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Mohr’s Circle for 3D Stress

1882-01-01
  • Christian Otto Mohr
Mohr's circles analysis in continuum mechanics for stress evaluation.

(generated image for illustration only)

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

While the 2D Mohr’s circle is common, real-world stress states are three-dimensional. To analyze a 3D stress state, one first determines the three principal stresses, \(\sigma_1 \ge \sigma_2 \ge \sigma_3\), which are the eigenvalues of the 3×3 Cauchy stress tensor. These three values are then used to construct three separate Mohr’s circles. The first circle is drawn between \(\sigma_1\) and \(\sigma_2\), the second between \(\sigma_2\) and \(\sigma_3\), and the third, largest circle between \(\sigma_1\) and \(\sigma_3\).

The stress state (\(\sigma_n, \tau_n\)) for any arbitrarily oriented plane at the point will lie within the shaded area bounded by these three circles. A crucial insight from this 3D representation is the determination of the absolute maximum shear stress. Unlike the 2D case where the maximum in-plane shear is the radius, the absolute maximum shear stress for a 3D state is always the radius of the largest circle, given by \(\tau_{abs max} = R_{max} = (\sigma_{max} – \sigma_{min})/2 = (\sigma_1 – \sigma_3)/2\). This value is fundamental for applying failure criteria like the Tresca yield criterion in a general 3D context, as it represents the true maximum shear stress experienced by the material at that point.

UNESCO Nomenclature: 2203
– Classical mechanics

Type

Abstract System

Disruption

Incremental

Usage

Widespread Use

Precursors

  • Cauchy’s 3D stress tensor formulation
  • Eigenvalue analysis for 3×3 matrices
  • Mohr’s original 2D circle concept
  • Lamé’s stress ellipsoid concept

Applications

  • analysis of complex stress states in mechanical components
  • geomechanics for understanding rock mechanics under triaxial stress
  • design of thick-walled pressure vessels
  • aerospace engineering for analyzing fuselage and wing stresses

Patents:

NA

Potential Innovations Ideas

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Related to: 3D stress, Mohr’s circle, principal stresses, absolute maximum shear stress, cauchy stress tensor, triaxial stress, geomechanics, solid mechanics, failure analysis, continuum mechanics.

Historical Context

Mohr’s Circle for 3D Stress

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(if date is unknown or not relevant, e.g. "fluid mechanics", a rounded estimation of its notable emergence is provided)

Related Invention, Innovation & Technical Principles

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