Free Tensile Stress Calculator

Calculate the direct tensile stress in a member from applied axial force and cross-sectional area.

kN
mm^2

Tensile Stress

200.00 MPa

Tensile Stress vs Axial Tensile Force (F)

Direct Tensile Stress

When a member is pulled axially, the internal stress is uniformly distributed across the cross-section.

Formula

sigma = F / A

where F is the applied tensile force and A is the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the force. For members with bolt holes, use the net area (gross area minus hole areas).

Example Calculation

A steel flat bar with 500 mm^2 area subjected to 100 kN tension.

  1. 01Convert force: 100 kN = 100,000 N
  2. 02sigma = 100,000 / 500 = 200 MPa
  3. 03This is below the 250 MPa yield strength of mild steel, so the bar is adequate.

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