Theory’s of Failure

Theories of failure are those theories which help us to

determine the safe dimensions of a machine component when
it is subjected to combined stresses due to various loads
acting on it during its functionality.
Some examples of such components are as follows:
1. I.C. engine crankshaft
2. Shaft used in power transmission
3. Spindle of a screw jaw
 Various Theories of Failure
Maximum Principal Stress theory also known as RANKINE’S
THEORY
Maximum Shear Stress theory or GUEST AND TRESCA’S THEORY
Maximum Principal Strain theory also known as St. VENANT’S
THEORY
Maximum Strain Energy theory or HAIGH’S THEORY
Maximum Shear/Distortion Energy theory or VONMISES AND
HENCKY’S THEORY
 Maximum Principle Stress Theory(Rankine Theory)

Failure of material occurs in a 3 D stress system when maximum

principal stress σ1 (tensile ) reaches the yield point stress σy(t)
of the material in uni axial tension test
OR
The minimum principal stress (compressive) σ3 reaches to yield
point stress σyc

σ1< 𝜎 𝑦 (t)
σ3 < 𝜎 𝑦 (𝑐) ;
In the point of failure 𝜎1 = 𝜎 𝑦 (t)
• Good for brittle materia(Cast Iron)
• Material under tensile test may fail by
slipping along 45 o .
• It is not justified
 Maximum Principal Strain Theory(St. Venant’s Theory)

• Failure of material occurs in a 3 D stress system when maximum principal

strain (𝜖 1 ) (tensile ) reaches the yield point strain𝜖𝑦(t) of the material in
simple tension OR
The minimum principal strain (𝜖 3 ) (compressive) reaches to yield
point strainstrain (𝜖 𝑦 c )
• Max. Principal strain(t)
•  
• ;
• Min. Prin. Strain

•Basically it is used for ductile material but

sometimes this theory over estimates the elastic
strength of ductile material
 Maximum shear stress Theory(Guest’s Theory)
• Failure of material occurs when maximum shaer stress reaches
the yield point shaer stress τy of the material in uni axial
tension or compressive test
• 𝑀 𝑎 𝑥 . 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 = 𝑀 𝑎 𝑥 . 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠(𝑦𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑)

𝜎 1 −𝜎 3 𝜎𝑦
2 ≤ 2

•Ductile material yield along 45 o slip

planes where are
the planes of maximum shear
stress. Hence this theory is good for
ductile material
 Maximum Strain Energy Theory (Haigh’s Theory)

• Failure of material occurs when total strain energy reaches

the strain energy at yield point of the material in uniaxial
tension test
• Total strain energy(Ut) = strain energy at yield point in
uniaxial test(Uy)

•• Total
  strain energy(Ut) = strain energy at yield point in uniaxial
test(Uy)

• This theory is good for ductile material but it can not be applied for brittle material
 Maximum Shear Strain (Distortion ) Energy
Theory (Mises Henky Theory)
1 2
• 𝜎1 − 𝜎2 2 + 𝜎2 − 𝜎3 2 + 𝜎3 − 𝜎𝑦2
12𝐺 = 6𝐺
𝜎1
• 𝜎1 − 𝜎2 2 + 𝜎2 − 𝜎3 2 + 𝜎3 − 𝜎1 2 =
2𝜎 𝑦 2
 σ1< 𝜎 𝑦 (t)
  ;