MEC103

MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

SIMPLE STRAIN

ENGR. ROGELIO FRETTEN C. DELA CRUZ, CE

INSTRUCTOR
STRAIN
The average unit deformation or strain, Є, is the
ratio of deformation δ of the body by its original
length L.

To get the exact strain,

Where dδ is the differential deformation of the

differential length dL.
Proportional limit is that point from the origin O that the
stress-strain diagram forms a straight line, the stress is
proportional to strain. Theories involving behavior of
elastic bodies is based on the stress-strain proportionality.
Elastic limit is the stress beyond which the material will not
return to its original shape when unloaded, thus, will have a
permanent deformation called permanent set.
Yield point is that which there is an appreciable elongation
or yielding of the material without any corresponding
increase of load.
 Factor of Safety

Structural members or machines must be

designed such that the working stresses are less
than the ultimate strength of the material.

FS  Factor of safety
u ultimate stress
FS  
 all allowable stress
Strain is a dimensionless quantity,
however, m/m, mm/mm, ft./ft., or in./in.
are commonly used when referring to
strain.
Hooke’s Law: Axial Deformation
Hooke’s Law: Axial Deformation

The above equation can be rewritten in the

following forms:

PL L
 or 
AE E
The compound bar carries the axial forces as
shown. Find the maximum allowable value of P
if the working stresses are 40 ksi for steel and 20
ksi for aluminum, and the total elongation of the
bar is not to exceed 0.20 in.
The uniform 2200-lb bar BC is supported by a pin at C
and the aluminum wire AB. The cross-sectional area of
the wire is 0.165 in.2. Assuming bar BC to be rigid, find
the vertical displacement of B due to the weight of the
bar. Use E = 10.6 × 106 psi for aluminum.
The cross section of the 10-m-long flat steel bar
AB has a constant thickness of 20 mm, but its
width varies as shown in the figure. Calculate the
elongation of the bar due to the 100-kN axial
load. Use E = 200 GPa for steel.
The rigid bar AB is supported by two rods made
of the same material. If the bar is horizontal
before the load P is applied, find the distance x
that locates the position where P must act if the
bar is to remain horizontal. Neglect the weight of
bar AB.
Procedure for solving statically indeterminate
problems:
 Draw the required FBD’s and derive the equations of
equilibrium.
 Derive the compatibility equations. To visualize the
restrictions on deformation, it is often helpful to draw
a sketch that exaggerates the magnitudes of the
deformations.
 Use Hooke’s law to express the deformation (strain)
in the compatibility equations in terms of forces (or
stresses).
 Solve the equilibrium and compatibility equations for
the unknown forces.
The steel rod is stress-free before the axial loads
P1 = 150 kN and P2 = 90 kN are applied to the
rod. Assuming that the walls are rigid, calculate
the axial force in each segment after the loads are
applied. Use E = 200 GPa.
Before the 400-kN load is applied, the rigid platform rests on
two steel bars, each of cross-sectional area 1400 mm2, as
shown in the figure. The cross-sectional area of the aluminum
bar is 2800 mm2. Compute the stress in the aluminum bar
after the 400-kN load is applied. Use E = 200 GPa for steel
and E = 70 GPa for aluminum. Neglect the weight of the
platform.
Figure shows a copper rod that is placed in an aluminum
tube. The rod is 0.005 in. longer than the tube. Find the
maximum safe load P that can be applied to the bearing
plate, using the following data:
The rigid block of mass M is supported by the three
symmetrically placed rods. The ends of the rods were level
before the block was attached. Determine the largest
allowable value of M if the properties of the rods are as
listed:
E (GPa) A (mm2 ) σw (MPa)
Copper 120 900 70
Steel 200 1200 140
END
The composite bar is firmly attached to
unyielding supports. Compute the stress in each
material caused by the application of the axial
load P = 40 kips.
The compound bar containing steel, bronze, and aluminum
segments carries the axial loads shown in the figure. The
properties of the segments and the working stresses are listed in
the table.
A (in2) E (psi) σw (psi)
Steel 0.75 30 × 106 20,000
Bronze 1.00 12 × 106 18,000
Aluminum 0.50 10 × 106 12,000

Determine the maximum allowable value of P if the change in

length of the entire bar is limited to 0.08 in. and the working
stresses are not exceeded.
A compound bar consisting of bronze, aluminum, and
steel segments is loaded axially as shown in the figure.
Determine the maximum allowable value of P if the
change in length of the entire bar is limited to 2 mm and
the working stresses prescribed in the table are not to be
exceeded.

A (mm2) E (GPa) σ (MPa)

Bronze 450 83 120
Aluminum 600 70 80
Steel 300 200 140
Determine the elongation of the tapered
cylindrical aluminum bar caused by the 30-kN
axial load. Use E = 72 GPa.
The steel structure supports a 6000-lb load. The
cross-sectional areas of the members are 0.5 in2 for
AB and 0.75 in2 for BC. Compute the horizontal
displacement of B if E = 29 × 106 psi.