the inclined plane BC =
dA, area AB = sinθ dA, area AC = cosθ dA
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Principal Stresses
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Maximum Shearing Stresses
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Mohr’s Circle
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• Equation (5.12) is representing a circle or
radius r in the σ,τ-plane, having its center at
(σ',0).
• The ordinate of a point on the circle is the
shearing stress τx'y', the abscissa is the normal
stress σx'.
• The circle is called Mohr’s Circle of stress. The
state of stress under any arbitrary plane of
incline is represented graphically.
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Constructing Mohr’s Circle of Stress with σx, σy
and τxy as given values:
• • set up a coordinate system, horizontal axis =
σ, vertical axis = τ
• • plot both stresses for σx and σy on the σ-axis
respecting the algebraic sign (+/-)
• • plot the shearing stresses τxy using the
opposite sign at σx (e.g. (-), below the
 Cont…
• σ-axis, for τxy being positive) and the correct
sign at σy (e.g. (+) for for τxy (+))
• connect both points by a straight line, the
point of intersection with the
• abscissa is the center of the circle, now the
circle can be drawn.
• The state of plane stress of an element is
represented by the drawn circle.