Chapter II computation of displacements in structures

STRAIN containing axially loaded bars, such as

2.3 Axially Loaded Bars
Figure 2.7 shows a bar of length L and
constant cross-sectional area A that is loaded by
an axial tensile force P. We assume that the
stress caused by P is below the proportional limit,
so that Hooke’s law 𝜎 = 𝐸𝜖 is applicable.
trusses.
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS
2.1 The steel propeller shaft ABCD carries the
axial loads shown in Fig. (a). Determine the
change in the length of the shaft caused by
these loads. Use E = 29 x 10 6 psi for steel.

Figure 2.7 Axially loaded bar.

Solution:

Because the bar deforms uniformly, the

axial strain is 𝜖 = 𝛿/𝐿 which upon substitution into
Hooke’s law yields 𝜎 = 𝐸(𝛿/𝐿). Therefore, the
elongation of the bar is
𝜎𝐿 𝑃𝐿
𝛿= = Equation (2-4)
𝐸 𝐴𝐸

where in the last step we substituted 𝜎 = 𝑃/𝐴. From the free-body diagrams in Fig. (b)
If the strain (or stress) in the bar is not uniform, we see that the internal forces in the three
then Eq. (2.4) is invalid. segments of the shaft are

In the case where the axial strain varies 𝑃𝐴𝐵 = 𝑃𝐵𝐶 = 2000 𝑙𝑏. (𝑇)
with the x-coordinate, the elongation of the bar 𝑃𝐶𝐷 = 4000 𝑙𝑏. (𝐶)
can be obtained by integration,
𝐿
𝜎 𝐿
𝑃 Because the axial force and the cross-
𝛿=∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑑𝑥 Equation (2-5)
sectional area are constant within each
0 𝐸 0 𝐴𝐸
segment, the changes in the lengths of the
We see that Eq. (2-5) reduces to Eq. (2-4) only if segments can be computed from Eq. (2.4).
P, E, and A are constants. The change in the length of the shaft is
obtained by adding the contributions of the
Notes on the Computation of Deformation. segments. Noting that tension causes elongation
 The magnitude of the internal force P in Eqs. and compression results in shortening, we obtain
(2-4) and (2-5) must be found from equilibrium for the elongation of the shaft
analysis. 𝑃𝐿 1 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
 Note that a positive (tensile) P results in 𝛿=∑ = [( ) + ( ) − ( ) ]
𝐴𝐸 𝐸 𝐴 𝐴𝐵 𝐴 𝐵𝐶 𝐴 𝐶𝐷
positive d (elongation); conversely, a
negative P (compression) gives rise to 1 2000(5 × 12) 2000(4 × 12)
𝛿= [( ) +( )
negative d (shortening). 29 × 106 𝜋(0.5)2 /4 𝐴𝐵 𝜋(0.75)2 /4 𝐵𝐶
 Care must be taken to use consistent units in 4000(4 × 12)
Eqs. (2.6) and (2.7). It is common practice to −( ) ]
𝜋(0.75)2 /4 𝐶𝐷
let the units of E determine the units to be
used for P, L, and A. 𝜹 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟓𝟖 𝒊𝒏. (𝑻 − 𝑬𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏)
 As long as the axial stress is in the elastic
range, the elongation (or shortening) of a bar
is very small compared to its length. This
property can be utilized to simplify the
2.2 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.
Solution:
We begin by computing the axial force
in rod AC. Noting that bar BC is a two-force
body, the FBD of joint C in Fig. (b) yields

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 +↑

𝑃𝐴𝐶 sin 40° − 2000 = 0

𝑃𝐴𝐶 = 3111 𝑙𝑏.

The elongation of AC can now be

Solution: obtained from Eq. (2.4). Noting that the length of
Equilibrium requires that the internal axial the rod is
force P = 100 kN is constant along the entire 𝐿𝐵𝐶 8 × 12
length of the bar. However, the cross-sectional 𝐿𝐴𝐶 = = = 125.32 𝑖𝑛.
cos 40° cos 40°
area A of the bar varies with the x-coordinate, so
that the elongation of the bar must be 𝑃𝐿 3111(125.32)
computed from Eq. (2.5). 𝛿𝐴𝐶 = ( ) =
𝐴𝐸 𝐴𝐶 0.25(29 × 106 )
We start by determining A as a function
of x. The cross-sectional areas at A and B are 𝜹𝑨𝑪 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓𝟑𝟕𝟖 𝒊𝒏. (𝑻 − 𝑬𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏)
AA = 20 x 40 = 800 mm2 and AB = 20 x 120 = 2400
mm2 . Between A and B the cross-sectional area
is a linear function of x:
𝑥
𝐴 = 𝐴𝐴 + (𝐴𝐵 − 𝐴𝐴 ) ( )
𝐿
𝐴 = (800 + 160𝑥) × 10−6 𝑚2 𝐸𝑞. (𝑎)

Substituting Eq. (a) together with P = 100 x 103 N

and E = 200 x 109 Pa into Eq. (2.6), we obtain for
the elongation of the rod
𝐿
𝑃 10𝑚
100 × 103
𝛿=∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑑𝑥
0 𝐴𝐸 0 (800 + 160𝑥) × 10−6 (200 × 109 ) The geometric relationship between d
10𝑚
𝑑𝑥 0.5 AC and the displacement D C of C is illustrated
𝛿 = 0.5 ∫ = [ln(800 + 160) × 106 ]10
0 in the displacement diagram in Fig. (c).
800 + 160𝑥 160
0
Because bar BC is rigid, the movement of
𝜹 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟑 𝒎𝒎 point C is confined to a circular arc centered at
B. Observing that the displacements are very
2.3 The rigid bar BC in Fig. (a) is supported by the small relative to the lengths of the bars, this arc is
steel rod AC of cross-sectional area 0.25 in.2. Find practically the straight line CC’, perpendicular
the vertical displacement of point C caused by to BC. Having established the direction of D C ,
the 2000-lb load. Use E = 29 x 106 psi for steel. we now resolve D C into components that are
parallel and perpendicular to AC.
The perpendicular component is due to
the rotation of bar AC about A, whereas the
parallel component is the elongation of AC.
From geometry, the enlarged portion of the
displacement diagram in Fig. (c) yields

𝛿𝐴𝐶 0.05378
∆𝑐 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟖𝟑𝟕 𝒊𝒏. ↓
sin 40° sin 40°