For 2023 (IES, GATE & PSUs)

Strength of Materials
Contents
Chapters Theory Questions
Chapter – 1: Stress and Strain Page-3 Page-76
Chapter - 2 : Principal Stress and Strain Page-77 Page-143
Chapter-3 : Thin Cylinder Page-144 Page-162
Chapter-4 : Theories of Failure Page-163 Page-185
Chapter - 5 : Moment of Inertia and Page-186 Page-199
Centroid
Chapter - 6 : Bending Moment and Page-200 Page-272
Shear Force Diagram
Page-328
S K Mondal
Chapter - 7 : Deflection of Beam Page-273
Ex. IES Officer
Chapter-8 : Strain Energy Method Page-329 Page-343
Chapter - 9 : Bending Stress in Beam Page-344 Page-375
Chapter - 10 : Shear Stress in Beam Page-376 Page-389
Chapter - 11 : Fixed and Continuous Page-390 Page-397
Beam
Chapter - 12 : Torsion Page-398 Page-441
Chapter-13 : Theories of Column Page-442 Page-472
Chapter-14 : Spring Page-473 Page-495
Chapter-15 : Thick Cylinder Page-496 Page-516

S K Mondal
IES Officer (Railway), GATE topper, NTPC ET-2003 batch, 20 years
teaching experienced, Author of Hydro Power Familiarization (NTPC Ltd)

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Note
“Asked Objective Questions” is the total collection of questions from:-
29 yrs IES (2022-1992) [Engineering Service Examination]
30 yrs. GATE (2022-1992) [Mechanical Engineering]
16 yrs. GATE (2018-2003) [Civil Engineering]
and 14 yrs. IAS (Prelim.) [Civil Service Preliminary]

Copyright © 2007 S K Mondal

Every effort has been made to see that there are no errors (typographical or otherwise) in the material
presented. However, it is still possible that there are a few errors (serious or otherwise). I would be
thankful to the readers if they are brought to my attention at the following e-mail address:
swapan_mondal_01@yahoo.co.in

S K Mondal

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 1. Stress and Strain

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

1.1 Stress (σ)
When a material is subjected to an external force, a resisting force is set up within the component. The
internal resistance force per unit area acting on a material or intensity of the forces distributed over a
given section is called the stress at a point.

• It uses original cross section area of the specimen and also known as engineering stress or
conventional stress.
P
Therefore,
A

• P is expressed in Newton(N) and A, original area,in square meters (m2), the stress σ will be
expresses in N/ m2. This unit is called Pascal (Pa).

• As Pascal is a small quantity, in practice, multiples of this unit is used.

1 kPa = 103 Pa = 103 N/ m2 (kPa = Kilo Pascal)
1 MPa = 106 Pa = 106 N/ m2 =1 N/mm2 (MPa = Mega Pascal)
1 GPa = 109 Pa = 109 N/ m2 (GPa = Giga Pascal)
Let us take an example: A rod 10 mm ´10 mm cross-section is carrying an axial tensile load 10 kN. In
this rod the tensile stress developed is given by

10´103 N
(s ) = PA = 10 kN
= = 100N/mm2 = 100MPa
t
(10 mm ´10 mm ) 100 mm 2

• The resultant of the internal forces for an axially loaded member is normal
to a section cut perpendicular to the member axis.

• The force intensity on the shown section is defined as the normal stress.
F P
lim and avg
A 0 A A
• Stresses are not vectors because they do not follow vector laws of addition.
They are Tensors.Stress, Strain and Moment of Inertia are second order
tensors.

• Tensile stress (σt)

If σ > 0 the stress is tensile. i.e. The fibres of the component
tend to elongate due to the external force. A member subjected
to an external force tensile P and tensile stress distribution
due to the force is shown in the given figure.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
• Compressive stress (σc)
If σ < 0 the stress is compressive. i.e. The fibres of the
component tend to shorten due to the external force. A
member subjected to an external compressive force P and
compressive stress distribution due to the force is shown in
the given figure.

• Shear stress ( )
When forces are transmitted from one part of a body to other, the stresses
developed in a plane parallel to the applied force are the shear stress. Shear
stress acts parallel to plane of interest. Forces P is applied
transversely to the member AB as shown. The corresponding internal
forces act in the plane of section C and are called shearing forces. The
P
corresponding average shear stress
Area

1.2 Strain (ε)

Thedisplacement per unit length (dimensionless) is
known as strain.

• Tensile strain ( t)

The elongation per unit length as shown in the

figure is known as tensile strain.
εt = ΔL/ Lo
It is engineering strain or conventional strain. Here
we divide the elongation to original length not
actual length (Lo + L)

Sometimes strain is expressed in microstrain. (1 μstrain = 10-6 ) eg. a strain of 0.001 = 1000 μstrain)

Let us take an example: A rod 100 mm in original length. When we apply an axial tensile load 10 kN
the final length of the rod after application of the load is 100.1 mm. So in this rod tensile strain is
developed and is given by
L L Lo 100.1mm 100 mm 0.1mm
t 0.001 (Dimensionless)Tensile
Lo Lo 100 mm 100 mm

• Compressive strain ( c)

If the applied force is compressive then the reduction of length per unit length is known as
compressive strain. It is negative. Then εc = (-ΔL)/ Lo

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Let us take an example: A rod 100 mm in original length. When we apply an axial compressive load 10
kN the final length of the rod after application of the load is 99 mm. So in this rod a compressive strain is
developed and is given by
L L Lo 99 mm 100 mm 1mm
c 0.01 (Dimensionless)compressive
Lo Lo 100 mm 100 mm

• Shear Strain ( ):When a force

P is applied tangentially to the

element shown. Its edge
displaced to dotted line. Where

is the lateral displacement of

the upper face
of the element relative to the lower face and L is the distance between these faces.

Then the shear strain is ( )

L
Let us take an example: A block 100 mm × 100 mm base and 10 mm height. When we apply a tangential
force 10 kN to the upper edge it is displaced 1 mm relative to lower face.
Then the direct shear stress in the element

10 kN 10 103 N
( ) 1 N/mm2 1 MPa
100 mm 100 mm 100 mm 100 mm

1mm
And shear strain in the element ( )= 0.1 Dimensionless
10 mm

1.3 True stress and True Strain

The true stress is defined as the ratio of the load to the cross section area at any instant.

load 1
T
Instantaneous area

Where and is the engineering stress and engineering strain respectively.

• True strain
L
dl L Ao do
T ln ln 1 ln 2ln
Lo
l Lo A d

or engineering strain ( ) = e T -1
The volume of the specimen is assumed to be constant during plastic deformation. [
Ao Lo AL ] It is valid till the neck formation.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
• Comparison of engineering and the true stress-strain curves shown below
• The true stress-strain curve is also known as
the flow curve.
• True stress-strain curve gives a true indication of
deformation characteristics because it is based
on the instantaneous dimension of the
specimen.
• In engineering stress-strain curve, stress drops
down after necking since it is based on the
original area.

• In true stress-strain curve, the stress however increases after necking since the cross-
sectional area of the specimen decreases rapidly after necking.
• The flow curve of many metals in the region of uniform plastic deformation can be expressed
by the simple power law.

𝜎𝑇 = 𝐾 (𝜀𝑇 )𝑛 Where K is the strength coefficient

n is the strain hardening exponent

n = 0 perfectly plastic solid
n = 1 elastic solid
For most metals, 0.1< n < 0.5

• Relation between the ultimate tensile strength and true stress at maximum load
Pmax
The ultimate tensile strength u
Ao

Pmax
The true stress at maximum load u T
A

Ao A
And true strain at maximum load T
ln or o eT
A A
Pmax Pmax Ao
Eliminating Pmax we get , u T u eT
A Ao A
Where Pmax = maximum force and Ao = Original cross section area
A = Instantaneous cross section area
Let us take two examples:
(I.) Only elongation no neck formation
In the tension test of a rod shown initially it was A o =
50 mm2 and Lo = 100 mm. After the application of load
it’s A = 40 mm2 and L = 125 mm.
Determine the true strain using changes in both
length and area.

Answer: First of all we have to check that does the (If no neck formation
member forms neck or not? For that check Ao Lo AL occurs both area and
or not? gauge length can be used
Here 50 × 100 = 40 × 125 so no neck formation is for a strain calculation.)
there. Therefore true strain

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
L
dl 125
T ln 0.223
Lo
l 100

Ao 50
T ln ln 0.223
A 40
(II.) Elongation with neck formation
A ductile material is tested such and necking occurs
then the final gauge length is L=140 mm and the final
minimum cross sectional area is A = 35 mm2. Though
the rod shown initially it was Ao = 50 mm2 and Lo =
100 mm. Determine the true strain using changes in
both length and area.

Answer: First of all we have to check that does the (After necking, gauge
member forms neck or not? For that check Ao Lo AL length gives error but
or not? area and diameter can be
Here AoLo = 50 × 100 = 5000 mm3 and AL=35 × 140 = used for the calculation
4200 mm3. So neck formation is there. Note here of true strain at fracture
AoLo>AL. and before fracture also.)
Therefore true strain
Ao 50
T ln ln 0.357
A 35
L
dl 140
But not T ln 0.336 (it is wrong)
Lo
l 100

1.4 Hook’s law

According to Hook’s law the stress is directly proportional to strain i.e. normal stress (σ) normal strain
(ε) and shearing stress ( ) shearing strain ( ).

σ = Eε and G
The co-efficient E is called the modulus of elasticity i.e. its resistance to elastic strain. The co-efficient
G is called the shearmodulus of elasticity or modulus of rigidity.

PL σ
1.6 Young’s modulus or Modulus of elasticity (E) = =
Aδ
PL
1.7 Modulus of rigidity or Shear modulus of elasticity (G) = = =
A
p p
1.8 Bulk Modulus or Volume modulus of elasticity (K) = − =
v R
v R

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
1.10 Relationship between the elastic constants E, G, K, µ

9KG
E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 2 ) =
3K + G [VIMP]

Where K = Bulk Modulus, = Poisson’s Ratio, E= Young’s modulus, G= Modulus of rigidity

• For a linearly elastic, isotropic and homogeneous material, the number of elastic constants
required to relate stress and strain is two. i.e. any two of the four must be known.

• If the material is non-isotropic (i.e. anisotropic), then the elastic modulii will vary with
additional stresses appearing since there is a coupling between shear stresses and normal stresses
for an anisotropic material.There are 21 independent elastic constants for anisotropic materials.

• If there are axes of symmetry in 3 perpendicular directions, material is called

orthotropicmaterials. An orthotropic material has 9 independent elastic constants.
Let us take an example: The modulus of elasticity and rigidity of a material are 200 GPa and 80 GPa,
respectively. Find all other elastic modulus.
9KG
Answer: Using the relation E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 2 ) = we may find all other elastic modulus
3K + G
easily
E E 200
Poisson’s Ratio ( ) : 1+ = = −1 = − 1 = 0.25
2G 2G 2 80
E E 200
Bulk Modulus (K) : 3K = K= = = 133.33GPa
1− 2 3 (1 − 2 ) 3 (1 − 2 0.25 )

1.11 Poisson’s Ratio (µ)

Transverse strain or lateral strain − y
= =
Longitudinal strain x

(Under unidirectional stress in x-direction)

• The theory of isotropic elasticity allows Poisson's ratios in the range from -1 to 1/2.

• We use cork in a bottle as the cork easily inserted and removed, yet it also withstand the pressure
from within the bottle. Cork with a Poisson's ratio of nearly zero, is ideal in this application.

• If a piece of material neither expands nor contracts in volume when subjected to stress,then the
Poisson’s ratio must be 1/2

• Poisson's ratio in various materials

Material Poisson's ratio Material Poisson's ratio
Steel 0.25 – 0.33 Rubber 0.48 – 0.5
C.I 0.23 – 0.27 Cork Nearly zero
Concrete 0.2 Novel foam negative

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

1.12 For bi-axial stretching of sheet

Lf 1
1 = ln Lo − Original length
Lo1
Lf 2
2 = ln L f -Final length
Lo 2
Initial thickness(t o )
Final thickness (tf) =
e1 e2
1.13 Elongation
• A prismatic bar loaded in tension by an axial force P
For a prismatic bar loaded in tension by an
axial force P. The elongation of the bar can
be determined as
PL
=
AE
Let us take an example: A Mild Steel wire 5 mm in diameter and 1 m long. If the wire is subjected to
an axial tensile load 10 kN find its extension of the rod. (E = 200 GPa)
PL
Answer: We know that ( )=
AE
Here given, Force (P) = 10 kN = 10 1000N
Length(L) = 1 m
( 0.005 )
2
d2
Area(A) = = m2 = 1.963 10−5 m2
4 4
Modulous of Elasticity (E ) = 200 GPa = 200 109 N/m2

Therefore Elongation( ) =
PL
=
(10 1000) 1 m
AE (1.963 10−5 ) ( 200 109 )
= 2.55 10−3 m = 2.55 mm

• Elongation of composite body

Elongation of a bar of varying cross section A1, A2,----------,An of lengths l1, l2,--------lnrespectively.

P l1 l2 l3 l
= + + −−−−−−−+ n
E A1 A2 A3 An
Let us take an example: A composite rod is 1000 mm long, its two ends are 40 mm 2 and 30 mm2 in area
and length are 300 mm and 200 mm respectively. The middle portion of the rod is 20 mm 2 in area and
500 mm long. If the rod is subjected to an axial tensile load of 1000 N, find its total elongation. (E = 200
GPa).

Answer: Consider the following figure

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Given, Load (P) =1000 N

Area; (A1) = 40 mm2, A2 = 20 mm2, A3 = 30 mm2
Length; (l1) = 300 mm, l2 = 500 mm, l3 = 200 mm
E = 200 GPa = 200 109 N/m2 = 200 103 N/mm2
Therefore Total extension of the rod

P l1 l 2 l 3
= + +
E A1 A2 A3
1000 N 300 mm 500 mm 200 mm
= + +
200 103 N / mm 2 40 mm 2 20 mm 2 30 mm 2
= 0.196mm

• Elongation of a tapered body

Elongation of a tapering rod of length ‘L’ due to load ‘P’ at the end

4PL
δ= (d1 and d2 are the diameters of smaller & larger ends)
Ed1 d2
PL PL
You may remember this in this way, δ= i.e.
EA eq
E d1 d 2
4
Let us take an example: A round bar, of length L, tapers uniformly from small diameter d 1 at one end
to bigger diameter d2 at the other end. Show that the extension produced by a tensile axial load P is
4PL
(δ )= .
d1 d2 E

If d2 = 2d1, compare this extension with that of a uniform cylindrical bar having a diameter equal to the
mean diameter of the tapered bar.

Answer: Consider the figure below d1 be the radius at the smaller end. Then at a X cross section XX
located at a distance × from the smaller end, the value of diameter ‘d x’ is equal to

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
d x d1 x d 2 d1
= + −
2 2 L 2 2
x
or d x = d1 + ( d 2 − d1 )
L
d 2 − d1 1
= d1 (1 + kx ) Where k =
L d1

We now taking a small strip of diameter 'd x'and length 'dx 'at section XX .
Elongation of this section 'd x ' length
PL P .dx 4P .dx
d( )= = =
. d1 (1 + kx ) E
2 2
AE dx
E
4

Therefore total elongation of the taper bar

x =L
4P dx
= d( )=
Ed12 (1 + kx )
2
x =0

4PL
=
E d1d 2
Comparison: Case-I: Where d2 = 2d1
4PL 2PL
Elongation ( I )= =
Ed1 2d1 Ed12
Case –II: Where we use Mean diameter
d1 + d 2 d1 + 2d1 3
dm = = = d1
2 2 2
PL P .L
Elongation of such bar ( II ) = = 2
AE 3
d1 .E
4 2
16PL
=
9 Ed12
Extension of taper bar 2 9
= =
Extension of uniform bar 16 8
9

• Elongation of a body due to its self weight

(i) Elongation of a uniform rod of length ‘L’ due to its own weight ‘W’

WL
δ=
2AE
The deformation of a bar under its own weight as compared to that when subjected to a
direct axial load equal to its own weight will be half.
(ii) Total extension produced in rod of length ‘L’ due to its own weight ‘ ’ per with

L2
length. δ=
2EA

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(iii) Elongation of a conical bar due to its self weight

gL2 WL
δ= =
6E 2 Amax E

1.14 Structural members or machines must be designed such that the working stresses are less than the
ultimate strength of the material.

Working stress ( )= y
w n=1.5 to 2
n
factor of safety
= ult
n1 = 2 to 3
n1

= = Proof stress
p
p
n

y or p or ult
1.15 Factor of Safety: (n) =
w

1.16 Thermal or Temperature stress and strain

• When a material undergoes a change in temperature, it either elongates or contracts
depending upon whether temperature is increased or decreased of the material.

• If the elongation or contraction is not restricted, i. e. free then the material does not experience
any stress despite the fact that it undergoes a strain.

• The strain due to temperature change is called thermal strain and is expressed as,

= ( T)
• Where α is co-efficient of thermal expansion, a material property, and ΔT is the change in
temperature.

• The free expansion or contraction of materials, when restrained induces stress in the material
and it is referred to as thermal stress.

t = E( T) Where, E = Modulus of elasticity

• Thermal stress produces the same effect in the material similar to that of mechanical stress.
A compressive stress will produce in the material with increase in temperature and the stress
developed is tensile stress with decrease in temperature.

Let us take an example: A rod consists of two parts that are made of steel and copper as shown in figure
below. The elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion for steel are 200 GPa and 11.7 × 10-6 per
°C respectively and for copper 70 GPa and 21.6 × 10-6 per °C respectively. If the temperature of the rod is
raised by 50°C, determine the forces and stresses acting on the rod.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Answer: If we allow this rod to freely expand then free expansion

T = ( T )L
= (11.7 10−6 ) 50 500 + ( 21.6 10−6 ) 50 750
= 1.1025 mm
But according to diagram only free expansion is 0.4 mm.
Therefore restrained deflection of rod =1.1025 mm – 0.4 mm = 0.7025 mm
Let us assume the force required to make their elongation vanish be P which is the reaction force at the
ends.

PL PL
= +
AE Steel AE Cu

P 500 P 750
or 0.7025 = +

4
( 0.075 )
2
( 200 109 )
4
( 0.050 )
2
( 70 109 )

or P = 116.6 kN
Therefore, compressive stress on steel rod

P 116.6 103
Steel = = N/m2 = 26.39 MPa
ASteel
( 0.075)
2

4
And compressive stress on copper rod

P 116.6 103
Cu = = N/m2 = 59.38 MPa
ACu
( 0.050)
2

1.17 Thermal stress on Brass and Mild steel combination

A brass rod placed within a steel tube of exactly same length. The assembly is making in such a way
that elongation of the combination will be same. To calculate the stress induced in the brass rod, steel
tube when the combination is raised by toC then the following analogy have to do.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

(a) Original bar before heating.

(b) Expanded position if the members are allowed to

expand freely and independently after heating.

(c) Expanded position of the compound bar i.e. final

position after heating.

• Compatibility Equation: Assumption:

= + = − 1. L = Ls = LB
st sf Bt Bf
2.
•
b s
Equilibrium Equation:
3. Steel − Tension
s As = B AB Brass − Compression
Where, = Expansion of the compound bar = AD in the above figure.

st = Free expansion of the steel tube due to temperature rise toC = s Lt

= AB in the above figure.

sf = Expansion of the steel tube due to internal force developed by the unequal expansion.

= BD in the above figure.

Bt = Free expansion of the brass rod due to temperature rise toC = b Lt

= AC in the above figure.

Bf = Compression of the brass rod due to internal force developed by the unequal expansion.

= BD in the above figure.

And in the equilibrium equation
Tensile force in the steel tube = Compressive force in the brass rod
Where, s = Tensile stress developed in the steel tube.

B = Compressive stress developed in the brass rod.

As = Cross section area of the steel tube.

AB = Cross section area of the brass rod.

Let us take an example: See the Conventional Question Answer section of this chapter and the question
is “Conventional Question IES-2008” and it’s answer.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
1.18 Maximum stress and elongation due to rotation
2 2 2 3
L L
(i) max = and ( L) =
8 12E

2 2 2 3
L L
(ii) max = and ( L) =
2 3E
For remember: You will get (ii) by multiplying by 4 of (i)

1.18 Creep
When a member is subjected to a constant load over a long period of time it undergoes a slow permanent
deformation and this is termed as “creep”. This is dependent on temperature. Usually at elevated
temperatures creep is high.

• The materials have its own different melting point; each will creep when the homologous
Testing temperature
temperature > 0.5. Homologous temp = > 0.5
Melting temperature
A typical creep curve shows three distinct stages
with different creep rates. After an initial rapid
elongation εo, the creep rate decrease with time
until reaching the steady state.

1) Primary creep is a period of transient creep.

The creep resistance of the material increases
due to material deformation.

2) Secondary creepprovides a nearly constant

creep rate. The average value of the creep rate
during this period is called the minimum creep
rate. A stage of balance between competing.
Strain hardening and recovery (softening) of the material.

3) Tertiary creep shows a rapid increase in the creep rate due to effectively reduced cross-sectional
area of the specimen leading to creep rupture or failure. In this stage intergranular cracking and/or
formation of voids and cavities occur.
c2
Creep rate =c1

Creep strain at any time = zero time strain intercept + creep rate ×Time
= 0 + c1 c2
t
Where, c1 , c2 are constants = stress

1.19 Fatigue
When material issubjected to repeated stress, it fails at stress below the yield point stress. This failureis
known asfatigue. Fatigue failute is caused by means of aprogressive crack formation which are usually
fine and of microscopic. Endurance limit is used for reversed bending only while for othertypes of loading,
the term endurance strength may be used when referring the fatigue strength of thematerial. It may be
defined as the safe maximum stress which can be applied to the machine partworking under actual
conditions.

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1.20 Stress produced by a load P in falling from height ’h’

2h
d = 1+ 1+
L
being stress & strain produced by static load P & L=length of bar.

P 2 AEh
= 1+ 1+
A PL
If a load P is applied suddenly to a bar then the stress & strain induced will be double than those
obtained by an equal load applied gradually.

1.21 Loads shared by the materials of a compound bar made of bars x & y due to load W,
Ax Ex
Px = W .
Ax Ex + Ay E y
Ay E y
Py = W .
Ax Ex + Ay E y
PL
1.22Elongation of a compound bar, =
Ax Ex + Ay E y

1.23 Tension Test

i) True elastic limit:based on micro-strain measurement at strains on order of 2 × 10-6. Very low value
and is related to the motion of a few hundred dislocations.

ii) Proportional limit:the highest stress at which stress is directly proportional to strain.

iii) Elastic limit:is the greatest stress the material can withstand without any measurable permanent
strain after unloading. Elastic limit > proportional limit.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
iv) Yield strengthis the stress required to produce a small specific amount of
deformation.The offset yield strength can be determined by the stress
corresponding to the intersection of the stress-strain curve and a line parallel
to the elastic line offset by a strain of 0.2 or 0.1%.( = 0.002 or 0.001).

• The offset yield stress is referred to proof stress either at 0.1 or 0.5% strain used for design and
specification purposes to avoid the practical difficulties of measuring the elastic limit or
proportional limit.

v) Tensile strength or ultimate tensile strength (UTS) u is the maximum load Pmax divided by the

original cross-sectional area Ao of the specimen.

Lf − Lo
vi) % Elongation, = ,is chiefly influenced by uniform elongation, which is dependent on the
Lo
strain-hardening capacity of the material.

Ao − Af
vii) Reduction of Area: q =
Ao

• Reduction of area is more a measure of the deformation required to produce failure and its
chief contribution results from the necking process.

• Because of the complicated state of stress state in the neck, values of reduction of area are
dependent on specimen geometry, and deformation behaviour, and they should not be taken
as true material properties.

• RA is the most structure-sensitive ductility parameter and is useful in detecting quality

changes in the materials.

viii) Modulus of Elasticity or Young’s Modulus

• It is slope of elastic line upto proportional limit.

ix) Stress-strain response

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

x) Machine compliance
In mechanical testing of materials, when a strain gage or an in-situ element cannot be used to
measure the real material strain, it is customary to use the machine crosshead displacement to
measure the applied strain. Measurements conducted by crosshead displacement need to be
calibrated by taking into account the machine compliance C m. In order to calibrate the machine
compliance (Cm=1/km = δ/P, where km is the stiffness constant, δ the crosshead displacement, and
P the applied load). The total compliance measured by the crosshead displacement (C T) is a sum
of the compliance of the analyzed material (CA) and the compliance of the machine (Cm),
simulating a series spring system. Since CT and CA are measured during the experiment (CA can
be measured using strain gauge), the next relation can determine the machine compliance:

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
CT = C m + C A
The compliance of most machines is significantly low, confirming that our universal testing
machine is appropriated to obtain mechanical properties of materials with low modulus, thin
films, and polymers.

The machine compliance value is constant and needs to be considered to determine the real value
of the elastic modulus of a material under test, if the crosshead displacement is used to measure
strain. To determine the real elastic modulus (E) of a material under axial tension it is necessary
to take into account the machine compliance. This can be done using a spring-in-series system.
The elastic modulus as determined with the machine crosshead displacement (ET) needs to be
corrected to obtain the real modulus E,
ET
E= C E A
1− m T
L
Where Cm is the measured machine compliance, A the sectional area, and L the gage length.

• Characteristics of Ductile Materials

1. The strain at failure is, ε≥ 0.05 , or percent elongation greater than five percent.
2. Ductile materials typically have a well defined yield point. The value of thestress at the yield point
defines the yield strength, σy.
3. For typical ductile materials, the yield strength has approximately the same valuefor tensile and
compressive loading (σyt≈σyc≈σy).
4. A single tensile test is sufficient to characterize the material behavior of a ductilematerial, σy and σult.

• Characteristics of Brittle Materials

1. The strain at failure ilure is, ε ≤0.05 or percent elongation less than five percent.
2. Brittle materials do not exhibit an identifiable yield point; rather, they fail bybrittle fracture. The value
of the largest stress in tension and compressiondefines the ultimate strength, σutand σucrespectively.
3. The compressive strength of a typical brittle material is significantly higher thanits tensile strength,
(σuc>> σut).
4. Two material tests, a tensile test and a compressive test, are required tocharacterize the material
behavior of a brittle material, σutand σuc.

