stress difference

views updated

stress difference (σd; differential stress) The simple difference between the greatest and least principal stresses, and used in the construction of Mohr stress diagrams. The diameter of a Mohr stress circle represents the stress difference for a given combination of σ3 and σ1 (see STRESS AXIAL CROSS). In stress—strain diagrams the stress axis is given as σd and is usually plotted against percentage strain. See PRINCIPAL-STRESS AXES.