Mohr Circle for Stress Transformation

Definitions
Principal plane1

σ1

σ3
σ2
Principal stress2

σ1 - major
σ2 intermediate
σ3 minor
Sign Convention
1. Compression is positive
2. Shear positive when counterclockwise
Procedure
1. Shown the given stresses on a properly oriented element
2. Plot the stresses in σ-τ plane conforming to the sign convention.
3. Join the two stress points. Complete the circle. Its center must lie on the σ-axis
4. From one of the stress points draw a line parallel to the plane on which it acts. The point of
intersection, 'O', of this line and the circle is known as the origin of planes or pole.
5. If the magnitude of stress on a plane is to be determined, then draw a line through 'O' parallel to the
given plane, the point where it intersect the circle represents the stresses on that plane
6. If the stresses are known and the orientation of a planes is to be determined, then join the known stress
point to O. The joining line represents the orientation of the plane on which the given stress acts.

τ
20,10
σ

O 40,-10
Example 1. For the given stresses using Mohr circle determine principal stresses and show them on a
properly oriented element.
3Origin of planes method

1 Plane on which shearing stress is zero

2 stresses acting on principal plane
3 Use appropriate scale for all your work
 σ1
σ3

σ3 σ1 σ
O 40 kPa

20 kPa
10 kPa
40kPa
Scale 1" =10 kPa
τ
20,10
σ

40,-10