In the following tutorial, the descriptive and mathematical aspects of the theory of stress are explored. At the core of this tutorial are a series of interactive exercises that require the use of the accompanying program, Visualizing Stress. The tutorial systematically explores how force relates to stress, the units of stress, tractions, lithostatic stress, the stress tensor, the three principal stresses, normal and shear stress, the Mohr circle of stress, the Mohr failure criterion, and the effects of pore pressure.

It is hoped that this rather unique approach will make the subject matter more entertaining, and in the same breath leave the student with an intuitive understanding of the complexities and beauty of stress.

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