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Engineering Sciences
Materials Science
1678/1807
Beginner

Stress-Strain Relationship

σ=Eε\sigma = E \varepsilon

Stress equals Young's modulus times strain—in the linear elastic regime.

By Robert Hooke, Thomas Young

Engineering Sciences
Stress-Strain Relationship
1678/1807 · Robert Hooke
Why it matters: Foundation of structural engineering and materials design.

Discoverers: Robert Hooke, Thomas Young (1678/1807)

What does it mean?

Stress equals Young's modulus times strain—in the linear elastic regime.

Why should I care?

Foundation of structural engineering and materials design.

Variables & Units

SymbolNameUnitMeaning
σσStressPaForce per area
EEYoung's modulusPaStiffness
εεStrainDeformation ratio

Worked Example

Steel E ≈ 200 GPa; aluminum ≈ 70 GPa.

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Stress-Strain Relationship

σ=Eε\sigma = E \varepsilon

Real-world impact

Space systems

Orbital mechanics enables global connectivity and exploration.

Photo: Unsplash — rocket launch

Stress equals Young's modulus times strain—in the linear elastic regime.

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