Theory of Elasticity Chapter 1: Intruduction to Basic Terms

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO BASIC TERMS IN THEORY OF ELASTICITY

1.1 Background

1.2 Basic Terms in Elasticity

Theory of elasticity is concerned with the study of the response of elastic
bodies to the action of forces.

Objective of the study: to analyze the stresses and displacements of

structures or machine elements within the elastic range and there by to
check the sufficiency of their strength, stiffness and stability.

Thus, elasticity is the branch of solid mechanics which deals with the
stresses and deformations in elastic solids produced by external force or
changes in temperature.

Theory of elasticity differ form strength of materials by:

 Strength of materials deals with stresses and displacements of

structures in the form of a bar system such as truss or rigid frames ,
whereas, when the structure considered is not in the form of a bar
such as blocks, plates, shells, dams and foundations, they are
analyzed only in theory of elasticity.

 A thorough and precise analysis of a bar is only possible by theory of

elasticity.
Re- stating; Elasticity deals with mechanical properties of materials under
load particularly, material behavior to retain its original shape
(configuration) after subjection to load as opposed to plasticity.

Consider the stress- strain relations of a given body under load as shown
Figure 1-1, below.

Lecture Note by Dr. Asnake Adamu of AAiT 1-1

Theory of Elasticity Chapter 1: Intruduction to Basic Terms

Stress

Permanent set
Strain

Figure 1-1 Stress- strain relation of an elastic body under load

Observation:
 Linear relation between a force and deformation up to a point called
elastic limit
 Force (stress) increase at a decreasing rate after the elastic limit.
 Generally, a perfect elastic material of a body is assumed to
be homogenous and isotopic.
 Homogenous refers to condition of a body where the material
continuously distributed over its volume so that the smallest element
cut from the body possesses the same specific physical properties.

 Isotropic refers to a body where its elastic properties are same in all
directions

 So far, no material as such is perfect elastic or plastic. However, for

practical reason some materials are considered nearly perfect elastic
such as steel and nearly perfect plastic such as rubber.
 When the elastic properties of a material become different in different
direction the material of the body is termed as anisotropic.

Lecture Note by Dr. Asnake Adamu of AAiT 1-2