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ENG1001 Private Study Questions Set 7

1. The machine component shown below can be analysed as an overhung simply supported beam.
It is made of cast iron, which is much stronger in compression than in tension. If the maximum
stress must be limited to 30 MPa in tension and 100 MPa in compression, calculate the maximum
value of the load P that can be applied.

200 P

50

200

50 1.0 m
cross section
dimensions in mm
0.5 m

2. Calculate the maximum stress in a beam which has the cross section drawn below. It is
subjected to a moment about the YY axis of 20 kN-m (top of the beam in compression). Is the
maximum stress tensile or compressive?

50 200 50

Y Y
200 40

dimensions in mm

3. Calculate the location and magnitude of the maximum tension and compression bending
stresses in the beam below.
100mm

100mm

Beam cross-sectional area

(All sides 5mm thick)
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4 (a) Using the useful information below, calculate the deflection at the centre of the beam (in
terms of P) for the beam shown following (Ans: 0.45x10-3P mm (Pin N))

EI = 10 x 106 Nm2
P

3m 3m

(b) Using the useful information below, calculate the deflection at the centre of the beam for
the beam shown following: (Ans:-12.375mm)

20 kN 20 kN

EI = 10 x 106 Nm2

1.5 m 3m 1.5 m

Useful Information:

 Px 3 P( x  a) 3 Pa 
y
1
   a  L) x  where x > a
EI  6 6 2 

P P

a a
L
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Challenging Question:

5. Two 50 mm by 150 mm wooden planks are glued together to form a T section as shown in the
figure below. If a bending moment of 5 kNm is applied to the beam acting around a horizontal
axis (top in compression),
a) Find the stresses at the extreme fibres.
b) Calculate the total compressive force developed by the bending stresses above the
neutral axis.
c) Find the total force due to the tensile bending stresses, and compare it with the result
found in (b).

50 x 150 mm

6. Calculate the reactions for the beam below. Note: This problem has four reactions, so the 3
equations of equilibrium do not give sufficient information to solve the problem – it is statically
indeterminate. The answer requires you to use the results from Q4 above by summing the
deflection from both Q4(a)&(b) and equating them to zero to solve for P (thus consider P to be
the central support reaction)

20 kN 20 kN

EI = 10 x 106 Nm2

1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m