Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 17

UNIT I. SIMPLE STRESSES

Overview
In this unit, you will understand the different concept and principles of stresses. You
will know how these stresses are being utilized in the designing of members and bodies. You
will also encounter the different types of stresses that affects the basic engineering designs.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this unit, I am able to:

1. Solve stresses, loads, and dimensions for specific members.
2. Differentiate the use of Axial, Shearing and Bearing Stresses.
3. Calculate different sizes in different scenarios
4. Solve stresses, loads, and dimensions for pressure vessels
5. Differentiate tangential and longitudinal stresses
6. Apply critical thinking and decision making
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 18

Lesson Proper

Introduction
Statics, dynamics and strength of materials are the three fundamental areas of
engineering mechanics. Both statics and dynamics focuses on the study of the external forces
applied on rigid bodies where the change in shape (deformation) is being ignored.
Strength of materials deals with the effects of the external force applied to the body.
These external forces can affect the internal properties of the body. This means that we will
no longer consider the body as rigid but a deformable one. Deformations on bodies, even it is
very small, are the focus for this.
As an Engineer working on a design, you must consider both the dimensions and
material properties that will satisfy the requirements of your design. You have to make sure
that your design can resist external loads, prevent fracture or deform excessively.

Forces and Stresses

1. Axial Force – is the act of tension or compression (pushing or pulling) to the body along its
axis. The axial force is applied perpendicular to the resisting area.

σ = P/A

where: σ = axial stress (Mpa, psi)

P = axial force (N, lb)
A = resisting cross-sectional area (mm2, in2)
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 19

Example:

1. Two bars A and B with equal length but different materials, suspended from a common
support shown in the figure. The bars A and B could support a maximum load of 500 N and
5000 N, respectively. Bar A has a cross-sectional area of 10 mm2, while bar B has 1000 mm2.
Determine which bar have a stronger material.

Given:

PA = 500 N
AA = 10 mm2
PB = 5000 N
AB = 1000 mm2
σ =?
Solution:

For Bar A:

σA = PA/AA
σA = 500 N /10 mm2
σA = 50 MPa

For Bar B:

σB = PB/AB
σB = 5000 N /1000 mm2
σB = 5 MPa
therefore, we can conclude that the Bar A is 10 times stronger than Bar B.
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 20

2. A hollow steel tube with an inside diameter of 100 mm must carry a tensile load of 400 kN.
Determine the outside diameter of the tube if the stress is limited to 120 Mpa.

Given:

P = 400 kN
Di = 100 mm
σ =120 MPa
Do =?
Solution:

σ = P/A

P
σ=
π(D2o − D2i )
4
400,000 N
120 MPa =
π[D2o − (100 mm)2 ]
4

π[D2o − (100 mm)2 ]

120 MPa [ ] = 400,000 N
4

30π Mpa [D2o − 10,000 mm2 ] = 400,000 N

400,000 N
D2o = + 10,000 mm2
30π MPa

Do = 119.35 mm
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 21

3. A composite bar consists of an aluminum section rigidly fastened between a bronze section
and a steel section as shown in the figure. Axial loads are applied at the positions indicated.
Determine the stress in each section.

Solution:

From the figure, we can get the forces acting in each material.

Pbronze = 4000 lb (tension)

Paluminum = 5000 lb (compression)
Psteel = 7000 lb (compression)

Solving for the stresses in each section

σbr = Pbr/Abr
σbr = 4000 lb /1.2 in2
σbr = 3333.33 psi

σal = Pal/Aal
σal = 5000 lb /1.8 in2
σal = 2777.78 psi

σst = Pst/Ast
σst = 7000 lb /1.6 in2
σal = 4375 psi
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 22

4. A homogenous 800 kg bar AB is supported at either end by a cable as shown in the figure.
Calculate the smallest area of each cable if the stress is not to exceed 90 MPa in bronze and
120 MPa in steel.

Solution:

W = mg
W = 800 kg (9.81 m/s2)
W = 7848 N

Since the weight of the bar will act in the middle, therefore the forces acting in each cable
will be:

Pst = Pbr = ½ (7848 N) = 3924 N

Solving for the minimum area for each cable

For Bronze
σbr = Pbr/Abr

Abr = Pbr/ σbr

Abr = 3924 N/ 90 MPa

Abr = 43.6 mm2

For Steel
σst = Pst/Ast

Ast = Pst/ σst

Ast = 3924 N/ 120 MPa

Ast = 32.7 mm2

 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 23

2. Shearing Stress – is the stress due to the shearing force which is applied to the resisting
shearing area. The shearing force is applied parallel to the resisting area.

τ = P/A

τ = P/2A if double shear

where: τ = shearing stress (Mpa, psi)

P = applied force (N, lb)
A = resisting cross-sectional area (mm2, in2)
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 24

Example:

1. Determine the smallest diameter of a bolt that can be used in the figure below if the force
P = 400 kN and the maximum shear strength of the bolt is 300 MPa.

