Umm Al-Qura university

College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture

Mechanical engineering

Mechanics of
Materials
The Effects of Stress on Mechanical
Members: A Comprehensive Report

Report by:
Yazan Hasan Alamri 441010556
Khalid Abdullah Alqurashi 441006039
Yusof Hani Fakiha 442010766
Muslih alfaki ali mohammed 441016148
Ahmad Abdullah Bukhari 443007350
Albdulaziz Husain Alaamodi 443003512
Table of Contents
Abstract: .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction: ................................................................................................................................ 4
2. Types of Stress:............................................................................................................................ 4
Tensile stress and its implications. .............................................................................................. 4
Compressive stress and its consequences. ................................................................................... 4
Shear stress and its influence on mechanical members. .............................................................. 4
Bending stress and its impact on structures. ................................................................................ 5
Torsional stress and its effect on rotating components. ............................................................... 5
3. Causes of Stress: .......................................................................................................................... 6
4. Effects of Stress on Mechanical Members: ................................................................................. 6
5. Stress Analysis Techniques:......................................................................................................... 6
6. Case Studies: ............................................................................................................................... 7
7. Mitigation and Design Considerations: ....................................................................................... 8
8. Future Trends and Developments: ............................................................................................... 9
9. Conclusion:.................................................................................................................................. 9
References: .................................................................................................................................... 10
Abstract:
This report examines the effects of stress on mechanical members, including
structures, components, and materials. Stress is a crucial factor that can
significantly impact the performance, reliability, and lifespan of mechanical
systems. By understanding and analyzing the various types of stress, their
causes, and their effects, engineers and designers can make informed
decisions to enhance the durability and safety of mechanical members.
1. Introduction:
- Overview of stress and its significance in mechanical engineering.
- Importance of studying stress effects on mechanical members

2. Types of Stress:
Tensile stress and its implications.
Tensile stress, denoted by σ (sigma), signifies the internal force per unit area acting within a
material subjected to pulling forces that tend to elongate it. It arises due to the interaction between
atoms/molecules within the material trying to resist being pulled apart. Mathematically: σ = F/A

Compressive stress and its consequences.

Compressive stress, denoted by σ (sigma) with a negative sign, is the internal force per unit area
acting within a material subjected to pushing forces that tend to compress it. It arises due to the
interaction between atoms/molecules within the material trying to resist being pushed closer
together.

Shear stress and its influence on mechanical members.

Shear stress, denoted by τ (tau), represents the internal force per unit area acting within a material
subjected to forces that tend to cause layers or slices of the material to slide past each other.
Unlike tensile and compressive stresses, which act normal to the surface, shear stress acts
tangentially. Imagine pushing your fingers horizontally against the opposite sides of a deck of
cards – that's shear stress in action.

• Beams and trusses: Bending moments in beams induce internal shear stresses that can
cause bending failure. Trusses rely on members experiencing primarily axial tension or
compression, but connections within trusses often involve shear forces.

• Shafts and axles: Rotating shafts experience torsional shear stress due to torque, which
can lead to torsional failure if exceeding the material's limit.

• Bolted and riveted joints: Shear forces acting across the fastener shank create shear
stress, requiring proper fastener selection and design to prevent failure.

• Adhesive joints: Adhesives resist shear forces trying to separate bonded surfaces, and
the joint's strength depends on the adhesive's
 Bending stress and its impact on structures.
Bending stress, denoted by σ (sigma) with a subscript b, arises when a transverse force
acts on a beam or similar structure, causing it to bend. Imagine holding a ruler at one end
and pushing down on the other end – that's bending stress in action. It's a combination of
tensile and compressive stresses distributed across the beam's cross-section.

• Deflection: Excessive bending stress can cause excessive deflection, compromising

functionality or aesthetics.

• Failure: If bending stress exceeds the material's strength, it can lead to bending failure,
such as cracking or fracture.

• Design considerations: Engineers consider bending stress when selecting materials,

sizing beams, and designing connections to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Torsional stress and its effect on rotating components.

Torsional stress, denoted by τ (tau), arises in rotating components subjected to twisting
forces or torque. Imagine twisting a doorknob – that's torsional stress in action. It acts
tangentially within the material, causing layers to twist relative to each other.

• Shaft failure: Excessive torsional stress can lead to twisting failure (shearing or fatigue
fracture) of shafts, axles, and other rotating elements.

