Geology

How to Calculate and Solve for Normal Stress | Rock Mechanics

Last Updated on March 8, 2024

To calculate normal stress, two essential parameters are needed: normal force (ΔN) and area (ΔA).

The formula for calculating the normal stress:

σn = ΔN / ΔA

Where;

σn = Normal Stress
ΔN = Normal Force
ΔA = Area

Let’s solve an example;
Calculate the normal stress with a normal force of 12 and an area of 22.

This implies that;

ΔN = Normal Force = 12
ΔA = Area = 22

That is, σn = ΔN / ΔA
σn = 12 / 22
σn = 0.54

Therefore, the normal stress is 0.54 Pa.

Calculating the Normal Force when the Normal Stress and Area are Given

ΔN = σn x ΔA

Where;

ΔN = Normal Force
σn = Normal Stress
ΔA = Area

Let’s solve an example;
Calculate the normal force when the normal stress is 25 with an area of 10.

This implies that;

σn = Normal Stress = 25
ΔA = Area = 10

That is, ΔN = σn x ΔA
ΔN = 25 x 10
ΔN = 250

Therefore, the normal force is 250.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Mohr – Coulomb Criterion | Rock Mechanics

Calculating the Area when the Normal Stress and Normal Force are Given

ΔA = ΔN / σn

Where;

ΔA = Area
ΔN = Normal Force
σn = Normal Stress

Let’s solve an example;
Given that the normal stress is 20 and the normal force is 240. Find the area?

This implies that;

σn = Normal Stress = 20
ΔN = Normal Force = 240

ΔA = ΔN / σn
So, ΔA = 240 / 20
ΔA = 12

Therefore, the area is 12.

How to Calculate and Solve for Normal Stress Using Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the normal stress.

To get the answer and workings of the normal stress using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 1,500 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Geology under Add-on.

Now, Click on Rock Mechanics under Geology

Now, Click on Normal Stress under Rock Mechanics

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the normal stress according to the respective parameters which are the normal force (ΔN) and area (ΔA).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the normal force (ΔN) is 12 and area (ΔA) is 22.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the normal stress and presents the formula, workings and steps too.

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