Module 1
Simple Stress
Introduction
This module is concentrated in the study of stress. Stress is defined as the strength of a material
per unit area. Three types of simple stress will be discussed. The stress developed due to the load
which acts perpendicular on the surface of the material is called normal stress and can either be
tensile or compressive. Shearing stress usually acts parallel to the surface and bearing stress is an
internal stress caused by compressive forces.
It also contains stress on oblique plane under axial loading including allowable stress, ultimate
stress and factor of safety. Allowable stress or design stress is the maximum safe stress that a material
can carry while the ratio of the ultimate strength to the allowable stress is known as the factor of
safety.
The last part of this module tackles about thin-walled pressure vessels which may be a tank or
pipe carrying a fluid or gas under a pressure subjected to tensile forces. Part of this would be
tangential or circumferential stress, longitudinal stress and spherical shell.
Exercises are given at the end of each lesson. Answers are indicated that serve as your guide.
If you wish to have a printed solution of a problem, you can ask it from your instructor. However, you
are encouraged to avoid such action until you have tried to solve it yourself. Your instructor may also
opt to give assignments which you are required to submit. Complete and detailed solutions should
be shown inorder to be given full credit.
Learning Outcomes:
After completion of this module, you should be able to
1. Define simple stress.
2. Find the corresponding stresses in a member subjected to an axial load.
3. Find the stress developed on an oblique section caused by an axial load.
4. Find the stress in a vessel subjected to bursting pressure.
Lesson 1 – Normal, Shear And Bearing Stresses
SIMPLE STRESSES
Simple stresses are expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by the resisting area or
σ = Force / Area.
It is the expression of force per unit area to structural members that are subjected to external forces
and/or induced forces. Stress is the lead to accurately describe and predict the elastic deformation
of a body.
Simple stress can be classified as normal stress, shear stress, and bearing stress. Normal stress
develops when a force is applied perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the material. If the force
is going to pull the material, the stress is said to be tensile stress and compressive stress develops
when the material is being compressed by two opposing forces. Shear stress is developed if the
applied force is parallel to the resisting area. Example is the bolt that holds the tension rod in its
anchor. Another condition of shearing is when we twist a bar along its longitudinal axis. This type of
shearing is called torsion and covered in Module 3. Another type of simple stress is the bearing stress,
it is the contact pressure between two bodies.
Suspension bridges are good example of structures that carry these stresses. The weight of the
vehicle is carried by the bridge deck and passes the force to the stringers (vertical cables), which in
turn, supported by the main suspension cables. The suspension cables then transferred the force into
bridge towers.
NORMAL STRESS
Stress is defined as the strength of a material per unit area or unit strength. It is the force on a member
divided by area, which carries the force, formerly express in psi, now in N/mm2 or MPa.
𝑃
𝜎=
𝐴
where P is the applied normal load in Newton and A is the area in mm 2. The maximum stress in
tension or compression occurs over a section normal to the load.
Normal stress is either tensile stress or compressive stress. Members subject to pure tension (or
tensile force) is under tensile stress, while compression members (members subject to compressive
force) are under compressive stress.
Sample Problems:
1. A hollow steel tube with an inside diameter of 100 mm must carry a tensile load of 400 kN.
Determine the outside diameter of the tube if the stress is limited to 120 MN/m 2.
Solution:
𝑃 = 𝜎𝐴
where:
𝑃 = 400 𝑘𝑁 = 400,000 𝑁
𝜎 = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎
1 1
𝐴= 𝜋 𝐷𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑟 2 − 𝜋𝐷𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟 2
4 4
1 1
𝐴= 𝜋𝐷 2 − 𝜋(100 𝑚𝑚)2
4 4
1
𝐴 = 𝜋(𝐷 2 − 10,000 𝑚𝑚2 )
4
Thus, substituting the values to the equation 𝑃 = 𝜎𝐴
1
400,000 𝑁 = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎 [ 𝜋(𝐷 2 − 10,000 𝑚𝑚2 )]
