310

C h a p t e r 6   B e n d i n g

6.5  UNSYMMETRIC BENDING

When developing the flexure formula, we required the cross-sectional
y
area to be symmetric about an axis perpendicular to the neutral axis and
the resultant moment M to act along the neutral axis. Such is the case for
Axis of symmetry
the “T” and channel sections shown in Fig. 6–29. In this section we will
show how to apply the flexure formula either to a beam having a cross-
sectional area of any shape or to a beam supporting a moment that acts
Neutral axis in any direction.

Moment Applied About Principal Axis.  Consider the beam’s

M x
z cross section to have the unsymmetrical shape shown in Fig. 6–30a. As
in Sec. 6.4, the right-handed x, y, z coordinate system is established such
that the origin is located at the centroid C on the cross section, and the
resultant internal moment M acts along the +z axis. It is required that
y the stress distribution acting over the entire cross-sectional area have a
zero force resultant. Also, the moment of the stress distribution about the
y  axis must be zero, and the moment about the z axis must equal M.
Axis of symmetry These three conditions can be expressed mathematically by considering
the force acting on the differential element dA located at (0, y, z),
Fig. 6–30a. Since this force is dF = s dA, we have
Neutral axis

LA
FR = Fx; 0 = - s dA (6–14)
z M x

LA
(MR)y = My; 0 = - zs dA (6–15)
Fig. 6–29

LA
(MR)z = Mz; M = ys dA (6–16)

y
y
smax
z dF  sdA
s
dA c
y M
x
C
y M
z x
Bending-stress distribution
(profile view)
6 (a)   (b)
Fig. 6–30
 6.5 Unsymmetric Bending 311

As shown in Sec. 6.4, Eq. 6–14 is satisfied since the z axis passes through
the centroid of the area. Also, since the z axis represents the neutral axis
for the cross section, the normal stress will vary linearly from zero at the
neutral axis to a maximum at 0 y 0 = c, Fig. 6–30b. Hence the stress
distribution is defined by s = -(y>c)smax . When this equation is
substituted into Eq. 6–16 and integrated, it leads to the flexure formula
smax = Mc>I. When it is substituted into Eq. 6–15, we get

-smax
c LA
0 = yz dA

which requires Z-sectioned members are often used in

light-gage metal building construction to

LA
yz dA = 0 support roofs. To design them to support
bending loads, it is necessary to determine
their principal axes of inertia.

This integral is called the product of inertia for the area. As indicated
in Appendix A, it will indeed be zero provided the y and z axes are
chosen as principal axes of inertia for the area. For an arbitrarily shaped
area, such as the one in Fig. 6–30a, the orientation of the principal axes
can always be determined, using the inertia transformation equations as
explained in Appendix A, Sec. A.4. If the area has an axis of symmetry,
however, the principal axes can easily be established since they will
always be oriented along the axis of symmetry and perpendicular to it.
For example, consider the members shown in Fig. 6–31. In each of these
cases, y and z represent the principal axes of inertia for the cross section.
In Fig. 6–31a the principal axes are located by symmetry, and in
Figs. 6–31b and 6–31c their orientation is determined using the methods
of Appendix A. Since M is applied only about one of the principal axes
(the z axis), the stress distribution has a linear variation, and is determined
from the flexure formula, s = -My>Iz, as shown for each case.

y y

M
M
M 6
z
x x
z
z
(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 6–31
 312 C h a p t e r 6   B e n d i n g

y Moment Arbitrarily Applied.  Sometimes a member may be

loaded such that M does not act about one of the principal axes of the
cross section. When this occurs, the moment should first be resolved into
components directed along the principal axes, then the flexure formula
can be used to determine the normal stress caused by each moment
component. Finally, using the principle of superposition, the resultant
M
normal stress at the point can be determined.
u
To formalize this procedure, consider the beam to have a rectangular
z x
cross section and to be subjected to the moment M, Fig. 6–32a, where M
makes an angle u with the maximum principal z axis, i.e., the axis of
(a) maximum moment of inertia for the cross section. We will assume u is
positive when it is directed from the +z axis towards the +y axis. Resolving


