CELE Strength of Materials — Combined Stresses and Mohr's CircleMemory Anchors
Mnemonics for Combined Stresses and Mohr's Circle in the CELE 2026. Every one of these anchors has been designed to help you recall the concept under the pressure of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Civil Engineering's CELE Strength of Materials exam conditions.
Exam context
For the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Civil Engineering tests Strength of Materials under a "Core" label, with Combined Stresses and Mohr's Circle in the 6th slot across 8 chapters. CELE candidates must clear the 70% weighted average, no sub-test below 50% cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about a meaningful share of Strength of Materials questions. Date to watch: May and November 2026.
Combined Stresses and Mohr's Circle - Memory Anchors
Memory techniques can boost recall by up to 400% compared to passive re-reading. For Combined Stresses and Mohr's Circle — a topic notorious for formula confusion and sign errors — the right mnemonic turns a blur of equations into a crystal-clear mental movie. This collection of 20 anchors uses proven cognitive science: vivid imagery, emotional hooks, cultural references, and story-based encoding. When your brain links an abstract formula to a funny story or a Filipino everyday scene, retrieval becomes automatic even under exam pressure. Work through each anchor actively: close your eyes, visualize it, and say it aloud. The goal is zero hesitation when the board question appears.
Anchors
Tags
- formula
- definition
- mohr's circle
Topic
Mohr's Circle Construction
Concept
Mohr's Circle: Center = (σx + σy)/2
Anchor Id
A1
Difficulty
easy
Memory Aid
Imagine two vendors at Divisoria — one selling at ₱80/kg (σx) and the other at ₱20/kg (σy). The 'fair price' they agree on is their average: ₱50/kg. That midpoint IS the center of Mohr's circle. Whenever you see two normal stresses, your first move is always to find the 'fair price' — the average — and that is where you plant the center of the circle on the σ-axis.
Anchor Type
analogy
Why It Works
Averaging is an intuitive everyday action. Anchoring it to a market-price negotiation common in Filipino experience makes it automatic and emotionally vivid.
Example Usage
Given σx = 80 MPa, σy = 20 MPa: immediately think 'two vendors, fair price = (80+20)/2 = 50 MPa' → center at (50, 0).
Recall Trigger
Two vendors arguing over price → split the difference → CENTER of Mohr's circle
Tags
- formula
- mohr's circle
- maximum shear
Topic
Mohr's Circle Radius and Maximum Shear
Concept
Radius R = √[(σx-σy)²/4 + τxy²] = τ_max
Anchor Id
A2
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Think of Mohr's circle as a Ferris wheel (parang EK Ferris wheel sa Star City). The CENTER is fixed; the RADIUS is how far the outermost cart swings. That farthest swing IS the maximum shear stress — the most extreme ride possible. The radius formula is just Pythagorean theorem: one leg is half the normal stress difference, the other leg is the shear stress. Draw the right triangle inside your mental Ferris wheel.
Anchor Type
analogy
Why It Works
The Ferris wheel is a memorable circle with a clearly visible center and radius. The Pythagorean triangle inside makes the square-root formula feel geometric, not algebraic.
Example Usage
σx=80, σy=20, τxy=30: R = √(30²+30²) = 42.4 MPa = τ_max. Think: 'How far does the Ferris cart swing?' Answer: 42.4 MPa.
Recall Trigger
Ferris wheel → radius = farthest point → τ_max
Tags
- formula
- principal stresses
- acronym
Topic
Principal Stresses
Concept
Principal stresses σ1,2 = Center ± R
Anchor Id
A3
Difficulty
easy
Memory Aid
Remember: 'CENTER PLUS OR MINUS RADIUS' spells the rule CPR — like doing CPR to revive a patient. You 'revive' the stress state by applying CPR: C = Center, P = Plus, R = Radius for σ1; and C = Center, (mi)nus, R = Radius for σ2. Every time you see Mohr's circle, shout 'CPR!' in your head.
Anchor Type
mnemonic
Why It Works
CPR is a universally known acronym with strong life-or-death emotional weight, making it impossible to forget. The plus/minus structure is encoded in the 'revive or compress' duality.
Example Usage
Center = 50, R = 42.4 → σ1 = 50 + 42.4 = 92.4 MPa; σ2 = 50 − 42.4 = 7.6 MPa. Think CPR before writing the formula.
