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Mohr's Circle
Mohr's Circle is the fastest way to find principal stresses, maximum shear stress, and stress on any inclined plane without memorizing transformation equations.
This interactive simulation lets you set σx, σy, and τxy using sliders and instantly see the circle draw itself with σa, σb, τmax, and the principal angle θp labeled.
Drag the rotation slider to walk around the circle and read off stresses at any orientation the concept of 2φ on the circle equaling θ on the element becomes obvious when you can see it move.
Built for mechanical engineering students, GATE and interview prep, and working engineers who need a quick visual stress check.
Try this simulation yourself
Start with the σx slider — drag it to set normal stress on the x-face. Watch the circle shift along the horizontal axis
Drag σy in the opposite direction — the circle grows. The further apart σx and σy, the bigger the circle and higher the max shear
Now add τxy — shear stress lifts the reference points off the axis. The (σx, τxy) and (σy, −τxy) points appear on the circle
Read the results instantly — σa is your max principal stress (right), σb is min (left), τin = R is max shear (top)
Drag the θ slider — the purple dot sweeps around the circle at angle 2φ. It gives you σ and τ on any inclined plane without any formula
Tap the presets to see classic stress states:
Uniaxial — circle passes through origin, one principal stress is zero
Pure shear — circle centered at origin, equal tension and compression
Hydrostatic — circle shrinks to a point, no shear possible on any plane