SIMPLE STRAIN

Stress-Strain diagram
Suppose that a metal specimen be placed in tension-
compression-testing machine. As the axial load is gradually
increased in increments, the total elongation over the gauge
length is measured at each increment of the load and this is
continued until failure of the specimen takes place. Knowing the
original cross-sectional area and length of the specimen, the
normal stress σ and the strain ε can be obtained. The graph of
these quantities with the stress σ along the y-axis and the
strain ε along the x-axis is called the stress-strain diagram.
The stress-strain diagram differs in form for various materials.
The diagram shown below is that for a medium-carbon structural
steel.

Metallic engineering materials are classified as either

ductile or brittle materials. A ductile material is one having
relatively large tensile strains up to the point of rupture like
structural steel and aluminum, whereas brittle materials has a
relatively small strain up to the point of rupture like cast iron
and concrete. An arbitrary strain of 0.05 mm/mm is frequently
taken as the dividing line between these two classes.
 Stress-strain diagram of a medium-carbon structural steel

Hooke’s Law for axial deformation

From the origin O to the point called proportional limit,
the stress-strain curve is a straight line. This linear relation
between elongation and the axial force causing was first noticed
by Sir Robert Hooke in 1678 and is called Hooke's Law that within
the proportional limit, the stress is directly proportional to
strain or

σ ∝ ε or σ = kε

The constant of proportionality k is called the Modulus of

Elasticity E or Young's Modulus and is equal to the slope of the
stress-strain diagram from O to P. Then

σ =Eε

Example 1.
A uniform bar of length L, cross-sectional area A, and unit
mass ρ is suspended vertically from one end. Show
that its total elongation is δ = ρgL2/2E. If the
total mass of the bar is M, show also that δ =
MgL/2AE.

Given:
Length: L
Cross-sectional area: A
Unit mass: ρ
Mass: M
Find:

δ = ρgL2/2E - total elongation

δ = MgL/2AE

Solution
PL
δ=
AE
From the figure:

δ =dδ P=W y =( ρAy ) gL=dy

Thus,

L L
( ρAy ) gdy ρg ρg y 2 δ = ρg [ L2−02 ] ρg L2
dδ=
AE
δ = ∫ ydy=
E 0 [ ]
E 2 0 2E
δ =
2E

Given the total mass M

M
M M 2 ∙ g L2 MgL
ρ= = ρg L AL δ=
V AL δ = = 2 AE
2E 2E

Example 2:

A steel rod having a cross-sectional area of 300 mm2 and a

length of 150 m is suspended vertically from one end. It supports
a tensile load of 20 kN at the lower end. If the unit mass of
steel is 7850 kg/m3 and E = 200 × 103 MN/m2, find the total
elongation of the rod.
Given:
Cross-sectional area of the steel rod: A = 300 mm2 

Length of the steel rod: L = 150m

Tensile load: P = 20kN

Mass of steel: M = 7850 kg/m3 

Elastic Modulus of the steel rod: E = 200 × 103 MN/m2

Find:

Total elongation of the rod: δ = ?

Solution:

Elongation due to its own weight:

PL
δ 1=
AE

3465.3825 ( 75000 )
δ 1= δ 1=4.33 mm
300 ( 200000 )

Elongation due to applied load:

PL 20000 ( 150000 )
δ 2= δ 2=
AE 300 ( 200000 )

δ 2=50 mm

Total elongation
δ =δ 1 +δ 2δ =4.33+50=54.33 mm

Example 3:

A steel wire 30 ft long, hanging vertically, supports a load

of 500 lb. Neglecting the weight of the wire, determine the
required diameter if the stress is not to exceed 20 ksi and the
total elongation is not to exceed 0.20 in. Assume E = 29 ×
106 psi.

Given:

Length: L = 30ft

Load: P = 500lb

Elastic modulus of the steel wire: E = 29 × 106 psi

Find:

Diameter (stress not greater than 20 ksi & elongation not greater
than 0.20in): d = ?

