For a general three-dimensional state of Stress, the analysis is represented by three Mohr’s circles. These circles are drawn in the [latex]sigma_n – tau_n[/latex] plane using the three principal stresses ([latex]sigma_1, sigma_2, sigma_3[/latex]) as diameters. The largest circle, defined by [latex]sigma_1[/latex] and [latex]sigma_3[/latex], encloses the other two and determines the absolute maximum shear stress, [latex]tau_{abs max} = (sigma_1 – sigma_3)/2[/latex].





