Reduced radius
1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2
Structural calculator
Hertzian Contact Stress Calculator
Screen contact pressure from load, length, radii, and effective modulus.
Calculator
Enter structural values
Select units beside each input. Results update automatically.
Result
About this calculator
How it works
This simplified line-contact estimate is for early comparison only. Hertzian contact depends strongly on geometry and material assumptions.
Formulas
Formulas used
Contact half-width
b = sqrt(4 F R / (pi L E*) )
Peak pressure
p0 = 2 F / (pi b L)
Worked example
Example calculation
Peak pressure
Use bearing/vendor methods for final contact design.
Guide
How to use this calculator
- Enter the relevant load, stress, geometry, material, or member values.
- Select units beside each input where unit menus are shown.
- Use the highlighted result for screening, then check assumptions before design use.
Reference
What the results mean
Peak pressure
Estimated maximum contact pressure.
Contact width
Idealized elastic contact width.
Assumptions and limits
Before using the result
- These are simplified elastic or empirical checks for early-stage engineering review.
- Final structural design requires correct boundary conditions, load paths, code checks, material data, factors of safety, and professional review.
- Complex tools here provide key values or simplified estimates rather than a full structural analysis model.
FAQ
Hertzian Contact Stress Calculator questions
Are these results suitable for final structural design?
Use these calculators for education, screening, and early checks only. Final structural design must follow applicable codes, load combinations, safety factors, material data, and qualified engineering review.
Why can real structures differ from these results?
Real structures include boundary conditions, imperfections, connection behavior, load eccentricity, dynamics, residual stress, buckling modes, fatigue, and code-specific requirements.
Can I use different units?
Yes. Select units beside inputs where menus are shown. Values are converted internally before solving.
Related
Structural calculators
Axial Load Calculator
Calculate axial force and stress.
Beam Bending Calculator
Analyze beam bending behavior.
Beam Deflection Calculator
Calculate elastic beam deflection with interactive diagrams.
Bolt Shear & Tension Calculator
Check bolt loading in shear and tension.
Column Buckling Calculator
Estimate critical buckling load.