1.24Izod Impact Test

The Notched Izod impact test is a technique to obtain a
measure of toughness. Itmeasures the energy required to
fracture a notched specimen at relatively high ratebending
conditions. The apparatus for the Izod impact test is shown
in Figure.A pendulum with adjustable weight is released
from a known height; a rounded point onthe tip of the
pendulum makes contact with a notched specimen 22mm
above the centerof the notch.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
1.25 Elastic strain and Plastic strain
The strain present in the material after unloading is called the residual strain or plastic strain and
the strain disappears during unloading is termed as recoverable or elastic strain.
Equation of the straight line CB is given by
= total E− Plastic E= Elastic E
Carefully observe the following figures and understand which one is Elastic strain and which one is
Plastic strain

Let us take an example: A 10 mm diameter tensile specimen has a 50 mm gauge length. The load
corresponding to the 0.2% offset is 55 kN and the maximum load is 70 kN. Fracture occurs at 60 kN. The
diameter after fracture is 8 mm and the gauge length at fracture is 65 mm. Calculate the following
properties of the material from the tension test.
(i) % Elongation
(ii) Reduction of Area (RA) %
(iii) Tensile strength or ultimate tensile strength (UTS)
(iv) Yield strength
(v) Fracture strength
(vi) If E = 200 GPa, the elastic recoverable strain at maximum load
(vii) If the elongation at maximum load (the uniform elongation) is 20%, what is the plastic strain at
maximum load?

Answer:Given, Original area ( A0 ) = ( 0.010 ) m2 = 7.854 10−5 m2

2

Area at fracture ( Af ) = ( 0.008 ) m2 = 5.027 10−5 m2

2

4
Original gauge length (L0) = 50 mm
Gauge length at fracture (L) = 65 mm
Therefore
L − L0 65 − 50
(i) % Elongation = 100% = 100 = 30%
L0 50
A0 − Af 7.854 − 5.027
(ii) Reduction of area (RA) = q = 100% = 100% = 36%
A0 7.854

Pmax 70 103
(iii) Tensile strength or Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), u = = −5
N/m2 = 891 MPa
Ao 7.854 10

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Py 55 103
(iv) Yield strength ( y )= A = −5
N/m2 = 700 MPa
o 7.854 10

PFracture 60 103
(v) Fracture strength ( F)= = −5
N/m2 = 764MPa
Ao 7.854 10

Pmax / Ao 891 106

(vi) Elastic recoverable strain at maximum load ( E)= = = 0.0045
E 200 109
(vii) Plastic strain ( P)= total − E = 0.2000 − 0.0045 = 0.1955

1.26 Elasticity
This is the property of a material to regain its original shape
after deformation when the external forces are removed. When
the material is in elastic region the strain disappears completely
after removal of the load, The stress-strain relationship in
elastic region need not be linear and can be non-linear (example
rubber). The maximum stress value below which the strain is
fully recoverable is called the elastic limit. It is represented by
point A in figure. All materials are elastic to some extent but the
degree varies, for example, both mild steel and rubber are
elastic materials but steel is more elastic than rubber.

1.27 Plasticity
When the stress in the material exceeds the elastic limit, the
material enters into plastic phase where the strain can no longer
be completely removed. Under plastic conditions materials
ideally deform without any increase in stress. A typical stress
strain diagram for an elastic-perfectly plastic material is shown
in the figure. Mises-Henky criterion gives a good starting point
for plasticity analysis.

1.28 Strain hardening

If the material is reloaded from point C, it will follow the
previous unloading path and line CB becomes its new elastic
region with elastic limit defined by point B. Though the new
elastic region CB resembles that of the initial elastic region OA,
the internal structure of the material in the new state has
changed. The change in the microstructure of the material is
clear from the fact that the ductility of the material has come

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
down due to strain hardening. When the material is reloaded, it
follows the same path as that of a virgin material and fails on
reaching the ultimate strength which remains unaltered due to
the intermediate loading and unloading process.

1.29 Stress reversal andstress-strain hysteresis loop

We know that fatigue failure begins at a local discontinuity and when the stress at the discontinuity
exceeds elastic limit there is plastic strain. The cyclic plastic strain results crack propagation and fracture.
When we plot the experimental data with reversed loading which can induce plastic stress and the true
stress strain hysteresis loops is found as shown below.

True stress-strain plot with a number of stress reversals

The area of the hysteresis loop gives the energy dissipationper unit volume of the material, per stress
cycle. This is termed the per unit volume damping capacity.

Due to cyclic strain the elastic limit increases for annealed steel and decreases for cold drawn steel.
Here the stress range is Δσ. Δεp and Δεe are the plastic and elastic strain ranges, the total strain range
being Δε. Considering that the total strain amplitude can be given as
Δε = Δεp+ Δεe

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Bauschinger Effect
• In most materials, plastic deformation in one direction will affect subsequent plastic response in
another direction. For example,a material that is pulled in tensionshows a reduction in
compressive strength.

• It depends on yield stress on loading path and direction.

• The basic mechanism for the Bauschinger effect is related to the dislocation structure in the cold
worked metal. As deformation occurs, thedislocations will accumulate at barriers and produce
dislocation pile-ups and tangles.
• It is a general phenomenon found in most polycrystalline metals.

1.30Bolts of uniform strength

Diameter of the shank of the bolt is equal to the core diameter of the thread. Stress in the shank will be
more and maximum energy will be absorbed by shank.

1.31 Beam of uniform strength

It is one is which the maximum bending stress is same in every section along the longitudinal axis.
For it M bh 2
Where b = Width of beam
h = Height of beam

To make Beam of uniform strength the section of the beam may be varied by
• Keeping the width constant throughout the length and varying the depth, (Most widely used)
• Keeping the depth constant throughout the length and varying the width
• By varying both width and depth suitably.

1.32 Pretensioned bolts or Preloaded bolts

Benefits
• Rigidity of joints (no slip in service)
• No loosening of bolts due to vibrations
• Better fatigue performance
• Tolerance for fabrication/erection (because of the use of clearance holes)

Disadvantages
• Difficulty of ensuring that all bolts are adequately pre-loaded
• In double cover connections, small differences in ply thickness in plates of nominally the same
thickness can result in the preload from bolts near the centre of joint being applied to the wrong side
of the joint.

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1.33 Fracture
Tension Test of Ductile Material

Cup and cone fracture in a ductile metal

(MS)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Stress in a bar
GATE-1. Two identical circular rods of same diameter and same length are subjected to same
magnitude of axial tensile force. One of the rods is made out of mild steel having
the modulus of elasticity of 206 GPa. The other rod is made out of cast iron having
the modulus of elasticity of 100 GPa. Assume both the materials to be homogeneous
and isotropic and the axial force causes the same amount of uniform stress in both
the rods. The stresses developed are within the proportional limit of the respective
materials. Which of the following observations is correct? [GATE-2003]
(a) Both rods elongate by the same amount
(b) Mild steel rod elongates more than the cast iron rod
(c) Cast iron rod elongates more than the mild steel rod
(d) As the stresses are equal strains are also equal in both the rods

GATE-1(i).A rod of length L having uniform cross-sectional area A is subjected to a tensile

force P as shown in the figure below If the Young's modulus of the material varies
linearly from E1, to E2along the length of the rod, the normal stress developed at the
section-SS is [GATE-2013]

𝑃 𝑃(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 ) 𝑃𝐸2 𝑃𝐸1

(𝑎) (𝑏) (𝑐) (𝑑)
𝐴 𝐴(𝐸1 + 𝐸2 ) 𝐴𝐸1 𝐴𝐸2

GATE-2. A steel bar of 40 mm × 40 mm square cross-section is subjected to an axial

compressive load of 200 kN. If the length of the bar is 2 m and E = 200 GPa, the
elongation of the bar will be: [GATE-2006]
(a)1.25 mm (b)2.70 mm (c)4.05 mm (d) 5.40 mm
GATE-2a. A 300 mm long copper wire of uniform cross-section is pulled in tension so that a
maximum tensile stress of 270 MPa is developed within the wire. The entire
deformation of the wire remains linearly elastic. The elastic modulus of copper is
100 GPa. The resultant elongation (in mm) is ________. [PI: GATE-2006]
GATE-2b. A bar of varying square cross-section is
loaded symmetrically as shown in the
figure. Loads shown are placed on one of
100 mm
the axes of symmetry of cross-section.
Ignoring self weight, the maximum tensile
50 mm
stress in N/ mm2 anywhere is
(a) 16.0 (b) 20.0 100 kN 100 kN

(c) 25.0 (d) 30.0

50 kN
[CE: GATE-2003]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-2c. A curved member with a straight vertical leg
carrying a vertical load at Z. As shown in the figure
The stress resultants in the XY segmet Z

(a) bending moment, shear force and axial force

(b) bending moment and axial force only
(c) bending moment and shear force only
(d) axial force only
Y

[CE: GATE-2003]
GATE-2d. A metallic rod of 500 mm length and 50 mm diameter, when subjected to a tensile
force of 100 kN at the ends, experiences an increase in its length by 0.5 mm and a
reduction in its diameter by 0.015 mm. The Poisson’s ratio of the rod material is
……….. [GATE-2014]

True stress and true strain

GATE-3. The ultimate tensile strength of a material is 400 MPa and the elongation up to
maximum load is 35%. If the material obeys power law of hardening, then the true
stress-true strain relation (stress in MPa) in the plastic deformation range is:
(a) = 540 (b) = 775 (c) = 540 = 775 0.35 [GATE-2006]
0.30 0.30 0.35
(d)

Elasticity and Plasticity

GATE-4. An axial residual compressive stress due to a manufacturing process is present on
the outer surface of a rotating shaft subjected to bending. Under a given bending
load, the fatigue life of the shaft in the presence of the residual compressive stress
is: [GATE-2008]
(a) Decreased
(b) Increased or decreased, depending on the external bending load
(c) Neither decreased nor increased
(d) Increased
GATE-5. A static load is mounted at the centre of a shaft rotating at uniform angular velocity.
This shaft will be designed for [GATE-2002]
(a) The maximum compressive stress (static) (b) The maximum tensile stress (static)
(c) The maximum bending moment (static) (d) Fatigue loading

GATE-6. Fatigue strength of a rod subjected to cyclic axial force is less than that of a rotating
beam of the same dimensions subjected to steady lateral force because
(a) Axial stiffness is less than bending stiffness [GATE-1992]
(b) Of absence of centrifugal effects in the rod
(c) The number of discontinuities vulnerable to fatigue are more in the rod
(d) At a particular time the rod has only one type of stress whereas the beam has both the
tensile and compressive stresses.

Relation between the Elastic Modulii

GATE-7. The number of independent elastic constants required to define the stress-strain
relationship for an isotropic elastic solid is …….. [GATE-2014]
GATE-7(i).A rod of length L and diameter D is subjected to a tensile load P. Which of the
following is sufficient to calculate the resulting change in diameter?
(a) Young's modulus (b) Shear modulus [GATE-2008]
(c) Poisson's ratio (d)Both Young's modulus and shear modulus

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-7ii. If the Poisson’s ratio of an elastic material is 0.4, the ratio of modulus ofrigidity to
Young’s modulus is ……. [GATE-2014]

GATE-8. In terms of Poisson's ratio (µ) the ratio of Young's Modulus (E) to Shear Modulus (G)
of elastic materials is [GATE-2004]
1 1
(a) 2(1 + ) (b) 2(1 − ) (c) (1 + ) (d ) (1 − )
2 2
GATE-9. The relationship between Young's modulus (E), Bulk modulus (K) and Poisson's
ratio (µ) is given by: [GATE-2002]
(a) E = 3 K (1 − 2 ) (b) K = 3 E (1 − 2 )
(c) E = 3 K (1 − ) (d) K = 3 E (1 − )
GATE-9(i) For an isotropic material, the relationship between the Young’s modulus (E), shear
modulus (G) and Poisson’s ratio ( ) is given by [CE: GATE-2007; PI:GATE-2014]
E G E E
(a) G = (b) E = (c) G = (d) G =
2(1 + ) 2(1 + ) (1 + ) 2(1 − 2 )
GATE-9(ii)For a linear elastic and isotropic material, the correct relationship among Young’s
modulus of elasticity (E), Poisson’s ratio ( ), and shear modulus (G) is
[CE: GATE-2022 set – 2]

GATE-10. A rod is subjected to a uni-axial load within linear elastic limit. When the change in
the stress is 200 MPa, the change in the strain is 0.001. If the Poisson’s ratio of the
rod is 0.3, the modulus of rigidity (in GPa) is _____________ [GATE-2015]

Stresses in compound strut

GATE-11. The figure below shows a steel rod of 25 mm 2 cross sectional area. It is loaded at
four points, K, L, M and N. [GATE-2004, IES 1995, 1997, 1998]

Assume Esteel = 200 GPa. The total change in length of the rod due to loading is:
(a)1 µm (b) -10 µm (c) 16 µm (d) -20 µm

GATE-12. A bar having a cross-sectional area of 700 mm2 is subjected to axial loads at the
positions indicated. The value of stress in the segment QR is: [GATE-2006]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

P Q R S
(a) 40 MPa (b) 50 MPa (c) 70 MPa (d) 120 MPa

GATE-13. A horizontal bar with a constant cross-section is subjected to loading as shown in

the figure. The Young’s moduli for the sections AB and BC are 3E and E,
respectively.

[GATE-2016]
For the deflection at C to be zero, the ratio P/F is _____________________

GATE-13a. A prismatic bar PQRST is subjected to axial loads as shown in the figure. The
segments having maximum and minimum axial stresses, respectively, are

[GATE-2021]
(a) ST and PQ (b) QR and PQ (c) ST and RS (d) QR and RS
GATE-13b. A uniform elastic rod of constant cross-section is fixed at its left end as shown in
the figure. An axial force 𝑃 is acting as shown. Assume that plane sections remain
plane during deformation. The ratio of axial displacements at point A (𝑥 = 4𝐿) to
that at point B (x =𝐿) is ______ (rounded off to one decimal place) [XE: GATE-2022 ]

GATE-13c. A bimetallic cylindrical bar of cross sectional area 1 m 2 is made by bonding Steel
(Young's modulus = 210 GPa) and Aluminium (Young's modulus = 70 GPa) as
shown in the figure. To maintain tensile axial strain of magnitude 10-6 Steel bar
and compressive axial strain of magnitude 10-6 Aluminum bar, the magnitude of
the required force P (in kN) along the indicated direction is

[GATE-2018]
(a) 70 (b) 140 (c) 210 (d) 280

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-13d.The stepped rod of length 2 m, shown in the figure, is fixed at both ends (A and C).
The area of cross-section of portion AB is 200 mm2 and that of portion BC is 100
mm2. Force F is applied at section B such that the section is displaced by 0.1 mm
in the direction of the force. Young’s modulus of the rod is 200 GPa. The applied
force F in N is _______ (round off to the nearest integer)
[XE: GATE-2022]

GATE-14. A rigid bar is suspended by three rods made of

the same material as shown in the figure. The
area and length of the central rod are 3A and L,
respectively while that of the two outer rods are
2A and 2L, respectively. If a downward force of
50 kN is applied to the rigid bar, the forces in the
central and each of the outer rods will be
(a) 16.67 kN each (b) 30 kN and 15 kN
(c) 30 kN and 10 kN (d) 21.4 kN and 14.3
kN
50 kN
[CE: GATE-2007]

Stresses due to self-weight

GATE-14a.A right solid circular cone standing on its base on a horizontal surface is of height
H and base radius R. The cone is made of a material with specific weight w and
elastic modulus E. The vertical deflection at the mid-height of the cone due to self-
weight is given by [GATE-2021]
wRH wH 2 wRH wH 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
8E 8E 6E 6E

Thermal Effect
GATE-15. A uniform, slender cylindrical rod is made of a homogeneous and isotropic material.
The rod rests on a frictionless surface. The rod is heated uniformly. If the radial
and longitudinal thermal stresses are represented by σ r and σz, respectively, then
[GATE-2005]
(a) r = 0, z =0 (b) r 0, z =0 ( c) r = 0, z 0 (d ) r 0, z 0

GATE-16. A solid steel cube constrained on all six faces is heated so that the
temperature rises uniformly by ΔT. If the thermal coefficient of the material
is α, Young’s modulus is E and the Poisson’s ratio is , the thermal stress
developed in the cube due to heating is
( T)E 2 ( T)E 3 ( T)E ( T)E
(a) − (b) − (c) − (d ) − [GATE-2012]
(1 − 2 ) (1 − 2 ) (1 − 2 ) 3 (1 − 2 )

GATE-16a. A solid cube of side 1 m is kept at a room temperature of 32°C. The coefficient
of linear thermal expansion of the cube material is 1 × 10–5/°C and the bulk
modulus is 200 GPa. If the cube is constrained all around and heated uniformly
to 42°C, then the magnitude of volumetric (mean) stress induced due to
heating is __________MPa. [GATE-2019]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-17. A metal bar of length 100 mm is inserted between two rigid supports and its
temperature is increased by 10º C. If the coefficient of thermal expansion is
12 10−6 per º C and the Young’s modulus is 2 105 MPa, the stress in the bar is
(a) zero (b) 12 MPa (c) 24 Mpa (d) 2400 MPa [CE: GATE-2007]

GATE-18. A 200 mm long, stress free rod at room temperature is held between two immovable
rigid walls. The temperature of the rod is uniformly raised by 250ºC. If the Young’s
modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion are 200 GPaand 1 10−5 /ºC,
respectively, the magnitude of the longitudinal stress (in MPa) developed in the rod
is ……………. [GATE-2014]

GATE-19. A circular rod of length ‘L’ and area of cross-section ‘A’ has a modulus of elasticity
‘E’ and coefficient of thermal expansion ' '. One end of the rod is fixed and other
end is free. If the temperature of the rod is increased by T, then [GATE-2014]
(a) stress developed in the rod is E T and strain developed in the rod is T
(b) both stress and strain developed in the rod are zero
(c) stress developed in the rod is zero and strain developed in the rod is T
(d) stress developed in the rod is E T and strain developed in the rod is zero

GATE-20. A steel cube, with all faces free to deform, has Young’s modulus, E, Poisson’s ratio,
v, and coefficient of thermal expansion, . The pressure (hydrostatic stress)
developed within the cube, when it is subjected to a uniform increase in
temperature, T, is given by [GATE-2014]
( T)E ( T)E ( T)E
(a) 0 (b) (c) − (d)
1−2 1−2 3(1 − 2 )
GATE-20a.A circular metallic rod of length 250 mm is placed between two rigid immovable
walls as shown in the figure. The rod is in perfect contact with the wall on the left
side and there is a gap of 0.2 mm between the rod and the wall on the right side. If
the temperature of the rod is increased by 200 oC, the axial stress developed in the
rod is __________ MPa. [GATE-2016]
Young’s modulus of the material of the rod is 200 GPa and the coefficient of thermal
expansion is 10-5peroC.

GATE-20b.A steel bar is held by two fixed supports as shown in the figure and is subjected to
an increase oftemperature ΔT = 100OC. If the coefficient of thermal expansion and
Young's modulus of elasticityof steel are 11x10-6/°C and 200 GPa, respectively, the
magnitude of thermal stress (in MPa) induced in the bar is_______. [GATE-2017]

GATE-20c.A horizamtal bar, fixed at one end (x = 0), has a length of 1 m, and cross-sectional
area of100 mm2. Its elastic modulus varies along its length as given by E(x) = 100 e-x
GPa, where x is the length coordinate (in m) along the axis of the bar. An axial
tensile load of 10 kN is applied at the free end (x = 1). The axial displacement of the
free end is __________ mm. [GATE-2017]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-20d. A rectangular plate of uniform thickness having initial length a and width b is
placed between two rigid immovable walls. The temperature of the plate is
increased by T. The plate is free to expand along the y and z directions. The mid-
surface of the plate remains in the xy-plane. The Poisson’s ratio is and the
coefficient of thermal expansion is . Assuming that the plate is initially free of
stresses, the change in length of the plate after the increase in temperature is given
by [XE: GATE-2022 ]

GATE-20e. Consider two linearly elastic rods HI and IJ, each of length b, as shown in the
figure. The rods are co-linear, and confined between two fixed supports at H and J.
Both the rods are initially stress free. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion
is 𝛼 for both the rods. The temperature of the rod IJ is raised by ∆𝑇, whereas the
temperature of rod HI remains unchanged. An external horizontal force P is now
applied at node I. It is given that 𝛼 = 𝟏𝟎-𝟔 ℃-𝟏 , ∆𝑇 = 𝟓𝟎 ℃, 𝑏 = 𝟐 𝐦, 𝐴𝐸 = 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐍. The
axial rigidities of the rods HI and IJ are 2AE and AE, respectively.
[CE: GATE-2022 set – 2]

To make the axial force in rod HI equal to zero, the value of the external force P (in
N) is _________. (round off to the nearest integer)

Fatigue, Creep
GATE-21. The creep strains are [CE: GATE-2013]
(a) caused due to dead loads only (b) caused due to live loads only
(c) caused due to cyclic loads only (d) independent of loads

Tensile Test
GATE-22. The stress-strain curve for mild steel is shown in the figure given below. Choose the
correct option referring to both figure and table. [GATE-2014]

Point on the graph Description of the poin

P 1. Upper Yield Point
Q 2. Ultimate Tensile St
R 3. Proportionality Lim
S 4. Elastic Limit
T 5. Lower Yield Point

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
U 6. Failure

P Q R S T U P Q R S T U
(a) 1 2 3 4 5 6 (b) 3 1 4 2 6 5
(c) 3 4 1 5 2 6 (d) 4 1 5 2 3 6

GATE-22a. In the engineering stress-strain curve for mild steel, the Ultimate Tensile
Strength (UTS) refers to [GATE-2017]
(a) Yield stress (b) Proportional limit
(c) Maximum Stress (d) Fracture stress

GATE-22b. The elastic modulus of a rigid perfectly plastic solid is [PI: GATE-2016]
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 100 (d) infinity

GATE-22c. Which one of the following is the definition of ultimate tensile strength (UTS)
obtained from a stress-strain test on a metal specimen?
(a) Stress value where the stress-strain curve transitions from elastic to
plastic behavior
(b) The maximum load attained divided by the original cross-sectional area
(c) The maximum load attained divided by the corresponding instantaneous
cross-sectional area
(d) Stress where the specimen fractures [GATE- 2022 Set-2]

GATE-23. A test specimen is stressed slightly beyond the yield point and then unloaded. Its
yield strength will [GATE-1995]
(a) Decrease (b) Increase
(c) Remains same (d) Becomes equal to ultimate tensile strength

GATE-23a.Which one of the following types of stress-strain relationship best describes the
behavior of brittle materials, such as ceramics and thermosetting plastics,
= stress; = strain [GATE-2015]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

GATE-23b. In a linearly hardening plastic material, the true stress beyond initial yielding
(a) increases linearly with the true strain [GATE-2018]
(b) decreases linearly with the true strain
(c) first increases linearly and then decreases linearly with the true strain
(d) remain constant
GATE-23c. Consider the stress-strain curve for an ideal elastic-plastic strain
hardening metal as shown in the figure. The metal was loaded in uniaxial
tension starting from O. Upon loading, the stress-strain curve passes
through initial yield point at P, and then strain hardens to point Q,
where the loading was stopped. From point Q, the specimen was
unloaded to point R, where the stress is zero. If the same specimen is
reloaded in tension from point R, the value of stress at which the
material yields again is ______MPa. [GATE-2019]

GATE-23d. The loading and unloading response of a metal is shown in the figure. The elastic
and plastic strains corresponding to 200 MPa stress, respectively are

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(a) 0.01 and 0.01
(b) 0.02 and 0.02
(c) 0.01 and 0.02
(d) 0.02 and 0.01

GATE-24. The flow stress (in MPa) of a material is given by = 500 0.1 where is true strain.
The Young’s modulus of elasticity of the material is 200 GPa. A block of thickness
100 mm made of this material is compressed to 95 mm thickness and then the load
is removed. The final dimension of the block (in mm) is _________[GATE-2015]

GATE-25. The strain hardening exponent n of stainless steel SS304 with distinct yield and
UTS values undergoing plastic deformation is [GATE-2015]
(a) n < 0 (b) n =0 (c) 0 < n < 1 (d) n = 1

GATE-26. Under repeated loading a

material has the stress-strain
curve shown in figure, which of
the following statements is true?
(a) The smaller the shaded area, the
better the material damping
(b) The larger the shaded area, the
better the material damping
(c) Material damping is an
independent material property
and does not depend on this
curve
(d) None of these
[GATE-1999]

GATE-27. Pre-tensioning of a bolted joint is used to [GATE-2018]

(a) strain harden the bolt head
(b) decrease stiffness of the bolted joint
(c) increase stiffness of the bolted joint
(d) prevent yielding of the thread root
GATE-28. In UTM experiment, a sample of length 100 mm, was loaded in tension until failure.
The failure load was 40 kN. The displacement, measured using the cross-head motion,
at failure, was 15 mm. The compliance of the UTM is constant and is given by 5 × 10–8 m/N.
The strain at failure in the sample is __________%. [GATE-2019]

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Stress in a bar due to self-weight

IES-1. A 1.25 cm diameter steel bar is subjected to a load of 2500 kg. The stress induced in
the bar will be [IES-2020 Prelims]
(a) 200 MPa (b) 210 MPa (c) 220 MPa (d) 230 MPa

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-1a. The linear relationship between stress and strain for a bar in simple tension or
compression is expressed with standard notations by the equation
(a) σ = Eε (b) σ = E (c) σ = G (d) σ = Gε
[IES-2020 Prelims]
IES-1b. A solid uniform metal bar of diameter D and length L is hanging vertically from its
upper end. The elongation of the bar due to self weight is: [IES-2005]
(a) Proportional to L and inversely proportional to D2
(b) Proportional to L2 and inversely proportional to D2
(c) Proportional of L but independent of D
(d) Proportional of L2 but independent of D

IES-2. The deformation of a bar under its own weight as compared to that when subjected
to a direct axial load equal to its own weight will be: [IES-1998]
(a) The same (b) One-fourth (c) Half (d) Double