Solution:

Based on maximum allowable stress:

500
P 20000=
σ= 1 d=0.1784∈¿
A π d2
4

Based on maximum allowable deformation:

 500 (30 × 12 )
PL 0.20=
δ= 1 d=0.1988∈¿
AE π d 2 ( 29 × 106 )
4

Use d=0.1988∈¿

Example 4:

A steel tire, 10 mm thick, 80 mm wide, and 1500.0 mm inside

diameter, is heated and shrunk onto a steel wheel 1500.5 mm in
diameter. If the coefficient of static friction is 0.30, what
torque is required to twist the tire relative to the wheel?
Neglect the deformation of the wheel. Use E = 200 GPa.

Given:

Thickness: 10 mm

Wideness: 80 mm

Inside diameter: 1500.0 mm

Coefficient of static friction: π = 0.30

Elastic modulus of steel tire: E = 200 GPa

Find: Torque

Solution:

PL
δ=
AE

T ( 1500 π )
0.5 π= T =53333.33 N
800 ( 200000 )

F=2 T p ( 1500 )( 80 )=2 ( 53333.33 ) p=0.8889 MPa → internal pressure

Total normal force, N:

N= p × contact areabetween tire∧wheel N=0.8889× π ( 1500.5 ) ( 80 ) N=335214.92 N

Friction resistance, f:

1
f =μN=0.30 (335214.92 ) f =100564.48 N=100.56 kN Torque=f × ( diameter of wheel )
2
Torque=100.56 ×0.75025Torque=75.44 kN ∙ m
Example 5:

An aluminium bar having a cross-sectional area of 0.5

in2 carries the axial loads applied at the positions shown in
Fig. P-209. Compute the total change in length of the bar if E =
10 × 106 psi. Assume the bar is suitably braced to prevent
lateral buckling.

Given:
Cross-sectional area: A = 0.5 in2
Elastic modulus of aluminium bar: E = 10 × 106 psi
Axial load 1: P1 = 6000 lb (T) tension
Axial load 2: P2 = 1000 lb (C) compression
Axial load 3: P3 = 4000 lb (T) tension

Find:
Total change in length of the bar: δ = ?

Solution:
 PL 6000 (3 × 12 ) 1000 (5 × 12 ) 4000 ( 4 ×12 )
δ= δ =δ 1−δ 2+ δ 3δ = − − δ =0.0696∈¿
AE 0.5 ( 10 ×106 ) 0.5 ( 10 ×106 ) 0.5 ( 10 ×106 )
 Poisson’s ratio
The ratio of the proportional decrease in a lateral
measurement to the proportional increase in length in a sample of
material that is elastically stretched.

Poisson's ratio is a measure of the Poisson effect that

describes the expansion or contraction of a material in
directions perpendicular to the direction of loading. The value
of Poisson's ratio is the negative of the ratio of transverse
strain to axial strain.

εt
μ=¿ ∨¿
εl

Whereas; μ = Poisson’s ratio; εt = lateral strain;

εl = longitudal strain

Or simply
Lateral Strain
Poisso n' s ratio=
Longitudal Strain

Example 1:

A steel pipe of length L = 150cm outside diameter d2 = 15

cm, and inside diameter d1 = 11 cm is compressed by an axial
force 600 P= kN (see figure). The material has modulus of
elasticity 210 E = GPa and Poisson's ratio v = 0.30.

Determine the following quantities for the pipe: (1) the

shortening δ ; (2) the lateral strain ' ε ; (3) the increase 2dΔ
in the outer diameter and the increase 1 dΔ in the inner
diameter; (4) the increase t Δ in the wall thickness; (5) the
increase V Δ in the volume of material, and (6) the dilatation e.
Solution:
The cross-sectional area A and longitudinal stress σ are
determined as follows:

π 2 π
A=( d 2 −d 12 )= [ ( 15 cm )2−( 11 cm )2 ]=81.64 ×10−4 cm2 ,
4 4
3
P −600 ×10 N
σ= = =−73.5 MPa(compression)
A 81.64 ×10−4 cm2

Because the stress is well below the yield stress for steel
(from 200 MPa for structural steels up to 1,600 MPa for spring
steels), the material behaves linearly elastically and the axial
strain may be found from Hooke's law:

σ −73.5× 106 −3
ε= = 9
=−0.35 ×10
E 210 × 10
(1) Knowing the axial strain, we can now find the change in
length of the pipe:

δ =εL=(−0.35× 10−3 ) ( 1.2 m ) =−0.42× 10−3 m=−0.42 mm

The negative sign for δ indicates a shortening of the pipe.
(2) The lateral strain is obtained from Poisson's ratio