Recall Trigger
CPR → Center ± Radius → σ1 and σ2
Tags
- definition
- principal stresses
- shear stress
Topic
Principal Planes
Concept
Principal planes have ZERO shear stress
Anchor Id
A4
Difficulty
easy
Memory Aid
Imagine a very shy engineer named Principal Pablo. He HATES confrontation (shear stress = conflict between layers). Whenever conflict arrives, Pablo runs and hides — shear becomes ZERO on his plane. He is the principal of a school (principal plane) who avoids student fights (shear) at all costs. When you find the principal plane, remember: Principal Pablo has chased away all the shear.
Anchor Type
micro_story
Why It Works
Personification converts an abstract mathematical condition into a character's personality trait, making it emotionally memorable and easy to recall under exam pressure.
Example Usage
When asked 'what is the shear stress on the principal plane?' — think of Pablo: zero shear. No calculation needed.
Recall Trigger
Principal Pablo hates conflict → τ = 0 on principal planes
Tags
- geometry
- shear stress
- orientation
Topic
Maximum Shear Stress Plane
Concept
Maximum shear plane is 45° from principal plane
Anchor Id
A5
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Picture a sandwich (monay bread). The principal planes are the top and bottom flat faces. Now rotate the sandwich 45° — you get a diagonal slice, the cut that creates the longest cross-section. That diagonal cut IS the maximum shear plane. Filipino bakers always cut pandesal at 45° to show the most filling (maximum shear). The 45° tilt from the principal plane is the 'most action' plane.
Anchor Type
visual_association
Why It Works
Food imagery is deeply encoded in Filipino cultural memory. The physical act of slicing bread at 45° creates a kinesthetic memory link to the geometric relationship.
Example Usage
Once θp is found (say 22.5°), the max shear plane is at 22.5° + 45° = 67.5°. Think: 'diagonal cut from the principal plane.'
Recall Trigger
Diagonal pandesal cut at 45° → max shear plane
Tags
- convention
- mohr's circle
- angle
Topic
Mohr's Circle Angle Convention
Concept
Physical angle θ → 2θ on Mohr's circle
Anchor Id
A6
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Mohr's circle is like a clock that runs at DOUBLE SPEED. If the real-world element rotates 1 hour (1°), the Mohr's clock hand sweeps 2 hours (2°). A 30° rotation in the real world? The Mohr clock shows 60°. This is the 'Mohr Tax' — the circle always charges you double angle for any physical rotation. Never forget to pay the double-angle tax.
Anchor Type
analogy
Why It Works
The double-speed clock is a vivid, intuitive analogy. The 'tax' metaphor adds a cultural hook (Filipinos are very familiar with government fees) reinforcing the 2× factor.
Example Usage
Problem says plane is at θ = 30° from x-face. On Mohr's circle, rotate 2(30°) = 60° from point X. Pay the Mohr Tax!
Recall Trigger
Double-speed clock / Mohr Tax → physical θ becomes 2θ on circle
Tags
- formula
- shear stress
- normal stress
Topic
Stress on Maximum Shear Plane
Concept
Average normal stress on max-shear plane = (σx+σy)/2
Anchor Id
A7
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
On the maximum shear plane, the normal stress is NOT zero — it is the AVERAGE. Remember: 'MAX SHEAR GETS THE AVERAGE SALARY.' In an office where one employee works the hardest (max shear plane), HR gives them only the average salary, not zero, not the max. σ_avg = (σx + σy)/2 is the 'average salary' that always rides with τ_max.
Anchor Type
mnemonic
Why It Works
The workplace salary analogy resonates with Filipino reviewees who are also navigating early careers. The injustice of average pay for maximum work is memorable and emotionally charged.
Example Usage
After finding τ_max = 42.4 MPa, the normal stress on that plane = (80+20)/2 = 50 MPa (the center). Never report τ_max without its companion average normal stress.
Recall Trigger
Max shear worker gets only average salary → σ_avg = (σx+σy)/2 on τ_max plane
Tags
- special case
- pure shear
- principal stresses
Topic
Pure Shear State
Concept
Pure shear → principal stresses are ±τ at 45°
Anchor Id
A8
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
A torsion shaft twisted by an evil sorcerer has σx = σy = 0 — pure shear only. The sorcerer's spell transforms the shear into two equal-but-opposite spirits: one tensile (+τ) and one compressive (−τ), both haunting the shaft at 45°. This is why chalks (brittle material) always snap at 45° when twisted — the tensile spirit wins. Remember the 45° haunting diagonal whenever you see pure shear.
