The Stress-Strain Relationship

Abstract

The intensity at which a force is distributed over the cross-section of a structural member is referred to as stress. The magnitude and distribution of the stress will depend upon the way in which the loads are applied and on the geometric properties of the cross-section. In general, a member may be required to sustain axial forces, bending moments, shear forces and torques taken individually or in combination with each other. In this chapter however we shall be concerned with stresses due to axial forces alone.