M into components, we have Mz = M cos u and My = M sin u, Figs. 6–32b

and 6–32c. The normal-stress distributions that produce M and its
y components Mz and My are shown in Figs. 6–32d, 6–32e, and 6–32f, where
it is assumed that (sx)max 7 (sx)max. By inspection, the maximum tensile
and compressive stresses [(sx)max + (sx)max] occur at two opposite
corners of the cross section, Fig. 6–32d.
Applying the flexure formula to each moment component in Figs. 6–32b
and 6–32c, and adding the results algebraically, the resultant normal stress
at any point on the cross section, Fig. 6–32d, is therefore

x M zy M yz
z
Mz  Mcos u s = - + (6–17)
Iz Iy
(b)


Here,
s = the normal stress at the point. Tensile stress is positive and
y
compressive stress is negative.
y, z = the coordinates of the point measured from a right-handed
My  M sin u coordinate system, x, y, z, having their origin at the centroid of
the cross-sectional area. The x axis is directed outward from the
cross section and the y and z axes represent, respectively, the
principal axes of minimum and maximum moment of inertia
for the area.
z
x Mz, My = the resultant internal moment components directed along the
maximum z and minimum y principal axes. They are positive if
directed along the +z and +y axes, otherwise they are negative.
6 (c) Or, stated another way, My = M sin u and Mz = M cos u,
Fig. 6–32 where u is measured positive from the +z axis towards the
+y axis.
Iz, Iy = 
the maximum and minimum principal moments of inertia
calculated about the z and y axes, respectively. See Appendix A.
 6.5 Unsymmetric Bending 313

y
Orientation of the Neutral Axis.  The equation defining the
neutral axis, and its inclination a, Fig. 6–32d, can be determined by
applying Eq. 6–17 to a point y, z where s = 0, since by definition no
[(sx)max  (sx¿ )max]
normal stress acts on the neutral axis. We have [(sx)max  (s¿x)max]

M y Iz N
y = z
M z Iy
A
z x
a
Since Mz = M cos u and My = M sin u, then [(sx)max  (sx¿ )max]
[(sx)max  (sx¿ )max]

Iz (d)
y = ¢ tan u≤z (6–18)
Iy


Since the slope of this line is tan a = y>z, then
(sx)max

Iz
tan a = tan u (6–19)
Iy
z

(sx)max

(e)


y

IMPO RTANT POINTS (sx¿ )max

• The flexure formula can be applied only when bending occurs

about axes that represent the principal axes of inertia for the
cross section. These axes have their origin at the centroid and
are oriented along an axis of symmetry, if there is one, and (sx¿ )max
perpendicular to it.

• If the moment is applied about some arbitrary axis, then the (f)
moment must be resolved into components along each of the Fig. 6–32 (cont.) 6
principal axes, and the stress at a point is determined by
superposition of the stress caused by each of the moment
components.
 314 C h a p t e r 6   B e n d i n g

EXAMPLE 6.15

The rectangular cross section shown in Fig. 6–33a is subjected to a bending

moment of M = 12 kN # m. Determine the normal stress developed at each
corner of the section, and specify the orientation of the neutral axis.

SOLUTION

Internal Moment Components.  By inspection it is seen that the y

and z axes represent the principal axes of inertia since they are axes of
symmetry for the cross section. As required we have established the
z axis as the principal axis for maximum moment of inertia. The moment
is resolved into its y and z components, where

My = - (12 kN # m) = -9.60 kN # m
4
5
Mz = (12 kN # m) = 7.20 kN # m
3
5

Section Properties.  The moments of inertia about the y and z axes are

1
Iy = (0.4 m)(0.2 m)3 = 0.2667(10-3) m4
12
1
Iz = (0.2 m)(0.4 m)3 = 1.067(10-3) m4
12

Bending Stress.  Thus,

M zy M yz
s = - +
Iz Iy

7.20(103) N # m(0.2 m) -9.60(103) N # m( -0.1 m)

sB = - + = 2.25 MPa   Ans.
1.067(10-3) m4 0.2667(10-3) m4
7.20(103) N # m(0.2 m) -9.60(103) N # m(0.1 m)
sC = - + = -4.95 MPa   Ans.
1.067(10-3) m4 0.2667(10-3) m4
7.20(103) N # m( -0.2 m) -9.60(103) N # m(0.1 m)
sD = - + = -2.25 MPa  Ans.
1.067(10-3) m4 0.2667(10-3) m4
7.20(103) N # m( -0.2 m) -9.60(103) N # m( -0.1 m)
6 sE = - + = 4.95 MPa  Ans.
1.067(10-3) m4 0.2667(10-3) m4