Anchor Type
micro_story
Why It Works
The supernatural story creates a vivid mental image, and the chalk-snapping at 45° is a real demonstration students can physically verify — connecting story to physical reality.
Example Usage
Pure shear τxy = 50 MPa: Center = 0, R = 50 → σ1 = +50 MPa, σ2 = −50 MPa on planes at 45°. Think of the chalk.
Recall Trigger
Twisted chalk snapping at 45° → pure shear → σ1 = +τ, σ2 = −τ at 45°
Tags
- formula
- stress transformation
- sequence
Topic
Stress Transformation
Concept
Stress transformation formula for σx'
Anchor Id
A9
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
Break σx' = (σx+σy)/2 + (σx−σy)/2·cos2θ + τxy·sin2θ into three chunks: [AVG] + [HALF-DIFF × COS] + [SHEAR × SIN]. Chant: 'Average, plus Half-diff-cosine, plus Shear-sine.' Say it like a Filipino street-food vendor calling out ingredients: 'AVE-RAGE! HALF-DIFF-CO-SINE! SHEAR-SINE!' Three ingredients, one transformed stress. Never skip an ingredient.
Anchor Type
chunking
Why It Works
Chunking reduces cognitive load by grouping three additive terms into named ingredients. The vendor-calling rhythm creates a phonological loop that aids working memory.
Example Usage
σx=60, σy=−20, τxy=40, θ=30°: [20] + [40×cos60°] + [40×sin60°] = 20 + 20 + 34.64 = 74.6 MPa. List the ingredients first.
Recall Trigger
Vendor calling three ingredients: AVE + HALF-DIFF·COS + SHEAR·SIN → σx' formula
Tags
- formula
- stress transformation
- shear
Topic
Stress Transformation
Concept
Shear transformation formula τx'y' = −(σx−σy)/2·sin2θ + τxy·cos2θ
Anchor Id
A10
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
The shear formula is the NEGATIVE MIRROR of the normal stress formula — where σx' had +cos, τx'y' has −sin; where σx' had +sin, τx'y' has +cos. Think of it as a SWAP-AND-NEGATE: swap sin and cos from the σx' formula, and put a minus sign on the first term. Remember: 'SWAP and SLAP a negative.' It is like swapping your left and right hands and then slapping the left (first term) to make it negative.
Anchor Type
chunking
Why It Works
The swap-and-negate rule reduces two separate formulas to one memorized base plus a transformation rule, cutting memory load in half.
Example Usage
From the σx' chunking: the half-diff term had ×cos60°, the shear term had ×sin60°. For τ: −40sin60° + 40cos60° = −34.64 + 20 = −14.6 MPa. Swap and slap.
Recall Trigger
SWAP sin↔cos from σx' formula, SLAP minus on first term → τx'y'
Tags
- formula
- principal stresses
- angle
Topic
Principal Plane Orientation
Concept
tan 2θp = 2τxy / (σx − σy)
Anchor Id
A11
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Chant this rhyme: 'To find the principal plane's twist, TWO-TAU over SIGMA-DIFF is the gist. Tan of two-theta-p is what you seek — TWO-TAU on top, SIGMA-DIFF unique.' Rhythm: 'two-tau TOP, sigma-diff BOTTOM, that's how principal angles are gotten.'
Anchor Type
rhyme
Why It Works
Rhyme and rhythm exploit the phonological loop in working memory. The explicit identification of numerator and denominator prevents the common inversion error.
Example Usage
σx=80, σy=20, τxy=30: tan2θp = 2(30)/(80−20) = 60/60 = 1.0 → 2θp = 45° → θp = 22.5°. Recite the rhyme before writing.
Recall Trigger
'Two-tau top, sigma-diff bottom' rhyme → tan 2θp formula
Tags
- construction
- mohr's circle
- sign convention
Topic
Mohr's Circle Construction
Concept
Mohr's Circle Point X plots (σx, +τxy); Point Y plots (σy, −τxy)
Anchor Id
A12
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Think of X and Y as a couple in a Filipino teleserye. X is the lead actor: he gets his own σx and the positive shear τxy — he is always positive and upfront. Y is the kontrabida: she gets σy and FLIPS the shear to negative (−τxy) — always the opposite. The line connecting the teleserye couple is the diameter of Mohr's circle. Dramatic reversal of shear sign is the kontrabida twist.
