MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1. Simple Stress
Normal Stress .......................................................................... 4
Shear Stress ............................................................................. 4
Bearing Stress .......................................................................... 5

Part 2. Thin-Walled Cylinders

Tangential Stress or Circumferential Stress ............................ 10
Longitudinal Stress .................................................................. 11

Part 3. Simple Strain

Strain ....................................................................................... 14
Proportional limit (Hooke’s Law) ............................................... 14
Axial and Shearing Deformation .............................................. 15

Part 4. Thermal Stress ............................................................ 24

Part 5. Torsion
Torsional Shearing Stress ....................................................... 28
Angle of Twist .......................................................................... 29
Power transmitted by the shaft................................................. 29
Torsion of Thin-walled Tubes .................................................. 36

Part 6. Helical Springs

A.M. Wahl’s Formula ............................................................... 40

Part 7. Shear and Moment

Definition of Beam .................................................................. 44
Statically Determinate Beams ................................................. 45
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 2
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 3
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 4

Part 1
SIMPLE STRESS

Simple stress can be classified as normal stress, shear stress, and bearing stress..

➢ NORMAL STRESS
Normal stress develops when a force is applied perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of
the material. If the force is going to pull the material, the stress is said to be tensile stress and
compressive stress develops when the material is being compressed by two opposing forces

P
= ( MPa, Psi)
A

where:
P = applied normal load (N, lb)
A = area ( mm2, in2)

Bar in Tension Bar in Compression

➢ SHEARING STRESS
Forces parallel to the area resisting the force cause shearing stress. It differs to tensile and
compressive stresses, which are caused by forces perpendicular to the area on which they act.
Shearing stress is also known as Tangential stress.

V
=
A
where:
V = shearing force
A = sheared area
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 5

P P/2
P P
P/2

Single Shear Double Shear

➢ BEARING STRESS
Bearing stress is the contact pressure between separate bodies. It differs from
compressive stress, as it is an internal stress caused by compressive forces.

Pb
b =
Ab
where:
Pb = bearing force
Ab = bearing area

P
P

Single Shear
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 6

Example 1
The lap joint shown, assume that a 20 mm-diameter rivet joins the plates that are each
110 mm wide. The allowable stresses are 120 MPa for bearing in the plate material and
60 MPa for shearing of the rivet. (a) Determine the value of force P, (b) minimum
thickness of each plate, (c) the largest average tensile stress in the plate.

P P

P t
P
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 7

Example 2
A rod is composed of a Bronze section rigidly attached between steel and aluminum
section, as shown. If P = 20 kN, what is the diameter of the bronze if its axial stress is
limited to 70 MPa.

Steel: Bronze Aluminum:

A = 320 mm2 A = 480 mm2
P 3P 4P 2P

1.0 m 2.0 m 1.50 m

MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 8

PROBLEM SET 1

1. An aluminum tube is rigidly fastened between a bronze rod and a steel rod as
shown. Axial loads are applied at the positions indicated. Determine the stress in
each material.

Aluminum
Steel: A = 1,000 mm2 Steel:
A = 700 mm2 A = 800 mm2
20 kN 15 kN 15 kN 10 kN

500 mm 600 mm 700 mm

2. Determine the largest weight W which can be supported by the two wires shown is
the figure. The stresses in wires AB and AC are not to exceed 100 MPa and 150
MPa, respectively. The cross-sectional areas of the two wires are 400 mm2 for wire
AB and 200 mm2 for wire AC.

30° 45°

3. Determine the outside diameter of a hollow steel tube that will carry a tensile load
of 500 kN at a stress of 140 MN/m2. Assume the wall thickness to be one-tenth of
the outside diameter.
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 9

4. For the truss shown, calculate the stresses in members DE, FC, and FE. The
cross-sectional area of each member is 1,200 mm2. Indicate tension(T) or
compression(C).

60 kN

F E
24 kN

4m

A D
C
B
3m 3m 3m

40 kN
m

5. For the truss shown, determine the cross-sectional areas of bars BG, GF, and CD so that
the stresses will not exceed 100 MPa in tension and 80 MPa in compression. A reduced stress
in compression is specified to avoid the danger of buckling.

3m 3m
B C D

3m

A
G F
E
3m 3m 3m

6 kN 8 kN
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 10

Part 2
THIN-WALLED CYLINDERS
A tank or pipe carrying a fluid or gas under a pressure is subjected to tensile forces,
which resist bursting, developed across longitudinal and transverse sections.