IES-3. A rigid beam of negligible weight is

supported in a horizontal position
by two rods of steel and aluminum,
2 m and 1 m long having values of
cross - sectional areas 1 cm2 and 2
cm2 and E of 200 GPa and 100 GPa
respectively. A load P is applied as
shown in the figure

If the rigid beam is to remain

horizontal then
(a) The forces on both sides
should be equal
(b) The force on aluminum rod
[IES-2002]
should be twice the force on
steel
(c) The force on the steel rod
should be twice the force on
aluminum
(d) The force P must be applied
at the centre of the beam

IES-3a. A rigid beam of negligible weight, is supported in a horizontal position by two

rods of steel and aluminium, 2 m and 1 m long, having values of cross-sectional areas
100 mm2and 200 mm2, and Young's modulus of 200 GPa and 100 GPa, respectively.
A load P is applied as shown in the figure below: [IES-2018]

If the rigid beam is to remain horizontal, then

(a) the force P must be applied at the centre of the beam
(b) the force on the steel rod should be twice the force on the aluminium rod
(c) the force on the aluminium rod should be twice the force on the steel-rod
(d) the forces on both the rods should be equal

Bar of uniform strength

IES-4. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES 2007]
A beam is said to be of uniform strength, if

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(a) The bending moment is the same throughout the beam
(b) The shear stress is the same throughout the beam
(c) The deflection is the same throughout the beam
(d) The bending stress is the same at every section along its longitudinal axis

IES-5. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES-2006]

Beams of uniform strength vary in section such that
(a) bending moment remains constant (b) deflection remains constant
(c) maximum bending stress remains constant (d) shear force remains constant

IES-6. For bolts of uniform strength, the shank diameter is made equal to [IES-2003]
(a) Major diameter of threads (b) Pitch diameter of threads
(c) Minor diameter of threads (d) Nominal diameter of threads

IES-7. A bolt of uniform strength can be developed by [IES-1995]

(a) Keeping the core diameter of threads equal to the diameter of unthreaded portion of the
bolt
(b) Keeping the core diameter smaller than the diameter of the unthreaded portion
(c) Keeping the nominal diameter of threads equal the diameter of unthreaded portion of
the bolt
(d) One end fixed and the other end free

IES-7a. In a bolt of uniform strength:

(a) Nominal diameter of thread is equal to the diameter of shank of the bolt
(b) Nominal diameter of thread is larger than the diameter of shank of the bolt
(c) Nominal diameter of thread is less than the diameter of shank of the bolt
(d) Core diameter of threads is equal to the diameter of shank of the bolt.
[IES-2011]
IES-7b. The shock-absorbing capacity (resilience) of bolts can be increa1sed by [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) increasing the shank diameter above the core diameter of threads
(b) reducing the shank diameter to the core diameter of threads
(c) decreasing the length of shank portion of the bolt
(d) pre-heating of the shank portion of the bolt

Elongation of a Taper Rod

IES-8. Two tapering bars of the same material are subjected to a tensile load P. The lengths
of both the bars are the same. The larger diameter of each of the bars is D. The
diameter of the bar A at its smaller end is D/2 and that of the bar B is D/3. What is
the ratio of elongation of the bar A to that of the bar B? [IES-2006]
(a) 3 : 2 (b) 2: 3 (c) 4 : 9 (d) 1: 3

IES-9. A bar of length L tapers uniformly from diameter 1.1 D at one end to 0.9 D at the
other end. The elongation due to axial pull is computed using mean diameter D.
What is the approximate error in computed elongation? [IES-2004]
(a) 10% (b) 5% (c) 1% (d) 0.5%

IES-10. The stretch in a steel rod of circular section, having a length 'l' subjected to a tensile
load' P' and tapering uniformly from a diameter d1 at one end to a diameter d2 at
the other end, is given [IES-1995]
Pl pl. pl. 4 pl
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 Ed1d 2 Ed1d 2 4 Ed1d 2 Ed1d 2

IES-11. A tapering bar (diameters of end sections being d1 andd2 a bar of uniform cross-
section ’d’ have the same length and are subjected the same axial pull. Both the bars
will have the same extension if’d’ is equal to [IES-1998]
d1 + d 2 d1d 2 d1 + d 2
(a ) ( b) d1d 2 ( c) (d)
2 2 2

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES-11(i). A rod of length l tapers uniformly from a diameter D at one end to a diameter d at
the other. The Young’s modulus of the material is E. The extension caused by an
axial load P is [IES-2012]
4𝑃𝑙 4𝑃𝑙 4𝑃𝑙 2𝑃𝑙
(𝑎) (𝑏) (𝑐) (𝑑)
2
𝜋(𝐷 − 𝑑 2 )𝐸 2
𝜋(𝐷 + 𝑑 2 )𝐸 𝜋𝐷𝑑𝐸 𝜋𝐷𝑑𝐸

IES-11ii. A rod of length L tapers uniformly from a diameter D at one end to a diameter D/2
at the other end and is subjected to an axial load P. A second rod of length L and
uniform diameter D is subjected to same axial load P. Both the rods are of same
material with Young’s modulus of elasticity E. The ratio of extension of the first rod
to that of the second rod [IES-2014]
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1

Poisson’s ratio
IES-12. In the case of an engineering material under unidirectional stress in the x-
direction, the Poisson's ratio is equal to (symbols have the usual meanings)
[IAS 1994, IES-2000]
y y y y
(a) (b) (c) (d)
x x x x

IES-13. Which one of the following is correct in respect of Poisson's ratio (v) limits for an
isotropic elastic solid? [IES-2004]
(a) − (b) 1/ 4 1/ 3 (c) −1 1/ 2 (d) −1/ 2 1/ 2

IES-14. Match List-I (Elastic properties of an isotropic elastic material) with List-II (Nature
of strain produced) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
Lists: [IES-1997]
List-I List-II
A. Young's modulus 1. Shear strain
B. Modulus of rigidity 2. Normal strain
C. Bulk modulus 3. Transverse strain
D. Poisson's ratio 4. Volumetric strain
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 2 1 4 3 (d) 1 2 4 3

IES-15. If the value of Poisson's ratio is zero, then it means that [IES-1994]
(a) The material is rigid.
(b) The material is perfectly plastic.
(c) There is no longitudinal strain in the material
(d) The longitudinal strain in the material is infinite.

IES-16. Which of the following is true (µ= Poisson's ratio) [IES-1992]

(a) 0 1/ 2 (b) 1 0 (c) 1 −1 (d) −

Elasticity and Plasticity

IES-17. If the area of cross-section of a wire is circular and if the radius of this circle
decreases to half its original value due to the stretch of the wire by a load, then the
modulus of elasticity of the wire be: [IES-1993]
(a) One-fourth of its original value (b) Halved (c) Doubled (d) Unaffected

IES-18. The relationship between the Lame’s constant ‘λ’, Young’s modulus ‘E’ and the
Poisson’s ratio ‘μ’ [IES-1997]
E E E E
(a ) = (b) = (c ) = (d ) =
(1 + )(1 − 2 ) (1 + 2 )(1 − ) 1+ (1 − )

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES-19. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? [IES-1994]

1. Resilience…………… Resistance to deformation.
2. Malleability …………..Shape change.
3. Creep ........................ Progressive deformation.
4. Plasticity .... ………….Permanent deformation.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes: (a) 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

IES-19a Match List – I with List - II and select the correct answer using the code given below
thelists: [IES-2011]
List –I List –II
A. Elasticity 1. Deform non-elastically without fracture
B. Malleability 2. Undergo plastic deformation under tensile load
C. Ductility 3. Undergo plastic deformation under compressive load
D. Plasticity 4. Return to its original shape on unloading
Codes A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 1 3 2 4 (d) 4 3 2 1

IES-19b. Assertion (A): Plastic deformation is a function of applied stress, temperature and
strain rate.
[IES-2010]
Reason (R): Plastic deformation is accompanied by change in both the internal and
external state of the material.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-19c. Statement (I) : The percent elongation is assumed to be based on a gage length of
2.00 in unless some other gage length is specifically indicated.
Statement (II) : Theoretically, a material is considered ductile if its percent
elongation is greater than 5% (lower values indicate brittleness). [IES 2022]

(a)Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true and Statement (II) is the correct
explanation of Statement (I).
(b)Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true but Statement (II) is not the
correct explanation of Statement (I).
(c) Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false
(d) Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true

Creep and fatigue

IES-20. What is the phenomenon of progressive extension of the material i.e., strain
increasing with the time at a constant load, called? [IES 2007]
(a) Plasticity (b) Yielding (b) Creeping (d) Breaking

IES-21. The correct sequence of creep deformation in a creep curve in order of their
elongation is: [IES-2001]
(a) Steady state, transient, accelerated (b) Transient, steady state, accelerated
(c) Transient, accelerated, steady state (d) Accelerated, steady state, transient

IES-22. The highest stress that a material can withstand for a specified length of time
without excessive deformation is called [IES-1997]
(a) Fatigue strength (b) Endurance strength
(c) Creep strength (d) Creep rupture strength

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES-22a. A transmission shaft subjected to bending loads must be designed on the basis of
(a) Maximum normal stress theory [IES-1996]
(b) Maximum shear stress theory
(c) Maximum normal stress and maximum shear stress theories
(d) Fatigue strength

IES-22b. Endurance limit is of primary concern in the design of a/an [IES-2016]

1. rotating shaft 2. industrial structure
3. column 4. machine base
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

IES-23. Which one of the following features improves the fatigue strength of a metallic
material? [IES-2000]
(a) Increasing the temperature (b) Scratching the surface
(c) Overstressing (d) Under stressing

IES-24. Consider the following statements: [IES-1993]

For increasing the fatigue strength of welded joints it is necessary to employ
1. Grinding 2. Coating 3. Hammer peening
Of the above statements
(a) 1 and 2 are correct (b) 2 and 3 are correct
(c) 1 and 3 are correct (d) 1, 2 and 3 are correct

Relation between the Elastic Modulii

IES-25. For a linearly elastic, isotropic and homogeneous material, the number of elastic
constants required to relate stress and strain is
(a) Two (b) Three (c) Four (d) Six
:[IAS 1994; IES-1998, CE:GATE-2010]

IES-26. E, G, K and μ represent the elastic modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus and
Poisson's ratio respectively of a linearly elastic, isotropic and homogeneous
material. To express the stress-strain relations completely for this material, at least
[IES-2006]
(a) E, G and μ must be known (b) E, K and μ must be known
(c) Any two of the four must be known (d) All the four must be known

IES-26a. An isotropic elastic material is characterized by [IES-2016]

(a) two independent moduli of elasticity along two mutually perpendicular directions
(b) two independent moduli of elasticity along two mutually perpendicular directions
andPoisson’s ratio
(c) a modulus of elasticity, a modulus of rigidity and Poisson’s ratio
(d) any two out of a modulus of elasticity, a modulus of rigidity and Poisson’s ratio

IES-27. The number of elastic constants for a completely anisotropic elastic material which
follows Hooke's law is: [IES-1999]
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 21 (d) 25

IES-28. What are the materials which show direction dependent properties, called?
(a) Homogeneous materials (b) Viscoelastic materials[IES 2007, IES-2011]
(c) Isotropic materials (d) Anisotropic materials

IES-28a. Measured mechanical properties of material are same in a particular direction at

each point. This property of the material is known as [IES-2016]
(a) isotropy (b) homogeneity (c) orthotropy (d) anisotropy

IES-29. An orthotropic material, under plane stress condition will have: [IES-2006]
(a) 15 independent elastic constants (b) 4 independent elastic constants

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(c) 5 independent elastic constants (d) 9 independent elastic constants

IES-30. Match List-I (Properties) with List-II (Units) and select the correct answer using
the codes given below the lists: [IES-2001]
List I List II
A. Dynamic viscosity 1. Pa
B. Kinematic viscosity 2. m2/s
C. Torsional stiffness 3. Ns/m2
D. Modulus of rigidity 4. N/m
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 2 4 1 (b) 5 2 4 3
(b) 3 4 2 3 (d) 5 4 2 1

IES-31. Young's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of a material are 1.25 ×105 MPa
and 0.34 respectively. The modulus of rigidity of the material is:
[IAS 1994, IES-1995, 2001, 2002, 2007]
(a) 0.4025 ×105 Mpa (b) 0.4664 ×105 Mpa
(c) 0.8375 ×105 MPa (d) 0.9469 ×105 MPa

IES-31(i). Consider the following statements:

Modulus of rigidity and bulk modulus of a material are found to be 60 GPa and 140
GPa respectively. Then [IES-2013]
1. Elasticity modulus is nearly 200 GPa
2. Poisson’s ratio is nearly 0.3
3. Elasticity modulus is nearly 158 GPa
4. Poisson’s ratio is nearly 0.25
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3

IES-31(ii). The modulus of rigidity and the bulk modulus of a material are found as 70 GPa and
150 GPa respectively. Then [IES-2014]
1. elasticity modulus is 200 GPa
2. Poisson’s ratio is 0.22
3. elasticity modulus is 182 GPa
4. Poisson’s ratio is 0.3
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4

IES-31(iii).For a material following Hooke’s law the values of elastic and shear moduli are
3x105 MPa and 1.2x105 MPa respectively. The value for bulk modulus [IES-2015]
(a) 1.5x105MPa (b) 2x105MPa (c) 2.5x105MPa (d)
3x10 MPa
5

IES-32. In a homogenous, isotropic elastic material, the modulus of elasticity E in terms of

G and K is equal to [IAS-1995, IES - 1992]
G + 3K 3G + K 9 KG 9 KG
(a) (b) (c) (d)
9 KG 9 KG G + 3K K + 3G

IES-33. What is the relationship between the linear elastic properties Young's modulus (E),
rigidity modulus (G) and bulk modulus (K)? [IES-2008]
1 9 3 3 9 1 9 3 1 9 1 3
(a) = + (b) = + (c) = + (d) = +
E K G E K G E K G E K G

IES-34. What is the relationship between the liner elastic properties Young’s modulus (E),
rigidity modulus (G) and bulk modulus (K)? [IES-2009]
KG 9KG 9 KG 9 KG
(a) E= (b) E = (c) E = (d) E=
9K + G K +G K + 3G 3K + G

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-34(i). A material has modulus of rigidity equal to 0.4 105 N/ mm2 and bulk modulus equal
to 0.75 105 N/ mm2 . The Poisson’s ratio is [IES 2022]
(a) 0.2736 (b) 0.1927
(c) 0.3121 (d) 0.4376

IES-35. If E, G and K denote Young's modulus, Modulus of rigidity and Bulk Modulus,
respectively, for an elastic material, then which one of the following can be possibly
true? [IES-2005]
(a) G = 2K (b) G = E (c) K = E (d) G = K = E

IES-36. If a material had a modulus of elasticity of 2.1 × 106 kgf/cm2 and a modulus of rigidity
of 0.8 × 106 kgf/cm2 then the approximate value of the Poisson's ratio of the material
would be: [IES-1993]
(a) 0.26 (b) 0.31 (c) 0.47 (d) 0.5

IES-37. The modulus of elasticity for a material is 200 GN/m2 and Poisson's ratio is 0.25.
What is the modulus of rigidity? [IES-2004]
(a) 80 GN/m2 (b) 125 GN/m2 (c) 250 GN/m2 (d) 320 GN/m2

IES-37a. The modulus of rigidity of an elastic material is found to be 38.5% of the value of its
Young’smodulus. The poisson’s ratio μof the materialis nearly:[IES-2017 (Prelims)]
(a) 0.28 (b) 0.30 (c) 0.33 (d) 0.35

IES-38. Consider the following statements: [IES-2009]

1. Two-dimensional stresses applied to a thin plate in itsown plane represent the
planestress condition.
2. Under plane stress condition, the strain in the direction perpendicular to the
plane is zero.
3. Normal and shear stresses may occur simultaneously on aplane.
Which of the above statements is /are correct?
(a)1 only (b)1 and 2 (c)2 and 3 (d)1 and 3

IES-38(i). A 16 mm diameter bar elongates by 0.04% under a tensile force of 16 kN. The average
decrease in diameter is found to be 0.01% Then: [IES-2013]
1. E = 210 GPa and G = 77 GPa
2. E = 199 GPa and v = 0.25
3. E = 199 GPa and v = 0.30
4. E = 199 GPa and G = 80 GPa
Which of these values are correct?
(a) 3 and 4 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4

IES-38a. A bar produces a lateral strain of magnitude 60 x 10-5 when subjected to a tensile
stress of magnitude 300 MPa along the axial direction. What is the elastic modulus
of the material if the poisson’s ratio is 0.3? [IES-2017 (Prelims)]
(a) 200 GPa (b) 150 GPa (c) 125 GPa (d) 100 GPa

IES-38b. A 13 mm diameter tensile specimen has 50 mm gauge length. If the load

corresponding to the 0.2% offset is 6800 kg, the yield stress will be nearly
(a) 31 kg/mm2 (b) 43 kg/mm2 (c) 51 kg/mm2 (d) 63 kg/mm2
[IES-2020 (Prelims)]

Stresses in compound strut

IES-39. A copper piece originally 305 mm long is pulled in tension with a stress of 276
MPa. If the deformation is entirely elastic and the modulus of elasticity is 110 GPa, the
resultant elongation will be nearly [IES-2019, 2020 Pre.]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(a) 0.43 mm (b) 0.54 mm (c) 0.65 mm (d) 0.77 mm

IES-39a. A rod of length 2 m and diameter 50 mm is elongated by 5 mm when an axial force

of 400 kN is applied.The modulus of elasticity of the material of the rod will be
nearly
(a) 66 GPa (b) 72 GPa (c) 82 GPa (d) 96 GPa [IES-2020 Pre.]

IES-39b. Eight bolts are to be selected for fixing the cover plate of a cylinder subjected to a
maximum load of 980·175 kN. If the design stress for the bolt material is 315 N/mm 2,
what is the diameter of each bolt? [IES-2008]
(a) 10 mm (b) 22 mm (c) 30 mm (d) 36 mm

IES-39c. A tension member of square cross-section of side 10 mm and Young’s modulus E is

replaced by another member of square cross-section of same length but Young’s
modulus E/2. The side of the new square cross-section, required to maintain the
same elongation under the same load, is nearly [IES-2014]
(a) 14 mm (b) 17 mm (c) 8 mm (d) 5 mm

IES-39d. Two steel rods of identical length and material properties are subjected to equal
axialloads. The first rod is solid with diameter d and the second is a hollow one with
externaldiameter D and interned diameter 50% of D. If the two rods experience
𝒅
equal extensions, the ratio of [IES-2016]
𝑫
3 √3 1 1
(𝑎) (b) (c) (d)
4 2 2 4

IES-40. For a composite consisting of a bar enclosed inside a tube of another material when
compressed under a load 'w' as a whole through rigid collars at the end of the bar.
The equation of compatibility is given by (suffixes 1 and 2) refer to bar and tube
respectively [IES-1998]
W1 W W1 W
(a) W1 + W2 = W (b) W1 + W2 = Const. ( c) = 2 (d ) = 2
A1E1 A2 E2 A1E2 A2 E1
IES-40(i). A copper rod of 2 cm diameter is completely encased in a steel tube of inner
diameter 2 cm and outer diameter 4 cm. Under an axial load, the stress in the steel
tube is 100 N/mm2. If ES = 2 EC , then stress in the copper rod is [IES-2015]
(a) 50N/mm2 (b)33.33 N/mm2 (c) 100 N/mm2 (d) 300 N/mm2

IES-41. When a composite unit consisting of a steel rod surrounded by a cast iron tube is
subjected to an axial load [IES-2000]
Assertion (A): The ratio of normal stresses induced in both the materials is equal to
the ratio of Young's moduli of respective materials.
Reason (R): The composite unit of these two materials is firmly fastened together
at the ends to ensure equal deformation in both the materials.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is notthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-42. The figure below shows a steel rod of 25 mm 2 cross sectional area. It is loaded at
four points, K, L, M and N. [GATE-2004, IES 1995, 1997, 1998]

Assume Esteel = 200 GPa. The total change in length of the rod due to loading is
(a) 1 µm (b) -10 µm (c) 16 µm (d) -20 µm

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES-42a. A steel rod of cross-sectional area 10 mm2 is subjected to loads at points P, Q, R and
S as shown in the figure below: [IES-2016]

If Esteel = 200 GPa, the total change in length of the rod due to loading is
(a) – 5 μm (b) – 10 μm (c) – 20 μm (d) – 25 μm

IES-42b. The loads acting on a 3 mm diameter bar at different points are as shown in the figure:

If E = 205 GPa, the total elongation of the bar will be nearly [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) 29.7 mm (b) 25.6 mm (c) 21.5 mm (d) 17.4 mm

IES-43. The reactions at the rigid

supports at A and B for
the bar loaded as shown
in the figure are
respectively.
(a) 20/3 kN,10/3 kN
(b) 10/3 kN, 20/3 kN
(c) 5 kN, 5 kN
(d) 6 kN, 4 kN
[IES-2002, IES-2011; IAS-2003]

IES-43(i) In the arrangement as shown in the figure, the stepped steel bar ABC is loaded by
a load P. The material has Young’s modulus E = 200 GPa and the two portions. AB
2 2
and BC have area of cross section 1 cm and 2cm respectively. The magnitude of
load P required to fill up the gap of 0.75 mm is: [IES-2013]

A
B P C

1m 1m Gap 0.75 mm

(a) 10 kN (b) 15 kN (c) 20 kN (d) 25 kN

IES-44. Which one of the following is correct? [IES-2008]

When a nut is tightened by placing a washer below it, the bolt will be subjected to
(a) Compression only (b) Tension
(c) Shear only (d) Compression and shear

IES-45. Which of the following stresses are associated with the tightening of nut on a bolt?
[IES-1998]
1. Tensile stress due to the stretching of bolt
2. Bending stress due to the bending of bolt

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
3. Crushing and shear stresses in threads
4. Torsional shear stress due to frictional resistance between the nut and the
bolt.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Codes: (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

Thermal effect
IES-46. A 100 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm steel bar free to expand is heated from 15°C to 40°C. What
shall be developed? [IES-2008]
(a) Tensile stress (b) Compressive stress (c) Shear stress (d) No stress

IES-47. Which one of the following statements is correct? [GATE-1995; IES 2007, 2011]
If a material expands freely due to heating, it will develop
(a) Thermal stress (b) Tensile stress (c) Compressive stress (d) No stress

IES-48. A cube having each side of length a, is constrained in all directions and is heated
uniformly so that the temperature is raised to T°C. If α is the thermal coefficient of
expansion of the cube material and E the modulus of elasticity, the stress developed
in the cube is: [IES-2003]
TE TE TE TE
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(1 − 2 ) 2 (1 + 2 )
IES-49. Consider the following statements: [IES-2002]
Thermal stress is induced in a component in general, when
1. A temperature gradient exists in the component
2. The component is free from any restraint
3. It is restrained to expand or contract freely
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 alone (d) 2 alone

IES-49(i). In a body, thermal stress is induced because of the existence of: [IES-2013]
(a) Latent heat (b) Total heat
(c) Temperature gradient (d) Specific heat

IES-50. A steel rod 10 mm in diameter and 1m long is heated from 20°C to 120°C, E = 200 GPa
and α = 12 × 10-6 per °C. If the rod is not free to expand, the thermal stress developed
is: [IAS-2003, IES-1997, 2000, 2006]
(a) 120 MPa (tensile) (b) 240 MPa (tensile)
(c) 120 MPa (compressive) (d) 240 MPa (compressive)

IES-50a. A circular steel rod of 20 cm² cross-sectional area and 10 m length is heated through
50 °C with ends clamped before heating. Given, E = 200 GPa and coefficient of
thermal expansion, 𝜶 = 10 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔/°C, the thrust force generated on the clamp is
(a) 100 kN (b) 150 kN (c) 200 kN (d) 250 kN[IES-2016]

IES-51. A cube with a side length of 1 cm is heated uniformly 1° C above the room
temperature and all the sides are free to expand. What will be the increase in
volume of the cube? (Given coefficient of thermal expansion is α per °C)
(a) 3 α cm3 (b) 2 α cm3 (c) α cm3 (d) zero [IES-2004]

IES-52. A bar of copper and steel form a composite system [IES-2004, 2012]
They are heated to a temperature of 40 ° C. What type of stress is induced in the
copper bar?
(a) Tensile (b) Compressive (c) Both tensile and compressive (d) Shear
IES-53. α =12.5×10-6 / o C, E = 200GPa If the rod fitted strongly between the supports as
shown in the figure, is heated, the stress induced in it due to 20oC rise in
temperature will be: [IES-1999]
(a) 0.07945 MPa (b) -0.07945 MPa (c) -0.03972 MPa (d) 0.03972 MPa

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES-53a. A steel rod, 2 m long, is held between two walls and heated from 20 oC to 60oC.
Young’s modulus and coefficient of linear expansion of the rod material are 200 x
103MPa and 10x10-6/oC respectively. The stress induced in the rod, if walls yield by
0.2 mm, is
(a) 60 MPa tensile (b) 80 MPa tensile [IES-2014]
(c) 80 MPa compressive (d) 60 MPa compressive

IES-53b. A steel rod 10 m long is at a temperature of 20°C. The rod is heated to a

temperatureof 60°C. What is the stress induced in the rod if it is allowed to expand
by 4 mm, when E = 200 GPa and 𝜶 = 12 × 10–6/°C? [IES-2016]
(a) 64 MPa (b) 48 MPa (c) 32 MPa (d) 16 MPa

IES-53c. Rails are laid such that there will be no stress in them at 24°C. If the rails are 32
m long with an expansion allowance of 8 mm per rail, coefficient of linear
expansion a = 11 x 10 -6/°C and E = 205 GPa, the stress in the rails at 80°C will be
nearly [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) 68 MPa (b) 75 MPa (c) 83 MPa (d) 90 MPa

IES-54. The temperature stress is a function of [IES-1992]

1. Coefficient of linear expansion 2. Temperature rise 3. Modulus of elasticity
The correct answer is:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

