Cauchy stress tensor

The Cauchy stress tensor is a mathematical tool used in engineering and physics to describe how forces are distributed inside a material under load. It captures both normal stresses (forces acting perpendicular to a surface, like squeezing or stretching) and shear stresses (forces acting parallel to a surface, causing sliding). This tensor provides a detailed, location-specific map of internal forces, helping to predict how materials will deform or fail when subjected to external loads. In essence, it quantifies the internal "push and pull" forces at every point within a material.