TANGENTIAL STRESS or Circumferential Stress (σT)

Consider the tank shown being subjected to an internal pressure of P. The length of the
tank is L and the wall thickness is t. Isolating the right half of the tank.

pressure T

F t
D

Derivation:

pD
T =
2t
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 11

LONGITUDINAL STRESS (σL)

Consider the free body diagram in the transverse section of the tank.
F T

Derivation:

pD
L =
4t
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 12

Example 1
A water tank, 22 ft in diameter, is made from steel plates that are ½ in. thick. Find the
maximum height to which the tank may be filled if the circumferential stress is limited to
6000 psi. The specific weight of water is 62.4 lb/ft 3.
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 13

PROBLEM SET 2

1. A steel pipe 1.5 m in diameter is required to carry an internal pressure of 750 kPa.
If the allowable tensile stress is 140 MPa, determine the required thickness of the
pipe in mm.
Ans. 4.02 mm

2. Calculate the minimum wall thickness for a cylindrical vessel that is to carry a gas
at a pressure of 1400 psi. The diameter of the vessel is 2 ft, and the stress is
limited to 12 ksi.
Ans. 1.4 in.

3. The wall thickness of a 4 ft. diameter spherical tank is 5/16 in. Calculate the
internal pressure if the stress is limited to 8000 psi.

Ans. 208.33 psi

4. A cylindrical pressure vessel is fabricated from steel plating hat has a thickness of
20 mm. The diameter of the pressure vessel is 450 mm and its length is 2.0 m.
Determine the maximum internal pressure that can be applied if the longitudinal
stress is limited to 140 MPa, and the circumferential stress is limited to 60 MPa.

Ans. 10.67 MPa

5. A spherical pressure vessel 400 mm in diameter has a uniform thickness of 6 mm.

The vessel contains gas under a pressure of 8,000 kPa. Calculate the longitudinal
stress.
Ans. 13.33 MPa

6. A cylindrical steel pressure vessel 400 mm in diameter with a wall thickness of 20

mm, is subjected to an internal pressure of 4.5 MN/m2. (a) Calculate the tangential
stress in the steel. (b) To what value may the internal pressure be increased if the
stress in the steel is limited to 120 MN/m2?

Ans. a) 45 MPa, b) 7.5 MPa

MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 14

Part 3
SIMPLE STRAIN

Strain () is the ratio of the change in length caused by an applied force, to the original length.


P
L

 (dimensionless)
=
L

where:
 = elongation (mm, in)
L = original length (mm, in)

Ultimate Strength
Stress, 

Yield point
Rupture strength
Elastic limit

Proportional limit

Strain, 

STRESS-STRAIN DIAGRAM

Proportional limit (Hooke’s Law). According to Sir Robert Hook in 1678 “that within the
proportional limit, stress is directly proportional to strain”.

 = K
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 15

The constant of proportionality K is called the Modulus of Elasticity or Young’s Modulus and is
equal to the slope of the stress strain diagram.

 = E

Elastic limit is the limit beyond which the material will no longer go back to its original shape
when the load is removed.

Yield Point is the point at which the material will have an appreciable elongation or yielding of
the material without any increase of load.

Ultimate Strength or Tensile Strength is the maximum ordinate in the stress-strain

diagram.

Rupture Strength is also known as the breaking strength or stress at failure.

AXIAL AND SHEARING DEFORMATION

Derivation:

PL
=
AE
L
=
E

Note:
To use this formula,
1. The load must be axial
2. The bar must have constant cross-sectional area and be homogenous.
3. The stress must not exceed the proportional limit.
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 16

Example 1
The compound bar carries an axial load P and 4P. Find the maximum allowable value of
P if the working stress are 40 ksi for steel and 20 ksi for aluminum and the total
elongation of the bar is not to exceed 0.20 in.

Aluminum: Steel:
A = 0.60 in2 A = 0.40 in2
E = 10  106 psi E = 29  106 psi
4P P

4 ft 3ft
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 17

Example 2
The rigid bar AB, attached to two vertical rods as shown in the fig. is horizontal before
the load P is applied. Determine the vertical movement of P if its magnitude is 50 kN.