IES-54(i). An aluminium bar of 8 m length and a steel bar of 5 mm longer in length are kept at
30oC. If the ambient temperature is raised gradually, at what temperature the
aluminium bar will elongate 5 mm longer than the steel bar (the linear expansion
coefficients for steel and aluminium are 12 x 10 -6/oC and 23 x 10-6/oC respectively?
(a) 50.7oC (b) 69.0oC (c) 143.7oC (d) 33.7oC [IES-2014]

IES-54(ii). The figure shows a steel piece of diameter 20 mm at A and C, and 10 mm at B. The
lengths of three sections A, B and C are each equal to 20 mm. The piece is held
between two rigid surfaces X and Y. The coefficient of linear expansion α = 1.2 X 10-
5/°C and Young’s Modulus E = 2 X 10 5 MPa for steel: [IES-2015]
When the temperature of this piece increases
by 50°C, the stresses in sections A and B are
(a)120 MPa and 480 MPa
(b) 60MPa and 240MPa
(c) 120MPa and 120MPa
(d) 60MPa and 120MPa

Impact loading
IES-55. Assertion (A): Ductile materials generally absorb more impact loading than a brittle
material [IES-2004]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Reason (R): Ductile materials generally have higher ultimate strength than brittle
materials
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is notthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-56. Assertion (A): Specimens for impact testing are never notched. [IES-1999]
Reason (R): A notch introduces tri-axial tensile stresses which cause brittle
fracture.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-56a. When a load of 20 kN is gradually applied at a particular point in a beam, it

produces a maximum bending stress of 20 MPa and a deflection of 10 mm. What will
be the height from which a load of 5 kN should fall into the beam at the same point
if the maximum bending stress is 40 MPa? [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) 80 mm (b) 70 mm (c) 60 mm (d) 50 mm

Tensile Test
IES-57. During tensile-testing of a specimen using a Universal Testing Machine, the
parameters actually measured include [IES-1996]
(a) True stress and true strain (b) Poisson’s ratio and Young's modulus
(c) Engineering stress and engineering strain (d) Load and elongation

IES-58. In a tensile test, near the elastic limit zone [IES-2006]

(a) Tensile stress increases at a faster rate
(b) Tensile stress decreases at a faster rate
(c) Tensile stress increases in linear proportion to the stress
(d) Tensile stress decreases in linear proportion to the stress

IES-59. Match List-I (Types of Tests and Materials) with List-II (Types of Fractures) and
select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I List-II [IES-2002; IAS-2004]
(Types of Tests and Materials) (Types of Fractures)
A. Tensile test on CI 1. Plain fracture on a transverse plane
B. Torsion test on MS 2. Granular helecoidal fracture
C. Tensile test on MS 3. Plain granular at 45° to the axis
D. Torsion test on CI 4. Cup and Cone
5. Granular fracture on a transverse plane
Codes:
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 3 1 (c) 4 1 3 2
(b) 5 1 4 2 (d) 5 2 4 1

IES-60. Which of the following materials generally exhibits a yield point? [IES-2003]
(a) Cast iron (b) Annealed and hot-rolled mild steel
(c) Soft brass (d) Cold-rolled steel

IES-61. For most brittle materials, the ultimate strength in compression is much large then
the ultimate strength in tension. The is mainly due to [IES-1992]
(a) Presence of flaws andmicroscopic cracks or cavities
(b) Necking in tension
(c) Severity of tensile stress as compared to compressive stress
(d) Non-linearity of stress-strain diagram

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-61(i). A copper rod 400 mm long is pulled in tension to a length of 401.2 mm by applying
a tensile load of 330 MPa. If the deformation is entirely elastic, the Young’s modulus
of copper is [IES-2012]
(a) 110 GPA (b) 110 MPa (c) 11 GPa (d) 11 MPa

IES-62. What is the safe static tensile load for a M36 × 4C bolt of mild steel having yield
stress of 280 MPa and a factor of safety 1.5? [IES-2005]
(a) 285 kN (b) 190 kN (c) 142.5 kN (d) 95 kN

IES-63. Which one of the following properties is more sensitive to increase in strain rate?
[IES-2000]
(a) Yield strength (b) Proportional limit (c) Elastic limit (d) Tensile strength

IES-63a. Which of the following properties will be themeaningful indicator/indicators of

uniform rateof elongation of a test piece of a structuralmaterial before necking
happens in the testpiece? [IES-2017
Prelims]
1. Ductility
2. Toughness
3. Hardness
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

IES-64. A steel hub of 100 mm internal diameter and uniform thickness of 10 mm was heated
to a temperature of 300 oC to shrink-fit it on a shaft. On cooling, a crack developed
parallel to the direction of the length of the hub. Consider the following factors in
this regard: [IES-1994]
1. Tensile hoop stress 2. Tensile radial stress
3. Compressive hoop stress 4. Compressive radial stress
The cause of failure is attributable to
(a) 1 alone (b) 1 and 3 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

IES-65. If failure in shear along 45° planes is to be avoided, then a material subjected to
uniaxial tension should have its shear strength equal to at least [IES-1994]
(a) Tensile strength (b) Compressive strength
(c) Half the difference between the tensile and compressive strengths.
(d) Half the tensile strength.

IES-66. Select the proper sequence [IES-1992]

1. Proportional Limit 2. Elastic limit 3. Yielding 4. Failure
(a) 2, 3, 1, 4 (b) 2, 1, 3, 4 (c) 1, 3, 2, 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4

IES-67. Elastic limit of cast iron as compared to its ultimate breaking strength is
(a) Half (b) Double [IES-2012]
(c) Approximately (d) None of the above

IES-68. Statement (I): Steel reinforcing bars are used in reinforced cement concrete.
Statement (II): Concrete is weak in compression. [IES-2012]
(a) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true and Statement (II) is the
correct explanation of Statement (I)
(b) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true but Statement (II) is not the
correct explanation of Statement (I)
(c) Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false
(d) Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true

IES-69. Statement (I): Cast iron is good in compression.

Statement (II): It is extensively used in members of truss. [IES-2014]
(a)Both statement (I) and (II) are individually correct and statement (II) is the correct
explanation of statement (I)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(b)Both statement (I) and (II) are individually correct and statement (II) is not the correct
explanation of statement (I)
(c)Statement (I) is true but statement (II) is false.
(d)Statement (I) is false but statement (II) is true.

IES-70. Statement (I): The Bauschinger effect is observed in tension test of mild steel
specimen due to loss of mechanical energy during local yielding.
Statement (II): The Bauschinger effect is a function of section modulus of
specimen under test. [IES-2015]
(a) Both statement (I) and (II) are individually correct and statement (II) is the correct
explanation of statement (I)
(b) Both statement (I) and (II) are individually correct and statement (II) is not the correct
explanation of statement (I)
(c) Statement (I) is true but statement (II) is false.
(d) Statement (I) is false but statement (II) is true.

IES-71. A 10 mm diameter bar of mild steel of elasticmodulus 200x109 Pa is subjected to a

tensileload of 50000 N, taking it just beyond its yieldpoint. The elastic recovery of
strain that wouldoccur upon removal of tensile load will be [IES-2017 Prelims]
(a) 1.38 x 10-3 (b) 2.68 x 10-3 (c) 3.18 x 10-3 (d) 4.62 x10-3

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Stress in a bar due to self-weight

IAS-1. A heavy uniform rod of length 'L' and material density 'δ' is hung vertically with its
top end rigidly fixed. How is the total elongation of the bar under its own weight
expressed? [IAS-2007]
2 L2 g L2 g L2 g L2 g
(a) (b) (c) (d)
E E 2E 2E

IAS-2. A rod of length 'l' and cross-section area ‘A’ rotates about an axis passing through
one end of the rod. The extension produced in the rod due to centrifugal forces is
(w is the weight of the rod per unit length and is the angular velocity of rotation
of the rod). [IAS 1994]
wl 2 2
wl 3 2
wl 3 3gE
(a) (b) (c) (d) 2
gE 3 gE gE wl 3

Elongation of a Taper Rod

IAS-3. A rod of length, " " tapers uniformly from a diameter ''D1' to a diameter ''D2' and
carries an axial tensile load of "P". The extension of the rod is (E represents the
modulus of elasticity of the material of the rod) [IAS-1996]
4 P1 4 PE1 EP1 P1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
ED1 D2 D1 D2 4 D1D2 4 ED1D2

Poisson’s ratio
IAS-4. In the case of an engineering material under unidirectional stress in the x-
direction, the Poisson's ratio is equal to (symbols have the usual meanings)
[IAS 1994, IES-2000]
y y y y
(a) (b) (c) (d)
x x x x

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IAS-5. Assertion (A): Poisson's ratio of a material is a measure of its ductility.
Reason (R): For every linear strain in the direction of force, Poisson's ratio of the
material gives the lateral strain in directions perpendicular to the direction of
force. [IAS-1999]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is notthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-6. Assertion (A): Poisson's ratio is a measure of the lateral strain in all direction
perpendicular to and in terms of the linear strain. [IAS-1997]
Reason (R): The nature of lateral strain in a uni-axially loaded bar is opposite to
that of the linear strain.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is notthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Elasticity and Plasticity

IAS-7. A weight falls on a plunger fitted in a container filled with oil thereby producing a
pressure of 1.5 N/mm2 in the oil. The Bulk Modulus of oil is 2800 N/mm 2. Given this
situation, the volumetric compressive strain produced in the oil will be:[IAS-1997]
(a) 400 × 10-6 (b) 800 × 106 (c) 268 × 106 (d) 535 × 10-6

Relation between the Elastic Modulii

IAS-8. For a linearly elastic, isotropic and homogeneous material, the number of elastic
constants required to relate stress and strain is: [IAS 1994; IES-1998]
(a) Two (b) Three (c) Four (d) Six

IAS-9. The independent elastic constants for a homogenous and isotropic material are
(a) E, G, K, v (b) E, G, K (c) E, G, v (d) E, G [IAS-1995]

IAS-10. The unit of elastic modulus is the same as those of [IAS 1994]
(a)Stress, shear modulus and pressure (b) Strain, shear modulus and force
(c) Shear modulus, stress and force (d) Stress, strain and pressure.

IAS-11. Young's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of a material are 1.25 × 105 MPa
and 0.34 respectively. The modulus of rigidity of the material is:
[IAS 1994, IES-1995, 2001, 2002, 2007]
(a) 0.4025 × 105 MPa (b) 0.4664 × 105 MPa
(c) 0.8375 × 105 MPa (d) 0.9469 × 105 MPa

IAS-12. The Young's modulus of elasticity of a material is 2.5 times its modulus of
rigidity.The Posson's ratio for the material will be: [IAS-1997]
(a) 0.25 (b) 0.33 (c) 0.50 (d) 0.75

IAS-13. In a homogenous, isotropic elastic material, the modulus of elasticity E in terms of

G and K is equal to [IAS-1995, IES - 1992]
G + 3K 3G + K 9 KG 9 KG
(a) (b) (c) (d)
9 KG 9 KG G + 3K K + 3G

IAS-14. The Elastic Constants E and K are related as ( is the Poisson’s ratio) [IAS-1996]
(a) E = 2k (1 – 2 ) (b) E = 3k (1- 2 ) (c) E = 3k (1 + ) (d) E = 2K(1 + 2 )

IAS-15. For an isotropic, homogeneous and linearly elastic material, which obeys Hooke's
law, the number of independent elastic constant is: [IAS-2000]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 6

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IAS-16. The moduli of elasticity and rigidity of a material are 200 GPa and 80 GPa,
respectively. What is the value of the Poisson's ratio of the material? [IAS-2007]
(a) 0·30 (b) 0·26 (c) 0·25 (d) 0·24

Stresses in compound strut

IAS-17. The reactions at the rigid supports at A and B for the bar loaded as shown in the
figure are respectively. [IES-2002; IAS-2003]
(a) 20/3 kN,10/3 kN (b) 10/3 kN, 20/3 kN (c) 5 kN, 5 kN (d) 6 kN, 4 kN

Thermal effect
IAS-18. A steel rod 10 mm in diameter and 1m long is heated from 20°C to 120°C, E = 200 GPa
and α = 12 × 10-6 per °C. If the rod is not free to expand, the thermal stress developed
is: [IAS-2003, IES-1997, 2000, 2006]
(a) 120 MPa (tensile) (b) 240 MPa (tensile)
(c) 120 MPa (compressive) (d) 240 MPa (compressive)

IAS-19. A. steel rod of diameter 1 cm and 1 m long is heated from 20°C to 120°C. Its
= 12 10−6 / K and E=200 GN/m2. If the rod is free to expand, the thermal stress
developed in it is: [IAS-2002]
(a) 12 × 104 N/m2 (b) 240 kN/m2 (c) zero (d) infinity

IAS-20. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched? [IAS-1999]
(E = Young's modulus, α = Coefficient of linear expansion, T = Temperature rise, A
= Area of cross-section, l= Original length)
(a) Temperature strain with permitted expansion ….. ( Tl − )
(b) Temperature stress ….. TE
(c) Temperature thrust ….. TEA
E ( Tl − )
(d) Temperature stress with permitted expansion …..
l

Impact loading
IAS-21. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the lists: [IAS-1995]
List I (Property) List II (Testing Machine)
A. Tensile strength 1. Rotating Bending Machine
B. Impact strength 2. Three-Point Loading Machine
C. Bending strength 3. Universal Testing Machine
D. Fatigue strength 4. Izod Testing Machine
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 2 1 (b) 3 2 1 4
(c) 2 1 4 3 (d) 3 4 2 1

Tensile Test
IAS-22. A mild steel specimen is tested in tension up to fracture in a Universal Testing
Machine. Which of the following mechanical properties of the material can be
evaluated from such a test? [IAS-2007]
1. Modulus of elasticity 2. Yield stress 3. Ductility

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
4. Tensile strength 5. Modulus of rigidity
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1, 3, 5 and 6 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 6 (c) 1, 2, 5 and 6 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

IAS-23. In a simple tension test, Hooke's law is valid upto the [IAS-1998]
(a) Elastic limit (b) Limit of proportionality (c) Ultimate stress (d)Breaking point

IAS-24. Lueder' lines on steel specimen under simple tension test is a direct indication of
yielding of material due to slip along the plane [IAS-1997]
(a) Of maximum principal stress (b) Off maximum shear
(c) Of loading (d) Perpendicular to the direction of loading

IAS-25. The percentage elongation of a material as obtained from static tension test
depends upon the [IAS-1998]
(a) Diameter of the test specimen (b) Gauge length of the specimen
(c) Nature of end-grips of the testing machine (d) Geometry of the test specimen

IAS-26. Match List-I (Types of Tests and Materials) with List-II (Types of Fractures) and
select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I List-II [IES-2002; IAS-2004]
(Types of Tests and Materials) (Types of Fractures)
A. Tensile test on CI 1. Plain fracture on a transverse plane
B. Torsion test on MS 2. Granular helecoidal fracture
C. Tensile test on MS 3. Plain granular at 45° to the axis
D. Torsion test on CI 4. Cup and Cone
5. Granular fracture on a transverse plane
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 3 1 (c) 4 1 3 2
(b) 5 1 4 2 (d) 5 2 4 1

IAS-27. Assertion (A): For a ductile material stress-strain curve is a straight line up to the
yield point. [IAS-2003]
Reason (R): The material follows Hooke's law up to the point of proportionality.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is notthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-28. Assertion (A): Stress-strain curves for brittle material do not exhibit yield point.
[IAS-1996]
Reason (R): Brittle materials fail without yielding.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-29. Match List I (Materials) with List II (Stress-Strain curves) and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the Lists: [IAS-2001]

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 1 4 1 (b) 3 2 4 2
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 4 1 3 2

IAS-30. The stress-strain curve of an ideal elastic strain hardening material will be as

[IAS-1998]
IAS-31. An idealised stress-strain curve for a perfectly plastic material is given by

[IAS-1996]
IAS-32. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the Lists: [IAS-2002]
List I List II
A. Ultimate strength 1. Internal structure
B. Natural strain 2. Change of length per unit instantaneous length
C. Conventional strain 3. Change of length per unit gauge length
D. Stress 4. Load per unit area
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 1 3 2 4 (d) 4 2 3 1

IAS-33. What is the cause of failure of a short MS strut under an axial load? [IAS-2007]
(a) Fracture stress (b) Shear stress (c) Buckling (d) Yielding

IAS-34. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given the
lists: [IAS-1995]
List I List II

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
A. Rigid-Perfectly plastic

B. Elastic-Perfectly plastic

C. Rigid-Strain hardening

D. Linearly elastic

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 1 4 2 (b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 1 3 4 2

IAS-35. Which one of the following materials is highly elastic? [IAS-1995]

(a) Rubber (b) Brass (c) Steel (d) Glass

IAS-36. Assertion (A): Hooke's law is the constitutive law for a linear elastic material.
Reason (R) Formulation of the theory of elasticity requires the hypothesis that
there exists a unique unstressed state of the body, to which the body returns
whenever all the forces are removed. [IAS-2002]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is notthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-37. Consider the following statements: [IAS-2002]
1. There are only two independent elastic constants.
2. Elastic constants are different in orthogonal directions.
3. Material properties are same everywhere.
4. Elastic constants are same in all loading directions.
5. The material has ability to withstand shock loading.
Which of the above statements are true for a linearly elastic, homogeneous and
isotropic material?
(a) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 5

IAS-38. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched? [IAS-1999]
(a) Uniformly distributed stress …. Force passed through the centroid of the
cross-section
(b) Elastic deformation …. Work done by external forces during
deformation is dissipated fully as heat
(c) Potential energy of strain …. Body is in a state of elastic deformation
(d) Hooke's law …. Relation between stress and strain

IAS-39. A tensile bar is stressed to 250 N/mm2 which is beyond its elastic limit. At this stage
the strain produced in the bar is observed to be 0.0014. If the modulus of elasticity
of the material of the bar is 205000 N/mm2 then the elastic component of the strain
is very close to [IAS-1997]
(a) 0.0004 (b) 0.0002 (c) 0.0001 (d) 0.00005

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 53 of 516 Rev.0

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
PL 1
GATE-1. Ans. (c) L = or L [AsP, L and A is same]
AE E
( L )mild steel ECI 100
= = ( L )CI ( L )MS
( L )C.I EMS 206
GATE-1(i) Ans. (a)
PL ( 200 1000 ) 2
GATE-2. Ans. (a) L = = m = 1.25mm
AE ( 0.04 0.04 ) 200 109
GATE-2a. Ans. 0.81 mm (Range given 0.80 to 0.82 mm)
PL P L L 300 mm
= = = = 270 MPa = 0.81 mm
AE A E E 100 103 MPa
50 ×1000
GATE-2b. Ans. (c)The stress in lower bar = = 20 N/ mm2
50 × 50
250 ×1000
The stress in upper bar = = 25 N/ mm2
100 ×100
Thus the maximum tensile anywhere in the bar is 25 N/ mm2
GATE-2c. Ans. (d)There is no eceentricity between the XY segment and the load. So, it is subjected to
axial force only. But the curved YZ segment is subjected to axial force, shear force and bending
moment.
− −(−0.015 / 50)
GATE-2d. Ans. 0.29 to 0.31 Poisson's ratio ( ) = = = 0.30
y

x 0.5 / 500
GATE-3. Ans. (b)
∈ 𝑇 = ln(1 +∈𝑜 ) = ln(1 + 0.35) = 0.3
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑈𝑇𝑆 𝑛 =∈ 𝑇
𝜎𝑓 = 𝜎𝑜 (1 + 0.3) = 400(1 + 0.35)
= 540 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜎𝑓 = 𝐾 ∈𝑛𝑇
540 = 𝐾(0.3)0.3

GATE-4. Ans. (d)

A cantilever-loaded rotating beam, showing the normal distribution of surface stresses. (i.e.,
tension at the top and compression at the bottom)

The residual compressive stresses induced.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Net stress pattern obtained when loading a surface treated beam. The reduced magnitude of
the tensile stresses contributes to increased fatigue life.
GATE-5. Ans. (d)
GATE-6. Ans. (d)
GATE-7. Ans. 1.9 to 2.1 Actual answer is 2
GATE-7(i). Ans. (d) For longitudinal strain we need Young's modulus and for calculating transverse
strain we need Poisson's ratio. We may calculate Poisson's ratio from E = 2G(1 + ) for that
we need Shear modulus.
GATE-7(ii) Ans.0.35 to 0.36 Use E = 2G (1 + μ ) , G/E = 0.35714
GATE-8. Ans. (a)
9KG
GATE-9. Ans. (a) Remember E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 2 ) =
3K + G
GATE-9(i) Ans.(a)
GATE-9(ii) Ans. (a)
GATE-10. Answer: 77
Modulus of rigidity (G)
=E
or 200 = E 0.001
200
Or E = = 200 103 MPa = 200 GPa
0.001
E 200
E = 2G(1 + ) or G = = = 77 GPa
2(1 + ) 2(1 + 0.3)
GATE-11. Ans. (b) First draw FBD of all parts separately then

PL
Total change in length =
AE
GATE-12. Ans. (a)

F.B.D
P 28000
QR = = MPa = 40MPa
A 700

GATE-13. Ans. 4.0 (Range given 3.9 to 4.1)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

(P − F ) L FL P
AB
(Comp.) = BC
(Tensile) Or = Or = 4.0
A 3E AE F
GATE-13a. Ans. (c)

Force on,
PQ = 10 kN (Tensile), QR = 20 kN (Tensile), RS = 5 kN (Tensile), ST = 25 kN (Tensile)
Area of all part is same so maximum force and maximum stress on ST part and minimum force
and minimum stress on RS part
GATE-13b. Ans. (1.9 to 2.1)

GATE-13c. Ans. (d)

R
st = = 10−6 (Tensile)
AEst
R = 10−6 1 210 109 N = 210 kN
P−R
and Al = = 10−6 (Compressive)
AE Al
10−6 1 70 109
P − 210 = kN
1000
P = 280 kN
GATE-13d.Ans. (5990 to 6010)

GATE-14. Ans. (c)If the force in each of outer rods is P0 and force in the central rod is Pc , then
2P0 + Pc = 50 …(i)
Also, the elongation of central rod and outer rods is same.
P0 L0 PC LC
=
A0E ACE

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
P0 2L PC L
=
2A 3A
PC = 3 P0 …(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii) we get
PC = 30 kN and P0 = 10 kN
GATE-14a. Ans. (b)
Let r is the radius at x distance from top

Force at this cross section P = weight of top part from x =0 to x = x

1
= 3 × Area of section x × height above x section × unit weight
1
= 3 × 𝜋𝑟 2 × 𝑥 × 𝑤
𝑃𝑑𝑥 𝑃𝑑𝑥
Elongation of elemental distance dx = 𝑑𝛿 = or ∫ 𝑑𝛿 = ∫
𝐴𝐸 𝐴𝐸
1 𝐻
𝐻 ×𝜋𝑟 2 ×𝑥×𝑤 ×𝑑𝑥 𝐻 𝑥×𝑤 ×𝑑𝑥 𝑥2𝑤 𝑤 𝐻 2 𝑤𝐻 2
Or 𝛿 = ∫𝐻/2 3 𝜋𝑟2 ×𝐸 = ∫𝐻/2 3𝐸
= [ 2𝐸 ] = 6𝐸 [𝐻 2 − ( 2 ) ] = 8𝐸
𝐻/2

GATE-15.Ans.(a) Thermal stress will develop only when you prevent the material to contrast/elongate.
As here it is free no thermal stress will develop.
3
GATE-16. Ans. (a) V p a3 1 T a3
3
V K a
p
Or 3 T
E
31 2
( T)E ( T)E
Or p = or stress ( ) = − p = − i.e. compressive
(1 − 2 ) (1 − 2 )
3
GATE-16a. Ans. (60) V p a3 1 T a3
3 T
V K a3
5
Or p 3 TK 3 1 10 42 32 200 103 MPa 60 MPa
Volumetric stress is pressure.

