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ME-304 · Strength of Material/Quick Revision Short Notes

Strength of Material (ME-304) - Unit 2 Short Notes

Unit 2: Strength of Materials – Exam-Focused Short Notes


1. Axial Deformation and Stress Analysis

Composite Bars (Different Materials)

  • Principle: Bars in parallel (same deformation, total load = sum of individual loads) or series (same load, total deformation = sum of individual deformations).

  • Key Formula (Parallel/Same Δ):

$$P = \sigma_1 A_1 + \sigma_2 A_2 + ...$$

$$\Delta = \frac{\sigma_1}{E_1} L = \frac{\sigma_2}{E_2} L = ...$$

  • Key Formula (Series/Same P):

$$\Delta_{\text{total}} = \frac{P L_1}{A_1 E_1} + \frac{P L_2}{A_2 E_2} + ...$$

  • [!TIP] For composite bars with stress limits, calculate allowable P from each material's stress limit (P_max = σ_allow * A) and deformation limit (P_max = (Δ_allow * A * E)/L). The smallest P governs.

Axially Loaded Bars with Varying Cross-Section (Tapering)

  • Circular Tapering Bar: Diameter varies linearly: d(x) = d₁ + (d₂-d₁)(x/L).

  • Elongation:

$$\Delta = \int_0^L \frac{P}{E A(x)} dx = \frac{4P}{\pi E} \int_0^L \frac{dx}{[d(x)]^2}$$

For linear taper, integrate to get expression in terms of `d₁` and `d₂`.
  • [!TIP] For a bar with varying area A(x), always set up the integral Δ = ∫(P dx)/(E A(x)).

Thermal Stresses in Composite Systems

  • Free Expansion: ΔL = α L ΔT

  • If Expansion is Restricted: Thermal strain is prevented, inducing stress.

$$\sigma = E \alpha \Delta T$$

  • Composite System (Rigidly Connected): Total strain compatibility gives:

$$\frac{\sigma_1}{E_1} + \alpha_1 \Delta T = \frac{\sigma_2}{E_2} + \alpha_2 \Delta T$$

Solve with equilibrium `σ₁A₁ = σ₂A₂` (for parallel).

Axial Loads with Rigid Constraints (Fixed Ends/Plates)

  • Reactions: Deformation at support is zero. Use compatibility: Δ_due_to_P + Δ_due_to_R = 0.

  • Example: Bar fixed at both ends, load P at mid. Symmetry gives R_A = R_B = P/2. Each half shortens by Δ under P/2, so fixed end reactions induce equal opposite elongation.

Stress-Strain Relations, Poisson’s Ratio, Lateral Deformation

  • Hooke’s Law (1D): σ = E ε

  • Poisson’s Ratio (ν): ν = - (lateral strain) / (axial strain)

  • Volumetric Strain (ε_v) for 3D Stress:

$$\epsilon_v = \frac{\sigma_x + \sigma_y + \sigma_z}{E} (1 - 2\nu)$$

  • Lateral Strain: ε_lat = -ν ε_axial

Strain Energy under Axial Loading

  • Gradual Loading (P applied slowly):

$$U = \int_0^P \frac{P d\delta}{2} = \frac{1}{2} P \delta = \frac{P^2 L}{2 A E} = \frac{\sigma^2}{2E} (AL)$$

  • Impact/Sudden Loading (Load P drops from height h):

$$U = \frac{1}{2} P \delta_{\text{max}} = P (\delta_{\text{static}} + h)$$

$$\Rightarrow \delta_{\text{max}} = \delta_{\text{static}} \left(1 + \sqrt{1 + \frac{2h}{\delta_{\text{static}}}} \right)$$

*`δ_static = PL/(AE)`*
  • Resilience: Strain energy per unit volume up to yield point.

    Proof Resilience: u_r = σ_y² / (2E)


2. Beam Bending and Shear

Shear Force (SF) & Bending Moment (BM) Diagrams

  • Sign Convention (Standard):

    • SF: Positive if left side tends to move up.

    • BM: Positive if beam sags (concave up, tension at bottom).

  • Fundamental Relations:

$$\frac{dM}{dx} = V, \quad \frac{dV}{dx} = -w$$

  • Key Diagrams:

    • Simply Supported (UDL): BM parabolic, max at center. SF linear, zero at center.

    • Cantilever (UDL): BM parabolic, max at fixed end. SF linear, max at fixed end.

    • Point Load on SSB: BM triangular, max under load. SF step change at load.

  • Contraflexure Point: Point where BM = 0 (change in sign). Occurs in overhanging/partially loaded beams.