Steel:
L=4m
Aluminum: A = 300 mm2
L=3m E = 200 GPa
A = 500 mm2
E = 70 GPa

A B

3.5 m 2.5 m

P
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 18

Example 3
The tow vertical rods attached to the light rigid bar as shown are identical except for
length. Before the load W was attached, the bar was horizontal and the rods were
stress free. Determine the load in each rod if W = 6600 lb.

L = 6 ft
L = 4 ft

4 ft 4 ft 2 ft
W
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 19

PROBLEM SET 3

1. An aluminum bar having a cross-sectional area of 0.50 in2 carries the axial loads
applied at the positions shown. Compute the total change in length of the bar if E =
10  106 psi. Assume the bar is suitably braced to prevent lateral buckling.
Ans. T = 0.0696 in

6000 lb 7000 lb 5000 lb 4000 lb

3 ft 5 ft 4 ft

2. A uniform concrete slab of total weight W is to be attached, as shown in the fig., to

two rods whose lower ends are on the same level. Determine the ratio of the areas
of the rods so that the slab will remain level.
Ans. AA/AS = 3.876

Steel:
E = 29  106
Aluminum: L = 6 ft
E = 10  106
L = 4 ft

Total Weight = W

3 ft 6 ft
1 ft

3. A rigid bar is hinged at A and supported by a steel rod B. Determine the largest load
P that can be applied at C if the stress in the steel rod is limited to 30 ksi and the
vertical movement of end C must not exceed 0.10 in.
Ans. P = 4,833.33 lb

Steel:
L = 4 ft
A = 0.50 in2
E = 29 106 psi
A C

2 ft 3 ft
P
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 20

4. A bronze bar is fastened between a steel bar and an aluminum bar as shown. Axial
loads are applied at the positions indicated. Find the largest value of P that will not
exceed an overall deformation of 3.0 mm, or the following stresses: 140 MPa for
steel, 120 MPa in the bronze, and 80 MPa in the aluminum. Assume that the
assembly is suitably braced to prevent buckling. Use E st = 200 GPa, Eal = 70 GPa,
and Ebr = 83 GPa.
Ans. P = 12,800 lb

Steel: Bronze:
Aluminum:
A = 480 mm2 A = 650 mm2
A = 320 mm2
P 3P 4P 2P

1.0 m 2.0 m 1.50 m

5. A steel wire 30 ft long, hanging vertically, supports a load of 500 lb. Neglecting the
weight of the wire, determine the required diameter if the stress is not to exceed 20
ksi and the total elongation is not to exceed 0.20 in. Assume that E = 29  106 psi.
Ans. d = 0.199 in

6. The rigid beam AB, attached to two suspended steel rods as shown in the fig.
Determine the position “x” for the 400 lb loading so that the beam remains horizontal
after loading. Each rod has a diameter of 0.50 in, E S =29,000 ksi.
Ans. x = 11.25 in

30'
400 lb
15'
x
A B

30'
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 21

7. The composite bar, firmly attached to unyielding supports, is initially stress-free.

Compute the stress in each material caused by the application of the axial load P =
40 kips.
Ans. A = 4.02 ksi, S = 17.49 ksi

Aluminum: Steel:
A = 1.25 in2 A = 2 in2
E = 10  106 psi E = 29  106 psi
P

15 in. 12 in.

8. A horizontal bar of negligible mass is hinged at A and assumed to be rigid as shown

in the fig. It is supported by a bronze rod at 2.0 m long and a steel rod at 1.0 m long.
Compute the stress in each rod.
Ans. A = 191.8 MPa, S = 106.13 MPa

Steel: 2.0 m
A = 600 mm2 Bronze:
E = 200 GPa A = 300 mm2
1.0 m
E = 83 GPa
A

0.60 m 1.0 m 0.80 m

50 kN
9. A rigid beam with negligible weight is pinned at one end and attached by two vertical
rods. The beam was initially horizontal before the load W = 50kips was applied. Find
the vertical movement of W.
Ans. y = 0.146 in
Bronze:
A = 2 in2
E = 12  106 psi Steel:
L = 10 ft A = 0.50 in2
E = 29  106 psi
L = 4 ft
3 ft

8 ft 4 ft
W
10. The total uniform load of 600 kN is supported by three rods of the same area and
material. Compute the load in each rod. Assume the floor to be rigid, but note that it
does not necessarily remain horizontal.
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 22

