Theory of Elastic Failure

Abstract

When a material is stressed, there is a possibility for it to fail. Sometimes it fails without giving any indication and sometimes the failure is delayed. The analysis of failure of materials helps to know the actual reasons of their failure. There are five theories relating to a material’s failure, but none of them give the exact reason of failure because of the complexity of compound stress system under multiaxial loading. Yield point is the stage in the material, beyond which permanent deformation occurs, and it is the most important failure criteria. The different theories of failure, also called failure criteria, are discussed below.