Contours of Strength Factor can be viewed by selecting Strength Factor from the toolbar list.
The Strength Factor represents the ratio of material strength to induced stress, at a given point.
Material strength is based on the strength properties of your material.
Induced stresses are determined by the elastic stress distribution computed from the boundary element analysis.
All three principal stresses (Sigma 1, Sigma 3 and Sigma Z) are used in the calculation of strength factor, so the strength factor in Examine2D can be considered 3-dimensional.
Strength Factor > 1
If the Strength Factor is greater than 1, this indicates that the material strength is greater than the induced stress.
Strength Factor < 1
If the Strength Factor is less than 1, this indicates that the stress in the material exceeds the material strength (i.e. the material would fail, if a plasticity analysis were carried out). Remember, for an elastic stress analysis, the stress in the material is allowed to exceed the material strength (i.e. material failure cannot occur).
NOTE: Plasticity and stress re-distribution due to failure cannot be modeled in the Examine2D boundary element elastic analysis. If you want to model progressive failure (i.e. plastic analysis) then use the finite element program Phase2.
Tension
If the Strength Factor contours indicate Tension, this means that Sigma 3 is less than the calculated negative stress (Tension) cutoff for the failure criterion in use.