Ans. P1 = 238.55 kN, P2 = 184.33 kN, P3 = 177.10 kN

6m 6m
5m

3m 3m
600 kN

11. The rigid bar of negligible weight is pinned at O nad attached to two vertical rods.
Assuming that the rods were initially stress-free, what is the largest load P that can
be applied without exceeding stress of 150 MPa in the steel and 70 MPa in the
bronze rod.
Ans. P = 107,416.88 N
2m 1.5 m 1.5 m

Bronze:
A = 300 mm2
P Steel: E = 83 GPa
A = 900 mm2
L = 2.0 m
E = 200 GPa
L = 1.5 m
12. Before the 400 kN load is applied, the rigid platform rests on two steel bars, each of
cross-sectional area 1,200 mm2, as shown in the fig. The cross-sectional area of the
aluminum bar is 2,400 mm2. Compute the stress in the aluminum bar after the 400
kN load is applied. Use E =200 GPa for steel and E = 70 GPa for aluminum. Neglect
the weight of the platform.
Ans. A = 22.47 MPa

400 kN
0.10 mm
Aluminum
Steel

Steel

250 mm
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 23

Part 4
THERMAL STRESS

Temperature changes cause the body to expand or contract (compress). The amount of
linear deformation (T) is given by

T =  L(Tf − Ti )
or
T =  L( T)

where:
 = coefficient of linear expansion (/C, /F)
L = length of the body (mm, in)
Ti = initial temperature (C, F)
Tf = final temperature (C, F)
T = change in temperature (C, F)

Note: When the temperature increases, the rod will expand and if the
temperature decreases, the rod will compress.

Example 1
A horizontal steel rod, 2.5 m long and 1200 mm2 in cross-sectional area, is secured
between two walls as shown in the fig. If the load on the rod is zero at 20°C, compute
the stress when the temperature drops to -20°C. Assume that (a) the walls are rigid and
(b) the walls move together a distance  = 0.50 mm. Use  =11.7  10-6/°C and E = 200
GPa.

A = 1,200 mm2

L = 2.5 m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 24

Example 2
The rigid horizontal slab is attached to two identical copper rods. There is a gap  =
0.18 mm between the aluminum bar and the rigid slab. Neglecting the mass of the slab,
calculate the stress in each rod when the temperature in the assembly is increased by
85°C.

 = 0.18 mm

Area (mm2) (/°C) E (GPa)

Each copper rod 500 16.8  10-6 120

Aluminum rod 400 23.1  10-6 70
Aluminum
Copper

Copper
750 mm
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 25

PROBLEM SET 4

1. A rigid block weighing 12 kips is supported by three rods symmetrically placed, as

shown. Assuming the block to remain horizontal, determine the stress in each rod
after the temperature rise of 100°F. The lower ends of the rods are assumed to have
been at the same level before the block was attached and the temperature change.
Ans. S = 11.6 ksi(T), B = 3.6 ksi(C)

Bronze Area (in2) E (psi) /°F

L = 3 ft Steel
Each steel rod 0.75 29  106 6.5  10-6
L = 2 ft
Steel Bronze rod 1.50 12  106 10  10-6
L = 2 ft

3m 3m
12 kips

2. A rigid bar negligible weight is pinned at one end and attached by two vertical rods.
If W = 80 kN, compute the temperature change that will cause the tensile stress in
steel rod to be 55 MPa. Assume that the coefficients of linear expansion are 11.7 
10-6/°C for steel and 18.9  10-6/°C for bronze.
Ans. T = 28.31°C

Steel:
A = 320 mm2
E = 200 GPa Bronze:
L=3m A = 1,300 mm2
E = 83 GPa
L = 1.5 m
1m

2.5 m 1.5 m

W
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 26

3. At 20C, a rigid slab having a weight of 60 kN is placed upon two bronze rods and
one steel rod as shown. At what temperature will the stress in the steel rod be zero?
For steel; A = 600 mm2, E = 200 GPa, and  = 11.7 /C. For each bronze; A = 600
mm2, E = 83 GPa,  = 19 /C.
Ans. s = 62.52 C
60 kN

Bronze

Bronze
Steel
250 mm

4. The composite bar is firmly attached to unyielding supports. The bar is stress-free at
60F. Compute the stress in each material after the 50-kip force is applied and the
temperature increased to 120F. Use  = 6.5  10-6/F for steel and  = 11.7  10-
6/C for aluminum.

Ans. s = 20.4 ksi (C), A = 5.59 ksi (C)

Aluminum: Steel:
A = 2 in2 A = 3 in2
E = 10  106 psi E = 29  106 psi
50 kips

15 in. 10 in.

