What is strain

At equilibrium, the internal force is equal to the magnitude of the externally applied force. The newton per square meter Nm 2 is the SI unit for stress. Dyne-cm 2 is the CGS unit in which stress is measured.

ML -1 T -2 is the dimensional formula for stress. Strain is the ratio of the amount of deformation experienced by the body in the direction of force applied to the initial sizes of the body.

The relation of deformation in terms of length of the solid given below. L is the original length of the material. Strain is the ratio for change of shape or size to the original shape or size. It is expressed in number as it doesn't have any dimensions. To pull, draw, or stretch tight. To stretch or exert one's muscles or nerves to the utmost. To injure or impair by overuse or overexertion; wrench. To filter, trickle, percolate, or ooze. To pass a liquid through a filtering agent such as a strainer.

To draw off or remove by filtration. The act of straining. The state of being strained. Extreme or laborious effort. A great or excessive pressure, demand, or stress on one's body, mind, or resources. A wrench, twist, or other physical injury resulting from excessive tension, effort, or use. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Log in Sign Up. Save Word. Definition of strain Entry 1 of 3. Definition of strain Entry 2 of 3. Definition of strain Entry 3 of 3. Examples of strain in a Sentence Verb I strained my back trying to lift the couch. Too much computer work strains the eyes. He strained a muscle in his leg. His muscles strained under the heavy weight. First Known Use of strain Noun 1 13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Verb 14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a Noun 2 , in the meaning defined at sense 1.

For many materials, the proportional limit and the elastic limit are the same or nearly equal. In the stress-strain curve shown here, the proportional limit and the elastic limit are assumed to be the same. As long as the applied stresses are below the proportional limit, stress-strain relationships are the same whether the material is under tension or compression.