Anchor Type
visual_association
Why It Works
The teleserye narrative with protagonist/antagonist roles uses emotional storytelling. The sign reversal is encoded as a 'dramatic twist' — a memorable plot device.
Example Usage
σx=80, σy=20, τxy=30: Plot X at (80, +30) and Y at (20, −30). Connect them — midpoint is center (50, 0). Start the teleserye.
Recall Trigger
X = lead actor (positive τxy), Y = kontrabida (negative τxy) → diameter of Mohr's circle
Tags
- formula
- superposition
- axial
- bending
Topic
Superposition of Stresses
Concept
Superposition: σ = P/A ± Mc/I for axial + bending
Anchor Id
A13
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Imagine a flagpole (like the one at Luneta) carrying its own weight (axial compression P/A) AND bending sideways in a typhoon (Mc/I). The windward side gets ADDED tension, the leeward side gets ADDED compression. You simply stack the two stresses like two workers pushing the same spot — one pushing up (axial) and one pushing sideways (bending). The ± means one side gets double trouble, the other side partially cancels.
Anchor Type
analogy
Why It Works
The Luneta flagpole during a typhoon is a vivid, culturally relevant image for Filipino students. The physical visualization of wind bending makes the ± superposition intuitive.
Example Usage
Column with P=500 kN (compression) and M=50 kN·m: σ = −P/A ± Mc/I. The ± determines which fiber is most stressed. Think of the flagpole.
Recall Trigger
Luneta flagpole in typhoon → axial + bending → P/A ± Mc/I
Tags
- formula
- shaft design
- equivalent torque
Topic
Combined Bending and Torsion
Concept
Equivalent torque Te = √(M² + T²) for combined bending and torsion
Anchor Id
A14
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
Visualize a right triangle where one leg is M (bending moment, horizontal) and the other leg is T (torque, vertical). The HYPOTENUSE is Te = √(M²+T²). This is Pythagorean theorem in disguise! The shaft's worst-case shear is always the hypotenuse of the moment-torque right triangle. Draw this triangle every time you see a combined shaft problem.
Anchor Type
visual_association
Why It Works
Converting the formula to a Pythagorean triangle leverages deeply ingrained geometric intuition. The right triangle is a universal, immediately recognizable shape.
Example Usage
M=1.5 kN·m, T=2.0 kN·m: Draw the 3-4-5-like triangle (1.5-2.0-2.5). Te = 2.5 kN·m. Recognize the 3-4-5 multiple immediately.
Recall Trigger
Moment-torque right triangle → hypotenuse = Te = √(M²+T²)
Tags
- formula
- shaft design
- equivalent moment
Topic
Combined Bending and Torsion
Concept
Equivalent moment Me = ½(M + √(M²+T²)) = ½(M + Te)
Anchor Id
A15
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
Me = HALF of (M PLUS the hypotenuse). Remember: 'Me wants HALF of everything — my bending M, PLUS the hypotenuse Te, but I only take HALF.' Think of a greedy but fair sibling who always takes half of the total. The total is (M + Te), and Me = ½ of that total. 'Half of M-plus-hypotenuse = Me.'
Anchor Type
mnemonic
Why It Works
Personifying Me (equivalent moment) as a 'half-taker' sibling creates a memorable character with a clear behavioral rule. The contrast with Te (full hypotenuse) reinforces both formulas.
Example Usage
M=1.5, Te=2.5: Me = ½(1.5 + 2.5) = ½(4.0) = 2.0 kN·m. Then σ1 = 32Me/(πd³). Think: 'half-sibling takes half of M+Te.'
Recall Trigger
Greedy half-sibling Me → Me = ½(M + Te)
Tags
- formula
- maximum shear
- principal stresses
Topic
Maximum Shear Stress
Concept
Maximum shear formula: τ_max = (σ1 − σ2)/2
Anchor Id
A16
Difficulty
easy
Memory Aid
Chant: 'Sigma-one minus sigma-two, DIVIDE by two, that's what shear will do!' It is the 'HALF-RANGE RULE' — just like the half-range of a data set in statistics. The max shear is half the span from σ1 to σ2. Think of a number line from σ2 to σ1; the radius from the center to either end is τ_max.
Anchor Type
rhyme
Why It Works
The statistics analogy (half-range) connects to a concept Filipino engineering students already know from probability and statistics courses. The rhyme adds a phonological encoding layer.
