Von Mises Stress Calculator
Calculate the combined stress criterion.
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Enter the normal stresses in X and Y directions and the shear stress.
- Enter stress components.
- Read the result. Compare the Von Mises stress to the material yield strength.
About the Von Mises Stress Calculator
The Von Mises stress is an equivalent stress used to predict yielding under complex loading. It combines normal and shear stresses into a single value that can be compared to the uniaxial yield strength. If the Von Mises stress exceeds the yield strength, the material will yield. This criterion works well for ductile materials like steel and aluminum.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use Von Mises stress?
Use it for ductile materials (metals) under complex loading where multiple stress components act simultaneously. It is the most common yield criterion in engineering.
What is the Von Mises formula?
For 2D: sigma_vm = sqrt(sx^2 - sx*sy + sy^2 + 3*txy^2). For 3D, additional terms for sz, tyz, and txz are included.
Does Von Mises work for brittle materials?
No. For brittle materials like concrete, cast iron, or ceramics, use the Mohr-Coulomb or maximum normal stress criterion instead.