Bending Stress in Beams (Simple Bending Theory)

  • Assumptions:

    1. Material homogeneous, isotropic, σ ∝ ε (Hooke’s).

    2. Plane sections remain plane & perpendicular to neutral axis.

    3. Stress uniaxial along beam length.

    4. Radius of curvature R >> depth.

    5. σ_max << E.

  • Bending Formula:

$$\frac{M}{I} = \frac{\sigma}{y} = \frac{E}{R}$$

$$\sigma = \frac{M y}{I}$$

`I` = Moment of Inertia about NA, `y` = distance from NA.
  • Section Modulus (Z): Z = I / y_max

$$\sigma_{max} = \frac{M}{Z}$$

  • Common Sections (Z values):

    • Rectangle: Z = bd²/6

    • Square: Z = a³/6

    • Circle: Z = πd³/32

    • Hollow Circle: Z = π(D⁴ - d⁴)/(32D)

Shear Stress Distribution in Beams

  • General Formula (Joist’s Formula):

$$\tau = \frac{V Q}{I b}$$

`V` = SF, `Q` = statical moment of area *above/below* the point about NA, `I` = total I, `b` = width at point.
  • Rectangular Section:

$$\tau = \frac{3V}{2bd} \left(1 - \frac{4y^2}{d^2}\right)$$

Parabolic, max at NA: `τ_max = 1.5 τ_avg`.
  • Circular Section:

$$\tau = \frac{4V}{3\pi r^2} \sqrt{1 - \frac{y^2}{r^2}}$$

Parabolic, max at NA: `τ_max = (4/3) τ_avg`.
  • I-Section: Max shear in web, τ_max ≈ V / (A_web) (approx). Flange shear negligible.

Beam Deflection Methods

  1. Double Integration Method:

    EI d²y/dx² = M(x). Integrate twice, apply boundary conditions.

    Advantage: Direct. Limitation: Repeated integration for complex loads.

  2. Moment Area Method (Theorems):

    • First Theorem: Slope between A & B = (1/EI) * (Area of M diagram between A & B).

    • Second Theorem: Deflection of B relative to tangent at A = (1/EI) * (Moment of M diagram area between A & B about B).

    Advantage: No integration, uses geometry. Limitation: Requires correct M diagram & centroid.

  3. Macaulay’s Method (Step Functions):

    Write M(x) using ⟨x-a⟩ⁿ (zero for x<a). Integrate EI dy/dx and EI y directly. Apply boundary conditions at x=0 (usually fixed end).

    Advantage: Single integration for multiple point loads. Limitation: Requires careful handling of step functions.

Deflection Comparisons

  • Same Span & Load: Cantilever > Simply Supported > Fixed-Fixed.

  • Same Material & Max Stress: For rectangular section, δ ∝ 1/depth³. Depth is more effective than width.

  • Same Cross-Section & Load: δ ∝ 1/EI. Material & section matter.


3. Torsion of Circular Shafts

Solid vs. Hollow Shafts (Weight Comparison for Same Torque & Stress)

  • Polar Moment of Inertia:

    • Solid: J_s = πd⁴/32

    • Hollow: J_h = π(D⁴ - d⁴)/32

  • Torsional Shear Stress: τ = Tρ/J. Max at outer surface: τ_max = T / (J / R) = T / Z_p, where Z_p = J/R.

  • For Same τ_max and T: Z_p must be equal.

    Z_{p,s} = Z_{p,h} ⇒ πd³/16 = π(D⁴ - d⁴)/(16D)

  • Weight Ratio (Same Length & Material): W_h / W_s = (D² + d²) / d²

    If d = (3/4)D, then W_h / W_s = (D² + 0.5625D²)/0.5625D² = 1.5625/0.5625 ≈ 2.78.

    Conclusion: Hollow shaft of same weight can carry √(weight ratio) times more torque.

    [!TIP] Proof: T ∝ J ∝ (D⁴ - d⁴). For same weight, D² + d² = constant. Maximize J w.r.t. d/D. Optimal d/D ≈ 0.6.

Angle of Twist & Torsional Rigidity

  • Angle of Twist (φ):

$$\phi = \frac{T L}{G J} \quad (\text{radians})$$

`G` = Modulus of rigidity, `J` = Polar moment of inertia.
  • Torsional Rigidity: GJ (stiffness against twist).

Shear Stress Distribution

  • Solid Circular: τ ∝ ρ (linear from 0 at center to max at surface).

  • Hollow Circular: τ ∝ ρ (linear, zero at inner radius, max at outer).