ε ' =−vε =−( 0.30 ) (−0.35 ×10−3 )=0.105 × 10−3

 The positive sign for ε’ indicates an increase in the
lateral dimensions, as expected for compression.
(3) The increase in outer diameter equals the lateral strain
times the diameter:

∆ d 2=ε ' d 2=( 0.105× 10−3 ) ( 15 cm )=1.575 ×10−5 m

Similarly, the increase in inner diameter is

∆ d 1=ε ' d 1=( 0.105× 10−3 ) ( 11 cm )=1. 555 × 10−5 m

(4) The increase in wall thickness is found in the same
manner as the increases in the diameters; thus,

∆ t=ε ' t=( 0.105× 10−3 ) ( 2 cm ) =0.21× 10−5 m

This result can be verified by noting that the increase in wall
thickness is equal to the following:
∆ d 2−∆ d 1 1
∆ t= = ( 1.575−1.155 ) × 10−5=0.21×10−5 m, as expected
2 2
Note. Under compression, all three quantities increase (outer
diameter, inner diameter, and thickness).
(5) The change in volume of the material is calculated from:

∆ V =V f −V o=V o ε (1−2 v )= ALε ( 1−2 v )=( 81.64 × 10−8 m 2) ( 1.2 m ) (−0.35× 10−3 ) ( 1−0.60 )=−14.683 ×10−7 m 3
The volume change is negative, indicating a decrease in volume,
as expected for compression.
(6) Finally, the dilatation is
∆V σ
e= =ε ( 1−2 v )= ( 1−2 v ) ,
Vo E

e=ε (1−2 v )=(−0.35× 10−3 ) ( 1−0.60 )=−0.00014 ,

which is a 0.014% reduction in the volume of material.
Example 2:
A metal wire of length 1.5 m is loaded and an elongation of
2 mm is produced. If the diameter of the wire is 1 mm, find the
change in the diameter of the wire when elongated. = 0.24.

Given:
Original length of wire = L = 1.5 m
Elongation in wire= 2mm
Diameter of wire = D = 1 mm
Poisson's ratio = o = 0.24

Find:
Change in diameter = d =?

Solution:
Longitudinal strain = I/L = (2 x 10-3)/1 .5 = 1.33 x 10-3
Poisson's ratio = Lateral strain / Longitudinal strain
:. Lateral strain =Poisson's ratio x Longitudinal strain
:. Lateral strain = 0.24 x 1.33 x 10-3
Lateral strain = d/ D
:. d= Lateral strain x D = 3.2 x 10-4 x 1 x 10-3 = 3.2 x 10-7 m
Ans: The change in diameter is 3.2 x 10-7 m
Example 3:
A metallic wire (Y = 20 x 1010 N/m2 and = 0.26) of length 3 m and
diameter 0.1 cm is stretched by a load of 10 kg. Calculate the
decrease in diameter of the wire.
Given:
Original length of wire = L = 3 m
Diameter of wire = D = 0.1 cm = 0.1 x 10-2 m = 1 x 10-3 m
Radius of wire = r = 0.1/2 = 0.05 cm = 0.05 x 10-2 m = 5x 10-4m
Stretching load = 10 kg = 10 x 9.8 N
Youngs modulus of elasticity = Y = 20 x1010 N/m2 and Poisson's
ratio=0.26

Find:
Decrease in diameter = d

Solution:
Y = Longitudinal Stress / Longitudinal Strain
Y = F / (Ax Longitudinal Strain)
:. Longitudinal Strain = F / (A x Y)
:. Longitudinal Strain = F / (Π r2 x Y)
Longitudinal Strain = (10x 9.8) / (3.142 x (5 x 10-4)2 x 20 x 1010)
Longitudinal Strain = (10x 9.8) / (3.142 x 25 x 10-8 x 20 x 1010)
:. Longitudinal Strain = 6.24 x 10-4
Poisson’s ratio = Lateral strain / Longitudinal strain
:. Lateral strain = Poisson's ratio x Longitudinal strain
:. Lateral strain = 0.26 x 6.24 x 10-4 = 1.62 x 10-4
Lateral strain = d/ D
d = Lateral strain x D = 1.62 x 10-4 x1 x 10-3 = 1.62 x 10-7 m
Answer: The decrease in diameter is 1 .62 x 10-7 m
Example 4:
A copper wire 3m long and 1 mm2 in cross-section is fixed at
one end and a weight of 10 kg is attached at the free end. If Y
for copper is 12.5 x 1010 N/m2 and = 0.25 find the extension,
lateral strain and the lateral compression produced in the wire.
Given:
Original length of wire = L = 3 m
Area of cross-section of wire = A = 1 mm2 = 1 x 10-6 m2
Stretching load = 10 kg = 10 x 9.8 N
Youngs modulus of elasticity = Y = 12.5 x 1010 N/m2
Poisson's ratio = 0.25

