Chapter 03: Force, Pressure and Stress

Course subject(s) Part 1: Mechanics and Rheology

As stated before, the focus of the first part of the book is on the forces which act upon rocks and the earth’s crust. These forces result in deformation of rocks. In this chapter, the physical meaning and practical purpose of force, pressure and stress are introduced. The difference between body and surface forces , and also the difference between pressure and stress are explained. Moreover some applications demonstrating the role of pressure in geological problems are discussed.

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