Stress, Strain and Elasticity
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    When a part is in tension or compression because of an applied force, the cross-sectional area of the part resists the force.  At the same time the part also changes its length being stretched or compressed.  The formulas to find stress and elasticity are:

Stress = load applied / sectional area
Strain = change in length / original length

    If a material returns to its original length after loading, it is elastic.  Hook’s law states that the ratio of stress to strain is constant.  This is called the Madulus of Elasticity.  The formula is represented by E: 

E = stress / strain

This Page was last edited on Thursday, July 27, 2000 .

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