Find:
Extension, lateral strain and the lateral compression
 
Solution:
Y = Longitudinal Stress/ Longitudinal Strain
Y = F / (A x Longitudinal Strain)
:. Longitudinal Strain = F / (A x Y)
:. Longitudinal Strain = 10 x 9.8 / (1 x 10-6 x 12.5 x 1010)
:. Longitudinal Strain = 10 x 9.8 / (1 x 10-6 x 12.5 x 1010)
:. Longitudinal Strain = 7.84 x 10-4

Now, Longitudinal Strain = I/L

I= Longitudinal strain x L
I= 7.84 x10-4 x 3 = 2.352 x 10-3 m = 2.352 mm

Poisson's ratio = Lateral strain / Longitudinal strain

:. Lateral strain =Poisson's ratio x Longitudinal strain
:. Lateral strain = 0.25 x 7.84 x 10-4 = 1.96 x 10-4

Area of cross-section 1 x 10-6 m2

Π r2=1x10-6
r2=1x10-6/Π = 1x10-6/3.142
r2=0.3183x10-6
r= 5.46x10-4 m

Diameter = D = 2r=2 x 5.64 x 10-4 m = 11.28 x 10-4 m

Now, Lateral strain = d /D

d = Lateral strain x D = 1.96 x 10-4=2.21x10-7 m

Answer: Elongation = 2.352 mm, Lateral strain = 1 .96 x 10-4,

Lateral compression = 2.21x10-7 m

Example 5.
A wire of diameter 2 mm and length 5 m is stretched by a
load of 10 kg. Find the extension produced in the wire if Y = 12
x 1010 N/m2. If ό = 0.35 for the material of the wire, find the
lateral contraction.
Given:
Original length of wire = L = 5 m
Diameter of wire = D = 2 mm = 2 x 10-3 m
Radius of wire = 2/2 = 1mm = 1 x 10-3 m
Stretching load = 10 kg = 10 x 9.8 N
Youngs modulus of elasticity = Y = 12 x 1010 N/m2
Poisson's ratio = ό = 0.35

Find:
Lateral contraction =?

Solution:
Y = Longitudinal Stress /Longitudinal Strain
Y = F / (Ax Longitudinal Strain)
:. Longitudinal Strain = F / (A x Y)
:. Longitudinal Strain = F / (Πr2 x Y)
Longitudinal Strain = (10x9.8) (3.142 x (1x10-3)-2 x 12 x 1010)
:. Longitudinal Strain = (10 x 9.8) / (3.142 x l x 10-6 x 12 x
1010)
:. Longitudinal Strain = 2.6 x 10-4

Now, Longitudinal Strain = I/L

:. I = Longitudinal strain x L
I=2.6 x 10-4 x 5 = -10 1.3 x 10-3m=1.3mm

Poisson's ratio = Lateral strain / Longitudinal strain

:. Lateral strain =Poisson's ratio x Longitudinal strain
:. Lateral strain = 0.35 x 2.6 x 10-4 =9.1 x 10-5

Now, Lateral strain = d /D

:. D = Lateral strain x D = 9.1 x 10-5 x 2 x 10-3
Elongation = 1.3 mm, Lateral contraction
Ans: = 1.82 x 10-7 m

Statistically Intermediate Members

 When the reactive forces or the internal resisting forces
over a cross section exceed the number of independent equations
of equilibrium, the structure is called statically indeterminate.
These cases require the use of additional relations that depend
on the elastic deformations in the members.
PL
Formula: δ =
AE
Whereas; δ = normal stress; P = normal force; L = length;
A = area; E = elastic modulus of the material
Example 1:

A steel bar 50 mm in diameter and 2 m long is surrounded by

a shell of a cast iron 5 mm thick. Compute the load that will
compress the combined bar a total of 0.8 mm in the length of 2 m.
For steel, E = 200 GPa, and for cast iron, E = 100 GPa.

