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Stress and Strain

Calculate Learning Outcome: Calculate stress and strain on a structural member under load.

Calculate the elastic modulus of a material given its stress and strain.

Draw and analyze stress-strain plots identifying each region and what physically occurs 

Background

In the previous lesson on Balancing Forces, we explored how the forces acting on structures such as bridges and skyscrapers must add up to zero, otherwise things start to move.

I don't know about you, but I prefer the bridge I am crossing to not be doing this:

 

Stress

 

Strain

Elastic Modulus

Stress-Strain Plots