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).
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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
Pfrom each material's stress limit (P_max = σ_allow * A) and deformation limit (P_max = (Δ_allow * A * E)/L). The smallestPgoverns.
Axially Loaded Bars with Varying Cross-Section (Tapering)
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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 integralΔ = ∫(P dx)/(E A(x)).
Thermal Stresses in Composite Systems
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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)
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Reactions: Deformation at support is zero. Use compatibility:
Δ_due_to_P + Δ_due_to_R = 0. -
Example: Bar fixed at both ends, load
Pat mid. Symmetry givesR_A = R_B = P/2. Each half shortens byΔunderP/2, so fixed end reactions induce equal opposite elongation.
Stress-Strain Relations, Poisson’s Ratio, Lateral Deformation
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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
Pdrops from heighth):
$$U = \frac{1}{2} P \delta_{\text{max}} = P (\delta_{\text{static}} + h)$$
$$\Rightarrow \delta_{\text{max}} = \delta_{\text{static}} \left(1 + \sqrt{1 + \frac{2h}{\delta_{\text{static}}}} \right)$$
*`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
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Sign Convention (Standard):
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SF: Positive if left side tends to move up.
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BM: Positive if beam sags (concave up, tension at bottom).
-
-
Fundamental Relations:
$$\frac{dM}{dx} = V, \quad \frac{dV}{dx} = -w$$
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Key Diagrams:
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Simply Supported (UDL): BM parabolic, max at center. SF linear, zero at center.
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Cantilever (UDL): BM parabolic, max at fixed end. SF linear, max at fixed end.
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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)
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Assumptions:
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Material homogeneous, isotropic,
σ ∝ ε(Hooke’s). -
Plane sections remain plane & perpendicular to neutral axis.
-
Stress uniaxial along beam length.
-
Radius of curvature
R >> depth. -
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
$$\sigma_{max} = \frac{M}{Z}$$
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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
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Double Integration Method:
EI d²y/dx² = M(x). Integrate twice, apply boundary conditions.Advantage: Direct. Limitation: Repeated integration for complex loads.
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Moment Area Method (Theorems):
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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.
-
-
Macaulay’s Method (Step Functions):
Write
M(x)using⟨x-a⟩ⁿ(zero forx<a). IntegrateEI dy/dxandEI ydirectly. Apply boundary conditions atx=0(usually fixed end).Advantage: Single integration for multiple point loads. Limitation: Requires careful handling of step functions.
Deflection Comparisons
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Same Span & Load: Cantilever > Simply Supported > Fixed-Fixed.
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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)
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Polar Moment of Inertia:
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Solid:
J_s = πd⁴/32 -
Hollow:
J_h = π(D⁴ - d⁴)/32
-
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Torsional Shear Stress:
τ = Tρ/J. Max at outer surface:τ_max = T / (J / R) = T / Z_p, whereZ_p = J/R. -
For Same
τ_maxandT:Z_pmust 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) / d²If
d = (3/4)D, thenW_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. MaximizeJw.r.t.d/D. Optimald/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
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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_pin each segment. Discontinuity inτat step, butφcontinuous.
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.*
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Design by Theories of Failure:
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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 givesτ_max = τ, von Mises givesσ_eq = √3 τ. Von Mises predicts ~15% higher allowable shear. -
Power Transmission & Torsional Strain Energy
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Power (P):
P = T ω, whereω= angular velocity (rad/s).T (N·m) = (P (W) * 60) / (2π N)ifNin 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)
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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_pto 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
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Plot point
X(σ_x, τ_xy)andY(σ_y, -τ_xy). -
Center
Cat((σ_x+σ_y)/2, 0). -
Radius
R = √[((σ_x-σ_y)/2)² + τ_xy²]. -
Circle intersects σ-axis at
σ₁, σ₂. -
Any point on circle represents
(σ_n, τ_n)on plane at angle2θfrom x-axis (counterclockwise on circle = clockwise on element).
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[!TIP] 2θ Rule: On Mohr's circle, angle
2θis measured from the lineCX. The physical plane angleθis 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
φbetween resultant stressσ_rand 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)
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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.*
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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)
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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)
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Tresca: Hexagon in
σ₁-σ₃plane. -
von Mises: Ellipse.
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Rankine: Rectangle.
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Order of Conservatism (for ductile, σ_t=σ_c): Tresca > von Mises > Rankine.
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[!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)
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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) orσ_uc / |σ₃|(compression).
6. Elastic Constants and Strain Energy
Relationships between E, G, K, ν
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Basic Definitions:
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E= Young’s Modulus (tension/compression). -
G= Modulus of Rigidity (shear). -
K= Bulk Modulus (volumetric). -
ν= Poisson’s ratio.
-
-
Key Relationships (Isotropic Material):
$$G = \frac{E}{2(1+\nu)}$$
$$K = \frac{E}{3(1-2\nu)}$$
$$E = \frac{9KG}{3K+G}$$
$$\nu = \frac{3K - 2G}{2(3K + G)}$$
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[!TIP] For most metals,
ν ≈ 0.3. ThenG ≈ 0.385E,K ≈ 1.67E.
Volumetric Strain and Bulk Modulus
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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
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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
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Assumptions:
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Column is perfectly straight, homogeneous, isotropic.
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Load is axial, centroidal.
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Material obeys Hooke’s law.
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Deformations small.
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Column fails by buckling (elastic range).
-
-
Differential Equation:
EI d²y/dx² = -M = -P ySolution:
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.
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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 |
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Slenderness Ratio (λ):
λ = L_e / r, wherer = √(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)`).
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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
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Crippling Load (P_cr): Theoretical buckling load.
-
Safe Load:
P_safe = P_cr / FOS.
Columns with Composite Sections
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Use
Iof transformed section if materials differ (usen = E1/E2). -
Euler’s formula still applies with composite
Iand appropriateE(use material at outer fiber for stress check).
Comparison: Euler vs. Rankine
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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_mand depthh:
$$R_n = \frac{R_m}{1 \pm \frac{h}{2R_m}}$$
(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 givenM(smallerR_n ± y).
Shear Stress in Circular Sections (Derivation & Plot)
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Derivation: From
τ = VQ/(Ib). For circle of radiusRat distanceyfrom 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 aty=0(τ_max = 4V/(3A)).
Composite Beams (Transformed Section Method)
-
Principle: Transform materials to equivalent section of one material using
n = E2/E1. -
Steps:
-
Transform width of material 2:
b₂' = n b₂. -
Find neutral axis of transformed section.
-
Calculate
I_transformedabout NA. -
Bending Stress in material 1:
σ₁ = M y / (I_transformed). -
Bending Stress in material 2:
σ₂ = n M y / (I_transformed)(orσ₂ = (E₂/E₁) σ₁).
-
-
Shear Stress: Calculate
VQ/(I b)using actual widthband transformedI.
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.
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Final Exam Strategy:
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Draw Diagrams: Always sketch SF/BM, Mohr’s circle, column buckled shape.
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State Assumptions: Especially for bending, torsion, Euler.
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Units: Consistent (N, mm, MPa) or (N, m, Pa).
-
Formulas: Box final expressions. Derive if asked (Euler, curved beam stress, shear in circle).
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Theory Comparison: Know which theory for ductile/brittle, and why (yield vs. fracture).
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Composite Systems: Compatibility (Δ same) & Equilibrium (ΣF=0) are keys.