The resultant normal-stress distribution has been sketched using these

values, Fig. 6–33b. Since superposition applies, the distribution is linear
as shown.
 6.5 Unsymmetric Bending 315

4.95 MPa

x A
E 2.25 MPa
2.25 MPa D
0.2 m E B
0.2 m D M  12 kNm
5 N
B z 4.95 MPa
3 4 C

0.1 m C 0.2 m
0.1 m
y z

(a)    (b)
Fig. 6–33
M  12 kNm
Orientation of Neutral Axis.  The location z of the neutral axis (NA), A
Fig. 6–33b, can be established by proportion. Along the edge BC, we 5 4
require 3

E D
2.25 MPa 4.95 MPa
=
z (0.2 m - z) u  53.1
z
0.450 - 2.25z = 4.95z a  79.4

z = 0.0625 m B C

In the same manner this is also the distance from D to the neutral axis.
We can also establish the orientation of the NA using Eq. 6–19, which N
is used to specify the angle a that the axis makes with the z or maximum y
principal axis. According to our sign convention, u must be measured
(c)
from the +z axis toward the +y axis. By comparison, in Fig. 6–33c,
u = -tan-1 43 = -53.1 (or u = +306.9). Thus,
Iz
tan a = tan u
Iy

1.067(10-3) m4
tan a = tan( -53.1)
0.2667(10-3) m4
a = -79.4 Ans. 6

This result is shown in Fig. 6–33c. Using the value of z calculated above,
verify, using the geometry of the cross section, that one obtains the same
answer.
 316 C h a p t e r 6   B e n d i n g

EXAMPLE 6.16
The Z-section shown in Fig. 6–34a is subjected to the bending moment of
M = 20 kN # m. The principal axes y and z are oriented as shown, such that
they represent the minimum and maximum principal moments of inertia,
Iy = 0.960(10-3) m4 and Iz = 7.54(10-3) m4, respectively.* Determine the
normal stress at point P and the orientation of the neutral axis.

SOLUTION
For use of Eq. 6–19, it is important that the z axis represent the principal
axis for the maximum moment of inertia. (For this case most of the area
z¿ z is located farthest from this axis.)
100 mm
Internal Moment Components.  From Fig. 6–34a,
P 32.9 Mz
My = 20 kN # m sin 57.1 = 16.79 kN # m
400 mm u  57.1
Mz = 20 kN # m cos 57.1 = 10.86 kN # m
M  20 kNm
y¿

100 mm Bending Stress.  The y and z coordinates of point P must be

300 mm determined first. Note that the y, z coordinates of P are ( -0.2 m, 0.35 m).
(a) My y Using the colored triangles from the construction shown in Fig. 6–34b,
we have

yP = -0.35 sin 32.9 - 0.2 cos 32.9 = -0.3580 m

zP = 0.35 cos 32.9 - 0.2 sin 32.9 = 0.1852 m

Applying Eq. 6–17,

Mz yP My zP
sP = - +
Iz Iy

(10.86(103) N # m)( -0.3580 m) (16.79(103) N # m)(0.1852 m)

z¿ z = - +
0.200 m 0.350 m 7.54(10-3) m4 0.960(10-3) m4
32.9
P = 3.76 MPa Ans.
N
32.9 Orientation of Neutral Axis.  Using the angle u = 57.1 between
M and the z axis, Fig. 6–34a, we have
a  85.3
y¿
7.54(10-3) m4
tan a = J R tan 57.1
6 0.960(10-3) m4
A a = 85.3 Ans.
y
(b)

Fig. 6–34 The neutral axis is oriented as shown in Fig. 6–34b.

* These values are obtained using the methods of Appendix A.
(See Example A.4 or A.5.)