At the end of this section you should be able to:

1. Define stress at a point

2. Calculate average normal stress due to axial loading

3. Calculate average shear stress

4. Know when average stress calculations are acceptable to use

Stress introduces stress at a point and the practical “average stress” formulas used in introductory strength of materials. You will calculate average normal stress in axially loaded members and in members that carry axial force, and you will calculate average shear stress in common connectors such as pins and bolts, including double shear situations. The section also explains when average stress calculations are reasonable to use, and how to apply factor of safety to size a bar or select a fastener for a required load. Mathematica code resources are included to support calculation and checking.