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Arithmetic

Dec 7, 2025

81

5 pages

Understanding Normal, Shearing, and Bearing Stresses

E

Ezjo @ez.jo

Stress is a fundamental concept in engineering that describes how forces distribute through materials. Understanding three key types—normal,... Show more

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Normal Stress Basics

When force acts perpendicular to a surface, it creates normal stress. Think of normal stress like pushing or pulling directly on a material. It's calculated using a simple formula σ = Force/Area.

There are two types you need to know. Tensile stress happens when forces pull on an object, trying to make it longer (like stretching a rubber band). Compressive stress occurs when forces push inward, trying to make an object shorter (like squeezing a spring).

For both types, the stress formula remains the same σ = P/A, where P is the load in Newtons and A is the cross-sectional area in square millimeters.

💡 The maximum stress always occurs on a section perpendicular to the applied load - this is critical to remember when analyzing structures!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Analyzing Forces in Wires and Rods

When analyzing structures with multiple elements, you'll need to determine how force distributes through each component. This helps ensure no part exceeds its maximum allowable stress.

For problems with angled wires, use trigonometry and the sine law to find the tension in each wire. Remember that stress equals force divided by area σ=F/Aσ = F/A, so you can determine the maximum allowable load by solving for each component.

When working with connected rods of different materials (like steel, aluminum, and bronze), analyze each material separately. The material with the lowest calculated maximum load will determine the safe limit for the entire system.

💡 When different materials are connected in a structure, the weakest link determines the overall strength - just like a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Shearing Stress

Shearing stress happens when forces act parallel to a surface rather than perpendicular to it. Picture pushing sideways on a stack of cards - they slide against each other instead of compressing.

The formula is similar to normal stress τ = V/A, where V is the shearing force passing through the centroid of area A. Shearing stress is also called tangential stress since it acts along the surface.

There are two common shearing configurations you should know. In single shear, the force cuts across the material at one location. In double shear, the force cuts across the material at two locations, effectively doubling the resisting area and distributing the stress.

💡 Understanding whether a connection is in single or double shear is crucial - double shear connections can handle twice the load with the same size fastener!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Calculating Shearing Forces

Shearing stress appears in many practical applications like punching holes in metal or using bolts in connections. For these problems, identifying the correct shearing area is key.

When punching a hole, the shearing area is the perimeter of the hole multiplied by the material thickness. For a circular punch, that's π × diameter × thickness. The force required equals this area times the material's shear strength.

For bolts in connections, determine whether single or double shear applies. In double shear (where the bolt passes through multiple plates), the effective shearing area doubles. This means a double-shear connection can handle twice the load of the same bolt in single shear.

💡 Bolt failures often occur due to shear, so correctly calculating the required bolt diameter can prevent catastrophic structural failures!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Bearing Stress

Bearing stress is the contact pressure between separate bodies, like where a bolt presses against a plate hole. It differs from compressive stress because it occurs at the contact interface between different components.

When designing connections like rivets joining plates, you must check multiple failure modes the shear strength of the fastener and the bearing strength of the connected materials. The design is limited by whichever failure mode occurs first.

For riveted or bolted connections, you'll also need to account for the reduced cross-sectional area of the plate (due to the hole). This "net section" determines the maximum tensile stress the plate can handle.

💡 In real-world designs, you must check all possible failure modes (bearing, shear, tension) and use the most conservative result to ensure safety!

We thought you’d never ask...

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Arithmetic

81

Dec 7, 2025

5 pages

Understanding Normal, Shearing, and Bearing Stresses

E

Ezjo

@ez.jo

Stress is a fundamental concept in engineering that describes how forces distribute through materials. Understanding three key types—normal, shearing, and bearing stress—helps explain how structures respond to forces and how to design them safely to prevent failure.

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Normal Stress Basics

When force acts perpendicular to a surface, it creates normal stress. Think of normal stress like pushing or pulling directly on a material. It's calculated using a simple formula: σ = Force/Area.

There are two types you need to know. Tensile stress happens when forces pull on an object, trying to make it longer (like stretching a rubber band). Compressive stress occurs when forces push inward, trying to make an object shorter (like squeezing a spring).

For both types, the stress formula remains the same: σ = P/A, where P is the load in Newtons and A is the cross-sectional area in square millimeters.

💡 The maximum stress always occurs on a section perpendicular to the applied load - this is critical to remember when analyzing structures!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Analyzing Forces in Wires and Rods

When analyzing structures with multiple elements, you'll need to determine how force distributes through each component. This helps ensure no part exceeds its maximum allowable stress.

For problems with angled wires, use trigonometry and the sine law to find the tension in each wire. Remember that stress equals force divided by area σ=F/Aσ = F/A, so you can determine the maximum allowable load by solving for each component.

When working with connected rods of different materials (like steel, aluminum, and bronze), analyze each material separately. The material with the lowest calculated maximum load will determine the safe limit for the entire system.

💡 When different materials are connected in a structure, the weakest link determines the overall strength - just like a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Shearing Stress

Shearing stress happens when forces act parallel to a surface rather than perpendicular to it. Picture pushing sideways on a stack of cards - they slide against each other instead of compressing.

The formula is similar to normal stress: τ = V/A, where V is the shearing force passing through the centroid of area A. Shearing stress is also called tangential stress since it acts along the surface.

There are two common shearing configurations you should know. In single shear, the force cuts across the material at one location. In double shear, the force cuts across the material at two locations, effectively doubling the resisting area and distributing the stress.

💡 Understanding whether a connection is in single or double shear is crucial - double shear connections can handle twice the load with the same size fastener!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Calculating Shearing Forces

Shearing stress appears in many practical applications like punching holes in metal or using bolts in connections. For these problems, identifying the correct shearing area is key.

When punching a hole, the shearing area is the perimeter of the hole multiplied by the material thickness. For a circular punch, that's π × diameter × thickness. The force required equals this area times the material's shear strength.

For bolts in connections, determine whether single or double shear applies. In double shear (where the bolt passes through multiple plates), the effective shearing area doubles. This means a double-shear connection can handle twice the load of the same bolt in single shear.

💡 Bolt failures often occur due to shear, so correctly calculating the required bolt diameter can prevent catastrophic structural failures!

NORMAL STRESS, SHEARING STRESS AND BEARING STRESS
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Bearing Stress

Bearing stress is the contact pressure between separate bodies, like where a bolt presses against a plate hole. It differs from compressive stress because it occurs at the contact interface between different components.

When designing connections like rivets joining plates, you must check multiple failure modes: the shear strength of the fastener and the bearing strength of the connected materials. The design is limited by whichever failure mode occurs first.

For riveted or bolted connections, you'll also need to account for the reduced cross-sectional area of the plate (due to the hole). This "net section" determines the maximum tensile stress the plate can handle.

💡 In real-world designs, you must check all possible failure modes (bearing, shear, tension) and use the most conservative result to ensure safety!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

0

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user