Given:

Diameter: d = 50mm

Length: L = 2m

Thickness of Shell of a cast iron: t = 5mm

Elastic modulus of Steel: E = 200 GPa

Elastic modulus of Cast iron: E = 100 GPa

Find:

P: Load to compress the combined bar (0.8 mm total, length of 2

m)

Solution:
 PL
δ=
AE

For cast iron:

P cast iron ( 2000 )

δ cast iron = =0.8
δ =δ cast iron=δ steel =0.8 mm 1 Pcast iron =11000 π N
4 [ 2 2
]
π ( 60 −50 ) ( 100000 )

For steel:

Psteel ( 2000 )
δ steel = =0.8
1 Psteel =50000 π N
[ 4 ]
π ( 502 ) ( 200000 )

∑ F y =0 P=P cast iron+ P steel P=11000 π +50000 π P=61000 π N P=191.64 kN

Example 2:

A reinforced concrete column 200 mm in diameter

is designed to carry an axial compressive load of
300 kN. Determine the required area of the
reinforcing steel if the allowable stresses are 6
MPa and 120 MPa for the concrete and steel,
respectively. Use Eco = 14 GPa and Est = 200 GPa.
Given:

Diameter of concrete column = 200 mm

Capacity of concrete column= 300 kN

Elastic Modulus of Copper = Eco = 14 GPa

Elastic Modulus of Steel = Est = 200 GPa

Find:

Area of the reinforcing steel (stresses are 6 MPa (concrete) and

120 MPa (steel))

Solution:

PL PL σL σL σ co L σ st L σ co L σ L
δ co =δ st=δ ( ) ( )( ) ( )( ) ( )
AE
=
co AE st E co
=
E st E co
=
E st 14000 co
= st
200000 st
100 σ co =7 σ st

When σ st =120 MPa100 σ co =7(120)σ co=8.4 MPa>6 MPa

When σ co=6 MPa100(6)=7 σ st σ st =85.71 MPa<120 MPa

Use σ co=6 MPa and σ st =85.71 MPa

1
∑ F y =0 Pst + P co=300σ st A st +σ co A co =30085.71 A st +6 [ 4 ]
π ( 200 )2− A st =300 ( 1000 )

79.71 A st +60000 π=300000 A st =1398.9 mm2

Example 3:
A timber column, 8 in. × 8 in. in cross section, is
reinforced on each side by a steel plate 8 in. wide and t in.
thick. Determine the thickness t so that the column will support
an axial load of 300 kips without exceeding a maximum timber
stress of 1200 psi or a maximum steel stress of 20 ksi. The
moduli of elasticity are 1.5 × 106 psi for timber, and 29 ×
106 psi for steel.

Given:

Timber column cross section = 8 in. × 8 in

Steel plate = 8 in. wide and t in. thick

Elasticity:

=1.5 × 106 psi for timber

=29 × 106 psi for steel

Find:

Thickness = t (support an axial load of 300 kips

without exceeding a maximum timber stress of 1200 psi
or a maximum steel stress of 20 ksi)
Solution:

δ steel =δ timber

σL σL σ steel L σ timber L
( ) ( )
E steel
=
E timber 29× 10 6
=
1.5× 106
1.5 σ steel =29 σ timber

When σ timber=1200 psi1.5 σ steel =29 ( 1200 )σ steel=23200 psi=23.2 ksi>20 ksi

When σ steel =20 ksi1.5 ( 20 x 1000 )=29 σ timberσ timber=1034.48 psi<1200 psi

Use σ steel =20 ksi and σ timber=1.03 ksi

∑ F y =0 F steel + Ftimber =300(σA )steel+(σ A)timber =30020[ 4 ( 8 t ) ]+1.03 (82)=300t=0.365∈¿

Example 4:
 A rigid block of mass M is supported by three symmetrically
spaced rods as shown in Fig. P-236. Each copper rod has an area
of 900 mm2; E = 120 GPa; and the allowable stress is 70 MPa. The
steel rod has an area of 1200 mm2; E = 200 GPa; and the allowable
stress is 140 MPa. Determine the largest mass M which can be
supported.

