For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 1

Lesson 2.2: Axially Loaded Bars

Lesson Summary
The lesson is about simple strain under axial loading. The problem-solving
centers on bars and beams.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
1. Calculate the deformations of axially loaded bars.
2. Solve strain-related problems on axially loaded bars.

Motivation Question
What are the materials that considerably deform when loaded?

Discussion
As shown below, a bar that is stretched by a force P elongates.
If the force P produces less than
the proportional limit, the
Hooke's Law is applicable: σ =
𝛿
Eε. Since ε= , the formula
𝐿
𝛿
becomes σ = E( ). Then,
𝐿
solving for δ:

𝜎𝐿
δ= where:
𝐸
δ = deformation (change in length)
σ = stress
L = length
E = modulus of elasticity
𝑃
Also σ= , thus:
𝐴

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 Esci132: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies/Strength of Materials

𝑃𝐿
δ = 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = applied force
A = cross-sectional area
Note that the above formulas are applicable for the following conditions:
1. The rod must be axially loaded.
2. The rod must be homogeneous and must have a constant cross-
section.
3. The stress must be within the elastic range.
If the axial strain varies with its longitudinal axis, the deformation can be
determined by integration:

𝐿𝜎 𝐿 𝑃
δ = ∫0 𝑑𝑦 or δ = ∫0 𝑑𝑦
𝐸 𝐸𝐴

Example 2.2-1. Calculate the elongation of a 1200-mm-long hollow

steel rod with an outer diameter of 50 mm and an inner diameter of 20
mm. It is used to carry a tensile load of 50 kN. Its modulus of elasticity
is 200 GPa.

Solution:
Step 1. Solve for its internal reaction.

Let: R = internal reaction

∑ 𝑥 = 0; R = 50 kN
Step 2. Calculate the elongation.
𝑃𝐿
σ= 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = R= 50,000 N (tension)

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 3

L = 1200 mm
A = area of the circular ring
A= π (25 mm)2 –π(10 mm)2=525π mm2
E = 200 GPa or 200,000 N/mm2
50,000 𝑁(1200 𝑚𝑚)
σ= 𝑁 = 0.18 mm (lengthening)
525𝜋𝑚𝑚2 (200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2

Example 2.2-2. Calculate the change in length of the composite bar

shown when F is equal to 10 kN. The bar is rigidly attached to a wall
and suitably braced to prevent buckling. The diameters of the steel,
aluminum, and bronze are 100 mm, 60 mm, and 40 mm, respectively.
The modulus of elasticity is 200 GPa for steel, 70 GPa for aluminum,
and 83 GPa for bronze.

Solution:
Step 1. Solve for δb (the deformation of bronze).

∑ 𝑥 = 0; Rb = 3F

𝑃𝐿
δb= 𝐴𝐸 where:
P=3F= 3 (10,000 N) = 30,000 N (tension)
L = 1200 mm
A = πr2 = π (20 mm)2 = 400 π mm2
E = 83 GPa or 83,000 MPa
30,000 𝑁(1200𝑚𝑚)
δb = = 0.345 mm (tension)
400𝜋𝑚𝑚2 (83000 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 )

Step 2. Calculate for δa (the deformation of aluminum).

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 Esci132: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies/Strength of Materials

∑ 𝑥 = 0; Ra = 4F
𝑃𝐿
δa= 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = 4F= 4 (10,000 N) = 40,000 N (tension)
L = 1000 mm
A = πr2 = π (30 mm)2 = 900 π mm2
E = 70 GPa or 70,000 MPa
40,000 𝑁(1000 𝑚𝑚)
δa= = 0.202 mm (lengthening)
900𝜋 𝑚𝑚2 (70,000 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 )

Step 3. Solve for δs (the total deformation of steel).

