Tensile Stress Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the tensile stress calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Tensile Stress

stress = f_n / area

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
forceAxial Tensile Force (F)(kN)100
areaCross-Sectional Area (A)(mm^2)500
f_nDerived value= force * 1000calculated

How It Works

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).

Worked Example

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

force = 100area = 500
  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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