Given:

Area of Copper rod = Aco = 900mm2

Elastic Modulus of Copper = Eco = 120 GPa

Allowable Stress for copper; 70 MPa

Area of Steel = Ast = 1200 mm2

Elastic Modulus of Steel = Eco = 200 GPa

δ co =δ st

( σLE ) =( σLE ) σ120000

co st
( 160 ) σ ( 240 )
co
= st
200000
10 σ co =9 σ st
 9
When σ st =140 MPaσ co= (140)σ co=126 MPa>70 MPa
10

10
When σ co=70 MPaσ st = (70)σ st =77.78 MPa<70 MPa
9

Use σ co=70 MPa and σ st =77.78 MPa

∑ F y =02 Pco + Pst =W 2 ( σ co A co ) +σ st A st =Mg2 [ 70 ( 900 ) ]+ 77.78 ( 1200 ) =M ( 9.81 ) M =22358.4 kg

Example 5:

In the previous problem, how should the lengths of the two

identical copper rods be changed so that each material will be
stressed to its allowable limit?

Use σ co=70 MPa and σ st =77.78 MPa

δ co =δ st

( σLE ) =( σLE )
co st

70 Lco 140 ( 240 )

= Lco =288 mm
120000 200000
 THERMAL STRESS
Temperature changes cause the body to expand or contract.
The amount δT, is given by
δ T =αL ( T f −T i )=αL ∆ T

where α is the coefficient of thermal expansion in m/m°C, L

is the length in meter, Ti and Tf are the initial and final
temperatures, respectively in °C. For steel, α = 11.25 × 10-6
m/m°C.
If temperature deformation is permitted to occur freely, no
load or stress will be induced in the structure. In some cases
where temperature deformation is not permitted, an internal
stress is created. The internal stress created is termed as
thermal stress.
For a homogeneous rod mounted between unyielding supports as
shown, the thermal stress is computed as

:
deformation due to temperature changes;
δT = αLΔT
deformation due to equivalent axial stress;
δP = PLAE = σLE
δT = δP
αLΔT = σLE
σ = EαΔT
where σ is the thermal stress in MPa, E is the modulus of
elasticity of the rod in MPa.
 If the wall yields a distance of x as shown, the following
calculations will be made:

δT = x+δP
αLΔT = x+σLE
where σ represents the thermal stress.
Take note that as the temperature rises above the normal, the
rod will be in compression, and if the temperature drops below
the normal, the rod is in tension.

Example 1:
A steel rod with a cross-sectional area of 0.25 in 2 is stretched
between two fixed points. The tensile load at 70°F is 1200 lb.
What will be the stress at 0°F? At what temperature will the
stress be zero? Assume α = 6.5 × 10-6 in/(in·°F) and E = 29 ×
106 psi.

Given:

Cross-sectional area: A = 0.25 in2

Change in temperature: ΔT = 70°F

Tensile load: P = 1200 lb

Coefficient of thermal expansion; α = 6.5 × 10-6 in/(in·°F)

Elastic Modulus of the steel rod; E = 29 × 106 psi.

Find:

Stress (σ) at 0°F = ?

Temperature (T) if the stress (σ) is equal to zero = ?

Solution:

For the stress at 0°F

δ =δ T + δ st

σL PL P 1200
=αL ( ΔT ) + σ =αE ( ΔT )+ σ =( 6.5 ×10−6 )( 29× 106 ) ( 70 ) + σ =17995 psi=18 ksi
E AE A 0.25

For the temperature that causes zero stress

PL P ( 6.5 ×10−6 ) ( T−70 )= 1200

δ T =δ stαL ( ΔT )= α ( ΔT )= T =95.46 ∘ F
AE AE 0.25 ( 29 ×106 )

Example 2:

A steel rod is stretched between two rigid walls and carries a

tensile load of 5000 N at 20°C. If the allowable stress is not to
exceed 130 MPa at -20°C, what is the minimum diameter of the rod?
Assume α = 11.7 µm/(m·°C) and E = 200 GPa.

Given:

Tensile load; P = 5000 N

Change in temperature: ΔT = 20°C

Allowable stress: >130 MPa at -20°C

Coefficient of thermal expansion: α = 11.7 µm/ (m·°C)

Elastic modulus of the steel rod: E = 200 GPa

Find:

Minimum diameter of the rod: d = ?