  • Stepped Shaft: Stress changes abruptly at step. τ = T / Z_p in each segment. Discontinuity in τ at step, but φ continuous.

Combined Torsion and Bending (Shaft Design)

  • Principal Stresses (at outer fiber):

$$\sigma_x = \frac{M}{Z} \quad (\text{tension or compression}), \quad \tau_{xy} = \frac{T}{Z_p}$$

*`Z` = Section modulus (bending), `Z_p` = Polar section modulus.*
  • Design by Theories of Failure:

    • Max Shear Stress (Tresca): τ_max = √[(σ/2)² + τ²] ≤ τ_allow

    • Max Distortion Energy (von Mises): σ_eq = √(σ² + 3τ²) ≤ σ_allow

    [!TIP] For pure torsion (M=0), Tresca gives τ_max = τ, von Mises gives σ_eq = √3 τ. Von Mises predicts ~15% higher allowable shear.

Power Transmission & Torsional Strain Energy

  • Power (P): P = T ω, where ω = angular velocity (rad/s).

    T (N·m) = (P (W) * 60) / (2π N) if N in rpm.

  • Strain Energy (U) in Torsion:

$$U = \int_0^L \frac{T^2}{2 G J} dx = \frac{T^2 L}{2 G J} \quad (\text{for constant T, J})$$


4. Stress Transformation and Mohr’s Circle

Principal Stresses & Principal Planes (2D)

  • Principal Stresses (σ₁, σ₂): Max & min normal stresses on planes where τ_xy = 0.

  • Principal Planes: Planes on which principal stresses act, inclined at θ_p to x-axis.

  • Equations:

$$\sigma_{1,2} = \frac{\sigma_x + \sigma_y}{2} \pm \sqrt{\left( \frac{\sigma_x - \sigma_y}{2} \right)^2 + \tau_{xy}^2}$$

$$\tan 2\theta_p = \frac{2\tau_{xy}}{\sigma_x - \sigma_y}$$

  • Max In-Plane Shear Stress:

$$\tau_{max} = \frac{\sigma_1 - \sigma_2}{2} = \sqrt{\left( \frac{\sigma_x - \sigma_y}{2} \right)^2 + \tau_{xy}^2}$$

Acts on planes at `45°` to principal planes.

Mohr’s Circle Construction

  1. Plot point X(σ_x, τ_xy) and Y(σ_y, -τ_xy).

  2. Center C at ((σ_x+σ_y)/2, 0).

  3. Radius R = √[((σ_x-σ_y)/2)² + τ_xy²].

  4. Circle intersects σ-axis at σ₁, σ₂.

  5. Any point on circle represents (σ_n, τ_n) on plane at angle 2θ from x-axis (counterclockwise on circle = clockwise on element).

  • [!TIP] 2θ Rule: On Mohr's circle, angle 2θ is measured from the line CX. The physical plane angle θ is half of that, and direction is opposite.

Stresses on Inclined Plane (θ to x-axis)

  • Transformation Equations:

$$\sigma_n = \frac{\sigma_x + \sigma_y}{2} + \frac{\sigma_x - \sigma_y}{2} \cos 2\theta + \tau_{xy} \sin 2\theta$$

$$\tau_n = -\frac{\sigma_x - \sigma_y}{2} \sin 2\theta + \tau_{xy} \cos 2\theta$$

  • Maximum Obliquity: Max angle φ between resultant stress σ_r and normal to plane.

$$\tan \phi_{max} = \frac{\tau_{max}}{\sigma_{avg}} = \frac{\tau_{max}}{(\sigma_1+\sigma_2)/2}$$

Occurs on plane where `σ_n = σ_avg`.

5. Theories of Failure

For Ductile Materials (Yield as Failure)

  1. Maximum Shear Stress Theory (Tresca):

    Failure when max shear stress reaches shear yield strength (τ_y = σ_y/2).

$$ \max |\tau| = \frac{|\sigma_1 - \sigma_3|}{2} \leq \frac{\sigma_y}{2} \quad \text{or} \quad |\sigma_1 - \sigma_3| \leq \sigma_y $$

*Conservative, safe for brittle? No.*
  1. Maximum Distortion Energy Theory (von Mises):

    Failure when distortion strain energy per volume reaches yield value.

$$\sigma_{eq} = \sqrt{\frac{(\sigma_1-\sigma_2)^2 + (\sigma_2-\sigma_3)^2 + (\sigma_3-\sigma_1)^2}{2}} \leq \sigma_y$$

For 2D (`σ₃=0`): `σ_eq = √(σ₁² - σ₁σ₂ + σ₂²) ≤ σ_y`.