5. The bronze bar 3 m long with a cross-sectional area of 320 mm2 is placed between
two rigid walls. At a temperature -20°C, there is a gap  = 2.5 mm, as shown in the
figure. Find the temperature at which the compressive stress in the bar will be 35
MPa. Use  =18  10-6/°C and E = 80 GPa.
Ans. 50.6C

3m

MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 27

Part 5
TORSION
Consider a bar to be rigidly attached at one end and twisted at the other end by a torque
or twisting moment T equivalent to F • d, which is applied perpendicular to the axis of
the bar, as shown in the figure. Such is said to be in torsion.

T
F T
F r


Torsional Shearing Stress (τ)

For a solid or hallow circular shaft subject to a twisting moment T the torsional shearing
stress τ at a distance ρ from the center of the shaft is

T Tr
(MPa, psi) = and max =
J J

where:
T = twisting moment or torque (N•m, lb•in)
J = polar moment of inertia (mm4, in4)
r = outer radius (mm, in)

For solid cylindrical shaft:

 4
J= D
32 D
16T
=
D3

For hallow cylindrical shaft:

 4
J= (D − d4 )
32
d D
16TD
=
(D4 − d4 )
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 28

Angle of twist
The angle θ through which the bar of length L will twist is

TL
= (in radians)
JG

where:
T= twisting moment or torque (N•m, lb•in)
J = polar moment of inertia (mm4, in4)
L = length of the shaft (mm, in)
G = shear modulus (MPa, psi)

Power transmitted by the shaft

A shaft rotating with a constant angular velocity ω (in radian per second) is being acted
on by a twisting moment T. The power transmitted by the shaft is

P = T  = 2 TN (watts)

where:
T = twisting moment or torque (N•m, lb•in)
N = number of revolutions per second (rev/sec)
ω = angular velocity (rad/sec)
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 29

Example 1
A solid steel shaft in a rolling mill transmits 20 kW of power at 2 Hz. Determine the
smallest safe diameter of the shaft if the shear stress is not to exceed 40 MPa and the
angle of twist is limited to 6 in a length of 3 m. Use G = 83 GPa.
Ans. D = 58.74 mm
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 30

Example 2
A four rigid gears as shown are rigidly attached to a 2 in. diameter steel shaft. Compute
the angle of rotation of gear A relative to gear D. Use G = 12  106 psi for the shaft.
Ans. A/D = 1.62

500 lb.ft

900 lb.ft

1,000 lb.ft

600 lb.ft
5 ft

3 ft

4 ft
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 31

Example 3
The solid compound shaft, made of three different materials, carries the two torques
shown. (a) Calculate the maximum shear stress in each material.
(b) Find the angle of rotation of the free end of the shaft. The shear moduli are 28 GPa
for aluminum, 83 GPa for steel, and 35 GPa for bronze.
Ans. a) B =S = 18.11 MPa, A = 28.01 MPa b)  = 5.29

4 kN·m
Aluminum Steel Bronze 1.5 kN·m
100 mm 75 mm

3m 1.5 m
3m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 32

PROBLEM SET 5

1. A hollow steel shaft has an outside diameter of 220 mm and inside diameter of 200
mm. Determine the torque that will cause a stress of 75.5 MPa in the shaft.
Ans. T = 50.04 kN.m

2. A hollow steel propeller shaft, 18 ft long with 14 in outer diameter and 10 in inner
diameter, transmits 5000 hp at 189 rev/min. use G = 12  106 psi for steel. Calculate
(a) the maximum shear stress; and (b) the angle of twist.
Ans.  = 4.18 ksi , A/D = 0.616

3. What is the minimum diameter of the solid steel shaft that will not twist through more
than 3 in a 6 m length when subjected to a torque of 12 kN.m? What maximum
shearing stress is developed? Use G = 83 GPa.
Ans. D = 113.98 mm,  = 41.27 MPa

4. Two solid shafts of different materials are rigidly fastened and attached to rigid
supports as shown. The aluminum segment is 3 in. in diameter that is rigidly joined
to a 2 in. diameter steel segment. Calculate the maximum shear stress developed in
each segment when the torque T = 10 kip.in. is applied. Use G = 4  106 psi for
aluminum and G = 12  106 psi for steel.
Ans. A = 863.29 psi, A = 3,452.29 psi

