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CHAPTER 4: Elastic Deformation and

Temperature effects on Axially Loaded Members
and Statically Indeterminate Members

Intended Learning Outcomes

After studying this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

1. Determine the deformations in axially loaded members.

2. Learn the different methods in finding support reactions that cannot be determine by the
equations of equilibrium.
3. Analyze the effect of thermal stress.

Saint- Venant’s Principle

The French scientist Barré de Saint-Venant formulated his famous principle in 1855. It
states that the stress and strain produced at points in a body sufficiently removed from the region
of load application will be the same as the stress and strain produced by any applied loadings
that have the same statically equivalent resultant, and are applied to the body within the same
region.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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Consider the manner in which a rectangular bar will deform elastically when the bar is
subjected to a force P applied along its centroidal axis, figure a. Here the bar is fixed connected at
one end, with the force applied through a hole at its other end. Due to the loading, the bar deforms
as indicated by the once horizontal and vertical grid lines drawn on the bar. Notice how the
localized deformation that occurs at each end tends to even out and become uniform throughout
the midsection of the bar.

If the material remains elastic then the strains caused by this deformation are directly related
to the stress in the bar. As a result, the stress will be distributed more uniformly throughout the
cross-sectional area when the section is taken farther and farther from the point where any external
load is applied. For example, consider a profile of the variation of the stress distribution acting at
sections a–a, b–b, and c–c, each of which is shown in figure b. By comparison, the stress tends to
reach a uniform value at section c–c, which is sufficiently removed from the end since the localized
deformation caused by P vanishes. The minimum distance from the bar’s end where this occurs
can be determined using a mathematical analysis based on the theory of elasticity.

It has been found that this distance should at least be equal to the largest dimension of the
loaded cross section. Hence, section c–c should be located at a distance at least equal to the width
(not the thickness) of the bar.

In the same way, the stress distribution at the support will also even out and become
uniform over the cross section located the same distance away from the support. The fact that stress
and deformation behave in this manner is referred to as Saint-Venant’s principle.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Elastic Deformation of an Axially Loaded Member

Using Hooke’s law and the definitions of stress and strain, we will now develop an equation that
can be used to determine the elastic displacement of a member subjected to axial loads. To
generalize the development, consider the bar shown in Fig. a, which has a cross sectional area that
gradually varies along its length L.

Using the method of sections, a differential element (or wafer) of length dx and
crosssectional area A(x) is isolated from the bar at the arbitrary position x. The free-body diagram
of this element is shown in Figure b. The resultant internal axial force will be a function of x since
the external distributed loading will cause it to vary along the length of the bar. This load, P(x),
will deform the element into the shape indicated by the dashed outline, and therefore the
displacement of one end of the element with respect to the other end is dẟ. The stress and strain in
the element are:

Provided the stress does not exceed the proportional limit, we can apply Hooke’s law; i.e.,

For the entire length L of the bar, we must integrate this expression to find δ. This yields

Equation 1:

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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Constant Load and Cross-Sectional Area. When a constant external force is applied at each end
of the member,

Equation 2:

If the bar is subjected to several different axial forces along its length, or the crosssectional area
or modulus of elasticity changes abruptly from one region of the bar to the next, the above equation
can be applied to each segment of the bar where these quantities remain constant. The displacement
of one end of the bar with respect to the other is then found from the algebraic addition of the
relative displacements of the ends of each segment. For this general case,

Equation 3:

Sign Convention
Force and displacement is positive when tension and elongation and negative will be compression
and contraction.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Procedure for Analysis

