12 March 2023

Difference between stress and strain

The force exerted per unit area is referred to as stress, and the physical change that occurs as a result of that force is referred to as a strain. Stress and strain are strongly connected because stain occurs purely as a result of stress. You can check out the difference between stress and strain below. 


Difference between Stress and Strain


Definition: 


Stress: Stress is the force experienced by an object which can cause a change in the object. 

Strain: Strain is the change in the shape of an object when stress is applied. 


Shape: 


Stress is measurable and has units for measurement, whereas a strain is a dimensionless quantity and has no unit. The unit for stress is Nm-2 = Pa ( Pascals). 


Derivation: 


Stress word invented from the Latin word "strictus". 

Strain word invented from the Latin word "stringere". 


Occurrence: 


Stress can occur in the absence of stain, and strain can not occur in the absence of stress. 


Formula and Symbol: 


Stress = Force / Area 

Strain = Change in length / Original length


Stress is denoted by 𝞂 = F / A 

Strain is denoted by € = ∆ L / L 


Types: 


Types of stress: Shear stress, Longitudinal stress, Volumetric stress

Types of strain: Shear strain, Longitudinal strain, Volumetric strain


Summary: 


Stress and strain are related to each other and are directly proportional to each other up to the elastic limit of an object. The relationship between them can be given using Hooke's law. The important difference between them is strain is the force on the object, which cause a change in the object, whereas strain is a change in the shape of the object when stress is applied. 


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