Maxwell's stress functions

Maxwell's stress functions [′mak‚swelz ′stres ‚fəŋk·shənz]

(mechanics)

Three functions of position, φ₁, φ₂, and φ₃, in terms of which the elements of the stress tensor σ of a body may be expressed, if the body is in equilibrium and is not subjected to body forces; the elements of the stress tensor are given by σ₁₁=∂²φ₂/∂x₃²+∂²φ₃/∂x₂², σ₂₃= -∂²φ₁/∂x₂∂x₃, and cyclic permutations of these equations.