Same question was asked in IES-2003 please refer question no. IES-48 in this chapter.
GATE-17. Ans. (c)
Temperature stress = TE = 12 10−6 10 2 105 = 24 MPa
GATE-18.Ans. 499 to 501 = (
tE = 1 10−5 ) 250 ( 200 )
109 = 500 106 Pa = 500 MPa
GATE-19.Ans.(c)
GATE-20.Ans. (a)
GATE-20a.Ans. 240 MPa (Compressive) Range given (239.9 MPa to 240.1 MPa)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
PL L
L T− = or L T − =
AE E
E 0.2
or = TE − = 10−5 200 200 103 − 200 103
L 250

GATE-20b. Ans. 220 Range (218 to 222)

GATE-20c. Ans. Range (1.70 to 1.72)

GATE-20d. Ans. (b)
GATE-20e. Ans. (47 to 53)

GATE-21. Ans. (a) Creep is due to constant load but depends on time.
GATE-22.Ans. (c)
GATE-22a. Ans. (c)

GATE-22b. Ans. (d) E = , In the plastic zone = 0 ,Therefore E = Infinite

GATE-22c. Ans. (b)
GATE-23. Ans. (b)

GATE-23(i). Ans. (d)

GATE-23b. Ans. (a)
GATE-23c. Ans. (210) Initial loading upto yield point and then unloading to zero load results in cold
working of the material. As a result, Yield stress increases on immediate next reloading. Since
it is ideal elastic-plastic, material yield stress on reloading of the specimen remains at
210 MPa.
GATE-23d. Ans. (d)
Elastic strain (which can be recovered) = 0.03 - 0.01 = 0.02
Plastic strain (permanent strain) = 0.01
GATE-24. Ans. 95.19
100
True strain = ln = 0.5129
95
= 500 (0.5129)0.1 = 371.51
Upto elastic limits using Hooke's Law
l 371.51 106 100
E= or 200 109 =
l l
l = 0.18575mm (considering this for elastic recovery)
This is elastic component and after release of the compressive load this
amount of recovery takes place.
This will be added to 95mm. Therefore, final dimension = 95.18575mm
GATE-25.Ans. (c)
GATE-26. Ans. (b)
GATE-27. Ans.(c) Pretension increase stiffness of system.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-28. Ans. 13
1 15 10−3
Total Compliance ( CT ) = = T = m/ N
KT P P
1
Machine Compliance ( Cm ) = = m = 5 10−8 m / N
Km P
1
Analyzed material Compliance ( C A ) = = A m/ N
KA P
CT = C m + C A
15 10−3
or = 5 10−8 + A
40 103 40 103
A = 0.013 m = 13 mm
13
The strain at failure = A
100% = 100% = 13%
L 100

IES
P 2500×9.81
IES-1. Ans.(a) Axial stress, σ= = π
(12.5)2
= 200 MPa
A
4
IES-1a. Ans.(a)
D2
L g L
WL 4
IES-1b. Ans. (d) = = 2
or L2
2AE D
2 E
4
IES-2. Ans. (c)
IES-3. Ans. (b)
IES-3a.Ans. (c) After application of load rigid beam will remain horizontal, therefore
elongation of steel and aluminium will be same.
IES-4. Ans. (d)
IES-5. Ans. (c)
IES-6. Ans. (c)
IES-7. Ans. (a)
IES-7a. Ans. (d)
IES-7b. A n s . ( b )

PL
IES-8. Ans. (b) Elongation of a taper rod ( l) =
d1d2E
4
( l)A ( d2 )B D/3 2
or = = =
( l)B ( d2 )A D/2 3

PL PL
IES-9. Ans. (c) Actual elongation of the bar ( l )act = =
d1d2 E 1.1D 0.9D E
4 4

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
PL
Calculated elongation of the bar ( l )Cal =
D2
E
4
( l)act − ( l)cal D2
Error ( %) = 100 = −1 100% = 1%
( l)cal 1.1D 0.9D
PL
IES-10. Ans. (d) Actual elongation of the bar ( l )act =
d1d2 E
4
IES-11. Ans. (b)
IES-11(i). Ans. (c)
IES-11(ii). Ans(c)
4Pl Pl
Extension of tapered rod = Extension of uniform diameter rod=
ED1 D2 AE
4 Pl
ED1 D2
Ratio = =2
Pl
D2 / 4 E
IES-12. Ans. (a)
IES-13. Ans. (c) Theoretically −1 1/ 2 but practically 0 1/ 2
IES-14. Ans. (c)
IES-15. Ans. (a) If Poisson's ratio is zero, then material is rigid.
IES-16. Ans. (a)
IES-17. Ans. (d) Note: Modulus of elasticity is the property of material. It will remain same.
IES-18. Ans. (a)
IES-19. Ans. (a) Strain energy stored by a body within elastic limit is known as resilience.
IES-19a. Ans. (d)
IES-19b. Ans. (b) Plastic deformation
• Following the elastic deformation, material undergoesplastic deformation.
• Also characterized by relation between stress and strain atconstant strain rate and temperature.
• Microscopically…it involves breaking atomic bonds,moving atoms, then restoration of bonds.
• Stress-Strain relation here is complex because of atomicplane movement, dislocation movement,
and the obstaclesthey encounter.
• Crystalline solids deform by processes – slip and twinningin particular directions.
• Amorphous solids deform by viscous flow mechanismwithout any directionality.
• Equations relating stress and strain are called constitutiveequations.
• A true stress-strain curve is called flow curve as it gives thestress required to cause the material
to flow plastically tocertain strain.
IES-19c. Ans. (b)
IES-20. Ans. (c)
IES-21. Ans. (b)
IES-22. Ans. (c)
IES-22a. Ans. (d) Shaft means torsion and added bending load produce a reversed state of
stress.
IES-22b.Ans. (a)Endurance limit is the design criteria for cyclic loading.
IES-23. Ans. (d)
IES-24. Ans. (c) A polished surface by grinding can take more number of cycles than a part with rough
surface. In Hammer peening residual compressive stress lower the peak tensile stress
IES-25. Ans. (a)
IES-26. Ans. (c)
IES-26a.Ans. (d)Isotropic material is characterized by two independent elastic constant.
IES-27. Ans. (c)
IES-28. Ans. (d)
IES-28a.Ans. (b)
IES-29. Ans. (d)
IES-30. Ans. (a)
IES-31. Ans.(b) E = 2G(1 + ) or 1.25x105 = 2G(1+0.34) or G = 0.4664 × 105 MPa

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-31(i). Ans. (d)
IES-31(ii). Ans(d) G =70GPa, K = 150GPa We know,
E = 3K (1 − 2 ) = 3 150(1 − 2 ) = 2G(1+ ) = 2 70(1 + )
On solving the above equations we get, = 0.3& E = 182GPa
IES-31(iii). Ans. (b)
IES-32. Ans. (c)
9KG
IES-33. Ans. (d) E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 2 ) =
3K + G
9KG
IES-34. Ans. (d) E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 2 ) =
3K + G
IES-34(i) .Ans. (a)
9KG
IES-35. Ans.(c) E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 2 ) =
3K + G
1
the value of must be between 0 to 0.5 so E never equal to G but if = then
3
E = k so ans. is c
IES-36. Ans. (b) Use E = 2G (1 + )
E 200
IES-37. Ans. (a) E = 2G (1 + ) or G = = = 80GN / m2
2 (1 + ) 2 (1 + 0.25 )
IES-37a. Ans. (b)
IES-38. Ans. (d) Under plane stress condition, the strain in the direction perpendicular to the plane is
not zero. It has been found experimentally that when a body is stressed within elastic limit,
the lateral strain bears a constant ratio to the linear strain.
IES-38(i). Ans. (b)
𝑳𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝟔𝟎×𝟏𝟎−𝟓
IES-38a. Ans. (b) Axial strain (𝜺𝒙 ) = = = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟓
𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏′ 𝒔 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐 𝟎.𝟑
𝝈𝒙 𝟑𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔
𝑬= = = 𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝐺𝑃𝑎
𝜺𝒙 𝟐𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟓
𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 6800
IES-38b. Ans.(c) Yield stress, 𝜎 = =𝜋 = 51.25 kg/mm2
𝐴𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑎 ×(13)2
4

PL L 305
IES-39. Ans. (d) = = = 276 mm = 0.765 mm 0.77 mm
AE E 110 103
IES-39a. Ans.(c)
Given, L = 2 m, δ = 0.005 m, P = 400×103 N, d = 0.05 m
PL 𝑃𝐿 400×103 ×2×103
Axial elongation, δ = or 𝐸 = = 𝜋
(50)2 ×5
= 81.5 𝐺𝑃𝑎
AE 𝐴𝛿
4

d2 P 980175
IES-39b. Ans. (b) Total load (P ) = 8 or d = = = 22.25mm
4 2 2 315
IES-39c. Ans. (a)
PL E
we know; = ; = new ; Pold = Pnew ; Lold = Lnew ; Eold = new
AE old 2
PL PL
= or Aold Eold = Anew Enew
AE old
AE new
E A
= new Anew = 2 Aold = 2 102
E / 2 Aold
a 2 new = 2 102 anew = 2 10 = 14mm
𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿 𝐷 𝑑 √3
IES-39d. Ans. (b) = or 𝐴𝑆 = 𝐴𝐻 or𝑑 2 = 𝐷2 − ( )2 or =
𝐴𝑆 𝐸 𝐴𝐻 𝐸 2 𝐷 2
IES-40.Ans. (c) Compatibility equation insists that the change in length of the bar must be compatible
with the boundary conditions. Here (a) is also correct but it is equilibrium equation.
IES-40(i) Ans. (a) Elongation will be same for this composite body

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Pc L PL 100
= s c
= s c
= c = 50 N / mm2
Ac Ec As Es Ec Es Ec 2Ec
IES-41. Ans. (a)
IES-42. Ans. (b) First draw FBD of all parts separately then

PL
Total change in length =
AE
1
IES-42a.Ans. (d) [ (200 × 0.5) + ( -200 × 1) + ( 100 × 0.5 ) ]= - 25×10⁻⁶ m
10 ×10−6 ×200 ×10⁹
IES-42b. Ans. (a)

Total = AB + BC + CD

PL PL PL
= + +
AE AB AE BC AE CD

10 10 3
2000 + 8 10 3
1000 + 5 103 3000
= mm

4
3 2
( 205 10 3
)
= 29.68 mm
IES-43. Ans. (a) Elongation in AC = length reduction in CB
R A 1 RB 2
=
AE AE
And RA + RB = 10
IES-43(i) Ans. (b)
IES-44. Ans. (b)
IES-45. Ans. (d)
IES-46. Ans. (d) If we resist to expand then only stress will develop.
IES-47. Ans. (d)
3
IES-48. Ans. (b) V p a3 1 T a3
3
V K a
p
Or 3 T
E
31 2
IES-49. Ans. (c)
IES-49(i). Ans. (c)
IES-50. Ans. (d) E t = 12 10−6 ( ) ( 200 103 ) (120 − 20) = 240MPa
It will be compressive as elongation restricted.
𝑃𝐿
IES-50a.Ans. (c)L 𝛼 ∙ ∆𝑇 = or P = 𝛼 ∙ ∆𝑇 ∙ 𝐴𝐸 = 10× 10−6 × 50 × 20 × 10−4 × 200 × 109 N = 200kN
𝐴𝐸
IES-51. Ans. (a) co-efficient of volume expansion ( )=3 co − efficient of linear expansion ( )
IES-52. Ans. (b)
IES-53. Ans. (b) Let compression of the spring = x m
Therefore spring force = kx kN
Expansion of the rod due to temperature rise = L t

Reduction in the length due to compression force =

(kx ) L
AE

Now L t −
( kx ) L
=x
AE

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
0.5 12.5 10−6 20
Or x = = 0.125mm
50 0.5
1+
0.0102
200 106
4
kx 50 0.125
Compressive stress = − =− = −0.07945MPa
A 0.0102
4
IES-53a. Ans. (d)
IES-53b. Ans. (d) Free expansion = L . 𝛼. ∆T = 10 × 103 × 12 × 10−6 × 40 = 4.8 mm
Permitted expansion = 4 mm, Expansion resisted = 0.8 mm
PL L E 0.8 200 103
= = or = = MPa = 16 MPa
AE E L 10000
IES-53c. Ans. (b)
Free Expansion = L T
Permitted Expansion =
PL
Expansion Resisted = L T− =
AE
L
or L T− =
E
E 205 103
or = TE − = 11 10−6 (80 − 24 ) 205 10 − 8
3
= 75.03 MPa
L 32000
IES-54. Ans. (d) Stress in the rod due to temperature rise = ( t) E
IES-54(i) Ans. (c) LAl Al T − Ls s T = 10 mm
8000 23 10−6 T − 8005 12 10−6 T = 10 mm
T = 113.7 C o
Answer = 113.7 + 30 = 143.7o C
IES-54(ii) Ans. (b)
IES-55. Ans. (c)
IES-56. Ans. (d) A is false but R is correct.
IES-56a. Ans. (c)

Static Load = 20 kN
Static = 20 MPa and Static = 10 mm
If Static Load = 5 kN
1 1
Static = 20 MPa = 5 MPa and Static = 10 mm = 2.5 mm
4 4

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

2h
Impact = Static 1+ 1+
Static

2h
or 40 = 5 1+ 1+
2.5
or h = 60 mm
IES-57. Ans. (d)
IES-58. Ans. (b)
IES-59. Ans. (d)
IES-60. Ans. (b)
IES-61. Ans. (a)
IES-61(i). Ans. (a)
W d2
IES-62. Ans. (b) c = 2
or W = c ;
d 4
4
W d2 280 362
Wsafe = = c = N = 190kN
fos fos 4 1.5 4
IES-63. Ans. (b)
IES-63a. Ans. (b)
IES-64. Ans. (a) A crack parallel to the direction of length of hub means the failure was due to tensile
hoop stress only.
IES-65. Ans. (d)
IES-66. Ans. (d)

IES-67. Ans. (c)

IES-68. Ans. (c)
IES-69. Ans. (c) Truss members will be subjected to tension and cast iron is weak in tension.
IES-70. Ans. (c)
𝑃 𝜎
IES-71. Ans. (c)𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠(𝜎) = 𝐸𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛(𝜀𝐸 ) =
𝐴 𝐸

IAS
WL ( ALg ) L L2 g
IAS-1. Ans. (d) Elongation due to self weight = = =
2 AE 2 AE 2E
IAS-2. Ans. (b)
Pl
IAS-3. Ans. (a)The extension of the taper rod =
D1D2 .E
4
IAS-4. Ans. (a)
IAS-5. ans. (d)
IAS-6. Ans. (b)
P P 1.5
IAS-7. Ans. (d) Bulk modulus of elasticity (K) = or v = = = 535 10−6
v K 2800

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IAS-8. Ans. (a)
IAS-9. Ans. (d)
IAS-10. Ans. (a)
IAS-11. Ans.(b) E = 2G(1 + ) or 1.25x105 = 2G(1+0.34) or G = 0.4664 × 105 MPa
E E 2.5
IAS-12. Ans. (a) E = 2G (1 + ) 1+ = = −1 = − 1 = 0.25
2G 2G 2
IAS-13. Ans. (c)
IAS-14. Ans. (b) E = 2G (1 + ) = 3k (1- 2 )
IAS-15. Ans. (b) E, G, K and µ represent the elastic modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus and poisons
ratio respectively of a ‘linearly elastic, isotropic and homogeneous material.’ To express the
stress – strain relations completely for this material; at least any two of the four must be
9 KG
known. E = 2G (1 + ) = 3K (1 − 3 ) =
3K + G
E 200
IAS-16. Ans. (c) E = 2G (1+ ) or = −1 = − 1 = 0.25
2G 2 80
IAS-17. Ans. (a) Elongation in AC = length reduction in CB
R A 1 RB 2
=
AE AE
And RA + RB = 10
(
IAS-18. Ans. (d) E t = 12 10−6 ) ( 200 103 ) (120 − 20) = 240MPa
It will be compressive as elongation restricted.
IAS-19. Ans. (c) Thermal stress will develop only if expansion is restricted.
IAS-20. Ans. (a) Dimensional analysis gives (a) is wrong
IAS-21. Ans. (d)
IAS-22. Ans. (d)
IAS-23. Ans. (b)
IAS-24. Ans. (b)
IAS-25. Ans. (b)
IAS-26. Ans. (d)
IAS-27. Ans. (d)
IAS-28. Ans. (a) Up to elastic limit.
IAS-29. Ans. (b)
IAS-30. Ans. (d)
IAS-31. Ans. (a)
IAS-32. Ans. (a)
IAS-33. Ans. (d) In compression tests of ductile materials fractures is seldom obtained. Compression is
accompanied by lateral expansion and a compressed cylinder ultimately assumes the shape
of a flat disc.
IAS-34. Ans. (a)
IAS-35. Ans. (c)Steel is the highly elastic material because it is deformed least on loading, and regains
its original from on removal of the load.
IAS-36. Ans. (a)
IAS-37. Ans. (a)
IAS-38. Ans. (b)
IAS-39. Ans. (b)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2010
Q. If a load of 60 kN is applied to a rigid
bar suspended by 3 wires as shown in
the above figure what force will be
resisted by each wire?

The outside wires are of Al, cross-

sectional area 300 mm2 and length 4
m. The central wire is steel with area
200 mm2 and length 8 m.
Initially there is no slack in the wires
E = 2 105 N / mm2 for Steel
= 0.667 10 N / mm for Aluminum
5 2

[2 Marks]

Ans.

Aluminium wire
FA1
FSt FA1
Steel wire

60kN
P = 60 kN
a A1 = 300mm2 l A1 = 4m
ast = 200mm2 lst = 8m
E A1 = 0.667 105 N / mm 2
Est = 2 105 N / mm2
Force balance along vertical direction
2FA1 + Fst = 60 kN (1)
Elongation will be same in all wires because rod is rigid remain horizontal after
loading
FA1 l A1 Fst .lst
= (2)
a Al .E Al ast .Est
FA1 4 Fst 8
5
=
300 0.667 10 200 2 105
FA1 = 1.0005 Fst (3)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
60 103
From equation (1) Fst = = 19.99 kN or 20 kN
3.001
FA1 = 20 kN
FA1 = 20 kN
Answer.
Fst = 20 kN

Conventional Question GATE

Question: The diameters of the brass and steel segments of the axially loaded bar shown in
figure are 30 mm and 12 mm respectively. The diameter of the hollow section of
the brass segment is 20 mm.
Determine: (i) The maximum normal stress in the steel and brass (ii) The displacement of the free end
; Take Es = 210 GN/m2 and Eb = 105 GN/m2

(12 )
2
Answer: As = = 36 mm2 = 36 10 −6 m2
4
( A b )BC = ( 30 )
2
= 225 mm2 = 225 10 −6 m2
4
( Ab )CD =
4
(30 2
)
− 202 = 125 mm2 = 125 10 −6 m2

(i) The maximum normal stress in steel and brass:

10 103
= 10 −6 MN / m2 = 88.42MN / m 2
36 10 −6
s

5 103
( b )BC = −6
10−6 MN / m2 = 7.07MN / m2
225 10
5 103
( b )CD = 10 −6 MN / m2 = 12.73MN / m 2
125 10 −6
(ii) The displacement of the free end:
l = ( ls )AB + ( lb )BC + ( lb )CD
88.42 0.15 7.07 0.2 12.73 0.125 l
= −6
+ −6
+ l=
9
210 10 10 9
105 10 10 105 109 10 −6 E
= 9.178 10−5 m = 0.09178 mm

Conventional Question IES-1999

Question: Distinguish between fatigue strength and fatigue limit.
Answer: Fatigue strength as the value of cyclic stress at which failure occurs after N cycles. And
fatigue limit as the limiting value of stress at which failure occurs as N becomes very large
(sometimes called infinite cycle)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Conventional Question IES-1999
Question: List at least two factors that promote transition from ductile to brittle fracture.
Answer: (i) With the grooved specimens only a small reduction in area took place, and the
appearance of the facture was like that of brittle materials.
(ii) By internal cavities, thermal stresses and residual stresses may combine with the
effect of the stress concentration at the cavity to produce a crack. The resulting
fracture will have the characteristics of a brittle failure without appreciable plastic
flow, although the material may prove ductile in the usual tensile tests.

Conventional Question IES-1999

Question: Distinguish between creep and fatigue.
Answer: Fatigue is a phenomenon associated with variable loading or more precisely to cyclic
stressing or straining of a material, metallic, components subjected to variable loading get
fatigue, which leads to their premature failure under specific conditions.
When a member is subjected to a constant load over a long period of time it undergoes a
slow permanent deformation and this is termed as ''Creep''. This is dependent on
temperature.

Conventional Question IES-2008

Question: What different stresses set-up in a bolt due to initial tightening, while used as a
fastener? Name all the stresses in detail.
Answer: (i) When the nut is initially tightened there will be some elongation in the bolt so tensile
stress will develop.
(ii) While it is tightening a torque across some shear stress. But when tightening will be
completed there should be no shear stress.

Conventional Question IES-2008

Question: A Copper rod 6 cm in diameter is placed within a steel tube, 8 cm external
diameter and 6 cm internal diameter, of exactly the same length. The two pieces
are rigidly fixed together by two transverse pins 20 mm in diameter, one at each
end passing through both rod and the tube.
Calculated the stresses induced in the copper rod, steel tube and the pins if the
temperature of the combination is raised by 50oC.
[Take ES=210 GPa, s 0.0000115 / o C ; Ec=105 GPa, c 0.000017 / o C ]
Answer:

c s
t( c s )
Ec Es
2
d2 6
Area of copper rod(Ac ) = m2 2.8274 10 3 m2
4 4 100
2 2
d2 8 6
Area of steel tube (A s ) = m2 2.1991 10 3 m 2
4 4 100 100
Rise in temperature, t 50 o C
Free expansion of copper bar= c L t
Free expansion of steel tube = s L t
Difference in free expansion = c s L t

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
6
= 17-11.5 ×10 L 50=2.75×10-4L m
A compressive force (P) exerted by the steel tube on the copper rod opposed the extra
expansion of the copper rod and the copper rod exerts an equal tensile force P to pull the
steel tube. In this combined effect reduction in copper rod and increase in length of steel
tube equalize the difference in free expansions of the combined system.
Reduction in the length of copper rod due to force P Newton=
PL PL
L m
C
Ac Ec 2.8275 10 3 105 109
Increase in length of steel tube due to force P
PL P .L
LS m
As Es 2.1991 10 3 210 109
Difference in length is equated
L c
L s
2.75 10 4 L
PL P.L
2.75 10 4 L
2.8275 10 3 105 109 2.1991 10 3 210 109
Or P = 49.695 kN
P 49695
Stress in copper rod, c
MPa=17.58MPa
Ac 2.8275 10 3
P 49695
Stress in steel tube, s MPa 22.6MPa
As 2.1991 10 3
Since each of the pin is in double shear, shear stress in pins ( pin )
P 49695
= = 79 MPa
2 Apin 2 0.02
2

Conventional Question IES-2002

Question: Why are the bolts, subjected to impact, made longer?
Answer: If we increase length its volume will increase so shock absorbing capacity will increased.

Conventional Question IES-2007

Question: Explain the following in brief:
(i) Effect of size on the tensile strength
(ii) Effect of surface finish on endurance limit.
Answer: (i) When size of the specimen increases tensile strength decrease. It is due to the reason
that if size increases there should be more change of defects (voids) into the material
which reduces the strength appreciably.
(ii) If the surface finish is poor, the endurance strength is reduced because of scratches
present in the specimen. From the scratch crack propagation will start.

Conventional Question IES-2004

Question: Mention the relationship between three elastic constants i.e. elastic modulus (E),
rigidity modulus (G), and bulk modulus (K) for any Elastic material. How is the
Poisson's ratio ( μ ) related to these modulli?
9KG
Answer: E
3K G
9KG
E 3K (1 2µ) = 2G(1+ µ) =
3K + G

Conventional Question IES-1996

Question: The elastic and shear moduli of an elastic material are 2×10 11 Pa and 8×1010 Pa
respectively. Determine Poisson's ratio of the material.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
9KG
Answer: We know that E = 2G(1+ µ ) = 3K(1 - 2µ) =
3K + G
E
or,1 µ
2G
E 2 1011
or µ 1 1 0.25
2G 2 (8 1010 )

Conventional Question IES-2003

Question: A steel bolt of diameter 10 mm passes through a brass tube of internal diameter
15 mm and external diameter 25 mm. The bolt is tightened by a nut so that the
length of tube is reduced by 1.5 mm. If the temperature of the assembly is raised
by 40oC, estimate the axial stresses the bolt and the tube before and after heating.
Material properties for steel and brass are:
E S 2 105 N / mm 2 S 1.2 10 5 / o C and Eb= 1×105 N/mm2 b=1.9×10-5/oC
Answer:

π
Area of steel bolt (A s )= (0.010)2 m2 7.854 10 5 m2
4
π
Area of brass tube (A b )= (0.025)2 (0.015)2 3.1416 10 4

4
Stress due to tightening of the nut
Compressive force on brass tube= tensile fore on steel bolt
or, σb Ab σS As

( l )b σ σ
or , Eb. .Ab σs As E=
L
L
Let assume total length ( )=1m
(1.5 10 3 )
Therefore (1×105 106 ) 3.1416 10 4
s 7.854×10-5
1
or s 600 MPa (tensile )
( l )b (1.5 10 3 )
and b =Eb. (1×105 ) MPa 150MPa (Compressive )
1
So before heating
Stress in brass tube (σb ) 150MPa ( compressive)
Stress in steel bolt(σ s ) 600MPa (tensile)

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Stress due to rise of temperature
Let stress σ 'b & σ 's are due to brass tube and steel bolt.
If the two members had been free to expand,
Free expansion of steel = s t 1
Free expansion of brass tube = b t 1
Since b σs free expansion of copper is greater than the free expansion of steel. But they
are rigidly fixed so final expansion of each members will be same. Let us assume this final
expansion is ' δ ', The free expansion of brass tube is grater than δ , while the free expansion
of steel is less than . Hence the steel rod will be subjected to a tensile stress while the
brass tube will be subjected to a compressive stress.

For the equilibrium of the whole system,

Total tension (Pull) in steel =Total compression (Push) in brass tube.

As 7.854 10 5 '
σ'b Ab σs' As or , σb' σ's σS 0.25σS'
Ab 3.14 10 4
Final expansion of steel =final expansion of brass tube
σs' '
b
s ( t ).1 1 b( t) 1 1
Es Eb
5 σ's σ'b
or , 1.2 10 40 1 (1.9 10 5 ) 40 1 (ii )
2 105 106 1 105 106
From(i) & (ii) we get
1 0.25
σs' 2.8 10 4

2 1011 1011
or , σ's 37.33 MPa (Tensile stress)
or, σ = 9.33MPa (compressive)
'
b
Therefore, the final stresses due to tightening and temperature rise
Stress in brass tube =σb +σb' =150+9.33MPa=159.33MPa
Stress in steel bolt =σ s +σ 's = 600 + 37.33 = 637.33MPa.

Conventional Question IES-1997

Question: A Solid right cone of axial length h is made of a material having density and
elasticity modulus E. It is suspended from its circular base. Determine its
elongation due to its self weight.
Answer: See in the figure MNH is a solid right cone of
length 'h' .
Let us assume its wider end of diameter’d’ fixed
rigidly at MN.
Now consider a small strip of thickness dy at a
distance y from the lower end.
Let 'ds' is the diameter of the strip.
1 πds2
Weight of portion UVH= y g (i )
3 4
From the similar triangles MNH and UVH,
MN d
UV d s y
d .y
or , d s (ii )

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
force at UV Weight of UVH
Stress at section UV =
cross sec tion area at UV πds2
4

1 πds2
. .y . g
1
=3 4 2 y g
πds 3
4
1
y g .dy
3
So, extension in dy=
E
1
h y gdy
3 gh 2
Total extension of the bar =
0
E 6E

From stress-strain relation ship

δ δ .
E= or , d
d E

Conventional Question IES-2004

Question: Which one of the three shafts listed hare has the highest ultimate tensile strength?
Which is the approximate carbon content in each steel?
(i) Mild Steel (ii) cast iron (iii) spring steel
Answer: Among three steel given, spring steel has the highest ultimate tensile strength.
Approximate carbon content in
(i) Mild steel is (0.3% to 0.8%)
(ii) Cost iron (2% to 4%)
(iii) Spring steel (0.4% to 1.1%)

Conventional Question IES-2003

Question: If a rod of brittle material is subjected to pure torsion, show with help of a sketch,
the plane along which it will fail and state the reason for its failure.
Answer: Brittle materials fail in tension. In a torsion test the maximum tensile test Occurs at 45°to
the axis of the shaft. So failure will occurs along a 45 o to the axis of the shaft. So failure will
occurs along a 45° helix
X
X
So failures will occurs according to 45°plane.

