This document discusses four common failure theories used to predict failure of materials under complex stress conditions:
1. Maximum shear stress (Tresca) theory, which states failure occurs when the maximum shear stress equals the yield shear stress.
2. Maximum principal stress (Rankine) theory, which uses the maximum principal stress.
3. Maximum normal strain (Saint Venant's) theory, which uses the maximum normal strain.
4. Maximum shear strain (distortion energy) theory, which uses the maximum shear strain. The document provides details on applying these theories including using Mohr's circle to determine principal stresses and strains.