4
400,000 = 30𝜋𝐷 2 − 300,000𝜋
400,000 + 300,000𝜋
𝐷2 =
30𝜋
𝑫 = 119.35 𝒎𝒎 answer
2. A homogeneous 800 kg bar AB is supported at either end by a cable as shown in the figure.
Calculate the smallest area of each cable if the stress is not to exceed 90 MPa in bronze and
120 MPa in steel.
Given:
Weight of bar = 800 kg
Maximum allowable stress for bronze = 90 MPa
Maximum allowable stress for steel = 120 MPa
Required: Smallest area of bronze and steel cables
Solution:
𝑚
𝑊 = 𝑚 × 𝑔 = 800 𝑘𝑔 × 9.81 = 7848 𝑁
𝑠2
By symmetry:
1
𝑃𝑏𝑟 = 𝑃𝑠𝑡 = (7848 𝑁)
2
𝑃𝑏𝑟 = 3924 𝑁
𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 3924 𝑁
For bronze cable:
𝑃𝑏𝑟 = 𝜎𝑏𝑟 𝐴𝑏𝑟
3924 𝑁 = 90 𝑀𝑃𝑎 × 𝐴𝑏𝑟
𝑨𝒃𝒓 = 43.6 𝒎𝒎2 answer
For steel cable:
𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 𝜎𝑠𝑡 𝐴𝑠𝑡
3924 𝑁 = 120 𝑀𝑃𝑎 × 𝐴𝑠𝑡
𝑨𝒃𝒓 = 32.7 𝒎𝒎2 answer
3. The homogeneous bar shown in the figure is supported by a smooth pin at C and a cable that
runs from A to B around the smooth peg at D. Find the stress in the cable if its diameter is 0.6
inch and the bar weighs 6000 lb.
Given:
Diameter of cable = 0.6 inch
Weight of bar = 6000 lbs
Required: Stress in the cable
Solution:
[+∑𝑀𝑂 = 0 ] ∑𝑴𝑪 = 0
3
𝑇(5 𝑓𝑡) + ( 𝑇) (10 𝑓𝑡) − (6000 𝑙𝑏)(5 𝑓𝑡) = 0
√34
𝑇 = 2957.13 𝑙𝑏
𝜋
𝑇 = 𝜎𝐴 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒: 𝐴 = 4 𝐷 2
𝜋
2957.13 lb = σ [ (0.6 𝑖𝑛)2 ]
4
𝛔 = 10458.72 𝐩𝐬𝐢 answer
4. Determine the largest weight W that can be supported by two wires shown in the figure. The
stress in either wire is not to exceed 30 ksi (kilopound per square inch). The cross-sectional
areas of wires AB and AC are 0.4 in2 and 0.5 in2, respectively.
Solution:
For wire AB:
By sine law (from the force polygon):
𝑇𝐴𝐵 𝑊
=
sin 40° sin 80°
𝑇𝐴𝐵 = 0.6527 𝑊
𝑇𝐴𝐵 = 𝜎𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐴𝐵
0.6527 𝑊 = 𝜎𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐴𝐵
0.6527𝑊 = 30 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (0.4 𝑖𝑛2 )
𝑊 = 18.4 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
For wire AC:
𝑇𝐴𝐶 𝑊
=
sin 60° sin 80°
𝑇𝐴𝐶 = 0.8794 𝑊
𝑇𝐴𝐶 = 𝜎𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐴𝐶
0.8794 𝑊 = 𝜎𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐴𝐶
0.8794 𝑊 = 30 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (0.5 𝑖𝑛2 )
𝑊 = 17.1 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
For safe load W,
𝑾 = 17.1 𝒌𝒊𝒑𝒔 answer
5. Determine the cross-sectional areas of members AG, BC, and CE for the truss shown in the
figure. The stresses are not to exceed 20 ksi in tension and 14 ksi in compression. A reduced
stress in compression is specified to reduce the danger of buckling.