Conventional Question IAS-1995

Question: The steel bolt shown in Figure has a thread pitch of 1.6 mm. If the nut is initially
tightened up by hand so as to cause no stress in the copper spacing tube, calculate
the stresses induced in the tube and in the bolt if a spanner is then used to turn
the nut through 90°.Take Ec and Es as 100 GPa and 209 GPa respectively.
Answer: Given: p = 1.6 mm, Ec= 100 GPa ; Es = 209 CPa.

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Stresses induced in the tube and the bolt, c , s :

2
10
As = = 7.584 10−5 m2
4 1000
2 2
18 12
As = − = 14.14 10−5 m2
4 1000 1000
Tensile force on steel bolt, Ps = compressive force in copper tube, Pc = P
Also, Increase in length of bolt + decrease in length of tube = axial displacement of nut
90
i,e ( l)s + ( l)c = 1.6 = 0.4mm = 0.4 10 −3 m
360
Pl Pl
or + = 0.4 10−3 ( ls = lc = l )
A sEs A cEc
100 1 1
or P −5 9
+ −5 9
= 0.4 10−3
1000 7.854 10 209 10 14.14 10 100 10
or P = 30386N
P P
= 386.88MPa and = 214.89MPa
As Ac

Conventional Question AMIE-1997

Question: A steel wire 2 m long and 3 mm in diameter is extended by 0·75 mm when a weight
W is suspended from the wire. If the same weight is suspended from a brass wire,
2·5 m long and 2 mm in diameter, it is elongated by 4 -64 mm. Determine the
modulus of elasticity of brass if that of steel be 2.0 × 105 N / mm2
Answer: Given, ls = 2 m, ds= 3 mm, ls = 0·75 mm; Es= 2·0 × 105 N / mm2; lb = 2.5 m, db
=2 mm lb = 4.64m m and let modulus of elasticity of brass = Eb
Pl
Hooke's law gives, l = [Symbol has usual meaning]
AE
Case I: For steel wire:
Pls
ls =
A sEs

or 0.75 =
P (2 1000 ) ---- (i)
1
32 2.0 105
4 2000
Case II: For bass wire:

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Plb
lb =
A bEb

4.64 =
P ( 2.5 1000 )
---- (ii)
2
2 Eb
4
1
or P = 4.64 22 Eb
4 2500
From (i) and (ii), we get
1 1
0.75 32 2.0 105 = 4.64 22 Eb
4 2000 4 2500
or Eb = 0.909 10 N / mm 5 2

Conventional Question AMIE-1997

Question: A steel bolt and sleeve assembly is shown in figure below. The nut is tightened up
on the tube through the rigid end blocks until the tensile force in the bolt is 40
kN. If an external load 30 kN is then applied to the end blocks, tending to pull
them apart, estimate the resulting force in the bolt and sleeve.

2
25
Answer: Area of steel bolt, Ab = = 4.908 10−4 m2
1000
2 2
62.5 50
Area of steel sleeve, A s = − = 1.104 10 −3 m2
4 1000 1000
Forces in the bolt and sleeve:
(i) Stresses due to tightening the nut:
Let b = stress developed in steel bolt due to tightening the nut; and

s = stress developed in steel sleeve due to tightening the nut.

Tensile force in the steel bolt = 40 kN = 0·04 MN
b A b = 0.04
or b 4.908 10−4 = 0.04
0.04
= = 81.5MN / m2 ( tensile )
4.908 10−4
b

Compressive force in steel sleeve = 0·04 MN

s A s = 0.04
or s 1.104 10−3 = 0.04
0.04
= = 36.23MN / m2 ( compressive )
1.104 10−3
s

(ii) Stresses due to tensile force:

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 Chapter-1 Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Let the stresses developed due to tensile force of 30 kN = 0·03 MN in steel bolt and sleeve
be 'b and 's respectively.
Then, 'b Ab + 's A s = 0.03
'b 4.908 10−4 + 's 1.104 10−3 = 0.03 − − − (i)
In a compound system with an external tensile load, elongation caused in each will be the
same.
'b
lb = lb
Eb
'b
or lb = 0.5 ( Given,lb = 500mm = 0.5 )
Eb
's
and ls = 0.4 ( Given,ls = 400mm = 0.4 )
Es
But lb = s

'b 's
0.5 = 0.4
Eb Es
or 'b = 0.8 's ( Given,Eb = Es ) − − − (2)
Substituting this value in (1), we get
0.8 's 4.908 10 −4 + 's 1.104 10 −3 = 0.03
gives 's = 20MN / m2 ( tensile )
and 'b = 0.8 20 = 16MN / m2 ( tensile )
Re sulting stress in steel bolt,
( b )r = b + 'b = 81.5 + 16 = 97.5MN / m2
Re sulting stress in steel sleeve,
( s )r = s + 's = 36.23 − 20 = 16.23MN / m2 ( compressive )
Re sulting force in steel bolt, = ( )
b r Ab
= 97.5 4.908 10 −4 = 0.0478MN ( tensile )
Re sulting force in steel sleeve = ( )
b r As
= 16.23 1.104 10 −3 = 0.0179MN ( compressive )

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 2. Principal Stress and Strain

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

2.1 States of stress
• Uni-axial stress: only one non-zero
principal stress, i.e. σ1
Right side figure represents Uni-axial state of
stress.

• Bi-axial stress: one principal stress

equals zero, two do not, i.e. σ1>σ3 ; σ2 = 0
Right side figure represents Bi-axial state of
stress.

• Tri-axial stress: three non-zero

principal stresses, i.e. σ1>σ2>σ3
Right side figure represents Tri-axial state of
stress.

• Isotropic stress: three principal

stresses are equal, i.e. σ1 = σ2 = σ3
Right side figure represents isotropic state of
stress.

• Axial stress: two of three principal

stresses are equal, i.e. σ1 = σ2 or σ2 = σ3
Right side figure represents axial state of
stress.

• Hydrostatic pressure: weight of column of

fluid in interconnected pore spaces.
Phydrostatic = ρfluid gh (density, gravity, depth)

• Hydrostatic stress: Hydrostatic stress is

used to describe a state of tensile or
compressive stress equal in all directions

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
within or external to a body. Hydrostatic Or
stress causes a change in volume of a
material. Shape of the body remains
unchanged i.e. no distortion occurs in the
body.
Right side figure represents Hydrostatic state of
stress.

2.2 Uni-axial stress on oblique plane

Let us consider a bar of uniform cross sectional area A under direct tensile load P giving rise to axial
normal stress P/A acting on a cross section XX. Now consider another section given by the plane YY
inclined at with the XX. This is depicted in following three ways.

Fig. (a)
Fig. (b)

Fig. (c)
A
Area of the YY Plane = ; Let us assume the normal stress in the YY plane is n and there is a
cos
shear stress acting parallel to the YY plane.
Now resolve the force P in two perpendicular direction one normal to the plane YY = P cos and

another parallel to the plane YY = Psinθ

P
Therefore equilibrium gives, n
A
cos
= P cos or
n = cos 2
A
P
A P = sin 2
and = P sin or = sin cos or 2A
cos A

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
• Note the variation of normal stress n and shear stress with the variation of . When
P
= 0 , normal stress n is maximum i.e. ( n )max =
and shear stress = 0 . As is increased,
A
the normal stress n diminishes, until when = 0, n = 0 . But if angle increased shear
P
stress increases to a maximum value max = at = = 45 and then diminishes to = 0
o

2A 4
at = 90o
• The shear stress will be maximum when sin2 = 1 or = 45o
P
• And the maximum shear stress, max =
2A
• In ductile material failure in tension is initiated by shear stress i.e. the failure occurs across the
shear planes at 45o (where it is maximum) to the applied load.
Let us clear a concept about a common mistake: The angle is not between the applied load and
the plane. It is between the planes XX and YY. But if in any question the angle between the applied
load and the plane is given don’t take it as . The angle between the applied load and the plane is 90 - .
P P
In this case you have to use the above formula as n = cos2 (90 − ) and = sin(180 − 2 ) where is
A 2A
the angle between the applied load and the plane. Carefully observe the following two figures it will be
clear.

Let us take an example: A metal block of 100 mm 2 cross sectional area carries an axial tensile load of
10 kN. For a plane inclined at 300 with the direction of applied load, calculate:
(a) Normal stress
(b) Shear stress
(c) Maximum shear stress.

Answer: Here = 90o − 30o = 60o

P 10 103 N
(a) Normal stress ( n)= cos2 = cos2 60o = 25MPa
A 100 mm 2

P 10 103 N
(b) Shear stress ( )= sin2 = 2
sin120o = 43.3MPa
2A 2 100 mm

P 10 103 N
(c) Maximum shear stress ( max ) = = = 50MPa
2 A 2 100 mm 2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

• Complementary stresses
Now if we consider the stresses on an oblique plane Y’Y’ which is perpendicular to the previous
plane YY. The stresses on this plane are known as complementary stresses. Complementary

normal stress is n and complementary shear stress is .The following figure shows all the

four stresses. To obtain the stresses n and we need only to replace by + 900 in the previous

equation. The angle + 900 is known as aspect angle.

Therefore

cos ( 90 + ) = PA sin
P 2 o
n = 2

A
sin 2 ( 90o + ) = − 2PA sin 2
P
=
2A

P
n + = =−
It is clear n
and
A
i.e. Complementary shear stresses are always equal in magnitude but opposite in sign.

• Sign of Shear stress

For sign of shear stress following rule have to be followed:
The shear stress on any face of the element will be considered positive when it has a clockwise
moment with respect to a centre inside the element. If the moment is counter-clockwise with
respect to a centre inside the element, the shear stress in negative.
Note: The convention is opposite to that of moment of force. Shear stress tending to turn clockwise is
positive and tending to turn counter clockwise is negative.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Let us take an example: A prismatic bar of 500 mm2 cross sectional area is axially loaded with a
tensile force of 50 kN. Determine all the stresses acting on an element which makes 30 0 inclination with
the vertical plane.

Answer: Take an small element ABCD in 300 plane as shown in figure below,
Given, Area of cross-section, A = 500 mm2, Tensile force (P) = 50 kN

P 2 50×103 N
Normal stress on 30° inclined plane, ( σ n ) = cos θ = 2
×cos2 30o =75MPa (+ive means tensile).Shear
A 500 mm

50 103 N
sin ( 2 30o ) = 43.3MPa
P
stress on 30° planes, ( )= sin2 = 2
2A 2 500 mm
(+ive means clockwise)
Complementary stress on ( ) = 90 + 30 = 120o

P 2 50 103 N
Normal stress on 1200 inclined plane, ( n) = cos = 2
cos 2 120o = 25MPa
A 500 mm
(+ ive means tensile)

50 103 N
sin ( 2 120o ) = − 43.3MPa
P
Shear stress on 1200 nclined plane, ( )= sin2 = 2
2A 2 500 mm
(- ive means counter clockwise)
State of stress on the element ABCD is given below (magnifying)

2.3 Complex Stresses (2-D Stress system)

i.e. Material subjected to combined direct and shear stress
We now consider a complex stress system below. The given figure ABCD shows on small element of
material

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Stresses in three dimensional element Stresses in cross-section of the element

x
and y are normal stresses and may be tensile or compressive. We know that normal stress may

come from direct force or bending moment. xy is shear stress. We know that shear stress may comes

from direct shear force or torsion and xy and yx are complementary and

xy = yx

Let n
is the normal stress and is the shear stress on a plane at angle .

Considering the equilibrium of the element we can easily get

+ −
Normal stress ( )= + cos2 +
x y x y
n xy sin 2
2 2
and

σx − σy
Shear stress ( )= sin2θ - xy cos2θ
2
Above two transformation equations for plane stress are coming from considering equilibrium. They do
not depend on material properties and are valid for elastic and in elastic behavior.

• Location of planes of maximum stress

(a) Normal stress, ( n )max
For n
maximum or minimum

n
= 0, where =
( x + y )+( x − y ) cos 2 + sin 2
n xy
2 2
( − ) 2
or −
x y
( sin 2 ) 2+ ( cos 2 ) 2=0 or tan2 =
xy

−
xy p
2 ( x y )
(b) Shear stress, max

For maximum or minimum

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
−
= 0, where = sin 2 −
x y
xy cos 2
2
−
or
x y
( cos 2 ) 2− xy ( − sin 2 ) 2= 0
2
−2
or cot 2 =
xy

x − y

Let us take an example: At a point in a crank shaft the stresses on two mutually perpendicular
planes are 30 MPa (tensile) and 15 MPa (tensile). The shear stress across these planes is 10 MPa. Find
the normal and shear stress on a plane making an angle 30 0 with the plane of first stress. Find also
magnitude and direction of resultant stress on the plane.
Answer: Given x = +25MPa ( tensile ) , y = +15MPa ( tensile ) , xy = 10MPa and 40 0

+ −
Therefore, Normal stress ( )= +
cos 2 + xy sin2
x y x y
n
2 2
30 + 15 30 − 15
= + cos ( 2 30o ) + 10 sin ( 2 30o ) = 34.91 MPa
2 2
−
Shear stress ( )= sin2 − xy cos 2
x y

2
30 − 15
= sin ( 2 30o ) − 10cos ( 2 30o ) = 1.5MPa
2

Resultant stress ( ) = ( 34.91)

2
r + 1.52 = 34.94MPa
1.5
and Obliquity ( ) , tan = = = 2.460
n 34.91

2.4 Bi-axial stress

Let us now consider a stressed element ABCD where xy
=0, i.e. only x
and y
is there. This type of

stress is known as bi-axial stress. In the previous equation if you put xy

=0 we get Normal stress, n

and shear stress, on a plane at angle .

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
+ −
• Normal stress , n = x y
+ x y
cos 2
2 2
−
• Shear/Tangential stress, = x y
sin 2
2
• For complementary stress, aspect angle = + 900

• Aspect angle ‘ θ ’ varies from 0 to /2

• Normal stress n varies between the values

x ( = 0) & y ( = / 2)
Let us take an example: The principal tensile stresses at a point across two perpendicular planes are
100 MPa and 50 MPa. Find the normal and tangential stresses and the resultant stress and its obliquity
on a plane at 200 with the major principal plane
Answer: Given x = 100MPa ( tensile ) , y = 50MPa ( tensile ) and = 200

+ − 100 + 50 100 − 50
Normal stress, ( )= + cos2 = + cos ( 2 20o ) = 94MPa
x y y x
n
2 2 2 2
− 100 − 50
Shear stress, ( )= sin2 = sin ( 2 200 ) = 16MPa
x y

2 2
Resultant stress ( r )= 942 + 162 = 95.4MPa

16
Therefore angle of obliquity, ( ) = tan−1 = tan−1 = 9.70
n 94

• We may derive uni-axial stress on oblique plane from

+ −
n = x y
+ x y
cos 2 + xy sin 2
2 2
and σx − σ y
= sin2θ - xy cos 2θ
2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Just put y = 0 and xy
=0

Therefore,
+0 −0 1
n = x
+ x
cos 2 = x (1 + cos 2 ) = x cos2
2 2 2
−0
and = x
sin 2 = x sin 2
2 2
2.5 Pure Shear

• Pure shear is a particular case of bi-axial stress where

x =− y
Note: x or y
which one is compressive that is immaterial, but one should be tensile and other

should be compressive and equal magnitude. If x = 100MPa then y must be − 100 MPa

otherwise if y = 100 MPa then x must be − 100MPa .

• In case of pure shear on 45o planes

max = x ; n = 0 and n =0
• We may depict the pure shear in an element by following two ways
(a) In a torsion member, as shown below, an element ABCD is in pure shear (only shear stress
is present in this element) in this member at 45o plane an element A B C D is also in pure
shear where x =− y
but in this element no shear stress is there.

(b) In a bi-axial state of stress a member, as shown below, an element ABCD in pure shear
where x =− y
but in this element no shear stress is there and an element A B C D at 45o

plane is also in pure shear (only shear stress is present in this element).

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Let us take an example: See the in the Conventional question answer section in this chapter and the
question is “Conventional Question IES-2007”

2.6 Stress Tensor

• State of stress at a point ( 3-D)

Stress acts on every surface that passes through the point. We can use three mutually
perpendicular planes to describe the stress state at the point, which we approximate as a cube each
of the three planes has one normal component & two shear components therefore, 9 components
necessary to define stress at a point 3 normal and 6 shear stress.

Therefore, we need nine components, to define the state of stress at a point

x xy xz

y yx yz

z zx zy

For cube to be in equilibrium (at rest: not moving, not spinning)

xy = yx
If they don’t offset, block spins therefore,

xz = zx
only six are independent.

yz = zy

The nine components (six of which are independent) can be written in matrix form

xx xy xz xx xy xz x xy xz 11 12 13

ij = yx yy yz or ij = yx yy yz = yx y yz = 21 22 23

zx zy zz zx zy zz zx zy z 31 32 33

This is the stress tensor

Components on diagonal are normal stresses; off are shear stresses

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

• State of stress at an element (2-D)

2.7 Principal stress and Principal plane

• When examining stress at a point, it is possible to choose three mutually perpendicular
planeson which no shear stresses exist in three dimensions, one combination of orientations
for the three mutually perpendicular planes will cause the shear stresses on all three planes to
go to zero this is the state defined by the principal stresses.
• Principal stresses are normal stresses that are orthogonal to
each other
• Principal planes are the planes across which principal
stresses act (faces of the cube) for principal stresses (shear
stresses are zero)

• Major Principal Stress

2
+ −
1 = x y
+ x y
+ 2
xy
2 2
• Minor principal stress

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
2
+ −
2 = x y
− x y
+ 2
xy
2 2
• Position of principal planes

2 xy
tan2 p=
( x − y )
• Maximum shear stress(In –Plane)

2
− −
max = 1 2
= x y
+ 2
xy
2 2
• Maximum positive and maximum negative shear stresses (Out - of - Plane)
𝜎2
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ± 2
occurs at 450 to the principal axes -2
𝜎1
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ±2 occurs at 450 to the principal axes -1
Let us take an example: In the wall of a cylinder the state of stress is given by, x = 85MPa

( compressive ) , y = 25MPa ( tensile ) and shear stress ( xy ) = 60MPa

Calculate the principal planes on which they act. Show it in a figure.
Answer: Given x = −85MPa, y = 25MPa, xy = 60MPa

2
+ −
Major principal stress ( )= + +
x y x y 2
1 xy
2 2
2
−85 + 25 −85 − 25
= + + 602 = 51.4MPa
2 2
2
+ −
Minor principal stress ( )= − +
x y x y 2
2 xy
2 2
2
−85 + 25 −85 − 25
= − + 602
2 2
= −111.4 MPa i.e. 111.4 MPa ( Compressive )

For principalplanes
2 2 60
= =
xy
tan2
− −85 − 25
P
x y

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
or P = −24 it is for
0
1

Complementary plane P = P + 90 = 660 it is for 2

The Figure showing state of stress and principal stresses is given below

The direction of one principle plane and the principle stresses acting on this would be 1 when is acting
normal to this plane, now the direction of other principal plane would be 90 0 + p
because the principal

planes are the two mutually perpendicular plane, hence rotate the another plane900 + p
in the same

direction to get the another plane, now complete the material element as p
is negative that means we

are measuring the angles in the opposite direction to the reference plane BC. The following figure gives
clear idea about negative and positive p
.

2.8 Mohr's circle for plane stress

• The transformation equations of plane stress can be represented in a graphical form which is
popularly known asMohr's circle.
• Though the transformation equations are sufficient to get the normal and shear stresses on any
plane at a point, with Mohr's circle one can easily visualize their variation with respect to plane
orientation θ.

• Equation of Mohr's circle

+ −
We know that normal stress, n = x y
+ x y
cos 2 + xy sin 2
2 2
σx − σ y
And Tangential stress, τ= sin 2θ - τ xy cos 2θ
2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
+ −
n − = cos 2 +
x y x y
Rearranging we get, xy sin 2 ……………(i)
2 2

σx − σ y
and τ = sin 2θ - τ xy cos 2θ ……………(ii)
2
A little consideration will show that the above two equations are the equations of a circle with n
and

as its coordinates and 2θ as its parameter.

If the parameter 2θ is eliminated from the equations, (i) & (ii) then the significance of them will become
clear.

+ −
2

avg = x y
and R = x y
+ 2
xy
2 2

( )
2
Or n − avg + 2
xy = R2

+
It is the equation of a circle with centre, ( avg ,0 ) i.e.
x

2
y
,0

2
−
andradius, R = x y
+ 2
xy
2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

• Construction of Mohr’s circle

Convention for drawing
• A xy that is clockwise (positive) on a face resides above the axis; a xy

anticlockwise (negative) on a face resides below axis.

• Tensile stress will be positive and plotted right of the origin O. Compressive stress will
be negative and will be plotted left to the origin O.

• An angle on real plane transfers as an angle 2 on Mohr’s circle plane.

We now construct Mohr’s circle in the following stress conditions

I. Bi-axial stress when x and y known and xy = 0

II. Complex state of stress ( x , y and xy known)

I. Constant of Mohr’s circle for Bi-axial stress (when only x and y known)

If x and y both are tensile or both compressive sign of x and y will be same and this state of stress

is known as “ like stresses” if one is tensile and other is compressive sign of x and y will be opposite

and this state of stress is known as ‘unlike stress’.

• Construction of Mohr’s circle for like stresses (when x and y are same type of stress)
Step-I: Label the element ABCD and draw all stresses.

Step-II: Set up axes for the direct stress (as abscissa) i.e., in x-axis and shear stress (as ordinate)
i.e. in Y-axis

Step-III: Using sign convention and some suitable scale, plot the stresses on two adjacent faces e.g.
AB and BC on the graph. Let OL and OM equal to x and y respectively on the axis O .

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Step-IV: Bisect ML at C. With C as centre and CL or CM as radius, draw a circle. It is the Mohr’s
circle.

Step-V: At the centre C draw a line CP at an angle 2 , in the same direction as the normal to the
plane makes with the direction of x . The point P represents the state of stress at
plane ZB.

Step-VI: Calculation, Draw a perpendicular PQ and PR where PQ = and PR = n

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
x + y x − y
OC = and MC = CL = CP =
2 2

x + y x − y
PR = = + cos 2
n 2 2

x − y
PQ = = CPsin 2 = sin 2
2
[Note: In the examination you only draw final figure (which is in Step-V) and follow the
procedure step by step so that no mistakes occur.]

• Construction of Mohr’s circle for unlike stresses (when x and y are opposite in sign)
Follow the same steps which we followed for construction for ‘like stresses’ and finally will get the
figure shown below.

Note:For construction of Mohr’s circle for principal stresses when ( 1 and 2 is known) then follow the
same steps of Constant of Mohr’s circle for Bi-axial stress (when only x and y known) just change the

x = 1 and y = 2

II. Construction of Mohr’s circle for complex state of stress ( x , y and xy known)

Step-I: Label the element ABCD and draw all stresses.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Step-II: Set up axes for the direct stress (as abscissa) i.e., in x-axis and shear stress (as ordinate)
i.e. in Y-axis

Step-III: Using sign convention and some suitable scale, plot the stresses on two adjacent faces e.g.
AB and BC on the graph. Let OL and OM equal to x and y respectively on the axis O .

Draw LS perpendicular to o axis and equal to xy .i.e. LS= xy . Here LS is downward

as xy on AB face is (– ive) and draw MT perpendicular to o axis and equal to xy i.e.

MT= xy . HereMT is upward as xy BC face is (+ ive).

Step-IV: Join ST and it will cut o axis at C. With C as centre and CS or CT as radius, draw
circle. It is the Mohr’s circle.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Step-V: At the centre draw a line CP at an angle 2 in the same direction as the normal to the
plane makes with the direction of x .

Step-VI: Calculation,Draw a perpendicular PQ and PR where PQ = and PR = n

x + y
Centre, OC =
2
2
Radius CS = ( CL ) +(LS )
2 2
= x− y + xy 2 = CT = CP
2

x+ y x− y
PR = = + cos 2 + sin 2
n 2 2 xy
x− y
PQ = = sin 2 − xy cos 2 .
2
[Note: In the examination you only draw final figure (which is in Step-V) and follow the
procedure step by step so that no mistakes occur.]

Note: The intersections of o axis are two principal stresses, as shown below.

Let us take an example: See the in the Conventional question answer section in this chapter and the
question is “Conventional Question IES-2000”

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
2.9 Mohr's circle for some special cases:
i) Mohr’s circle for axial loading:

P
x = ; y = xy =0
A
ii) Mohr’s circle for torsional loading:

Tr
xy = ; x = y =0
J
It is a case of pure shear
iii) In the case of pure shear

(σ1 = - σ2 and σ3 = 0)
x =− y

max = x

iv) A shaft compressed all round by a hub

σ1 = σ2 = σ3 = Compressive (Pressure)
v) Thin spherical shell under internal pressure

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

pr pD
1 = 2 = = (tensile)
2t 4t
vi) Thin cylinder under pressure

pD pr pd pr
1 = = (tensile) and 2 = = (tensile)
2t t 4t 2t
vii) Bending moment applied at the free end of a cantilever

My
Only bending stress, 1 = and 2 = xy =0
I

2.10 Strain
Normal strain
Let us consider an element AB of infinitesimal length δx. After deformation of the actual body if
u
displacement of end A is u, that of end B is u+ . x. This gives an increase in length of element AB is
x
u u u
u+ . x -u = x and therefore the strain in x-direction is x =
x x x
w
Similarly, strains in y and z directions are y = and z = .
x z
Therefore, we may write the three normal strain components
u w
x = ; y = ; and z = .
x y z

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Change in length of an infinitesimal element.