∑ 𝑥 = 0; Rs = 2F

𝑃𝐿
δs = 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = 2F= 2(10,000 N) = 20,000 N (tension)
L = 900 mm
A = πr2 = π (50 mm)2 = 2500 π mm2
E = 200 GPa or 200,000 MPa
20,000 𝑁(900 𝑚𝑚)
δs= 𝑁 = 0.011 mm (shortening)
2500𝜋 𝑚𝑚2 (200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2

Step 4. Solve for δT (the deformation of the composite bars).

δT = δb + δa – δs
δT = 0.345 mm + 0.202 mm – 0.011 mm
δT = 0.536 mm (lengthening)
Note that a positive sign indicates lengthening, while a negative is
shortening.

Example 2.2-3. A composite bar shown is composed of a steel

section rigidly fastened between an aluminum and a bronze

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 5

rod. Axial loads are applied at the indicated location, and the
rods are suitably braced to prevent buckling. The three sections
have the same diameters of 60 mm. Determine the maximum
value of F if the overall deformation should not exceed 0.75
mm. The stress should not exceed 90 MPa for the aluminum,
120 MPa for the steel, and 100 MPa for the bronze.

Solution:
Step 1. Compute the member forces:
For the aluminum:

∑ 𝑥 = 0; Ra = 2F (compression)
For the steel:

∑ 𝑥 = 0; Rs = 4F (tension)
For the bronze:

∑ 𝑥 = 0; Rb = 3F (tension)

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 Esci132: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies/Strength of Materials

Step 2. Calculate the force F if the total deformation (δT) should

not exceed 0.75 mm.
δT = - δAluminum + δSteel + δBronze
𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
δT = (𝐴𝐸)Aluminum + (𝐴𝐸)Steel + (𝐴𝐸)Bronze
where:
A = πr2 = π (30 mm)2 = 900 π mm2
2𝐹(1000𝑚𝑚) 4𝐹(1000𝑚𝑚)
0.75 mm = - [ 𝑁 ]
Aluminum +[ 𝑁 ]Steel
900𝜋 (70,000 ) 900𝜋 (200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2 𝑚𝑚2

3𝐹(1000𝑚𝑚)
+[ 𝑁 ]
Steel
900𝜋 (83,000 )
𝑚𝑚2

0.75 mm = - 1.01 x 10-5 F + 7.07 x 10-6 F + 1.27 x 10-5 F

F = 77,559.46 N
Step 3. Calculate the force F in each section based on the
allowable stress (Please see Example 1.2-5 for the detailed
solution.)

For aluminum: F = 127,234.50 N (compression)

For steel: F = 84,823.00 N (tensile)
For bronze: F = 94,247.78 N (tensile)

Step 4. Determine the maximum allowable force F.

Choose the smallest value of F. Therefore, the maximum
allowable F is 77,559.46 N.
Example 2.2-4. The figure below shows a rigid bar ABC hinged at A
and supported by a steel cable at B. A downward 50-kN force is
acting at C. Determine the vertical displacement of point C.

Solution:

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 7

Step 1. Compute the internal force in the steel cable.

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0
0 = 50,000 N (6 m) – Tb (4 m)
Tb = 75,000 N (tension)
Step 2. Calculate the elongation of the steel cable.

𝑃𝐿
δb= 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = 75,000 N (tension)
L = 3000 mm
A = 120 mm2
E = 200 GPa or 200,000 MPa
75,000 𝑁(3000 𝑚𝑚)
δb = 120 𝑚𝑚2(200,000 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 ) = 9.375 mm (lengthening)

Note: An internal force elongates the body, while a

compressive force shortens the body.
Step 3. Determine the vertical displacement of point C.

Note: Before the 50-kN load is applied, the position of the

bar is at ABC. When the load is applied, the steel cable
elongates, making the bar in an incline position. Hence, δb
(or Yb) and Yc are the vertical movement of C and B,
respectively. These distances are minimal but are drawn
with large magnification for better illustration. Specifically,
Yb is equal to δb.