• Power transmission: Shafts transmit power through torque, and understanding torsional
stress is essential for designing safe and efficient power transmission systems.

• Stress concentrations: Features like keyways, grooves, or changes in diameter can

create stress concentrations, increasing the risk of failure at these points.

• Material selection: Engineers consider a material's torsional strength, fatigue properties,

and weight when selecting materials for rotating components.
3. Causes of Stress:
- External loads and forces.
- Temperature variations and thermal stress.
- Vibrations and dynamic loads.
- Fatigue and cyclic stress.
- Material properties and their role in stress development.

4. Effects of Stress on Mechanical Members:

- Deformation and elastic behavior, Up to a certain limit, most materials deform
proportionally to the applied stress and return to their original shape upon stress
removal.

- Plastic deformation and failure, Beyond the elastic limit, some materials deform
permanently even after stress removal. This "set" can weaken the member.

- Fracture: If stress exceeds the material's strength, it may fracture or break,

leading to catastrophic failure.

- Creep and time-dependent effects.

- Buckling and instability in structures.
- Fatigue failure and its implications.
- Corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

5. Stress Analysis Techniques:

- Analytical methods for stress calculation.
- Finite element analysis (FEA) and its application.
- Experimental stress analysis techniques.
- Stress mitigation strategies.
6. Case Studies:
Case 1: Bridge Collapse due to Fatigue Stress

• The Case: The I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tragically
collapsed in 2007.

• The Stress: Cyclic stresses from daily traffic loads, exceeding the fatigue strength of
steel gusset plates, led to crack initiation and propagation.

• The Effect: The gusset plates fractured, causing a chain reaction leading to the
catastrophic collapse of the bridge, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

• Learnings: This case highlighted the importance of fatigue analysis and considering
cyclic loading effects in bridge design.

Case 2: Turbine Blade Failure due to Creep

• The Case: In 2018, a high-pressure turbine blade in a power plant fractured, causing
significant damage.

• The Stress: Sustained high operating temperatures and centrifugal forces induced creep
stress in the blade material.

• The Effect: Creep caused microstructural changes and gradual deformation, ultimately
leading to a brittle fracture of the blade.

• Learnings: This case emphasized the need for creep-resistant materials and temperature
control in high-temperature applications.

Case 3: Aircraft Wing Failure due to Bending Stress

• The Case: In 1982, a cargo door on a Boeing 747 detached mid-flight, leading to
structural failure and decompression of the fuselage.

• The Stress: Improper latching and high bending loads during flight exceeded the design
limits of the door mechanism.

• The Effect: The excessive bending stress caused fatigue cracks to propagate rapidly,
leading to the door detaching and compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft.

• Learnings: This case underscored the importance of stress analysis and fatigue testing of
critical components in aircraft design.
Case 4: Building Collapse due to Shear Stress

• The Case: The Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed in 2013, resulting
in over 1,100 fatalities.

• The Stress: Unauthorized floor additions created excessive shear stress on the columns
and beams, exceeding their design capacity.

• The Effect: The shear stress caused the columns and beams to fail, leading to the
progressive collapse of the entire building.

• Learnings: This tragic case highlighted the importance of building codes, structural
integrity assessments, and considering all potential load scenarios in design.

Case 5: Shaft Seizure due to Torsional Stress

• The Case: A wind turbine gearbox experienced a shaft seizure, leading to significant
downtime and repair costs.

• The Stress: Improper lubrication and high torque loads from wind gusts led to excessive
torsional stress on the shaft.

• The Effect: The torsional stress caused localized overheating and plastic deformation,
ultimately seizing the shaft and halting the turbine operation.

• Learnings: This case emphasized the importance of lubrication, proper torque

calculations, and using materials with sufficient torsional strength in rotating
components.

7. Mitigation and Design Considerations:

- Material selection and properties.
- Structural design and optimization.
- Stress relieving techniques.
- Maintenance and inspection practices.
8. Future Trends and Developments:
- Advancements in stress analysis tools and methodologies.
- Emerging materials and their impact on stress management.
- Integration of computational models and artificial intelligence.

9. Conclusion:
- Summary of the key findings.
- Importance of stress analysis and mitigation in mechanical engineering.
- Recommendations for further research.
References:
https://courses.washington.edu/me354a/chap3.pdf
12.3 Stress, Strain, and Elastic Modulus - University Physics Volume 1 |
OpenStax
Stress (mechanics) - Wikipedia