Shear strain
Let us consider an element ABCD in x-y plane and let the displaced position of the element be A B C D
.This gives shear strain in x-y plane as xy = + where is the angle made by the displaced live B C

with the vertical and is the angle made by the displaced line A D with the horizontal. This gives

u
. y . x
u
= x = and = x =
y y x x
We may therefore write the three shear strain components as
u w w u
xy = + ; yz = + and zx = +
y x z y x z
Therefore the state of strain at a point can be completely described by the six strain componentsand
the strain components in their turns can be completely defined by the displacement components u, ,
and w.
Therefore, the complete strain matrix can be written as

0 0
x
0 0
x y
y
0 0 u
z
=
z

xy
0 w
x y
yz

zx 0
y z

0
z x

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Shear strain associated with the distortion of an infinitesimal element.
Strain Tensor
The three normal strain components are
u w
x = xx = ; y = yy = and z = zz = .
x y z
The three shear strain components are
1 u 1 w 1 u w
= = + = = + = = +
xy yz zx
xy ; yz and zx
2 2 y x 2 2 z y 2 2 z x
Therefore the strain tensor is

xy xz
xx
2 2
xx xy xz

= =
yx yz
ij yx yy yz yy
2 2
zx zy zz
zx zy
zz
2 2
Constitutive Equation
The constitutive equations relate stresses and strains and in linear elasticity. We know from the
Hook’s law ( ) = E.
Where E is modulus of elasticity
x
It is known that x produces a strain of in x-direction
E

and Poisson’s effect gives − x

in y-direction and − x
in z-direction.
E E
Therefore we my write the generalized Hook’s law as

x =
1
E
x − ( y + z ) , y =
1
E
y − ( z + x ) and z =
1
E
z − ( x + y )
It is also known that the shear stress, = G , where G is the shear modulus and is shear strain. We
may thus write the three strain components as

= = =
xy yz zx
xy , yz and zx
G G G
In general each strain is dependent on each stress and we may write

x K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 x

y K 21 K 22 K 23 K 24 K 25 K 26 y

K 31 K 32 K 33 K 34 K 35 K 36
=
z z

xy K 41 K 42 K 43 K 44 K 45 K 46 xy

yz
K 51 K 52 K 53 K 54 K 55 K 56 yz

zx
K 61 K 62 K 63 K 64 K 65 K 66 zx

The number of elastic constant is 36(For anisotropic materials)

For Anisotropic material only 21 independent elastic constant are there.

If there are axes of symmetry in 3 perpendicular directions, material is called orthotropic materials.
An orthotropic material has 9 independent elastic constants

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

For isotropic material

1
K11 = K 22 = K 33 =
E
1
K 44 = K 55 = K 66 =
G
K12 = K13 = K 21 = K 23 = K 31 = K 32 = −
E
Rest of all elements in K matrix are zero.
For isotropic material only two independent elastic constant is there say E and G.

• 1-D Stress
Let us take an example: A rod of cross sectional area Ao is
loaded by a tensile force P.
P
It’s stresses x = , y = 0, and z =0
Ao

1-D state of stress or Uni-axial state of stress

xx 0 0 xx 0 0 x 0 0
ij = 0 0 0 or ij = 0 0 0 = 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Therefore strain components are

x = x
; y =− x
=− x ; and z =− x
=− x
E E E

Strain
x
0 0
0 0 E py 0 0
x

ij = 0 − x 0 = 0 − x
0 = 0 qy 0
E
0 0 − x 0 0 qy
0 0 − x

E
• 2-D Stress ( z = 0)

1
(i)
x= x − y
E
1
y = y − x
E
z =− x + y
E

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
[Where x, y , z are strain component in X, Y, and Z axis respectively]

E
(ii) = +
1−
x 2 x y

E
= +
1−
y 2 y x

• 3-D Stress & Strain

(i) x
1
E
= x − ( y + z )
y=
1
E
y − ( z + x )
z=
1
E
z − ( x + y )
(ii) x =
E
(1 + )(1 − 2 )
(1 − ) x + ( y + z )
E
= (1 − ) + ( + )
y
(1 + )(1 − 2 ) y z x

z =
E
(1 + )(1 − 2 )
(1 − ) z + ( x + y )
Let us take an example: At a point in a loaded member, a state of plane stress exists and the strains

are x = 270 10 −6 ; y = −90 10 −6 and xy = 360 10 −6 . If the elastic constants E, and G

are 200 GPa, 0.25 and 80 GPa respectively.

Determine the normal stress x and y and the shear stress xy

at the point.

Answer: We know that

1
x = x − y
E
1
. y = y − x
E

=
xy
xy
G
E 200 109
This gives = + = +270 10−6 − 0.25 90 10−6 Pa
1− 1 − 0.25
x 2 x y 2

= 52.8 MPa (i.e. tensile)

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
E
and = +
1−
y 2 y x

200 109
= −90 10−6 + 0.25 270 10−6 Pa = − 4.8 MPa (i.e.compressive)
1 − 0.25 2

and xy = xy .G = 360 10−6 80 109 Pa = 28.8MPa

xy
2.12 An element subjected to strain components x , y &
2
Consider an element as shown in the figure given. The strain component In X-direction is x , the strain

component in Y-direction is y and the shear strain component is xy .

Now consider a plane at an angle with X- axis in this plane a normal strain and a shear strain .

Then

+ −
• = x y
+ x y
cos 2 + xy
sin 2
2 2 2
−
• =− x y
sin2 + xy
cos 2
2 2 2
We may find principal strain and principal plane for strains in the same process which we followed

for stress analysis.

In the principal plane shear strain is zero.

Therefore principal strains are

2
+ −
2

1,2 = +
x y x y xy

2 2 2
The angle of principal plane

tan 2 = xy

−
p
( x y )
• Maximumshearing strain is equal to the difference between the 2 principal strains i.e

( xy max ) = 1 − 2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Mohr's Circle for circle for Plain Strain
We may draw Mohr’s circle for strain following same procedure which we followed for drawing

Mohr’s circle in stress. Everything will be same and in the place of x write x , the place of y

xy
write y and in place of xy write .
2

2.15 Volumetric Strain (Dilation)

A relationship similar to that for length changes holds for three-dimensional (volume) change. For
P
volumetric strain, v , the relationship is v = (V-V0)/V0or v = ΔV/V0 =
K
• Where V is the final volume, V0is the original volume, and ΔV is the volume change.

• Volumetric strain is a ratio of values with the same units, so it also is a dimensionless quantity.

• ΔV/V=volumetric strain = εx+εy + εz= ε1 +ε2 + ε3

• Dilation: The hydrostatic component of the total stress contributes to deformation by changing
the area (or volume, in three dimensions) of an object. Area or volume change is called dilation
p
and is positive or negative, as the volume increases or decreases, respectively. e Where p
K
is pressure.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
• Rectangular block,

V
= x + y + z
V0
Proof: Volumetric strain
V V − Vo
=
V0 V0
L (1 + ) L (1 + ) L (1 + ) − L 3

=
x y z
Before deformation, After deformation,
L3
= + + Volume (Vo) = L3 Volume (V)
x y z
= L (1 + x ) L (1 + y ) L (1 + z )
(neglecting second and third order
term, as very small)

• In case of prismatic bar,

dv
Volumetric strain, = (1 − 2 )
v
Proof: Before deformation, the volume of the bar,
V = A.L

After deformation, the length (L ) = L (1 + )

( A ) = A (1 − )
2
and the new cross-sectional area

(V ) = A L =AL (1 + )(1 − )
2
Therefore now volume

V V -V AL (1 + )(1 − )
2
− AL
= = = (1 − 2 )
V V AL
V
= (1 − 2 )
V
• Thin Cylindrical vessel

pr
1=Longitudinal strain =
1
− 2
= 1− 2
E E 2 Et
pr
2 =Circumferential strain = 2
− 1
= 2−
E E 2Et
V pr
= 1 +2 2 = [5 − 4μ]
Vo 2Et

• Thin Spherical vessels

pr
= 1 = 2 = [1 − ]
2 Et
V 3 pr
=3 = [1 − ]
V0 2Et

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
• In case of pure shear
x =− y =
Therefore

x = (1 + )
E

y =− (1 + )
E
z =0
dv
Therefore v = = x + y + z =0
v
2.16 Measurement of Strain
Unlike stress, strain can be measured directly. The most common way of measuring strain is by use of
the Strain Gauge.

Strain Gauge
A strain gage is a simple device, comprising of a thin
electric wire attached to an insulating thin backing
material such as a bakelite foil. The foil is exposed to the
surface of the specimen on which the strain is to be
measured. The thin epoxy layer bonds the gauge to the
surface and forces the gauge to shorten or elongate as if it
were part of the specimen being strained.

A change in length of the gauge due to longitudinal strain

creates a proportional change in the electric resistance,
and since a constant current is maintained in the gauge, a
proportional change in voltage. (V = IR).

The voltage can be easily measured, and through

calibration, transformed into the change in length of the
original gauge length, i.e. the longitudinal strain along the
gauge length.

Strain Gauge factor (G.F)

The strain gauge factor relates a change in resistance with strain.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Strain Rosette
The strain rosette is a device used to measure the state of strain at a point in a plane.
It comprises three or more independent strain gauges, each of which is used to read normal strain at
the same point but in a different direction.
The relative orientation between the three gauges is known as , and
The three measurements of normal strain provide sufficient information for the determination of the
complete state of strain at the measured point in 2-D.
We have to find out x , y , and xy
form measured value a , b , and c

General arrangement:
The orientation of strain gauges is given in the
figure. To relate strain we have to use the
following formula.
+ −
= + cos 2 +
x y x y xy
sin 2
2 2 2
We get
+ −
= + +
x y x y xy
a cos 2 sin 2
2 2 2

+ −
= + cos 2 ( + )+ sin 2 ( + )
x y x y xy
b
2 2 2
+ −
= + cos 2 ( + + )+ sin 2 ( + + )
x y x y xy
c
2 2 2
From these three equations and three unknown we may solve x , y , and xy

• Two standard arrangement of the of the strain rosette are as follows:

(i) 45° strain rosette or Rectangular strain rosette.
In the general arrangement above, put
= 0o ; = 45o and = 45o

Putting the value, we get

• a = x

+
• b = x x
+ xy

2 2
• c = y

(ii) 60°strain rosette or Delta strain rosette

In the general arrangement above, put
= 0o ; = 60o and = 60o

Putting the value, we get

• a= x

+3 3
• b = x y
+ xy
4 4
or

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
+3 3
• c = x y
− xy
4 4
Solving above three equation we get

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Stresses at different angles and Pure Shear

GATE-1. A block of steel is loaded by a tangential force on its top surface while the bottom
surface is held rigidly. The deformation of the block is due to [GATE-1992]
(a) Shear only (b) Bending only (c) Shear and bending (d) Torsion

GATE-2. A shaft subjected to torsion experiences a pure shear stress on the surface. The
maximum principal stress on the surface which is at 45° to the axis will have a
value [GATE-2003]
(a) cos 45° (b) 2 cos 45° (c) cos2 45° (d) 2 sin 45° cos 45°

GATE-3. The number of components in a stress tensor defining stress at a point in three
dimensions is: [GATE-2002]
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 9

GATE-4. A bar of rectangular cross-sectional area of 50 mm2 is pulled from both the sides
by equal forces of 100 N as shown in the figure below. The shear stress (in MPa)
along the plane making an angle 45o with the axis, shown as a dashed line in the
figure, is ________________. [PI: GATE-2016]

GATE-4a. In a two dimensional stress analysis, the state of stress at a point is shown below.
If = 120 MPa and = 70 MPa, x and y , are respectively. [CE: GATE-2004]
y

AB = 4
BC = 3 A
AC = 5

B C x

y
(a) 26.7 MPa and 172.5 MPa (b) 54 MPa and 128 MPa
(c) 67.5 MPa and 213.3 MPa (d) 16 MPa and 138 MPa

GATE-4b. A carpenter glues a pair of cylindrical wooden logs by bonding their end faces at
an angle of θ = 30° as shown in the figure. [GATE-2018]

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
The glue used at the interface fails if
Criterion 1: the maximum normal stress exceeds 2.5 MPa
Criterion 2: the maximum shear stress exceeds 1.5 MPa
Assume that the interface fails before the logs fail. When a uniform tensile stress of 4 MPa is
applied, the interface
(a) fails only because of criterion 1
(b) fails only because of criterion 2
(c) fails because of both criteria 1 and 2
(d) does not fail.

GATE-5. The symmetry of stress tensor at a point in the body under equilibrium is obtained
from
(a) conservation of mass (b) force equilibrium equations
(c) moment equilibrium equations (d) conservation of energy [CE: GATE-2005]

GATE-5a. The state of stress at a point on an element is shown in figure (a). The same state of
stress is shownin another coordinate system in figure (b) [GATE-2016]

The components (τxx, τyy, τxy) are given by

(a) (𝑝/ 2, −𝑝/ 2, 0) (b) (0 , 0 , 𝑝)
(c) ( 𝑝, −𝑝 , 𝑝/ 2 ) (d) (0 , 0 , 𝑝/ 2)

GATE-5b. Thestateofstress at a pointis𝝈𝒙 = 𝝈𝒚 = 𝝈𝒛 = 𝝉𝒙𝒛 = 𝝉𝒛𝒙 = 𝝉𝒚𝒛 = 𝝉𝒛𝒚 = 𝟎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝝉𝒙𝒚 = 𝝉𝒚𝒙 = 𝟓𝟎
MPa. The maximum normal stress (in MPa) at that point is __________________.
[GATE-2017]
GATE-5c. A linear elastic structure under plane stress condition is subjected to two sets of
loading, I and II. The resulting states of stress at a point corresponding to these
two loadings are as shown in the figure below. If these two sets of loading are
applied simultaneously, then the net normal component of stress 𝝈𝒙𝒙 is ______.
[GATE- 2022 Set-2]

(a)

(b)
(c)

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

(d)

Principal Stress and Principal Plane

GATE-6. Consider the following statements: [CE: GATE-2009]
1. On a principal plane, only normal stress acts
2. On a principal plane, both normal and shear stresses act
3. On a principal plane, only shear stress acts
4. Isotropic state of stress is independent of frame of reference.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 2 and 3

GATE-7 If principal stresses in a two-dimensional case are –10 MPa and 20 MPa
respectively, then maximum shear stress at the point is [CE: GATE-2005]
(a) 10 MPa (b) 15 MPa
(c) 20 MPa (d) 30 MPa

GATE-7a. If 1 and 3 are the algebraically largest and smallest principal stresses
respectively, the value of the maximum shear stress is [GATE-2018]

1 + 3 1 − 3 1 + 3 1 − 3
(a) (b) (c ) (d )
2 2 2 2
GATE-8 For the state of stresses (in MPa) shown in the figure below, the maximum shear
stress (in MPa) is___________________ [CE: GATE-2014]

GATE-8(i) In a plane stress condition, the components of stress at point are σx = 20 MPa, σy =
80 MPa and xy = 40 MPa. The maximum shear stress ( in MPa) at the point is
(a) 20 (b) 25 (c) 50 (d) 100 [GATE-2015]

GATE-9. A solid circular shaft of diameter 100 mm is subjected to an axial stress of 50 MPa.
It is further subjected to a torque of 10 kNm. The maximum principal stress
experienced on the shaft is closest to [GATE-2008]
(a) 41 MPa (b) 82 MPa (c) 164 MPa (d) 204 MPa

GATE-10. The state of two dimensional stresses acting on a concrete lamina consists of a
direct tensile stress, x = 1.5 N/ mm2 , and shear stress, = 1.20 N/ mm2 , which cause
cracking of concrete. Then the tensile strength of the concrete in N/ mm2 is
(a) 1.50 (b) 2.08 (c) 2.17 (d) 2.29 [CE: GATE-2003]

GATE-11. In a bi-axial stress problem, the stresses in x and y directions are (σx = 200 MPa
and σy =100 MPa. The maximum principal stress in MPa, is: [GATE-2000]
(a) 50 (b) 100 (c) 150 (d) 200

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-12. The maximum principle stress for the stress
state shown in the figure is
(a) σ (b) 2 σ
(c) 3 σ (d) 1.5 σ

[GATE-2001]
GATE-12(i). Stresses acting on an infinitesimal soil element are shown in the figure (with 𝜎z
> 𝜎x ). The major and minor principal stresses are 𝜎1 and 𝜎3 , respectively.
Considering the compressive stresses as positive, which one of the following
expressions correctly represents the angle between the major principal stress
plane and the horizontal plane? [CE: GATE-2022 set – 2]

GATE-13. The normal stresses at a point are σx = 10 MPa and, σy = 2 MPa; the shear stress at
this point is 4MPa. The maximum principal stress at this point is: [GATE-1998]
(a) 16 MPa (b) 14 MPa (c) 11 MPa (d) 10 MPa

GATE-14. The state of stress at a point is given by x = − 6 MPa, y = 4 MPa, and xy = − 8MPa.
The maximum tensile stress (in MPa) at the point is ………. [GATE-2014]

GATE-14a. The state of stress at a point, for a body in plane stress, is shown in the figure
below. If the minimum principal stress is 10 kPa, then the normal stress s . (in
kPa) is
(a) 9.45 (b) 18.88 (c) 37.78 (d) 75.50[GATE-2018]

GATE-14b. Assuming the material considered in each statement is homogeneous, isotropic,

linear elastic, and the deformations are in the elastic range, which one or more of
the following statement(s) is/are TRUE? [GATE- 2022 Set-1]
(a) A body subjected to hydrostatic pressure has no shear stress.
(b) If a long solid steel rod is subjected to tensile load, then its volume increases.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(c) Maximum shear stress theory is suitable for failure analysis of brittle
materials.
(d) If a portion of a beam has zero shear force, then the corresponding portion of
the elastic curve of the beam is always straight.

Mohr’s Circle
GATE-15. In a Mohr's circle, the radius of the circle is taken as: [IES-2006; GATE-1993]

( )
2
−
2
−
+( ) +( )
x y 2 x y 2
(a) xy (b) xy
2 2
2
−
−( ) ( ) +( )
2 2 2
−
x y
(c) xy (d) x y xy
2
Where, σx and σy are normal stresses along x and y directions respectively and τ xy is the
shear stress.

GATE-16. A two-dimensional fluid element rotates like a rigid body. At a point within the
element, the pressure is 1 unit. Radius of the Mohr's circle, characterizing the
state of stress at that point, is: [GATE-2008]
(a) 0.5 unit (b) 0 unit (c) 1 unit (d) 2 units

GATE-17. The state of stress at a point under plane stress condition is

σxx= 40 MPa, σyy= 100 MPa and τxy= 40 MPa.
The radius of the Mohr’s circle representing the given state of stress in MPa is
(a) 40 (b) 50 (c) 60 (d) 100 [GATE-2012]

30 0
GATE-18. Mohr’s circle for the state of stress defined by MPa is a circle with
0 30
(a) center at (0, 0) and radius 30 MPa (b) center at (0, 0) and radius 60 MPa
(c) center at (20, 0) and radius 30 MPa (d) center at (30, 0) and zero radius
[CE: GATE-2006]
GATE-19. The stress state at a point in a material under plane stress condition is equi-
biaxial tension with a magnitude of 10 MPa. If one unit on the σ – τ plane is 1 MPa,
the Mohr's circle representation of the state of stress is given by
(a) a circle with a radius of 10 units on the σ – τ plane [GATE-2020]
(b) a circle with a radius equal to principal stress and its center at the origin of the σ – τ
plane
(c) a point on the τ axis at a distance of 10 units from the origin
(d) a point on the σ axis at a distance of 10 units from the origin

GATE-20. The figure shows the state of stress at a certain

point in a stressed body. The magnitudes of
normal stresses in the x and y direction are
100MPa and 20 MPa respectively. The radius of
Mohr's stress circle representing this state of
stress is:
(a) 120 (b) 80
(c) 60 (d) 40

[GATE-2004]
Data for Q21–Q22 are given below. Solve the problems and choose correct answers.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
[GATE-2003]
The state of stress at a point "P" in a two-dimensional loading is such that the Mohr's circle is
a point located at 175 MPa on the positive normal stress axis.

GATE-21. Determine the maximum and minimum principal stresses respectively from the
Mohr's circle
(a) + 175 MPa, –175MPa (b) +175 MPa, +175 MPa
(c) 0, –175 MPa (d) 0, 0

GATE-22. Determine the directions of maximum and minimum principal stresses at the
point “P” from the Mohr's circle [GATE-2003]
(a) 0, 90° (b) 90°, 0 (c) 45°, 135° (d) All directions

GATE-22a. The state of stress at a point in a component is represented by a Mohr's circle of

radius 100 MPa centered at 200 MPa on the normal stress axis. On a plane passing
through the same point, the normal stress is 260 MPa. The magnitude of the shear
stress on the same plane at the same point is_______ MPa. [GATE-2019]

Volumetric Strain
GATE-23. An elastic isotropic body is in a hydrostatic state of stress as shown in the figure.
For no change in the volume to occur, what should be its Poisson’s ratio?

[CE: GATE-2016]

(a) 0.00 (b) 0.25 (c) 0.50 (d) 1.00

GATE-23a. The Poisson’s ratio for a perfectly incompressible linear elastic material is
(a) 1 (b) 0.5 (c) 0 (d) Infinity[GATE-2017]
GATE-23b. Length, width and thickness of a plate are 400 mm, 400 mm and 30 mm,
respectively. For the material of the plate, Young’s modulus of elasticity is 70 GPa,
yield stress is 80 MPa and Poisson’s ratio is 0.33. When the plate is subjected to a
longitudinal tensile stress of 70 MPa, the increase in the volume (in mm 3) of the
plate is __ [GATE-2017(PI)]
GATE-23c. A steel cubic block of side 200 mm is subjected to hydrostatic pressure of 250
N/mm2. The elastic modulus is 2 x 105 N/mm2 and Poisson's ratio is 0.3 for steel. The
side of the block is reduced by_____________ mm (round off to two decimal places).
[GATE-2021]

Principal strains
GATE-24. If the two principal strains at a point are 1000 × 10-6 and -600 × 10-6, then the
maximum shear strain is: [GATE-1996]
(a) 800 × 10-6 (b) 500 × 10-6 (c) 1600 × 10-6 (d) 200 × 10-6

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
GATE-24a.

[CE: GATE-2018]
GATE-24b. Consider a linear elastic rectangular thin sheet of metal, subjected to uniform
uniaxial tensile stress of 100 MPa along the length direction. Assume plane stress
conditions in the plane normal to the thickness. The Young's modulus E = 200 MPa
and Poisson's ratio v = 0.3 are given. The principal strains in the plane of the sheet
are
(a) (0.5, -0.5) (b) (0.5, -0.15) (c) (0.35, -0.15) (d) (0.5, 0.0) [GATE-2019]

GATE-24c. A rectangular region in a solid is in a state of plane strain. The (x, y) coordinates
of the corners ofthe undeformed rectangle are given by P(0, 0), Q(4, 0) R(4, 3), S(0,
3). The rectangle is subjected to uniform strains, εxx = 0.001, εyy = 0.002, xy = 0.003,
The deformed length of the elongateddiagonal, upto three decimal places, is
________ units. [GATE-2017]

Strain Rosette
GATE-25. The components of strain tensor at a point in the plane strain case can be
obtained by measuring logitudinal strain in following directions.
(a) along any two arbitrary directions (b) along any three arbitrary direction
(c) along two mutually orthogonal directions
(d) along any arbitrary direction [CE: GATE-2005]

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Stresses at different angles and Pure Shear

IES-1. If a prismatic bar be subjected to an axial tensile stress σ, then shear stress
induced on a plane inclined at θ with the axis will be: [IES-1992]

(a ) sin 2 ( b) cos 2 (c) cos 2 (d) sin 2

2 2 2 2
IES-1a. The state of stress at a point when completely specified enables one to determine
the
1. maximum shearing stress at the point [IES-2016]
2. stress components on any arbitrary plane containing that point
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

IES-2. In the case of bi-axial state of normal stresses, the normal stress on 45° plane is
equal to [IES-1992]
(a) The sum of the normal stresses (b) Difference of the normal stresses
(c) Half the sum of the normal stresses (d) Half the difference of the normal stresses

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-2(i). Two principal tensile stresses of magnitudes 40MPa and 20MPa are acting at a
point across two perpendicular planes. An oblique plane makes an angle of 30
with the major principal plane. The normal stress on the oblique plane is
(a) 8.66MPa (b) 17.32MPa (c) 35.0MPa (d) 60.0MPa [IES-2014]

A point in two-dimensional stress state, is A

IES-2a
subjected to biaxial stress as shown in the
above figure. The shear stress acting on
the plane AB is
(a) Zero (b)
(c) cos2 (d) sin . cos B

[IES-2010]
IES-3. In a two-dimensional problem, the state of pure shear at a point is characterized
by [IES-2001]
(a) x = y and xy = 0 (b) x = − y and xy 0
(c) x =2 y and xy 0 (d) x = 0.5 y and xy =0

IES-3a. What are the normal and shear stresses on

the 45o planes shown?
(a) 1 = − 2 = 400 MPa and = 0
(b) 1 = 2 = 400 MPa and = 0
(c ) 1 = 2 = −400 MPa and = 0
(d ) 1 = 2 = = 200 MPa

IES-4. Which one of the following Mohr’s circles represents the state of pure shear?
[IES-2000]

IES-4(i). If the Mohr’s circle drawn for the shear stress developed because of torque
applied over a shaft, then the maximum shear stress developed will be equal to
(a) diameter of the Mohr’s circle (b) radius of the Mohr’s circle [IES-2014]
(c) half of the radius of the Mohr’s circle (d) 1.414 times radius of the Mohr’s circle

IES-5. For the state of stress of pure shear the strain energy stored per unit volume in
the elastic, homogeneous isotropic material having elastic constants E and will
be: [IES-1998]
2 2
2 2 2
(a) (1 + ) (b) (1 + ) (c) (1 + ) (d) (2 + )
E 2E E 2E

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES-6. Assertion (A): If the state at a point is pure shear, then the principal planes
through that point making an angle of 45° with plane of shearing stress carries
principal stresses whose magnitude is equal to that of shearing stress.
Reason (R): Complementary shear stresses are equal in magnitude, but opposite in
direction. [IES-1996]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-7. Assertion (A): Circular shafts made of brittle material fail along a helicoidally
surface inclined at 45° to the axis (artery point) when subjected to twisting
moment.
Reason (R): The state of pure shear caused by torsion of the shaft is equivalent to
one of tension at 45° to the shaft axis and equal compression in the perpendicular
direction. [IES-1995]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-8. A state of pure shear in a biaxial state of stress is given by [IES-1994]