*More accurate for ductile metals.*

For Brittle Materials (Ultimate Strength as Failure)

  1. Maximum Principal Stress Theory (Rankine):

    Failure when max tensile OR max compressive principal stress reaches ultimate strength.

$$\sigma_1 \leq \sigma_{ut} \quad \text{and} \quad \sigma_3 \geq -\sigma_{uc}$$

*Suitable for brittle materials (cast iron, concrete).*

Comparison & Graphical Representation (Haigh’s Diagram)

  • Tresca: Hexagon in σ₁-σ₃ plane.

  • von Mises: Ellipse.

  • Rankine: Rectangle.

  • Order of Conservatism (for ductile, σ_t=σ_c): Tresca > von Mises > Rankine.

  • [!TIP] For pure shear (σ₁ = -σ₃ = τ): Tresca: 2τ ≤ σ_y → τ_allow = σ_y/2. von Mises: √3 τ ≤ σ_y → τ_allow = σ_y/√3 ≈ 0.577 σ_y.

Factor of Safety (FOS)

  • FOS = (Yield/Ultimate Strength) / (Permissible/Working Stress).

  • Based on Tresca: FOS = σ_y / (σ₁ - σ₃).

  • Based on von Mises: FOS = σ_y / σ_eq.

  • Based on Rankine: FOS = σ_ut / σ₁ (tension) or σ_uc / |σ₃| (compression).


6. Elastic Constants and Strain Energy

Relationships between E, G, K, ν

  • Basic Definitions:

    • E = Young’s Modulus (tension/compression).

    • G = Modulus of Rigidity (shear).

    • K = Bulk Modulus (volumetric).

    • ν = Poisson’s ratio.

  • Key Relationships (Isotropic Material):

$$G = \frac{E}{2(1+\nu)}$$

$$K = \frac{E}{3(1-2\nu)}$$

$$E = \frac{9KG}{3K+G}$$

$$\nu = \frac{3K - 2G}{2(3K + G)}$$

  • [!TIP] For most metals, ν ≈ 0.3. Then G ≈ 0.385E, K ≈ 1.67E.

Volumetric Strain and Bulk Modulus

  • Volumetric Strain (ε_v): ε_v = (ΔV)/V = ε_x + ε_y + ε_z.

  • Hydrostatic Pressure (p): p = -K ε_v (compressive pressure positive).

    For hydrostatic stress state (σ_x = σ_y = σ_z = -p):

$$\epsilon_v = -\frac{3p}{E}(1-2\nu) \quad \Rightarrow \quad K = \frac{E}{3(1-2\nu)}$$

Strain Energy

  • Gradual Loading (Axial): U = P²L/(2AE).

  • Impact Loading (Sudden Load P from height h):

$$\delta_{max} = \delta_{static} \left(1 + \sqrt{1 + \frac{2h}{\delta_{static}}} \right)$$

$$U = \frac{1}{2} P \delta_{max}$$

  • Resilience (u_r): Strain energy per unit volume up to elastic limit.

$$u_r = \frac{\sigma_y^2}{2E}$$

  • Proof Resilience: Same as resilience.

7. Columns and Buckling

Euler’s Buckling Theory

  • Assumptions:

    1. Column is perfectly straight, homogeneous, isotropic.

    2. Load is axial, centroidal.

    3. Material obeys Hooke’s law.

    4. Deformations small.

    5. Column fails by buckling (elastic range).

  • Differential Equation: EI d²y/dx² = -M = -P y

    Solution: y = A sin(√(P/EI) x) + B cos(√(P/EI) x)

  • Euler’s Crippling Load (P_cr):

$$P_{cr} = \frac{\pi^2 E I}{(KL)^2}$$

`K` = effective length factor, `L_e = KL` = effective length.
  • Effective Length (L_e) for End Conditions:

    | End Condition | K | L_e | |------------------------|----|-----------| | Both ends pinned | 1.0| L | | Both ends fixed | 0.5| L/2 | | One fixed, one free | 2.0| 2L | | One fixed, one pinned | 0.7| 0.7L |

  • Slenderness Ratio (λ): λ = L_e / r, where r = √(I/A) is radius of gyration.

  • Limitation: Valid only if σ_cr ≤ σ_proportional_limit (elastic buckling).

Rankine’s Formula (Empirical, All Lengths)

  • Formula:

$$P_{cr} = \frac{f_c A}{1 + a (L_e/r)^2}$$

`f_c` = compressive strength (yield/ultimate), `a` = Rankine constant (`a = 1/(π² E / σ_prop)`).
  • For Short Columns (L_e/r → 0): P_cr → f_c A (material failure).