Solution:
∑𝐹𝑉 = 0
𝑅𝐴𝑉 = 40 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 + 25 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
𝑅𝐴𝑉 = 65 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
∑𝑀𝐴 = 0
𝑅𝐷 (18 𝑓𝑡) = (25 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(8 𝑓𝑡) + (40 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(4 𝑓𝑡)
𝑅𝐷 = 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
𝑅𝐴𝐻 = 𝑅𝐷 = 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
Check:
∑𝑀𝐷 = 0
𝑅𝐴𝑉 (12 𝑓𝑡) = 𝑅𝐴𝐻 (18 𝑓𝑡) + (25 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(4 𝑓𝑡) + (40 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(8 𝑓𝑡)
(65 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(12 𝑓𝑡) = (20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(18 𝑓𝑡) + (25 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(4 𝑓𝑡) + (40 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(8 𝑓𝑡)
780 𝑓𝑡. 𝑘𝑖𝑝 = 780 𝑓𝑡. 𝑘𝑖𝑝 (OK!)
For member AG (At joint A):
∑𝐹𝑉 = 0
3
𝐴𝐵 = 65 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
√13
𝐴𝐵 = 78.12 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
2
𝐴𝐺 + 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = 𝐴𝐵
√13
2
𝐴𝐺 = (78.12 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠) − 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
√13
𝐴𝐺 = 23.33 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐴𝐺 = 𝜎𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝐴𝐴𝐺
23.33 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = (20 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(𝐴𝐴𝐺 )
𝑨𝑨𝑮 = 1.17 𝒊𝒏2 answer
For member BC (At section through MN):
∑𝑀𝐹 = 0
2
( 𝐵𝐶) (6 𝑓𝑡) = (20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)(12 𝑓𝑡)
√13
𝐵𝐶 = 72.11 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐵𝐶 = 𝜎𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝐴𝐵𝐶
72.11 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = (14 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(𝐴𝐵𝐶 )
Section through MN
𝑨𝑩𝑪 = 5.15 𝒊𝒏2
answer
For member CE (At joint D):
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
2
𝐶𝐷 = 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
√13
𝐶𝐷 = 36.06 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
Joint D
∑𝐹𝑉 = 0
3 3
𝐷𝐸 = 𝐶𝐷 = (36.06 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)
√13 √13
𝐷𝐸 = 30 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
At joint E:
∑𝐹𝑉 = 0
3
𝐸𝐹 = 30 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
√13
𝐸𝐹 = 36.06 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
2 2
𝐶𝐸 = 𝐸𝐹 = (36.06 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠)
√13 √13
𝐶𝐸 = 20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐶𝐸 = 𝜎𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝐴𝐶𝐸
20 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = (14 𝑘𝑠𝑖)(𝐴𝐶𝐸 )
𝑨𝑪𝑬 = 1.43 𝒊𝒏2
answer
𝑃
✓ Normal stress is equal to 𝜎 = .
𝐴
✓ Unit: N/mm2 or MPa; psi or lb/in2
EXERCISE 1.1
Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Score: _______________
Year and Section: ___________________________ Date: ________________
Directions: Solve the following problems. Show your complete solution and express your final
answers to two decimal places. Turn in your answers in our google classroom on or before the due
date.
1. A force of 10 kN is acting on a circular rod with a diameter of 10 mm. Calculate for the stress in the
rod.
2. Determine the outside diameter of a hollow steel tube that will carry a tensile load of 600 kN at a
stress of 150 MPa. Assume a wall thickness to be one-tenth of the outside diameter.
3. A 12-inches square steel bearing plate lies between an 8-inches diameter wooden post and a
concrete footing as shown in the figure. Determine the maximum value of the load P if the stress in
wood is limited to 1800 psi and that in concrete to 650 psi.
4. For the truss shown in the figure, calculate the stresses in members CE, DE, and DF. The cross-
sectional area of each member is 1.8 in2. Indicate tension (T) or compression (C).
5. Find the stresses in members BC, BD, and CF for the truss shown in the figure. Indicate the tension
or compression. The cross-sectional area of each member is 1600 mm2.
SHEARING STRESS
Forces parallel to the area resisting the force cause shearing stress. It differs to tensile and
compressive stresses, which are caused by forces perpendicular to the area on which they act.
Shearing stress is also known as tangential stress.
𝑉
𝜏=
𝐴
where V is the resultant shearing force which passes through the centroid of the area A being
sheared.
