\[FS=\frac{\sigma_y}{\sigma}\]
Variables
FSfactor of safety
sigmay[σy]yield stress (Pa)
sigma[σ]working stress (Pa)
Description
What is this formula?
This formula calculates the factor of safety of a component by comparing the material yield stress with the actual operating stress.
When to use it
Use this formula to evaluate whether a mechanical or structural component operates within safe limits.
Example
Data:
sigmay = 250000000 Pa
sigma = 100000000 Pa
Formula:
FS=sigmay/sigma
Substitution:
FS=250000000/100000000
Result:
FS=2.5
Applications
Mechanical design
Structural engineering
Pressure vessels
Machine components
Safety analysis