Solution:

δ =δ T + δ st

σL PL P 5000 5000
=αL ( ΔT ) + σ =αE ( ΔT )+ 130= ( 11.7 ×10−6 ) ( 200000 )( 40 ) + A= =137.36 mm 2
E AE A A 36.4

1
π d 2=137.36d=13.22mm
4

Example 3:

Steel railroad reels 10 m long are laid with a clearance of 3 mm

at a temperature of 15°C. At what temperature will the rails just
touch? What stress would be induced in the rails at that
temperature if there were no initial clearance? Assume α =
11.7 µm/(m·°C) and E = 200 GPa.

Given:

Length of steel railroad: L = 10m = 10000mm

Initial temperature: Ti = 15°C

Coefficient of thermal expansion: α = 11.7 µm/(m·°C)

Elastic modulus of steel railroad: E = 200 GPa

Find:

Final Temperature: Tf = ?

Required stress: σ = ?

Solution:

Temperature at which T = 3 mm:

δ T =αL ( ΔT )δ T =αL ( T f −T i )3=( 11.7 ×10−6 ) ( 10000 ) ( T f −15 )T f =40.64 ∘ C

Required stress:

σL
δ =δ T =αL ( ΔT )σ =αE ( T f −T i )σ =( 11.7 × 10−6 ) ( 200000 ) ( 40.64−15 )σ =60 MPa
E

Example 4:

A steel rod 3 feet long with a cross-sectional area of 0.25

in.2 is stretched between two fixed points. The tensile force is
1200 lb at 40°F. Using E = 29 × 106 psi and α = 6.5 × 10-
6
 in./(in.·°F), calculate (a) the temperature at which the stress
in the bar will be 10 ksi; and (b) the temperature at which the
stress will be zero.

Given:

Length of steel rod: L = 3 ft.

Cross-sectional area of steel rod: A = 0.25 in2

Tensile force: P = 1200 lb

Final temperature: Tf = 40°C

Coefficient of thermal expansion: α = 6.5 × 10-6 in./(in.·°F)

Elastic modulus of the steel rod: E = 29 × 106 psi

Normal stress in the bar: σ = 10 ksi = 10000 psi

Find:

Initial temperature: T = ?

Temperature if the stress is zero: Tf = ?

Without temperature change:

P 1200
σ= = =4800 psi σ =4.8 ksi< 10 ksi
A 0.25

A drop of temperature is needed to increase the stress

to 10 ksi.

 
δ =δ T + δ st

σL PL P 1200
=αL ( ΔT ) + σ =αE ( ΔT )+ 10000= ( 6.5× 10−6 ) ( 29 ×10 6 ) ( ΔT )+ ΔT =27.59∘ F
E AE A 0.25

Required temperature:

T =40−27.59=12.41∘ F
Temperature at which the stress will be zero

PL
δ =δ T =αL ( ΔT ) P=αAE ( T f −T i )1200= ( 6.5 ×10−6 ) ( 0.25 ) ( 29 ×106 ) ( T f −40 )T f =65.46∘ F
AE

Example 5:

A bronze bar 3 m long with a cross sectional area of 320 mm 2 is

placed between two rigid walls as shown in Fig. P-265. At a
temperature of -20°C, the gap Δ = 2.5 mm. Find the temperature at
which the compressive stress in the bar will be 35 MPa. Use α =
18.0 × 10-6 m/(m·°C) and E = 80 GPa.

Given:

Length of bronze bar: L = 3 m = 3000 mm

Cross-sectional area of the bronze bar: A = 320 mm2

Initial temperature: Ti = -20°C

Gap: Δ = 2.5 mm

Compressive stress: P = 35 MPa

Coefficient of thermal expansion of the bronze bar: α = 18.0 ×
10-6 m/(m·°C)

Elastic modulus of the bronze bar: E = 80 GPa

Find:

Final temperature: Tf = ?

Solution:

δ T =δ+ Δ

σL 35 ( 3000 )
αL ( ΔT )= +2.5( 18 ×10−6 ) (3000 )( ΔT )= +2.5 ΔT =70.6∘ C T =70.6−20T =50.6∘ C
E 80000