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 Esci132: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies/Strength of Materials

To calculate Yc, consider the triangle ACC' (or ∆ACC'). The

angle ACC' (or <ACC') can be assumed as a right angle
since Yc is very small.

Using similar triangles, solve for Yc:

𝑦𝑐 𝛿𝑏
=
6𝑚 4𝑚
𝑦𝑐 9.375 𝑚𝑚
=
6𝑚 4𝑚

yc = 14.06 mm

Example 2.2-5. Two cables support the homogeneous bar AC at A

and C. If the downward force P is 75 kN, determine its vertical
displacement.

Solution:

Step 1. Draw the FBD of the horizontal bar.

Let: Ta = the cable's tensile force at A

Tb = the cable's tensile force at C

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 9

Step 2. Solve for Ta and Tc:

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0
0 = 75,000 N (7 m) –Tc (10 m)
Tc = 52,500 N (tension)

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0
0 =Ta (10 m) – 75,000 N (3 m)
Ta = 22,500 N (tension)

Checking:

∑𝐹 = 0
0 = Ta + Tb – 75,000 N
0 = 22,500 N + 52,500 N – 75,000 N
0 = 0 check !
Step 3. Determine the elongation of the cables.
For the steel at A:
𝑃𝐿
δa= where:
𝐴𝐸
P = 22,500 N (tension)
L = 5000 mm
A = 120 mm2
E = 200 GPa or 200,000 MPa
22,500 𝑁(5000 𝑚𝑚)
δa= = 4.688 mm (lengthening)
120 𝑚𝑚2 (200,000 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2)

For the bronze at C:

𝑃𝐿
δc= 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = 52,500 N (tension)
L = 8000 mm
A = 100 mm2

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 Esci132: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies/Strength of Materials

E = 83 GPa or 83,000 MPa

52,500 𝑁(8000 𝑚𝑚)
δb= = 50.602 mm (lengthening)
100 𝑚𝑚2 (83,000 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 )

Step 4. Solve for the vertical displacement of point B.

Note: The bar is initially horizontal. When the 75 kN is

applied, the two cables elongate, making the bar incline.
The cables' deformation thereof is minimal in reality but is
drawn with large magnification for better visualization.
Specifically, yb is the vertical displacement of B. To solve
yb, consider the trapezoid ACC'A'.

For DB', consider the triangle AEC':

𝐷𝐵′ 𝐸𝐶′
=
7𝑚 10 𝑚

but, EC’ = 50.602 mm – 4.688 mm

EC’ = 45.914 mm
𝐷𝐵′ 45.914 𝑚𝑚
=
7𝑚 10 𝑚

DB’ = 32.140
For yb:
yb = BD + DB’
yb = 4.688 mm + 32.140 mm

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 11

yb = 36.828 mm

For the next examples, the deformation is due to the body's weight,
wherein the axial load is not uniform.

Example 2.2-6. A rod with a cross-sectional area A and unit mass ρ

has a length L when it is laid horizontally. If it vertically stands on
its one end and is laterally braced to avoid buckling, its length is
𝜌𝑔𝐿2 𝑀𝑔𝐿
reduced by δ = 2𝐸 or , where M is the mass of the bar.
2𝐴𝐸
Derive these formulas.

First solution:

Consider a horizontal strip

(shaded portion) of the rod.
This strip is loaded with dW,
the weight above the strip.

