MECH 477

WT 05
Tutorial Exercise I


Question 1: To be attempted in the tutorial

Determine the Materials Performance Index (M) for each of (i)-(iv).

(i) A cantilever beam of fixed length and fixed square cross-section to produce
minimum deflection under an end load F (neglect self-weight).

(ii) A cantilever beam of fixed length and fixed square cross-section that will
deflect least under its own weight.

(iii) The lightest cantilever of fixed length and variable square cross-section that
will not deflect by more than under its own weight.

(iv) The lightest cantilever of fixed length and variable square cross-section that
will not deflect by more than under an end load F (neglect self-weight).

(v) Assume a steel beam is the benchmark (E=205GPa, =7850kg/m
3
). Use the
appropriate Materials Selection Chart (MSC) to determine which classes of
materials (i.e. wood, metals, polymer composites or engineering ceramics)
would be an advantageous replacement for steel in cases (i)-(iv).

Question 2: To be attempted by the next tutorial

Determine M for (i) and (ii), assuming elastic behaviour throughout.

(i) Pipe for a gas transmission line that must sustain an internal pressure P, with
no fracture.

(ii) Pipe for a garden hose that must be attached to a coupling by stretching to a
displacement , with no fracture.

(iii) Use the appropriate MSC to determine the best class of material for (i) and
(ii).