Solution:

P
τ=
A

P
A=
τ

πD2 P
=
4 τ

4P
D2 =
πτ

4(400,000 N)
D2 =
π(300 MPa)

D2 = 1697.65 mm2

𝐃 = 𝟒𝟏. 𝟐 𝐦𝐦

*Note: If the size that you calculate is not available, choose the next higher available size. Since
41.2 mm is equivalent to 1.622 in., you can use bolt size 1-and-5/8” (1.625 in.) if available or 1-
and-11/16” (1.6875 in.)

2. Calculate the smallest diameter bolt that can be used in the figure if P = 400 kN. The
shearing strength of the bolt is 300 MPa.

Solution:

P
τ=
2A

P
2A =
τ

πD2 P
=
2 τ

2P
D2 =
πτ
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 25

2(400,000 N)
D2 =
π(300 MPa)

D2 = 848.83 mm2

𝐃 = 𝟐𝟗. 𝟏𝟑 𝐦𝐦
*Note: If the size that you calculate is not available, choose the next higher available size. Since
29.13 mm is equivalent to 1.147 in., you can use bolt size 1-and-1/4” (1.25 in.). Do not use bolt
size 1-and-1/8” (1.125 in.).

3. The lap joint shown in the figure is fastened by four ¾-in.-diameter rivets. Calculate the
maximum safe load P that can be applied if the shearing stress in the rivets is limited to 14
ksi. Assume the applied load is uniformly distributed among the four rivets.

Solution:

P
τ=
A

P = τA
π(3/4")2
P = 14 ksi [4 ( )]
4

𝐏 = 𝟐𝟒. 𝟕𝟒 𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐬
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 26

4. What force is required to punch a 20-mm-diameter hole in a plate that is 25 mm thick? The
shear strength is 350 MN/m2.

Solution:

P
τ=
A

P = τA

P = τ(πDt)

P = 350 MPa[π(20 mm)(25 mm)]

𝐏 = 𝟓𝟒𝟗, 𝟕𝟕𝟖. 𝟕𝟏 𝐍 or 550 kN

3. Bearing Stress – is the contact pressure between the separate bodies. It differs from
compressive stress, as it is an internal stress caused by compressive forces.

𝐏𝐛
𝛔𝐛 =
𝐀𝐛

where: σb = bearing stress (Mpa, psi)

Pb = applied force (N, lb)
Ab = resisting cross-sectional area (mm2, in2)
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 27

Example:

1. In the figure below, 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 rivet. Determine (a) the minimum thickness of each plate; and (b) the largest
average tensile stress in the plates.

Solution:

Solving for the force P

P = τArivet
πD2
P = τ( )
4

π(20 mm)2
P = 60 MPa ( )
4

P = 6000 π N

Solving for the minimum thickness of the plate

Pb
σb =
Ab

Pb = σb Ab

Pb = σb (tD)

6000 π N = 120 MPa[t(20 mm)]

𝐭 = 𝟕. 𝟖𝟓𝟒 𝐦𝐦

*Note: If the size that you calculate is not available, choose the next higher available size. Since
7.854 mm is equivalent to .3092 in., you can use standard plate thickness 3/8” (0.375 in.).

Solving for the largest tensile stress received by the plate:

P
σ=
A
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 28

P = σA

P = σ[t(w − D)]

6000 π N = σ[7.854 mm(110 mm − 20 mm)]

𝛔 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟔𝟕 𝐌𝐏𝐚

but if you use the standard size of plate, you will only get,

P = σ[t(w − D)]
3 25.4 mm
6000 π N = σ[ in. ( )(110 mm − 20 mm)]
8 1 in

𝛔 = 𝟐𝟏. 𝟗𝟗 𝐌𝐏𝐚

2. The lap joint shown in the figure is fastened by four ¾-in.-diameter rivets. Calculate the
maximum safe load P that can be applied if the shearing stress in the rivets is limited to 14
ksi and the bearing stress is limited to 18 ksi. Assume the applied load is uniformly
distributed among the four rivets.

Solution:

Solving for the maximum load base on shearing of bolt:

Ps
τ=
A

Ps = τA
πD2
Ps = τ [4 ( )]
4

π(3/4")2
Ps = 14 ksi [4 ( )]
4
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 29

𝐏𝐬 = 𝟐𝟒. 𝟕𝟒 𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐬

Solving for the maximum load base on bearing on the plate:

Pb
σb =
Ab

Pb = σb Ab

Pb = 18 ksi[4(𝑡𝐷)]

Pb = 18 ksi[4(7/8")(3/4")]

𝐏𝐛 = 𝟒𝟕. 𝟐𝟓 𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐬
Therefore, we can only use a maximum load of 24.74 kips sustain the system.

Thin-walled Pressure Vessel

A cylindrical tank carrying a gas or fluid under a pressure Pi is subjected to tensile

forces that resist the bursting forces developed across longitudinal and transverse sections.

