Stress hypotheses are applied in the science of the strength of materials when calculating comparative stresses where unequal stresses are combined.

The following stress hypotheses, taking into account material properties, have been tried and proven in practice: Rankine yield criterion (direct stress hypothesis), von Mises yield criterion (change of shape hypothesis) and Tresca yield criterion (shear stress hypothesis).

The experimental unit WP 130 is used to verify these comparative stress hypotheses on test specimens made of various metals. For the purpose, a multi-axial stress state is produced at a point on the specimen and the resulting deformation is measured.

The specimen is clamped on one end to the fixed frame. A loading plate is clamped to the specimen on the other end. A weight is attached on the outer circumference of the plate. A balance weight compensates for the dead-load of the plate and the applied weight. As a result only direct and shearing stress occur at a point on the test specimen and shear forces are avoided.

The loading plate has a graduation grid enabling weights to be attached at 15° increments. This permits purely bending moment and twisting as well as combined load moments to be achieved. Diametrically opposite the weight, measuring points are provided on the loading plate to measure the deformation. This enables the deformation at the point of maximum deflection to be measured.

The various elements of the experiment are clearly laid-out and housed securely in a storage system.