Example Usage
σ1=92.4, σ2=7.6: τ_max = (92.4−7.6)/2 = 84.8/2 = 42.4 MPa. Check: equals R. Sing the half-range rule.
Recall Trigger
'Half-range rule' chant → τ_max = (σ1−σ2)/2
Tags
- failure theory
- Tresca
- yield stress
Topic
Failure Theories
Concept
Tresca criterion: failure when τ_max = Sy/2
Anchor Id
A17
Difficulty
medium
Memory Aid
Henri Tresca was a very conservative French engineer — the safety-obsessed Kuya of failure theories. He says: 'I will only allow shear up to HALF your yield strength. Not one Pascal more!' Tresca is the older brother who sets a strict curfew at exactly half — no exceptions. When τ_max reaches Sy/2, Kuya Tresca blows the whistle: failure! He is more conservative than his younger brother Von Mises.
Anchor Type
micro_story
Why It Works
The Filipino family hierarchy (Kuya = strict older brother) is culturally resonant. The strict-curfew rule encodes the Sy/2 limit clearly, and the sibling comparison helps distinguish Tresca from Von Mises.
Example Usage
Sy = 250 MPa: Tresca says failure when τ_max = 125 MPa. If τ_max = 42.4 MPa < 125 MPa, Kuya Tresca approves. Safe!
Recall Trigger
Strict Kuya Tresca → τ_max = Sy/2 → failure for ductile materials
Tags
- failure theory
- Von Mises
- ductile materials
Topic
Failure Theories
Concept
Von Mises stress σv = √(σ1² − σ1σ2 + σ2²)
Anchor Id
A18
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
Von Mises stress is the ENERGY DETECTIVE — it measures the distortion energy stored in the material, not just the biggest stress. Think of it as the total effort a basketball player expends (not just the fastest sprint). The formula has three energy terms: σ1² (player 1's energy), −σ1σ2 (cooperative cancellation), +σ2² (player 2's energy). Accurate for ductile materials because real failure is about total energy, not one peak.
Anchor Type
analogy
Why It Works
The sports-energy analogy makes the 'distortion energy' concept physically intuitive. Filipino students relate to basketball analogies, and the 'total effort' framing correctly conveys the energy basis.
Example Usage
σ1=92.4, σ2=7.6: σv = √(92.4²−92.4×7.6+7.6²) = √(8537.8−702.2+57.8) = √7893.4 = 88.8 MPa. Check vs Sy.
Recall Trigger
Energy detective / basketball total effort → σv = √(σ1²−σ1σ2+σ2²)
Tags
- formula
- biaxial bending
- superposition
Topic
Superposition of Stresses
Concept
Biaxial bending formula: σ = P/A ± MxCy/Ix ± MyCx/Iy
Anchor Id
A19
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
Remember the pattern with the acronym PAMXIY: P over A (axial), then Mx·Cy over Ix (x-moment acts about x, uses y-distance), then My·Cx over Iy (y-moment acts about y, uses x-distance). Notice the CROSS-PAIRING: Mx pairs with Cy and Ix; My pairs with Cx and Iy. 'X-moment needs Y-distance; Y-moment needs X-distance' — they always grab the OPPOSITE coordinate. Like crossing your arms: x reaches for y, y reaches for x.
Anchor Type
mnemonic
Why It Works
The cross-pairing rule (x↔y) eliminates the most common substitution error. The crossed-arms visual gesture reinforces the pattern kinesthetically.
Example Usage
Column corner point: σ = P/A + Mx·c_y/Ix + My·c_x/Iy (all additive for the most-stressed corner). Cross your arms first to set up the formula.
Recall Trigger
Cross your arms: Mx grabs Cy/Ix, My grabs Cx/Iy → biaxial bending formula
Tags
- maximum shear
- absolute maximum
- out-of-plane
Topic
Absolute Maximum Shear
Concept
Absolute maximum shear stress when both σ1, σ2 same sign
Anchor Id
A20
Difficulty
hard
Memory Aid
Two sumo wrestlers (σ1 and σ2) are both pushing in the SAME direction (same sign). They forgot about the third wrestler on the floor — the zero-stress direction (out-of-plane, σ3 = 0). The REAL maximum shear is NOT between the two sumo wrestlers but between the biggest one and the zero guy on the floor: τ_abs = σ1/2. The zero wrestler (plane-stress out-of-plane) is the dark horse. ALWAYS check if both principal stresses have the same sign.