𝑃𝐿
δ= 𝐴𝐸

where:
δ = dδ = the deformation of the strip
P = dW = ρg(rod’s volume above the strip)
P = ρgAy
L = length of the strip = dy
𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑦 𝑑𝑦
dδ= 𝐴𝐸
𝐿 𝜌𝑔𝐴𝑦
δ= ∫0 𝐴𝐸 𝑑𝑦
𝜌𝑔 𝐿
δ= ∫ 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝐸 0
𝜌𝑔 𝑦 2
δ= [ ]
𝐸 2
𝜌𝑔𝐿2
δ= Proved!
2𝐸

Let: M = the total mass of the rod

V = the total volume of the rod
𝑀 𝑀 𝑀
ρ = 𝑉 = 𝐴𝐿 therefore, ρL = 𝐴
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Substitute:
𝑀
𝜌𝑔𝐿2 𝜌𝐿 (𝑔𝐿) (𝑔𝐿) 𝑀𝑔𝐿
𝐴
δ= = = = Proved!
2𝐸 2𝐸 2𝐸 2𝐴𝐸

Second solution:

The deformation can also be calculated without integration.

Consider the weight of the rod, which acts at the centroid of the
rod. Note: only the lower half is acted by the W.

𝑃𝐿
δ= 𝐴𝐸 where:
P = ρgAL
𝐿
L=2

(𝜌𝑔𝐴𝐿 )𝐿
δ= 𝐴𝐸
𝜌𝑔𝐿2
δ= Proved!
2𝐸

If the rod is vertically suspended, instead of standing on its one end, the
𝜌𝑔𝐿2
amount of elongation is the same: δ= 2𝐸

Example 2.2-7. A 75-m-long steel rod with a cross-sectional area of

250 mm2 is suspended vertically from one end. Its unit mass is
7860 kg/m3, and the modulus of elasticity is 200 GPa. If it
supports a tensile load of 30 kN at the lower end, calculate the
following:
a.) the elongation due to its weight
b.) the elongation due to the 30-kN load
c.) the total elongation

Solution:

a.) For δw (elongation due to the weight):

𝜌𝑔𝐿2
δw = where:
2𝐸
(Note: Express ρg in N/mm3)
𝑘𝑔 𝑚 𝑁
ρg = 7860𝑚3 (9.81 𝑠 2) = 7860(9.81) 𝑚3
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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 13

𝑁 1𝑚 3
ρg = 7860(9.81) 𝑚3 (1000𝑚𝑚)
𝑁
ρg = 7860(9.81)𝑥 10−9 𝑚𝑚3
L = 75,000 mm
𝑁
E = 200,000 2 𝑚𝑚
𝑁
7860(9.81)𝑥10−9 (75,000 𝑚𝑚)2
𝑚𝑚3
δw = 𝑁 = 1.08 mm
2(200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2

b.) For δP (elongation due to the 30-kN load):

𝑃𝐿 30,000 𝑁 (75,000 𝑚𝑚)
δP = 𝐴𝐸 = 𝑁 = 45 mm
250 𝑚𝑚2 (200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2

c.) For δT (total elongation):

δT = δw + δp = 1.08 mm + 45 mm = 46.08 mm

Example 2.2-8. A 75-m-long steel rod with a

cross-sectional area of 250 mm2 is
suspended vertically from one end. It
weighs 1445.75 N, and its modulus of
elasticity is 200 GPa. If it supports a
tensile load of 30 kN at 25 meters above
its lower end, calculate the following:
a.) the elongation due to its weight
b.) the elongation due to the 30-kN load
c.) the total elongation

Solution:

a.) For δw (elongation due to the weight):

𝑀𝑔𝐿
δw = 2𝐴𝐸 where:
W=Mg = 1,445.75 N
L = 75,000 mm
A=250 mm2
𝑁
E = 200,000 𝑚𝑚2

1,445.75 𝑁(75,000 𝑚𝑚)

δw = 𝑁 = 1.08 mm
2(250 𝑚𝑚2 )(200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2
b.) For δP (elongation due to the 30-kN load):
𝑃𝐿 30,000 𝑁 (50,000 𝑚𝑚)
δP = 𝐴𝐸 = 𝑁 = 30 mm
250 𝑚𝑚2 (200,000 )
𝑚𝑚2

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c.) For δT (total elongation):

δT = δw + δp = 1.08 mm + 30 mm = 31.08 mm

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