PROBLEM 

   03 – 0074:      A 1-in2 rod L in. long is suspended vertically as shown in

Fig.1.The weight per unit volume of the material is γ.
Determine the normal stress in this rod using differential
equations of equilibrium.
 
Solution:                    Since the only force applied is in the axial direction. Fy = 0.
The shear stress, τxy = (Fy / A), is therefore zero. If Txy = 0, then (∂τxy / ∂y)
will also be zero, xy
[(∂σx / ∂x) + (∂Txy / ∂y) + x] = 0.                                                       
                                                (∂σx / ∂x) + X = 0
where X is the body force of the material = γ
∂σx =  – γ∂x.
Integrating both sides of the equation yields
σx =  − γx + C1.
due to the boundary condition at x = L, σx = 0
σx ( L) = − γ (L) + C1 = 0
C1 = γL
σx = − γx + γL ⇒ σx = γ (L − x)
 

 
The result obtained can be easily checked by cutting the rod (L − x) inches
above the free end, Fig. (2)
σ(L−x) = (p/A) ⇒ σ (L − x) = [{(L − x) (Area)γ} / (Area)] = γ (L − x )
Note that in more general problems deformations must be considered
simultaneously in the analysis.