The relative displacement between any two points A and B on an axially loaded member can
be determined by applying Eq. 1 (or Eq. 2). Application requires the following steps.
Internal Force.
 Use the method of sections to determine the internal axial force P within the member.
 If this force varies along the member’s length due to an external distributed loading, a section
should be made at the arbitrary location x from one end of the member and the force
represented as a function of x, i.e., P(x).
 If several constant external forces act on the member, the internal force in each segment of
the member, between any two external forces, must be determined.
 For any segment, an internal tensile force is positive and an internal compressive force is
negative. For convenience, the results of the internal loading can be shown graphically by
constructing the normal-force diagram.
Displacement.
 When the member’s cross-sectional area varies along its length, the area must be expressed
as a function of its position x, i.e., A(x).
 If the cross-sectional area, the modulus of elasticity, or the internal loading suddenly
changes, then Eq.2 should be applied to each segment for which these quantities are constant.
 When substituting the data into Eqs. 1 through 3, be sure to account for the proper sign for
the internal force P. Tensile loadings are positive and compressive loadings are negative.
Also, use a consistent set of units. For any segment, if the result is a positive numerical
quantity, it indicates elongation; if it is negative, it indicates a contraction.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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Sample Problem 1:
The A-36 steel bar shown in Fig. (a) is made from two segments having cross-sectional areas
of AAB = 1in2 and ABD = 2in2. Determine the vertical displacement of end A and the displacement
of B relative to C. Est = 29 (103) ksi

Solution:
Internal Force. Due to the application of the external loadings, the internal axial forces in regions
AB, BC, and CD will all be different. These forces are obtained by applying the method of sections
and the equation of vertical force equilibrium as shown in Fig. b. This variation is plotted in Fig.
c.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Displacement. Using the sign convention, i.e., internal tensile forces are positive and compressive
forces are negative, the vertical displacement of A relative to the fixed support D is

Since the result is positive, the bar elongates and so the displacement at A is upward.

Applying Eq. 4–2 between points B and C, we obtain,

Here B moves away from C, since the segment elongates

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 2

The assembly consists of an aluminum tube AB having a cross-sectional area of 400 mm2.
A steel rod having a diameter of 10 mm is attached to a rigid collar and passes through the tube. If
a tensile load of 80 kN is applied to the rod, determine the displacement of the end C of the rod.
(Est = 200 GPa, Eal = 70 GPa )

Solution:

Internal Force. The free-body diagram of the tube and rod segments in figure b, shows that the
rod is subjected to a tension of 80 kN and the tube is subjected to a compression of 80 kN.

Displacement. We will first determine the displacement of end C with respect to end B. Working
in units of newton’s and meters, we have

The positive sign indicates that end C moves to the right relative to end B, since the bar
elongates.
The displacement of end B with respect to the fixed end A is

Here the negative sign indicates that the tube shortens, and so B moves to the right relative
to A.
Since both displacements are to the right, the displacement of C relative to the fixed end A is
therefore

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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Sample Problem 3

Rigid beam AB rests on the two short posts shown in Fig. a. AC is made of steel and has a
diameter of 20 mm, and BD is made of aluminum and has a diameter of 40 mm. Determine the
displacement of point F on AB if a vertical load of 90 kN is applied over this point. Take (Est =
200 GPa, Eal = 70 GPa )

SOLUTION
Internal Force. The compressive forces acting at the top of each post are determined from the
equilibrium of member AB, Fig. b. These forces are equal to the internal forces in each post, Fig.
c

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Displacement. The displacement of the top of each post is

A diagram showing the centerline displacements at A, B, and F on the beam is shown in

Fig. d. By proportion of the blue shaded triangle, the displacement of point F is therefore

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 4
A member is made from a material that has a specific weight and modulus of elasticity E.
If it is in the form of a cone having the dimensions shown in Fig. a, determine how far its end is
displaced due to gravity when it is suspended in the vertical position.

SOLUTION
Internal Force. The internal axial force varies along the member since it is dependent on the
weight W(y) of a segment of the member below any section, Fig. b. Hence, to calculate the
displacement, we must use Eq. 1. At the section located a distance y from its free end, the radius
x of the cone as a function of y is determined by proportion; i.e.,

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

The volume of a cone having a base of radius x and height y is

Since W= γV, the internal force at the section becomes

Displacement. The area of the cross section is also a function of position y, Fig. b. We have

Applying Eq. 4–1 between the limits of and yields

NOTE: As a partial check of this result, notice how the units of the terms, when canceled, give the
displacement in units of length as expected

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Statically Indeterminate Axially Loaded Member

Consider the bar shown in Fig. a, which is fixed supported at both of its ends. From the free-
body diagram, Fig. b, equilibrium requires

This type of problem is called statically indeterminate, since the equilibrium equation(s)
are not sufficient to determine the two reactions on the bar.
In order to establish an additional equation needed for solution, it is necessary to consider
how points on the bar displace. Specifically, an equation that specifies the conditions for
displacement is referred to as a compatibility or kinematic condition. In this case, a suitable
compatibility condition would require the displacement of one end of the bar with respect to the
other end to be equal to zero, since the end supports are fixed. Hence, the compatibility condition
becomes

This equation can be expressed in terms of the applied loads by using a load- displacement
relationship, which depends on the material behaviour.