Anchor Type
micro_story
Why It Works
The sumo wrestler story creates a vivid competition metaphor. The 'dark horse zero' is a memorable character that reminds students of the often-overlooked out-of-plane shear.
Example Usage
σ1=90 MPa, σ2=40 MPa (both positive): in-plane τ_max = (90−40)/2 = 25 MPa. BUT absolute τ_max = 90/2 = 45 MPa. The zero wrestler wins! Check both.
Recall Trigger
Two same-sign sumo wrestlers + zero guy on floor → τ_abs = σ1/2 (absolute max shear)
Revision Game
The average normal stress = (σx + σy)/2; also the normal stress on the maximum shear plane
Clue
I am the point at the exact center of Mohr's circle. What am I, and how do you calculate me?
Memory Link
A1 — Two Divisoria vendors splitting the fair price
R = τ_max = √[(σx−σy)²/4 + τxy²] — the maximum in-plane shear stress
Clue
I am the radius of Mohr's circle, and I am equal to something very important in stress analysis. What am I?
Memory Link
A2 — Ferris wheel radius = farthest swing = τ_max
45° — because pure torsion creates principal stresses at 45°: σ1 = +τ (tension) causes the brittle fracture on the 45° helical plane
Clue
A shaft made of brittle chalk is twisted until it fails. At what angle does it break, and why?
Memory Link
A8 — The sorcerer's twisted chalk story
Physical angle θ becomes 2θ on Mohr's circle (the Mohr Tax — always pay double)
Clue
I am the angle relationship that trips up most board examinees in Mohr's circle problems. What rule do you apply to me?
Memory Link
A6 — Double-speed Mohr clock
Te = √(3²+4²) = √25 = 5 kN·m — the 3-4-5 Pythagorean triple
Clue
A shaft carries M = 3 kN·m and T = 4 kN·m. Without a calculator, what is Te? (Hint: think of a famous triangle.)
Memory Link
A14 — Moment-torque Pythagorean right triangle
Tresca (Maximum Shear Stress Theory): failure when τ_max = Sy/2
Clue
I am the strict kuya of failure theories. I govern ductile materials conservatively. Who am I, and what is my failure condition?
Memory Link
A17 — Strict Kuya Tresca with the curfew rule
Shear stress = 0 on principal planes. Principal Pablo hates conflict (shear) and runs away from it.
Clue
On the principal plane, what is the value of the shear stress? And what shy engineer helps you remember this?
Memory Link
A4 — Shy Principal Pablo micro-story
The in-plane τ_max = 40 MPa is correct for in-plane only. But since both principals are same sign (positive), the absolute τ_max = σ1/2 = 120/2 = 60 MPa (considering the zero out-of-plane stress). The student is wrong!
Clue
Both principal stresses are positive: σ1 = 120 MPa, σ2 = 40 MPa. A student reports τ_max = (120−40)/2 = 40 MPa. Is this correct? What is the true absolute maximum shear?
Memory Link
A20 — Two same-sign sumo wrestlers and the zero dark-horse wrestler
Formula Mnemonics
Formula
σ1,2 = (σx+σy)/2 ± √[(σx−σy)²/4 + τxy²]
Mnemonic
CPR: Center Plus or minus Radius. Center = average of normal stresses; Radius = square root of (half-diff-squared + shear-squared). 'Give the stress CPR to find its extremes.'
When To Use
Any time you need principal (maximum/minimum normal) stresses from a known plane-stress state (σx, σy, τxy)
What Each Part Means
(σx+σy)/2 = center C of Mohr's circle; √[(σx−σy)²/4 + τxy²] = radius R = τ_max; ± gives σ1 (max, +R) and σ2 (min, −R)
Formula
τ_max = √[(σx−σy)²/4 + τxy²] = (σ1−σ2)/2
Mnemonic
RADIUS = MAX SHEAR. The Ferris wheel radius IS the maximum shear. Half-diff-squared plus shear-squared under the root. Or simply: half the gap between σ1 and σ2 (the half-range rule).
When To Use
To find the maximum in-plane shear stress; also used to check the radius of Mohr's circle
What Each Part Means
(σx−σy)/2 = half the difference of normal stresses (one leg of right triangle); τxy = existing shear stress (other leg); hypotenuse = τ_max = R
Formula
tan 2θp = 2τxy / (σx − σy)
Mnemonic
'Two-tau TOP, sigma-diff BOTTOM.' Numerator always has 2×τxy; denominator is the full difference (not halved) σx−σy. Watch: denominator is NOT divided by 2 here, unlike in the R formula.