Aluminum: Steel:
D = 3 in D = 2 in
G = 4  106 psi G = 12  106 psi
T

6 ft 3 ft
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 33

5. A solid steel shaft is loaded as shown. Using G = 83 GPa, determine the required
diameter of the shaft if the shearing stress is limited to 60 MPa and the angle of
rotation at the free end is not to exceed to 4°.
Ans. D = 51.89 mm

750 N.m 1,200 N.m

2.5m 2.5 m

6. An aluminum shaft with a constant diameter of 50 mm is loaded by torques applied

to gears attached to it as shown. Using G = 28 GPa, determine the relative angle of
twis of gear D relative to gear A.
Ans. D/A = 6.34
600 N.m

900 N.m

1100 N.m

A
800 N.m
2m
B
3m
C

2m
D

7. A solid aluminum shaft 2 in. in diameter is subjected to two torque as shown in the
fig. Determine the maximum shearing stress in each segment and the angle of
rotation at the free end. Use G = 4  106 psi.
Ans. a) 2 = 6.1 ksi, 1 = 4.58 ksi b)  = 4.46
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 34

200 lb.ft 800 lb.ft

2 ft 3 ft

8. The stepped steel shaft carries the torque T. Determine the maximum allowable
magnitude T if the working shear stress is 14 MPa and the rotation of the free end is
limited to 3.5. Use G = 83 GPa for steel.
Ans. T = 593.76 N.m

T
80 mm 60 mm

3m 4m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 35

TORSION OF THIN-WALLED TUBES

The torque applied to thin-walled tubes is expressed as

t
T

r Centerline of wall

T = 2Aq (MPa, psi)

where:
T = twisting moment or torque (N•m, lb•in)
A = area enclosed by the centerline of the tube ( mm2, in2)
q = shear flow (N/mm, lb/in)

The average shearing stress across any thickness (t) is

q T
= = (MPa, psi)
t 2At
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 36

Example 1
A tube has the semi-circular shape as shown. If the stress concentration at the corners
is neglected, what torque will cause a shearing stress of 40 MPa.
Ans. 157.08 N.m

50 mm
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 37

PROBLEM SET 6

1. A torque of 600 N.m is applied to the rectangular section as shown. Determine the
wall thickness t so as not to exceed a shear stress of 80 MPa.
Ans. t = 3.125 mm

30 mm

80 mm

2. A tube 0.10 in thick has the elliptical shape shown. What torque will cause a
shearing stress of 8000 psi.
Ans. T = 22.62 kips.in

3 in.

6 in.

3. A torque of 450 lb.ft is applied to the square section as shown. Determine the
smallest permissible dimension a if the shearing stress is limited to 6000 psi.
Ans. a = 7.35 in

a
4. A tube 2 mm thick has the shape shown in the fig. Find the shearing stress caused
by a torque of 600 N.m.
Ans.  = 67.32 MPa

r =10 mm

80 mm
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 38

Part 6
HELICAL SPRINGS

When close-coiled helical spring composed of a wire of round rod of diameter d wound
into a helix of mean radius R with n number of turns, is subjected to an axial load P
produces the following stresses and elongation:

d R
P

The maximum shearing stress is the sum of the direct shearing stress τ1 = P/A and the torsional
shearing stress τ2 = Tr/J, with T = PR
 = 1 + 2
P 16T
= +
A  d3
P 16(PR)
= +
d / 4
2
 d3

16PR  d  (MPa, psi)

= 1+
3 
d  4R 

where:
P = axial load (N, lb)
R = mean radius (mm, in)
d = rod diameter (mm, in)

This formula neglects the curvature of the spring. This is used for light springs where
the ratio d/4R is small.
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 39

A.M. Wahl’s Formula

For heavy springs and considering the curvature of the spring, a more precise formula is
given by:

16PR  4m − 1 0.615 
= +
d3  4m − 4 m 

where:
P = axial load (N, lb)
R = mean radius (mm, in)
d = rod diameter (mm, in)
4m - 1
= Wahl factor
4m - 4
D
m = spring index =
d
The elongation of the bar is

64PR3n
= (mm, in)
Gd4

where:
P = axial load (N, lb)
R = mean radius (mm, in)
d = rod diameter (mm, in)
n = number of turns
G = shear modulus (MPa, psi)
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 40