Assuming that AE is constant, then FA = FB (LCB/ LAC ) , so that using the equilibrium
equation, the equations for the reactions become

Since both of these results are positive, the direction of the reactions is shown correctly on
the free-body diagram.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Procedure for Analysis

The support reactions for statically indeterminate problems are determined by
satisfying equilibrium, compatibility, and forcedisplacement requirements for the
member.

Equilibrium.
 Draw a free-body diagram of the member in order to identify all the forces
that act on it.
 The problem can be classified as statically indeterminate if the number of
unknown reactions on the free-body diagram is greater than the number of
available equations of equilibrium.
 Write the equations of equilibrium for the member.

Compatibility.
 Consider drawing a displacement diagram in order to investigate the way the
member will elongate or contract when subjected to the external loads.
 Express the compatibility conditions in terms of the displacements caused by
the loading.
 Use a load–displacement relation, such as δ=PL/AE, to relate the unknown
displacements to the reactions.
 Solve the equilibrium and compatibility equations for the reactions. If any of
the results has a negative numerical value, it indicates that this force acts in
the opposite sense of direction to that indicated on the free-body diagram

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 1:

The steel rod shown in Fig. a has a diameter of 10 mm. It is fixed to the wall at A, and
before it is loaded, there is a gap of 0.2 mm between the wall at B’ and the rod. Determine the
reactions at A and B’ if the rod is subjected to an axial force of P=20 KN as shown. Neglect the
size of the collar at C. Take Est= 200 GPa

Solution:

Equilibrium: As shown on the free-body diagram, Fig. b, we will assume that force P is large
enough to cause the rod’s end B to contact the wall at B’. The problem is statically indeterminate
since there are two unknowns and only one equation of equilibrium.
compatibility condition for the rod is

Compatibility. The force P causes point B to move to with no further displacement. Therefore the
compatibility condition for the rod is

This displacement can be expressed in terms of the unknown reactions using the load
displacement relationship, Eq. 4–2, applied to segments AC and CB, Fig. 4–12c. Working in units
of newtons and meters, we have

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Since the answer for is positive, indeed end B contacts the wall at B’ as originally assumed.

Note: If FB were a negative quantity, the problem would be statically determinate, so that F B = 0
and FA = 20 kN.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 2

The aluminum post shown in Figure below is reinforced with a brass core. If this assembly
supports an axial compressive load of P= 9 kip, applied to the rigid cap, determine the average
normal stress in the aluminum and the brass. Take E al=10(103) ksi and Ebr= 15 (103) ksi.

Solution

Equilibrium. The free-body diagram of the post is shown in Fig.b. Here the resultant axial force
at the base is represented by the unknown components carried by the aluminium Fal, and brass, Fbr

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Compatibility. The rigid cap at the top of the post causes both the aluminum and brass to
displace the same amount. Therefore,

Since the results are positive, indeed the stress will be compressive. The average normal
stress in the aluminum and brass is therefore,

NOTE: Using these results, the stress distributions are shown in Fig. c

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 3

The three A-36 steel bars shown in Fig. a are pin connected to a rigid member. If the applied load
on the member is 15 kN, determine the force developed in each bar. Bars AB and EF each have a
cross-sectional area of 50mm2, and bar CD has a cross-sectional area of 30mm2.

