Structural

Engineering Stress

Definition

The force applied to a material divided by its original cross-sectional area: σ = F/A₀. Also called nominal stress, it does not account for the change in area during deformation.

Practical Note

Engineering stress is simpler to calculate and is used for most design purposes. It underestimates true stress during plastic deformation when the cross-section necks down.

Related Calculators

Related Terms