Mohr Theory
⚫ Some materials have compressive strengths different from
tensile strengths
⚫ Mohr theory is based on three simple tests: tension,
compression, and shear
⚫ Plotting Mohr’s circle for each, bounding curve defines failure
envelope
Fig. 5−12
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Coulomb-Mohr Theory
⚫ Curved failure curve is difficult to determine analytically
⚫ Coulomb-Mohr theory simplifies to linear failure envelope using
only tension and compression tests (dashed circles)
Fig. 5−13
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Coulomb-Mohr Theory
⚫ From the geometry, derive
the failure criteria
Fig. 5−13
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Coulomb-Mohr Theory
⚫ To plot on principal stress axes, consider three cases
⚫ Case 1: A ≥ B ≥ For this case, 1 = A and 3 = 0
◦ Eq. (5−22) reduces to
⚫ Case 2: A ≥ ≥ B For this case, 1 = A and 3 = B
◦ Eq. (5-22) reduces to
⚫ Case 3: 0 ≥ A ≥ B For this case, 1 = and 3 = B
◦ Eq. (5−22) reduces to
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Coulomb-Mohr Theory
⚫ Plot three cases on principal stress axes
⚫ Similar to MSS theory, except with different strengths for
compression and tension
Fig. 5−14
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Coulomb-Mohr Theory
⚫ Incorporating factor of safety
⚫ For ductile material, use tensile and compressive yield strengths
⚫ For brittle material, use tensile and compressive ultimate
strengths
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Coulomb-Mohr Theory
⚫ Intersect the pure shear load line with the failure line to
determine the shear strength
⚫ Since failure line is a function of tensile and compressive
strengths, shear strength is also a function of these terms.
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Example 5-2
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Example 5-2
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Example 5-3
Fig. 5−16 Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Example 5-3
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Example 5-3
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Example 5-4
Fig. 5−17
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Example 5-4
Fig. 5−17 Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Example 5-4
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Example 5-4
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Failure of Ductile Materials Summary
⚫ Either the maximum-shear-stress
theory or the distortion-energy
theory is acceptable for design and
analysis of materials that would fail
in a ductile manner.
⚫ For design purposes the
maximum-shear-stress theory is
easy, quick to use, and
conservative.
⚫ If the problem is to learn why a part
failed, then the distortion-energy
theory may be the best to use.
⚫ For ductile materials with unequal
yield strengths, Syt in tension and
Syc in compression, the Mohr
theory is the best available.
Maximum-Normal-Stress Theory for Brittle Materials
⚫ The maximum-normal-stress (MNS)
theory states that failure occurs whenever
one of the three principal stresses equals
or exceeds the ultimate strength.
⚫ For a general stress state in the ordered
form σ1 ≥ σ2 ≥ σ3. This theory then
predicts that failure occurs whenever
where Sut and Suc are the ultimate tensile
and compressive strengths, respectively,
given as positive quantities.
⚫ MNS theory is not very good at predicting
failure in the fourth quadrant of the A,
B plane. Hence not recommended for
use (has been added for historical reason!)
Maximum Normal Stress Theory
⚫ Theory: Failure occurs when the maximum principal stress in a
stress element exceeds the strength.
⚫ Predicts failure when
⚫ For plane stress,
⚫ Incorporating design factor,
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Brittle Coulomb-Mohr
⚫ Same as previously derived, using ultimate strengths for failure
⚫ Failure equations dependent on quadrant
Quadrant condition Failure criteria
Fig. 5−14
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Brittle Failure Experimental Data
⚫ Coulomb-Mohr is
conservative in 4th quadrant
⚫ Modified Mohr criteria
adjusts to better fit the data
in the 4th quadrant
Fig. 5−19
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Modified-Mohr
Quadrant condition Failure criteria
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Example 5-5
Fig. 5−16
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
Example 5-5
Table A24,
P1046
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Example 5-5
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Selection of Failure Criteria
⚫ First determine ductile vs. brittle
⚫ For ductile
◦ MSS is conservative, often used for design where higher
reliability is desired
◦ DE is typical, often used for analysis where agreement with
experimental data is desired
◦ If tensile and compressive strengths differ, use Ductile
Coulomb-Mohr
⚫ For brittle
◦ Mohr theory is best, but difficult to use
◦ Brittle Coulomb-Mohr is very conservative in 4th quadrant
◦ Modified Mohr is still slightly conservative in 4th quadrant, but
closer to typical
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Selection of Failure Criteria in Flowchart Form
Fig. 5−21
Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
