Stress (physics)

In physics, stress is the internal distribution of forces within a body that balance and react to the loads applied to it. Stress is a tensor quantity with nine terms, but can be described fully by six terms due to symmetry. Simplifying assumptions are often used to represent stress as a vector for engineering calculations.

Units

The SI unit for stress is the pascal (symbol Pa). In US Customary units, stress is expressed in pounds-force per square inch (psi). See also pressure.

Related Topics:
SI - Pascal - Psi - Pressure

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