The maximum shear stress criterion, also known as Tresca yield criterion, is based on the Maximum Shear stress theory. This theory predicts failure of a material to occur when the absolute maximum shear stress ( max ) reaches the stress that causes the material to yield in a simple tension test. The Maximum shear stress criterion is used for ductile materials. max >=
limit
/2
max is the greatest of abs (12, 23, 13) where: 12 = (1 - 2) / 2; 23 = (2 - 3 ) / 2; 13 = (1 - 3) / 2 1, 2, 3 are the principal stresses in descending order. The Factor of safety (FOS) is given by: FOS =
limit
/ (2 * max )