When To Use
To find the orientation of principal planes; gives two solutions 90° apart (one for σ1 plane, one for σ2 plane)
What Each Part Means
θp = angle from x-face to principal plane (physical angle); 2θp = double angle as used on Mohr's circle; 2τxy = doubled shear; (σx−σy) = full normal stress difference
Formula
σx' = (σx+σy)/2 + (σx−σy)/2 · cos2θ + τxy · sin2θ
Mnemonic
Three ingredients: AVG + HALF-DIFF·COS + SHEAR·SIN. Vendor calls: 'Ave-rage! Half-diff-cosine! Shear-sine!' All three are positive additions. Remember: the AVG term never changes with angle.
When To Use
To find the normal stress on a plane inclined at angle θ from the x-face (counterclockwise positive)
What Each Part Means
(σx+σy)/2 = average (constant, center of circle); (σx−σy)/2·cos2θ = rotating normal component; τxy·sin2θ = rotating shear contribution to normal stress
Formula
τx'y' = −(σx−σy)/2 · sin2θ + τxy · cos2θ
Mnemonic
SWAP-AND-SLAP: take the last two terms of σx' formula, swap sin↔cos, and slap a minus sign on the first term. Easy rule once you know σx'.
When To Use
To find the shear stress on a plane inclined at angle θ; always pair with σx' calculation
What Each Part Means
−(σx−σy)/2·sin2θ = normal-difference contribution to shear (negative); τxy·cos2θ = original shear contribution; together they give shear on the inclined plane
Formula
Te = √(M² + T²); τ_max = 16Te/(πd³)
Mnemonic
PYTHAGOREAN SHAFT THEOREM: M and T are the two legs; Te is the hypotenuse. Plug Te into the torsion formula with the factor 16. 'Shaft's worst shear needs the hypotenuse, and 16 on top of π·d-cubed.'
When To Use
For solid circular shafts under combined bending and torsion; maximum shear stress theory (Tresca-based design)
What Each Part Means
M = bending moment (kN·m); T = applied torque (kN·m); Te = equivalent torque (hypotenuse); 16/πd³ = torsion section modulus factor for solid circular shaft
Formula
Me = ½(M + √(M²+T²)) = ½(M + Te); σ1 = 32Me/(πd³)
Mnemonic
HALF-SIBLING Me: takes half of (M plus the hypotenuse Te). Then use σ1 = 32Me/(πd³) — note the factor is 32, double that of the torque formula's 16. '32 for bending-equivalent, 16 for shear-equivalent.'
When To Use
For solid circular shafts; maximum normal stress (Rankine) design — when the material is brittle or you need σ1 specifically
What Each Part Means
Me = equivalent bending moment for normal stress design; 32/πd³ = bending section modulus factor; the factor 32 (vs 16 for torsion) comes from I = πd⁴/64 vs J = πd⁴/32
Formula
σ = P/A ± Mc/I (axial + bending)
Mnemonic
LUNETA FLAGPOLE: P/A is the uniform axial stress (weight); ±Mc/I is the bending stress from the wind. Plus on the tension fiber, minus on the compression fiber. 'P over A gives the base; M times c over I gives the lean.'
When To Use
Columns, beams with axial load, eccentrically loaded members — whenever both direct stress and bending coexist at the same cross-section
What Each Part Means
P/A = uniform axial stress; M = moment at section; c = distance from neutral axis to extreme fiber; I = second moment of area; ± depends on which fiber (tension or compression side of bending)
Quick Recall Chains
Chain Title
Steps to Construct and Read Mohr's Circle
Recall Test
Without looking: list the 9 steps to build and interpret Mohr's circle. Can you do it in 30 seconds?
Memory Chain
Remember the chain as the 'CIRCLE BUILDING RECIPE': FIND the stresses → AVERAGE them for center → PLOT X (positive shear) and Y (negative shear) teleserye couple → DRAW diameter → MEASURE radius (= Ferris wheel arm) → READ σ1,2 (CPR: Center ± Radius) → READ τ_max (top of Ferris wheel) → ANGLE with two-tau-top formula (pay Mohr Tax ÷2). Chain phrase: 'Find-Average-Plot-Draw-Measure-Read-Read-Angle.'
