How to Calculate and Solve for Safe Working Stress | Mechanical Properties

January 10, 2023 Loveth Idoko

Last Updated on June 8, 2024

To calculate safe working stress, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Factor of Safety (N) and Yield Strength (σ_y).

The formula for calculating safe working stress:

σ_w = ^σ_y/_N

Where:

σ_w = Safe Working Stress
σ_y = Yield Strength
N = Factor of Safety

Given an example;
Find the safe working stress when the yield strength is 4 and the factor of safety is 2.

This implies that;

σ_y = Yield Strength = 4
N = Factor of Safety = 2

σ_w = ^σ_y/_N
That is, σ_w = ²/₄
σ_w = 0.5

Therefore, the safe working stress is 0.5.

Calculating the Yield Strength when the Safe Working Stress and the Factor of Safety are Given

σ_y = σ_w x N

Where:

σ_y = Yield Strength
σ_w = Safe Working Stress
N = Factor of Safety

Let’s solve an example;
Find the yield strength when the safe working stress is 32 and the factor of safety is 4.

This implies that;

σ_w = Safe Working Stress = 32
N = Factor of Safety = 4

σ_y = σ_w x N
That is, σ_y = 32 x 4
σ_y = 128

Therefore, the yield strength is 128.

Calculating the Factor of Safety when the Safe Working Stress and the Yield Strength are Given

N = ^σ_y / _{σ_w}

Where:

N = Factor of Safety
σ_w = Safe Working Stress
σ_y = Yield Strength

Let’s solve an example;
Given that, the safe working stress is 9 and the yield strength is 27. Find the factor of safety?

This implies that;

σ_w = Safe Working Stress = 9
σ_y = Yield Strength = 27

N = ^σ_y / _{σ_w}
So, N = ²⁷ / ₉
N = 3

Therefore, the factor of safety is 3.

How to Calculate and Solve for Safe Working Stress Using Nickzom Calculator

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

To get the answer and workings of the safe working 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 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 Materials and Metallurgical under Engineering.

Now, Click on Mechanical Properties under Materials and Metallurgical

Now, Click on Safe Working Stress under Mechanical Properties

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the safe working stress according to the respective parameter which is the Factor of Safety (N) and Yield Strength (σ_y).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Factor of Safety (N) is 4 and Yield Strength (σ_y) is 2.

Finally, Click on Calculate

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