Sample Problems:
1. What force is required to punch a 20-mm-diameter hole in a plate that is 25 mm thick? The
shear strength is 350 MN/m2.
Given:
Required diameter of hole = 20 mm
Thickness of plate = 25 mm
Shear strength of plate = 350 MN/m2
Required: Force required to punch a 20-mm diameter hole
Solution:
The resisting area is the shaded area along
the parameter and the shear force V is equal
to the punching force P.
Based on shear strength of plate:
𝑉 = 𝜏𝐴 → 𝑽 = 𝑷
𝐴 = 𝜋𝐷𝑡
𝑃 = 𝜏𝐴
𝑃 = (350 𝑀𝑃𝑎)[𝜋(20 𝑚𝑚)(25 𝑚𝑚)]
𝑃 = 549,778.7 𝑁
𝑷 = 549.8 𝒌𝑵 answer
2. As in the figure, a hole is to be punched out of a plate having a shearing strength of 40 ksi. The
compressive stress in the punch is limited to 50 ksi. (a) Compute the maximum thickness of
plate in which a hole 2.5 inches in diameter can be punched. (b) If the plate is 0.25-inch thick,
determine the diameter of the smallest hole that can be punched.
Solution:
(a) Maximum thickness of plate:
Based on puncher strength:
𝑃 = 𝜎𝐴
𝜋
𝑃 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖 [ (2.5 𝑖𝑛)2 ]
4
𝑃 = 78.125 𝜋 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 → Equivalent shear force of the plate
Based on shear strength of the plate:
𝑉 = 𝜏𝐴 → 𝑉 = 𝑃
𝐴 = 𝜋𝐷𝑡
78.125𝜋 = 40[𝜋(2.5 𝑡)]
𝒕 = 0.781 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉 answer
(b) Diameter of smallest hole
Based on compression of puncher:
𝑃 = 𝜎𝐴
𝜋
𝑃 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖 [ 𝑑 2 ]
4
𝑃 = 12.5 𝜋𝑑 2 → Equivalent shear force for plate
Based on shearing of plate:
𝑉 = 𝜏𝐴 → 𝑉 = 𝑃
12.5𝜋𝑑 2 = 40[𝜋𝑑(0.25)]
𝒅 = 0.8 𝒊𝒏 answer
3. Find the smallest diameter bolt that can be used in the clevis shown in the figure if P = 400
kN. The shearing strength of the bolt is 300 MPa.
* The bolt is subjected to double shear.
𝜋
𝐴 = 2 ( 𝐷2)
4
𝑉 = 𝜏𝐴
𝜋
400 × 103 𝑁 = 300 × 106 𝑃𝑎 [2 ( 𝑑 2 )]
4
𝒅 = 29.13 𝒎𝒎 answer
4. Compute the shearing stress in the pin at B for the member supported as shown in the figure.
The pin diameter is 20 mm.
Solution:
From the FBD:
∑𝑀𝐶 = 0
𝑅𝐵𝑉 (0.25 𝑚) = (40 sin 35° 𝑘𝑁)(0.25 𝑚) +
(40 cos 35° 𝑘𝑁)(0.20 𝑚)
𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 49.156 𝑘𝑁
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 40 cos 35°
𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 32.766 𝑘𝑁
𝑅𝐵 = √𝑅𝐵𝐻 2 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 2
𝑅𝐵 = √(32.766 𝑘𝑁)2 + (49.156 𝑘𝑁)2
𝑅𝐵 = 59.076 𝑘𝑁 → shear force of pin at B
𝑉𝐵 = 𝜏𝐵 𝐴 → double shear
𝜋
59.076 × 103 𝑁 = 𝜏𝐵 {2 [ (0.02 𝑚)2 ]}
4
𝜏𝐵 = 94,022,374.18 𝑃𝑎
𝝉𝑩 = 94.02 𝑴𝑷𝒂 answer
5. The members of the structure in the figure weigh 200 lb/ft. Determine the smallest diameter
pin that can be used at A if the shearing stress is limited to 5000 psi. Assume single shear.