Items To Remember
- 1. Identify σx, σy, τxy at the point
- 2. Compute Center C = (σx+σy)/2
- 3. Plot point X at (σx, +τxy)
- 4. Plot point Y at (σy, −τxy)
- 5. Draw diameter XY; midpoint = Center C
- 6. Compute radius R = distance from C to X
- 7. σ1 = C + R (rightmost point); σ2 = C − R (leftmost point)
- 8. τ_max = R (topmost/bottommost point)
- 9. θp from tan2θp = 2τxy/(σx−σy); divide by 2 for physical angle
Chain Title
Three Failure Theories in Order (Brittle to Accurate)
Recall Test
Name the three failure theories in order from most conservative to least conservative. Which applies to brittle materials? Which is most accurate for ductile?
Memory Chain
Remember the three brothers from eldest to youngest: 'RANKINE is the oldest and most brittle (he cracks easily at the first sign of σ1 exceeding strength). TRESCA is the middle child — strict Kuya, cuts off at τ_max = Sy/2. VON MISES is the youngest and smartest — uses energy analysis, most accurate for ductile materials.' Story: Rankine cracks first, Tresca whistles, Von Mises calculates.
Items To Remember
- Rankine (Maximum Normal Stress) — for brittle materials, σ1 ≥ Su
- Tresca (Maximum Shear Stress) — for ductile, conservative: τ_max ≥ Sy/2
- Von Mises (Distortion Energy) — for ductile, most accurate: σv ≥ Sy
Chain Title
Key Relationships on Mohr's Circle (What Each Point/Feature Means)
Recall Test
On a blank Mohr's circle sketch, label: center, radius, σ1, σ2, τ_max point, and the starting point X for the element. Time yourself: 45 seconds.
Memory Chain
Think of Mohr's circle as a CLOCK FACE: CENTER is the clock's center (average); RADIUS is the clock hand (τ_max); RIGHT (3 o'clock) = σ1; LEFT (9 o'clock) = σ2; TOP (12 o'clock) = τ_max plane; BOTTOM (6 o'clock) = −τ_max plane. The clock runs at DOUBLE SPEED (2θ). Every feature of the clock has a stress meaning.
Items To Remember
- Center = average normal stress = (σx+σy)/2
- Radius = maximum in-plane shear stress = τ_max
- Rightmost point = σ1 (maximum principal stress)
- Leftmost point = σ2 (minimum principal stress)
- Topmost/bottommost points = τ_max planes; normal stress there = Center
- X-axis crossings = principal planes (zero shear)
- Physical angle θ → 2θ on circle (same rotation sense)
Chain Title
Common Board Exam Pitfall Checklist
Recall Test
List the 5 most common pitfalls (HASAS) in Mohr's circle problems. Which one causes the most errors on the board exam?
Memory Chain
Acronym HASAS: H = Halving (use half-diff); A = Angle (divide 2θ by 2); S = Sign of τxy (flip for Y-point); A = Axial-only face (σy=0 in shaft); S = Same-sign check (absolute max shear). Before checking your answer, run through HASAS.
Items To Remember
- Halving error: use (σx−σy)/2, not (σx−σy) in radius formula
- Angle error: divide 2θp by 2 for physical angle; pay Mohr Tax
- Sign of τxy: Y-point uses −τxy (kontrabida sign flip)
- σy = 0 for shaft bending (bending acts on one face only)
- Absolute max shear: check if both principals are same sign → τ_abs = σ1/2
Chain Title
Shaft Design Formula Sequence (Combined M and T)
Recall Test
Given M and T for a solid shaft, write down the 5-step sequence to find the required diameter using both Tresca and maximum normal stress theories.
Memory Chain
Story: 'The shaft engineer follows the PYTHAGOREAN RECIPE: first find the HYPOTENUSE (Te), then let the HALF-SIBLING take her share (Me). Then use the MAGIC NUMBERS: 16 for shear formula, 32 for bending formula (double the shear factor). Divide by πd³, set to allowable, solve for d.' Chain: Hypotenuse → Half-sibling → 16 for shear → 32 for bending → solve d.
Items To Remember
- Step 1: Compute Te = √(M²+T²) — Pythagorean hypotenuse
- Step 2: Compute Me = ½(M + Te) — half-sibling rule
- Step 3: For τ_max (shear theory): τ = 16Te/(πd³)
- Step 4: For σ1 (normal stress theory): σ = 32Me/(πd³)
- Step 5: Set equal to allowable stress and solve for d
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