Tensile Stress

Tensile stress refers to the stress experienced by a material when forces are applied that pull it apart, causing elongation. It occurs when a material is subjected to axial loads that act along its length, stretching the material. The formula for tensile stress is:

tensile stress = force / cross-sectional area or σ = F / A,

where σ is the tensile stress, F is the applied force, and A is the cross-sectional area of the material perpendicular to the force.

Tensile stress is critical in designing components like cables, rods, or beams, where pulling forces are a primary consideration. Understanding how materials behave under tensile stress helps engineers choose the right materials and dimensions to ensure safety and functionality under expected loads.