Given:
Unit weight of each member = 200 lb/ft
Maximum shearing stress for pin at A = 5000 psi
Required: The smallest diameter pin that can be used at A
Solution:
For member AB:
Length, 𝐿𝐴𝐵 = √42 + 42 = 5.66 𝑓𝑡
𝑙𝑏
Weight, 𝑊𝐴𝐵 = (5.66 𝑓𝑡) (200 )= 1132 𝑙𝑏
𝑓𝑡
∑𝑀𝐴 = 0
4 𝑅𝐵𝐻 + 4 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 2𝑊𝐴𝐵
4 𝑅𝐵𝐻 + 4 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 2 (1132 𝑙𝑏)
𝑅𝐵𝐻 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 566 𝑙𝑏 → 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (1)
For member BC:
Length, 𝐿𝐵𝐶 = √32 + 62 = 6.71 𝑓𝑡
𝑙𝑏
Weight, 𝑊𝐵𝐶 = (6.71 𝑓𝑡) (200 ) = 1342 𝑙𝑏
𝑓𝑡
∑𝑀𝐶 = 0
6 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 1.5 𝑊𝐵𝐶 + 3 𝑅𝐵𝑉
6 𝑅𝐵𝐻 − 3 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 1.5(1342 𝑙𝑏)
2 𝑅𝐵𝐻 − 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 671 𝑙𝑏 → 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (2)
Add equations (1) and (2):
𝑅𝐵𝐻 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 566 𝑙𝑏 →
𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (1)
+ 2 𝑅𝐵𝐻 − 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 671 𝑙𝑏 → 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (2)
3 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 671 𝑙𝑏
𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 412.33 𝑙𝑏
From Equation (1):
𝑅𝐵𝐻 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 566 𝑙𝑏
412.33 𝑙𝑏 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 566 𝑙𝑏
𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 153.67 𝑙𝑏
From the FBD of member AB:
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
𝑅𝐴𝐻 = 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 412.33 𝑙𝑏
∑𝐹𝑉 = 0
𝑅𝐴𝑉 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 𝑊𝐴𝐵
𝑅𝐴𝑉 + 153.67 𝑙𝑏 = 1132 𝑙𝑏
𝑅𝐴𝑉 = 978.33 𝑙𝑏
2 2
𝑅𝐴 = √𝑅𝐴𝐻 + 𝑅𝐴𝑉
𝑅𝐴 = √412.332 + 978.332
𝑅𝐴 = 1061.67 𝑙𝑏 → 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐴
𝑉 = 𝜏𝐴
𝑙𝑏 𝜋
1061.67 𝑙𝑏 = (5000 )( 𝑑2)
𝑖𝑛2 4
𝒅 = 0.520 𝒊𝒏 answer
𝑉
✓ Shearing stress is equal to 𝜏 = .
𝐴
✓ Unit: N/mm2 or MPa; psi or lb/in2
EXERCISE 1.2
Name: __________________________________________________________________ Score: _______________
Year and Section: ___________________________ Date: ________________
Directions: Solve the following problems. Show your complete solution and express your final
answers to two decimal places. Turn in your answers in our google classroom on or before the due
date.
1. A single rivet is used to join two plates as shown in the figure. If the diameter of the rivet is 20
mm and the load P is 30 kN, what is the average shearing stress developed in the rivet?
2. A single bolt is used to lap joint two steel bars together. Tensile force on the bar is 20,000 N.
Determine the diameter of the bolt required if the allowable shearing stress is 70 MPa.
3. A circular punch 20 mm in diameter is used to punch a hole through a steel plate 10 mm thick. If
the force necessary to drive the punch through the metal is 250 kN, determine the maximum shearing
stress developed in the material.
4. A hole is to be punched out of a plate having a shearing strength of 300 MPa. If the compressive
strength is limited to 400 MPa, determine the maximum thickness of the plate from which a hole of
100-mm in diameter can be punched.
5. The members of the structure in the figure weigh 200 lb/ft. Determine the smallest diameter pin
that can be used at A if the shearing stress is limited to 5000 psi. Assume single shear.