SOLUTION
Equilibrium. The free-body diagram of the rigid member is shown in Fig. b. This problem is
statically indeterminate since there are three unknowns and only two available equilibrium
equations.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Compatibility. The applied load will cause the horizontal line ACE shown in Fig. c to move to the
inclined line A’C’E’. The displacements of points A, C, and E can be related by similar triangles.
Thus the compatibility equation that relates these displacements is

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Thermal Stress

A change in temperature can cause a body to change its dimensions. Generally, if the
temperature increases, the body will expand, whereas if the temperature decreases, it will contract.
Ordinarily this expansion or contraction is linearly related to the temperature increase or decrease
that occurs. If this is the case, and the material is homogeneous and isotropic, it has been found
from experiment that the displacement of a member having a length L can be calculated using the
formula

The change in length of a statically determinate member can easily be calculated using the
equation above, since the member is free to expand or contract when it undergoes a temperature
change. However, in a statically indeterminate member, these thermal displacements will be
constrained by the supports, thereby producing thermal stresses that must be considered in design.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 1

The A-36 steel bar shown in Fig. a is constrained to just fit between two fixed supports
when T1= 60 °F If the temperature is raised to T2= 120 °F, determine the average normal thermal
stress developed in the bar.

SOLUTION
Equilibrium.The free-body diagram of the bar is shown in Fig. b. Since there is no external load,
the force at A is equal but opposite to the force at B; that is,

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

The problem is statically indeterminate since this force cannot be determined from
equilibrium.

Compatibility.Since ẟA/B =0, the thermal displacement ẟT at A that occurs, Fig. c, is counteracted
by the force F that is required to push the bar ẟF back to its original position. The compatibility
condition at A becomes

NOTE: From the magnitude of F, it should be apparent that changes in temperature can cause
large reaction forces in statically indeterminate members.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Sample Problem 2

The rigid bar is fixed to the top of the three posts made of A-36 steel and 2014-T6 aluminum. The
posts each have a length of 250 mm when no load is applied to the bar, and the temperature is T 1
= 20°C. Determine the force supported by each post if the bar is subjected to T2 = 80°C.

SOLUTION

Equilibrium. The free-body diagram of the beam is shown in Fig.b. Moment equilibrium about
the beam’s center requires the forces in the steel posts to be equal. Summing forces on the free-
body diagram, we have

Compatibility. Due to load, geometry, and material symmetry, the top of each post is displaced
by an equal amount. Hence,

The final position of the top of each post is equal to its displacement caused by the
temperature increase, plus its displacement caused by the internal axial compressive force, Fig. c.
Thus, for the steel and aluminum post, we have

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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The negative value for indicates that this force acts opposite to that shown in Fig. b. In other
words, the steel posts are in tension and the aluminum post is in compression.

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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CHAPTER TEST

Directions: Solve the following problems.

Problem 1.0

The copper shaft is subjected to the axial loads shown. Determine the displacement of
end A with respect to end D. The diameters of each segment are dAB = 3 in., dBC = 2 in., and dCD
= 1 in. Take Ecu = 18(103) ksi.

𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝛿𝐴/𝐷 = 0.766(10−3 ) in.

Problem 2.0
The 30-mm-diameter A-36 steel rod is subjected to the loading shown. Determine the
displacement of end A with respect to end C.

Answer: 1.96 mm

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Problem 3.0

The steel pipe is filled with concrete and subjected to a compressive force of 80 kN.
Determine the average normal stress in the concrete and the steel due to this loading. The pipe
has an outer diameter of 80 mm and an inner diameter of 70 mm. Est = 200 GPa, Ec = 24 GPa.

Answer: Pst =57.47KN

σst= 48.8 MPa,
Pcon = 22.63 KN
σcon= 5.85 MPa

Problem 4.0

The rigid bar supports the 800-lb load. Determine the normal stress in each A-36 steel
cable if each cable has across-sectional area of 0.04 in2.

Answer: BC=11367.25 psi

CD=15368.25 psi

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members
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MECH AN ICS OFDEF ORM ABLE BODIES

Problem 5.0

Three bars each made of different materials are connected together and placed between
two walls when the temperature is T 1=12°C Determine the force exerted on the (rigid) supports
when the temperature becomes T2=18°C. The material properties and cross-sectional area of
each bar are given in the figure.

Answer: F = 4.20 kN

References:
1. HIBBELER, R. C., Mechanics of Materials, 8th Ed. (USA: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011)
2. PYTEL, A. and SINGER, F.L, Strength of Materials 4 th Ed., (New York: Harper Collins
Publisher Inc.)

Module 4 – Elastic Deformation and Temperature Effects on Axially Loaded Members and Statically
Indeterminate Members