Example 1
A load P is supported by two springs arranged in series. The upper spring has 20 turns
and 20 mm diameter wire on a mean diameter of 150 mm. The lower spring consist of
15 turns of 10 mm diameter wire on a mean diameter of 130 mm. Determine the value
of P that will cause a total deflection of 80 mm the maximum shearing stress in each
spring. Assume G = 80 GPa for both springs.
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 41

PROBLEM SET 7

1. Determine the maximum shearing stress and elongation in a helical steel spring
composed of 20 turns of 20 mm diameter wire on a mean radius of 90 mm when the
spring is supporting a load of 1.5 kN. Use Wahl’s formula and
G = 83 GPa.
Ans. max = 99.87 MPa,  = 105.4 mm

2. Determine the maximum shearing stress in a bronze helical steel spring composed
of 20 turns of 1.0 in diameter wire on a mean radius of 4 in when the spring is
supporting a load of 500 lb. Use G = 6  106 GPa.
Ans. max = 8.66 ksi

3. Two steel springs arranged in series to support a load P as shown. The upper spring
has 12 turns of 25 mm diameter wire on a mean radius of 100 mm. The lower spring
consists of 10 turns 20 mm diameter wire on a mean radius of 75 mm. If the
maximum shearing stress in either spring must not exceed 200 MPa, compute the
maximum value of P and the total elongation of the assembly. Use Wahl’s formula
and G = 83 GPa.
Ans. P =3,498.28 N,  =154 mm

4. A rigid bar, pinned at point O, is supported by two identical springs as shown. Each
spring consists of 20 turns of ¾ in diameter wire having a mean diameter of 6 in.
Determine the maximum load W that may be supported if the shearing stress in the
springs is limited to 20 ksi.
Ans. W =371.25 lb

2 ft 4 ft 3 ft

W
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 42

5. A rigid bar, hinged at one end, is supported by two identical springs as shown. Each
spring consists of 20 turns of 10 mm wire having a mean diameter of 150 mm.
Compute the maximum shearing stress in the springs. Neglect the mass of the rigid
bar.

Ans. max = 23.23 MPa

2.0 m 2.0 m 2.0 m

10 kg
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 43

Part 7
SHEAR AND MOMENT

Definition of Beam:
A beam is a bar subject to forces or couples that lie in a plane containing the
longitudinal of the bar. The couple M is called the resisting moment or moment and
the force V is called the resisting shear or shear.

Methods for Drawing Shear Moment Diagrams

1. Analytical method
2. Area method

Procedure for the Area Method The following steps outline the procedure for
constructing shear force (V) and bending moment (M) diagrams by the area method.

➢ Compute the support reaction from the FBD of the entire beam.
➢ Working from left to right, construct the V and M diagrams for each segment
of the beam.
➢ When you reach the right end of the beam, check to see whether the
computed values of V and M are consistent with the end conditions. If they
are not, you have made an error in the computation

Sign Conventions

Load Shear Diagram Moment Diagram

(N, lb) (N, lb) (N.m, lb.ft)

Increasing

Decreasing

Decreasing

Increasing
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 44

Statically Determinate Beams - when the total number of reaction component is

equal to the number of static equation available.

1.
P W

Simple Beam

2.
P W

Overhanging Beam

3.

Cantilever Beam
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 45

Example 1 Draw the shear and moment Diagram.

4 kN

15 kN 10 kN/m

1m 2m 2m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 46

Example 2

20 N/m
40 N.m

1m 2m 1m 1m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 47

Example 3 Draw the shear and moment diagram for the beam specified below.

16 N

40 N/m

1m 1m 3m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 48

PROBLEM SET 8

Draw the shear and moment diagram.

1.
8N

10 N/m
10 N.m

1m 2m 2m

2.
15 k/ft
10 k/ft

6 ft 4 ft

3.
25 kN
12 kN/m

1.5 m 1.5 m 1m 1m

4.

100 lb

80 lb/ft

3 ft 2 ft 4 ft 2 ft
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 49

5. 100 lb

120 lb/ft 120 lb/ft

2 ft 3 ft 2 ft

6.
750 lb

3,000 lb.ft

2 ft 3 ft 2 ft

7.
60 kN
40 kN/m
120 kN.m

1m 3m 1m 1m

8.

30 kN
60 kN/m

5m 2m
MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES 50

9.
10 k

2 ft
15 k/ft

6 ft

10.
50 kN
25 kN

40 kN/m 70 kN/m

2m 2m 6m