Deformation occurs in axial and transverse directions when an axial load is applied to a slender bar. This deformation impacts the cubic element within the bar, transforming it into either a rectangular parallelepiped or a rhombus, contingent on its orientation. This transformation process induces shearing strain. Axial loading elicits both shearing and normal strains. Applying an axial load instigates equal normal and shearing stresses on elements oriented at a 45° angle to the load axis. Significantly, the shearing strain achieves its maximum level at this particular orientation.

When a diagonal plane intersects the cubic element, a prismatic element forms. This prismatic element alters its internal angles and sides in proportion to the load-induced strains. This deformation process illuminates the effects of stress on the structural integrity of the element. The relationship between maximum shearing strain and axial strain can be derived by applying the expression for the tangent of the difference between two angles.

This mathematical relationship offers insights into the interaction between these two strain types under axial load conditions. Hooke's law correlates among the constants, a pivotal principle in studying how materials behave under load. With this correlation, one constant can be determined from the other two, enriching our understanding of a material's response to stress and strain.