  • For Long Columns (L_e/r → ∞): P_cr → π² E I / L_e² (Euler).

  • Safe Load: P_safe = P_cr / FOS.

Crippling Load & Safe Load

  • Crippling Load (P_cr): Theoretical buckling load.

  • Safe Load: P_safe = P_cr / FOS.

Columns with Composite Sections

  • Use I of transformed section if materials differ (use n = E1/E2).

  • Euler’s formula still applies with composite I and appropriate E (use material at outer fiber for stress check).

Comparison: Euler vs. Rankine

  • Euler: Only for long, slender, elastic columns. Predicts P_cr ∝ 1/L².

  • Rankine: For all lengths. Matches Euler for long columns, material strength for short. Intermediate lengths give conservative P_cr.

  • [!TIP] In exams, if σ_cr (Euler) < σ_proportional_limit, use Euler. If not, use Rankine or direct material failure.


8. Special Topics (From Past Papers)

Curved Beams (Circular Section)

  • Neutral Axis (NA): Does NOT pass through centroid. For circular ring of mean radius R_m and depth h:

$$R_n = \frac{R_m}{1 \pm \frac{h}{2R_m}}$$

(sign depends on inner/outer radius).

  • Bending Stress (at radius r):

$$\sigma_\theta = \frac{M}{A e (R_n \pm y)} \quad \text{where} \quad e = R_m - R_n, \quad y = r - R_n$$

`+` for inner fiber, `-` for outer fiber (for hogging moment).
  • [!TIP] Stress is NOT linear with y. Highest stress at inner radius for given M (smaller R_n ± y).

Shear Stress in Circular Sections (Derivation & Plot)

  • Derivation: From τ = VQ/(Ib). For circle of radius R at distance y from NA:

    Q = (2/3)(R² - y²)^{3/2}, b = 2√(R² - y²), I = πR⁴/4.

$$\tau = \frac{4V}{3\pi R^2} \sqrt{1 - \frac{y^2}{R^2}}$$

  • Plot: Parabolic, zero at y = ±R, max at y=0 (τ_max = 4V/(3A)).

Composite Beams (Transformed Section Method)

  • Principle: Transform materials to equivalent section of one material using n = E2/E1.

  • Steps:

    1. Transform width of material 2: b₂' = n b₂.

    2. Find neutral axis of transformed section.

    3. Calculate I_transformed about NA.

    4. Bending Stress in material 1: σ₁ = M y / (I_transformed).

    5. Bending Stress in material 2: σ₂ = n M y / (I_transformed) (or σ₂ = (E₂/E₁) σ₁).

  • Shear Stress: Calculate VQ/(I b) using actual width b and transformed I.

Pressure Vessels (Thin-Walled, Internal Pressure)

  • Assumptions: t << R, stress uniform through thickness.

  • Hoop Stress (Circumferential):

$$\sigma_h = \frac{p R}{t} \quad (\text{or } \frac{p d}{2t})$$

  • Longitudinal Stress (Axial):

$$\sigma_l = \frac{p R}{2t} \quad (\text{or } \frac{p d}{4t})$$

  • Failure Theories for Thickness:

    • Max Principal Stress (Rankine): σ_h ≤ σ_allow → t ≥ pR/σ_allow.

    • Max Shear Stress (Tresca): τ_max = (σ_h - σ_l)/2 = σ_h/3 ≤ τ_allow → t ≥ pR/(3τ_allow).

    • von Mises: σ_eq = √(σ_h² + 3σ_l²) = √(σ_h² + 3(σ_h/2)²) = √(1.75) σ_h ≤ σ_allow → t ≥ √(1.75) pR / σ_allow ≈ 1.323 pR/σ_allow.

    [!TIP] Von Mises gives thickest wall, Tresca thinnest, Rankine in between for internal pressure vessels.


Final Exam Strategy:

  1. Draw Diagrams: Always sketch SF/BM, Mohr’s circle, column buckled shape.

  2. State Assumptions: Especially for bending, torsion, Euler.

  3. Units: Consistent (N, mm, MPa) or (N, m, Pa).

  4. Formulas: Box final expressions. Derive if asked (Euler, curved beam stress, shear in circle).

  5. Theory Comparison: Know which theory for ductile/brittle, and why (yield vs. fracture).

  6. Composite Systems: Compatibility (Δ same) & Equilibrium (ΣF=0) are keys.

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