Tangential or Circumferential Stress 𝛔𝐭

Consider the tank shown being subjected to internal pressure Pi. The length of the
tank is L and the wall thickness is t. Isolating the right half of the tank:
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 30

The total bursting force F, acting normal to the cutting plane is resisted by the equal
tension force T acting on each cut surface of the cylinder wall. Applying the summation of
forces, we will obtain

F = 2T
From the figure above, the right part of the cylinder is occupied by a fluid. The fluid
transmits pressure equally in all directions. The bursting force F, acting over the flat surface
of the fluid is equal to the internal pressure Pi multiply by the area DiL (Inside Diameter x
Length) over which it acts.

F
Pi =
A

F = Pi A

F = Pi Di L
The stress in the longitudinal section that resists the bursting force F is obtained by
dividing it by the area of the two cut surfaces

F
σt =
A

Pi Di L
σt =
2tL

𝐏𝐢 𝐃𝐢
𝛔𝐭 =
𝟐𝐭

where: σt = tangential stress (Mpa, psi)

Pi = internal pressure (Mpa, psi)
Di = inside diameter (mm, in)
t = thickness (mm, in)
*Note: This formula can only be use on thin-walled pressure vessel having a thickness equivalent
to 1/10 or less of its inside radius.
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 31

Longitudinal Stress 𝛔𝐋

If we consider the free-body diagram of a transverse section below, we see that the
bursting force F acting over the end of the cylinder is resisted by the resultant Pt of the tearing
forces acting over the transverse section. The area of a transverse section is the wall thickness
multiplied by the mean circumference, or (𝛑𝐃𝐢 + 𝐭)𝐭 ; if t is small compared to D, it is closely
approximated to (𝛑𝐃𝐢 𝐭) . Thus, we obtain,

PT = σL A
PT = σL (πDi t)
And;

F = Pi A
πD2i
F = Pi ( )
4

Since, PT = F , therefore,
πD2i
σL (πDi t) = Pi ( )
4

𝐏𝐢 𝐃𝐢
𝛔𝐋 =
𝟒𝐭
where: σL = longitudinal stress (Mpa, psi)
Pi = internal pressure (Mpa, psi)
Di = inside diameter (mm, in)
t = thickness (mm, in)

Comparing the above equations, shows that the longitudinal is one-half the value of
the tangential stress. In effect, this is equivalent to stating that, if the pressure in a cylinder is
raised to the bursting point, failure will occur along a longitudinal section or longitudinal
seam of the cylinder. When a cylindrical tank is composed of two sheets riveted together as
shown in the figure below, the strength of the longitudinal joint be twice the strength of the
girth joint.
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 32

Spherical Pressure Vessel

Using the analysis similar to the cylinders, we can easily derive the expression for the
stress in the wall of a thin-walled spherical pressure vessel. As shown in the figure below, the
πD2i
bursting force F can be calculated as F = Pi ( ).
4

The bursting force is resisted by the force PT distributed across the thickness of the
vessel. We will again use (𝛑𝐃𝐢 𝐭) to approximate the area of the transverse section. Thus, the
PT
stress σ in the wall of the vessel is given by σ =
πDi t

PT = σ(πDi t)

πD2i
F = Pi ( )
4
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 33

Since, PT = F , therefore,
πD2i
σ(πDi t) = Pi ( )
4

𝐏𝐢 𝐃𝐢
𝛔=
𝟒𝐭
where: σ = stress (Mpa, psi)
Pi = internal pressure (Mpa, psi)
Di = inside diameter (mm, in)
t = thickness (mm, in)
Example:

1. 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 and longitudinal
stresses 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? c.) If the internal pressure were increased until the vessel
burst, sketch the type of fracture that would occur.

Solution:

a. For the tangential stress

Pi Di
σt =
2t

4.5 MPa (400 mm)

σt =
2(20 mm)

𝛔𝐭 = 𝟒𝟓 𝐌𝐏𝐚

For the longitudinal stress

Pi Di
σL =
4t
4.5 MPa (400 mm)
σL =
4(20 mm)

𝛔𝐋 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟓 𝐌𝐏𝐚
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 34

b. Up to what value can the internal pressure be increase, if the strength of the steel is limited
to 120 MPa?

For the tangential stress

Pi Di
σt =
2t

Pi (400 mm)
120 MPa =
2(20 mm)

Pi = 12 MPa

For the longitudinal stress

Pi Di
σL =
4t
Pi (400 mm)
120 MPa =
4(20 mm)

Pi = 24 MPa

Therefore, the internal pressure can only be increase up

to 12 MPa

c. The bursting force will cause a stress in the longitudinal section as shown below.
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 35

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

Solution:

Pi Di
σ=
4t

4σ t
Pi =
Di

5
4(8000 psi)(16𝑖𝑛)
Pi = 12in
4ft ( )
1ft

𝐏𝐢 = 𝟐𝟎𝟖. 𝟑𝟑 𝐩𝐬𝐢
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 36

References

Strength of Materials 4th Edition by Andrew Pytel and Ferdinand L. Singer

https://mathalino.com/reviewer/mechanics-and-strength-of-materials/mechanics-and-
strength-of-materials
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 37

Assessing Learning

Activity 1

Name: ____________________________________________ Score: ___________________

Course/Year/Section: __________________________ Date: _____________________

Directions: Research, solve, and compile at least 10 problems in unit 1