![Woman working with equipment in a lab Woman working with equipment in a lab](/content/dam/images/science/materials-science-engineering/research/2021-10-materials-science-research/2022-02-IMG_0693_0.cropimg.width=335.crop=video.jpeg)
There are several common stress (σ) states that occur frequently in engineering applications.
Simple tension
Forces are applied outwards in opposing directions at either end of the specimen on a single axis.
Simple compression
Forces are applied inwards in opposing directions at either end of the specimen on a single axis.