1 0 1 0 x xy
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of the above
0 2 0 − 1 yx y

IES-9. The state of plane stress in a plate of 100 mm thickness is given as [IES-2000]
σxx = 100 N/mm2, σyy = 200 N/mm2, Young's modulus = 300 N/mm2, Poisson's ratio =
0.3. The stress developed in the direction of thickness is:
(a) Zero (b) 90 N/mm2 (c) 100 N/mm2 (d) 200 N/mm2

IES-10. The state of plane stress at a point is described by x = y = and xy = 0 . The

normal stress on the plane inclined at 45° to the x-plane will be: [IES-1998]
(a ) ( b) 2 ( c) 3 (d) 2
IES-10(i). An elastic material of Young’s modulus E and Poisson’s ratio ν is subjected to a
compressive stress of σ1 in the longitudinal direction. Suitable lateral compressive
stress σ2 are also applied along the other twolateral directions to limit the net
strain in each of the lateral direction to half of the magnitude that would be under
σ1 acting alone. The magnitude of σ2 is [IES-2012]
𝝂 𝝂 𝝂 𝝂
(𝒂) 𝝈 (𝒃) 𝝈 (𝒄) 𝝈 (𝒅) 𝝈
𝟐(𝟏 + 𝝂) 𝟏 𝟐(𝟏 − 𝝂) 𝟏 (𝟏 + 𝝂) 𝟏 (𝟏 − 𝝂) 𝟏

IES-11. Consider the following statements: [IES-1996, 1998]

State of stress in two dimensions at a point in a loaded component can be
completely specified by indicating the normal and shear stresses on
1. A plane containing the point
2. Any two planes passing through the point
3. Two mutually perpendicular planes passing through the point
Of these statements
(a) 1, and 3 are correct (b) 2 alone is correct
(c) 1 alone is correct (d) 3 alone is correct
IES-11a If the principal stresses and maximum shearing stresses are of equal numerical
value at a point in a stressed body, the state of stress can be termed as
(a) Isotropic (b) Uniaxial [IES-2010]
(c) Pure shear (d) Generalized plane state of stress

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Principal Stress and Principal Plane
IES-12. In a biaxial state of stress, normal stresses are σx = 900 N/mm2, σy= 100 N/mm2and
shear stress τ = 300 N/mm2. The maximum principal stress is [IES-2015]
(a) 800 N/mm2 (b) 900 N/mm2 (c ) 1000 N/mm2 (d)1200 N/mm2

IES-12(i). A body is subjected to a pure tensile stress of 100 units. What is the maximum
shear produced in the body at some oblique plane due to the above? [IES-2006]
(a) 100 units (b) 75 units (c) 50 units (d) 0 unit

IES-13. In a strained material one of the principal stresses is twice the other. The
maximum shear stress in the same case is max . Then, what is the value of the
maximum principle stress? [IES 2007]
(a) max (b) 2 max (c) 4 max (d) 8 max
IES-13a. A body is subjected to a direct tensile stress of 300 MPa in one plane
accompaniedby a simple shear stress of 200 MPa. The maximum normal stress on
the plane willbe
(a) 100 MPa (b) 200 MPa (c) 300 MPa (d) 400MPa [IES-2016]

IES-13b. The state of stress at a point in a loaded member is 𝝈x = 400 MPa, 𝝈y = – 400 MPa
and 𝝉xy = ± 300 MPa . The principal stresses 𝝈𝟏 and 𝝈𝟐 are [IES-2016]
(a) 300 MPa and – 700 MPa (b) 400 MPa and – 600 MPa
(c) 500 MPa and – 500 MPa (d) 600 MPa and – 400 MPa

IES-13c. The state of plane stress at a point in a loaded member is given by:
x = + 800 MPa
y = + 200 MPa

xy = 400 MPa [IES-2013]

The maximum principal stress and maximum shear stress are given by:
(a) max = 800 MPa and max = 400 MPa
(b) max = 800 MPa and max = 500 MPa
(c) max = 1000 MPa and max = 500 MPa
(d) max = 1000 MPa and max = 400 MPa

IES-13d. The state of stress at a point in a body is given by σx = 100 MPa, σy = 200 MPa. One
of the principal σ1 = 250 MPa. The magnitude of other principal stress and
shearing stress τxy are respectively [IES-2015]
( a )50 3 MPa and 50 MPa (b) 100 MPa and 50 3 MPa
(c) 50MPa and 50 3 MPa (d) 50 3 MPa and 100 MPa

IES-13e. A state of plane stress consists of a uniaxial tensile stress of magnitude 8 kPa,
exerted on vertical surfaces and of unknown shearing stresses. If the largest stress is
10 kPa, then the magnitude of the unknown shear stress will be [IES-2018]
(a) 6.47kPa (b) 5.47 kPa (c) 4.47 kPa (d) 3.47 kPa

IES-14. In a strained material, normal stresses on two mutually perpendicular planes are
σx and σy (both alike) accompanied by a shear stress τ xy One of the principal
stresses will be zero, only if [IES-2006]

=
x y
(a) xy (b) = (c) xy = x y (d) xy = 2
x + 2
y
2 xy x y

IES-15. The principal stresses σ1, σ2 and σ3 at a point respectively are 80 MPa, 30 MPa and
–40 MPa. The maximum shear stress is: [IES-2001]
(a) 25 MPa (b) 35 MPa (c) 55 MPa (d) 60 MPa

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-15(i). A piece of material is subjected, to two perpendicular tensile stresses of 70 MPa
and 10 MPa. The magnitude of the resultant stress on a plane in which the
maximum shear stress occurs is [IES-2012]
(a) 70 MPa (b) 60 MPa (c) 50 MPa (d) 10 MPa

IES-16. Plane stress at a point in a body is defined by principal stresses 3σ and σ. The
ratio of the normal stress to the maximum shear stresses on the plane of
maximum shear stress is: [IES-2000]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

IES-16(i). A system under biaxial loading induces principal stresses of 100 N/cm2 tensile and
50 N/cm2 compressive at a point. The normal stress at that point on the maximum
shear stress at that point on maximum shear stress plane is [IES-2015]
(a) 75 N/cm2 (b) 50 N/cm2 (c) 100 N/cm2 (d) 25 N/cm2

IES-17. Principal stresses at a point in plane stressed element are x = y = 500kg/cm2 .

Normal stress on the plane inclined at 45o to x-axis will be: [IES-1993]
(a) 0 (b) 500 kg/cm 2 (c) 707 kg/cm 2 (d) 1000 kg/cm2

IES-19. For the state of plane stress.

Shown the maximum and
minimum principal stresses are:
(a) 60 MPa and 30 MPa
(b) 50 MPa and 10 MPa
(c) 40 MPa and 20 MPa
(d) 70 MPa and 30 MPa

[IES-1992]
IES-20. Normal stresses of equal magnitude p, but of opposite signs, act at a point of a
strained material in perpendicular direction. What is the magnitude of the
resultant normal stress on a plane inclined at 45° to the applied stresses?
[IES-2005]
(a) 2 p (b) p/2 (c) p/4 (d) Zero

IES-21. A plane stressed element is subjected to the state of stress given by

x = xy = 100kgf/cm2 and σy = 0. Maximum shear stress in the element is equal to

[IES-1997]
( a ) 50 3 kgf/cm2 ( b )100 kgf/cm2 ( c ) 50 5 kgf/cm2 ( d )150 kgf/cm2
IES-21(i). The magnitudes of principal stresses at a point are 250MPa tensile and 150 MPa
compressive. The magnitudes of the shearing stress on a plane on which the
normal stress is 200MPa tensile and the normal stress on a plane at right angle to
this plane are [IES-2015]
( a )50 7 MPa and 50 MPa(tensile) (b) 100 MPa and 100 MPa(compressive)
(c) 50 7 MPa and 100 MPa(compressive) (d) 100 MPa and 50 7 MPa(tensile)

IES-22. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer, using the codes given
below the lists: [IES-1995]
List I(State of stress) List II(Kind of loading)

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 3 4 1 2

Mohr's circle
IES-23. Consider the Mohr's circle shown
above:
What is the state of stress
represented by this circle?
(a) x = y 0, xy = 0
(b) x + y = 0, xy 0
(c) x = 0, y = xy 0
(d) x 0, y = xy =0

[IES-2008]

IES-24. For a general two-dimensional stress system, what are the coordinates of the
centre of Mohr’s circle?
[IES 2007]
x − y x + y x + y x − y
(a) ,0 (b) 0, (c) ,0(d) 0,
2 2 2 2

IES-25. In a Mohr's circle, the radius of the circle is taken as: [IES-2006; GATE-1993]

( )
2
−
2
x −
+( ) +( )
y 2 x y 2
(a) xy (b) xy
2 2
2
−
−( ) ( ) +( )
2 2 2
−
x y
(c) xy (d) x y xy
2
Where, σx and σy are normal stresses along x and y directions respectively and τxy is the
shear stress.

IES-25(i). The state of stress at a point under plane stress condition is

xx = 60 MPa, yy = 120 MPa and xy = 40 MPa . [IES-2014]
The radius of Mohr’s circle representing a given state of stress in MPais
(a) 40 (b) 50 (c) 60 (d) 120

IES-25(ii). The state of stress at a point is given by σx = 100 MPa, σy = - 50 MPa, τxy = 100 MPa.
The centre of Mohr’s circle and its radius will be [IES-2015]
(a) (σx =75MPa, τxy =0) and 75MPa (b) (σx =25MPa, τxy =0) and 125MPa
(c) (σx =25MPa, τxy =0) and 150MPa (d) (σx =75MPa, τxy=0) and 125MPa

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-25(iii). Which of the following figures may represent Mohr’s circle? [IES-2014]

IES-26. Maximum shear stress in a Mohr's Circle [IES- 2008]

(a) Is equal to radius of Mohr's circle (b) Is greater than radius of Mohr's circle
(c) Is less than radius of Mohr's circle (d) Could be any of the above

IES-27. At a point in two-dimensional stress system σx = 100 N/mm2, σy = τxy = 40 N/mm2.

What is the radius of the Mohr circle for stress drawn with a scale of: 1 cm = 10
N/mm2? [IES-2005]
(a) 3 cm (b) 4 cm (c) 5 cm (d) 6 cm

IES-28. Consider a two-dimensional state of stress given for an element as shown in the
diagram given below: [IES-2004]

What are the coordinates of the centre of Mohr's circle?

(a) (0, 0) (b) (100, 200) (c) (200, 100) (d) (50, 0)

IES-29. Two-dimensional state of stress at a point in a plane stressed element is

represented by a Mohr circle of zero radius. Then both principal stresses
(a) Are equal to zero [IES-2003]
(b) Are equal to zero and shear stress is also equal to zero
(c) Are of equal magnitude but of opposite sign
(d) Are of equal magnitude and of same sign
IES-30. Assertion (A): Mohr's circle of stress can be related to Mohr's circle of strain by
some constant of proportionality. [IES-2002, IES-2012]
Reason (R): The relationship is a function of yield stress of the material.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-30(i). Consider the following statements related to Mohr’s circle for stresses in case of
plane stress: [IES-2015]
1. The construction is for variations of stress in a body.
2. The radius of the circle represents the magnitude of the maximum shearing stress.
3. The diameter represents the difference between two principal stresses.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a)1,2 and 3 only (b)2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IES-31. When two mutually perpendicular principal stresses are unequal but like, the
maximum shear stress is represented by [IES-1994]
(a) The diameter of the Mohr's circle
(b) Half the diameter of the Mohr's circle
(c) One-third the diameter of the Mohr's circle
(d) One-fourth the diameter of the Mohr's circle

IES-32. State of stress in a plane element is shown in figure I. Which one of the following
figures-II is the correct sketch of Mohr's circle of the state of stress?
[IES-1993, 1996]

Figure-I Figure-II

Strain
Volumetric Strain
IES-33. If a piece of material neither expands nor contracts in volume when subjected to
stress, then the Poisson’s ratio must be
(a) Zero (b) 0.25 (c) 0.33 (d) 0.5 [IES-2011]

IES-33a. A metal piece under the stress state of three principal stresses 30, 10 and 5 kg/mm 2
is undergoing plastic deformation. The principal strain rates will be in the
proportions of [IES-2016]
(a) 15, – 5 and – 10 (b) – 15, 5 and – 10
(c) 15, 5 and 10 (d) – 15, – 5 and 10

IES-33b. A point in a two-dimensional state of strain is subjected to pure shearing strain of

magnitude xy radians. Which one of the following is the maximum principal
strain? [IES-2008]
(a) xy (b) xy / 2 (c) xy /2 (d) 2 xy

IES-34. Assertion (A): A plane state of stress does not necessarily result into a plane state
of strain as well. [IES-1996]
Reason (R): Normal stresses acting along X and Y directions will also result into
normal strain along the Z-direction.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-34a Assertion (A): A plane state of stress always results in a plane state of strain.
Reason (R): A uniaxial state of stress results in a three-dimensional state of strain.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false [IES-2010]
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-34b Assertion (A): A state of plane strain always results in plane stress conditions.
Reason (R): A thin sheet of metal stretched in its own plane results in plane strain
conditions.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-34c. Consider the following statements:

When a thick plate is subjected to external loads:
1. State of plane stress occurs at the surface
2. State of plane strain occurs at the surface
3. State of plane stress occurs in the interior part of the plate
4. State of plane strain occurs in the interior part of the plate
Which of these statements are correct? [IES-2013]
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3

Principal strains
IES-35. Principal strains at a point are 100 10−6 and −200 10−6. What is the maximum
shear strain at the point? [IES-2006]
(a) 300 × 10–6 (b) 200 × 10–6 (c) 150 × 10–6 (d) 100 × 10–6

IES-36. The principal strains at a point in a body, under biaxial state of stress, are
1000×10–6 and –600 × 10–6. What is the maximum shear strain at that point?
[IES-2009]
(a) 200 × 10–6 (b) 800 × 10–6 (c) 1000 × 10–6 (d) 1600 × 10–6

IES-37. The number of strain readings (using strain gauges) needed on a plane surface to
determine the principal strains and their directions is: [IES-1994]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

Principal strain induced by principal stress

IES-38. The principal stresses at a point in two-dimensional stress system are 1 and 2
and corresponding principal strains are 1 and 2 . If E and denote Young's
modulus and Poisson's ratio, respectively, then which one of the following is
correct? [IES-2008]
E
(a) 1 = E 1 (b) 1 = 1 +
1− 2
2

E
(c) 1 = 1 − (d) 1 = E 1 − 2
1− 2
2

IES-38(i). At a point in a body, ε1 = 0.0004 and ε2 = -0.00012. If E = 2x105 MPa and µ = 0.3, the
smallest normal stress and the largest shearing stress are [IES-2015]
(a) 40MPa and 40MPa (b) 0MPa and 40MPa
(c) 80MPa and 0MPa (d)0MPa and 80MPa

IES-38(ii). Two strain gauges fixed along the principal directions on a plane surface of a steel
member recorded strain values of 0.0013 tensile and 0.0013 compressive
respectively. Given that the value of E = 2x10 5 MPa and µ = 0.3, the largest normal
and shearing stress at this point are [IES-2015]
(a)200MPa and 200MPa (b)400MPa and 200MPa
(c)260MPa and 260MPa (d)260MPa and 520MPa

IES-39. Assertion (A): Mohr's construction is possible for stresses, strains and area
moment of inertia. [IES-2009]
Reason (R): Mohr's circle represents the transformation of second-order tensor.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(d) A is false but R is true.
IES-40. A rectangular strain rosette, shown
infigure, gives following reading in a
strain measurement task,
=1000 10-6 =800 10-6
and =600 10-6
The direction of the major principal
strainwith respect to gauge 1is
(a) 0o (b) 15o
(c) 30 o (d) 45o
[IES-2011]

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Stresses at different angles and Pure Shear

IAS-1. On a plane, resultant stress is inclined at an angle of 45 o to the plane. If the
normal stress is 100 N /mm2, the shear stress on the plane is: [IAS-2003]
(a) 71.5 N/mm2 (b) 100 N/mm2 (c) 86.6 N/mm2 (d) 120.8 N/mm2

IAS-2. Biaxial stress system is correctly shown in [IAS-1999]

IAS-3. The complementary shear stresses of

intensity are induced at a point in
the material, as shown in the figure.
Which one of the following is the
correct set of orientations of principal
planes with respect to AB?
(a)30° and 120° (b) 45° and 135°
(c) 60° and 150° (d) 75° and 165°
[IAS-1998]

IAS-4. A uniform bar lying in the x-direction is subjected to pure bending. Which one of
the following tensors represents the strain variations when bending moment is
about the z-axis (p, q and r constants)? [IAS-2001]
py 0 0 py 0 0
(a) 0 qy 0 (b) 0 qy 0
0 0 ry 0 0 0
py 0 0 py 0 0
(c) 0 py 0 (d) 0 qy 0
0 0 py 0 0 qy

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IAS-5. Assuming E = 160 GPa and G = 100 GPa for a material, a strain tensor is given as:
[IAS-2001]
0.002 0.004 0.006
0.004 0.003 0
0.006 0 0
The shear stress, xy is:
(a) 400 MPa (b) 500 MPa (c) 800 MPa (d) 1000 MPa

Principal Stress and Principal Plane

IAS-6. A material element subjected to a plane state of stress such that the maximum
shear stress is equal to the maximum tensile stress, would correspond to
[IAS-1998]

IAS-7. A solid circular shaft is subjected to a maximum shearing stress of 140 MPs. The
magnitude of the maximum normal stress developed in the shaft is:[IAS-1995]
(a) 140 MPa (b) 80 MPa (c) 70 MPa (d) 60 MPa

IAS-8. The state of stress at a point in a loaded member is shown in the figure. The
magnitude of maximum shear stress is [1MPa = 10 kg/cm2] [IAS 1994]
(a) 10 MPa (b) 30 MPa (c) 50 MPa (d) 100MPa

IAS-9. A horizontal beam under bending has a maximum bending stress of 100 MPa and a
maximum shear stress of 20 MPa. What is the maximum principal stress in the
beam? [IAS-2004]
(a) 20 (b) 50 (c) 50 + 2900 (d) 100

IAS-10. When the two principal stresses are equal and like: the resultant stress on any
plane is: [IAS-2002]
(a) Equal to the principal stress (b) Zero
(c) One half the principal stress (d) One third of the principal stress

IAS-11. Assertion (A): When an isotropic, linearly elastic material is loaded biaxially, the
directions of principal stressed are different from those of principal strains.
Reason (R): For an isotropic, linearly elastic material the Hooke's law gives only
two independent material properties. [IAS-2001]

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-12. Principal stresses at a point in a stressed solid are 400 MPa and 300 MPa
respectively. The normal stresses on planes inclined at 45° to the principal planes
will be: [IAS-2000]
(a) 200 MPa and 500 MPa (b) 350 MPa on both planes
(c) 100MPaand6ooMPa (d) 150 MPa and 550 MPa

IAS-13. The principal stresses at a point in an elastic material are 60N/mm 2 tensile, 20
N/mm2 tensile and 50 N/mm2 compressive. If the material properties are: µ = 0.35
and E = 105 N/mm2, then the volumetric strain of the material is: [IAS-1997]
(a) 9 × 10–5 (b) 3 × 10-4 (c) 10.5 × 10–5 (d) 21 × 10–5

Mohr's circle
IAS-14. Match List-I (Mohr's Circles of stress) with List-II (Types of Loading) and select
the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [IAS-2004]
List-I List-II
(Mohr's Circles of Stress) (Types of Loading)

1. A shaft compressed all round by a hub

2. Bending moment applied at the free

end of a cantilever

3. Shaft under torsion

4. Thin cylinder under pressure

5. Thin spherical shell under internal

pressure
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 5 4 3 2 (b) 2 4 1 3
(c) 4 3 2 5 (d) 2 3 1 5

IAS-15. The resultant stress on a certain plane makes an angle of 20° with the normal to
the plane. On the plane perpendicular to the above plane, the resultant stress
makes an angle of θ with the normal. The value of θ can be: [IAS-2001]
(a) 0° or 20° (b) Any value other than 0° or 90°
(c) Any value between 0° and 20° (d) 20° only

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
IAS-16. The correct Mohr's stress-circle drawn for a point in a solid shaft compressed by a
shrunk fit hub is as (O-Origin and C-Centre of circle; OA = σ1 and OB = σ2)
[IAS-2001]

IAS-17. A Mohr's stress circle is drawn for a body subjected to tensile stress f x and f y in
two mutually perpendicular directions such that f x > f y . Which one of the
following statements in this regard is NOT correct? [IAS-2000]
fx + f y
(a) Normal stress on a plane at 45° to f x is equal to
2
fx − f y
(b) Shear stress on a plane at 45° to f x is equal to
2
(c) Maximum normal stress is equal to fx .
fx + f y
(d) Maximum shear stress is equal to
2
IAS-18. For the given stress condition x =2 N/mm2, x =0 and xy = 0 , the correct Mohr’s
circle is: [IAS-1999]

IAS-19. For which one of the following two-dimensional states of stress will the Mohr's
stress circle degenerate into a point? [IAS-1996]

Principal strains
IAS-20. In an axi-symmetric plane strain problem, let u be the radial displacement at r.
Then the strain components r , , e are given by [IAS-1995]
2
u u u u u
(a) r = , = , r = (b) r = , = , r =o
r r r r r
2
u u u u u
(c) r = , = , r =0 (d) r = , = , r =
r r r r
IAS-21. Assertion (A): Uniaxial stress normally gives rise to triaxial strain.
Reason (R): Magnitude of strains in the perpendicular directions of applied stress
is smaller than that in the direction of applied stress. [IAS-2004]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-22. Assertion (A): A plane state of stress will, in general, not result in a plane state of
strain. [IAS-2002]
Reason (R): A thin plane lamina stretched in its own plane will result in a state of
plane strain.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans. (a) It is the definition of shear stress. The force is applied tangentially it is not a point
load so you cannot compare it with a cantilever with a point load at its free end.
x + x − y
GATE-2. Ans. (d) n = + cos2 + xy sin2
y

2 2
Here x = 2 = 0, xy = , = 45o
GATE-3. Ans. (d) It is well known that,
xy = yx, xz = zx and yz = zy

so that the state of stress at a point is given by six components x , y , z and xy , yz , zx

GATE-4. Ans. 1 MPa (Range given is 0.9 to 1.1 MPa)

GATE-4a. Ans. (c)
Let CAB =
3 4 3
sin = ; cos = ; tan =
5 5 4

y
A

4
x

B C
x
3
y
Thus from force equilibrium,
x AB = AC ( cos − sin )
5 4 3
x = 120 − 70
4 5 5
x = 67.5 MPa
And, y BC = AC ( sin + cos )
5 3 4
y = 120 + 70
3 5 5

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
y = 213.3 MPa
GATE-4b. Ans. (c)
Normal stress on inclined plane, n = x cos 2 = 4 cos 2 30o = 3 MPa

sin ( 2 300 ) = 1.73 MPa

4
Shear stress on inclined plane, = x
sin 2 =
2 2
Since both the stress exceeds the given limits, answer is option (c).

GATE-5. Ans. (c)

yx

xy

d
2
x x
d
d 2
2 d
2
xy

yx

Taking moment equilibrium about the centre, we get

d d d d
yx + yx = xy + xy
2 2 2 2
xy = yx

GATE-5a. Ans. (b) It is a case of Pure shear.

GATE-5b. Ans. 50 Range (49.9 to 50.1)
GATE-5c. Ans. (a)
GATE-6. Ans. (a) On a principal plane, only normal stresses act. No shear stresses act on the
principal plane.
GATE-7. Ans. (b)
− 2
Maximum shear stress = 1
2
20 − ( −10)
= = 15 MPa
2
GATE-7a. Ans. (b)
GATE-8. Ans. 5.0
GATE-8(i). Answer: (c)
2
− x − y 80 − 20
2

max = 1 2
= + xy
2
= + 402 = 50 MPa
2 2 2
16T 16 10000
GATE-9. Ans. (b) Shear Stress ( )= = Pa = 50 .93 MPa
d3 (0.1)3
2

Maximum principal Stress = b

+ b
+ 2
=82 MPa
2 2
GATE-10. Ans. (c)
Maximum principal stress
2 2
1.5 1.5
= x
+ x
+ 2
= + + (1.20)2 = 2.17 N/ mm2
2 2 2 2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
2
+ −
= + + =0
x y x y 2
GATE-11. Ans. (d) 1 xy if xy
2 2
2
+ −
= + =
x y x y
x
2 2
GATE-12. Ans. (b) x = , y = , xy =
2
+ − +
( 1 )max (0)
2
= + + = + + =2
x y x y 2 2
xy
2 2 2
GATE-12(i). Ans. (A)

2
+ − 10 + 2 10 − 2
2

= + + = + + 42 = 11.66 MPa
x y x y 2
GATE-13. Ans. (c) 1 xy
2 2 2 2
2
+ − −6 + 4 −6 − 4
2

= + + = + + (−8)2 = 8.434MPa
x y x y 2
GATE-14. Ans. 8.4 to 8.5, 1 xy
2 2 2 2
2
+ −
= − +
x y x y 2
GATE-14a. Ans. (c) 2 xy
2 2
2
100 + 100 −
10 = − + 502 = 37.78 kPa
y y
or y
2 2
GATE-14b. Ans (a,b)

GATE-15. Ans. (a)

GATE-16. Ans. (b)

GATE-17. Ans. (b)
2
40 − 100
+ ( 40 ) = 50 MPa
2

2
GATE-18. Ans.(d)
The maximum and minimum principal stresses are same. So, radius of circle becomes zero
and centre is at (30, 0). The circle is respresented by a point.
GATE-19. Ans. (d)

GATE-20. Ans. (c)

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
x = 100MPa, y = −20MPa
− 100 − ( −20 )
Radius of Mohr 's circle = x y
= = 60
2 2
GATE-21. Ans. (b)

1 = 2 = x = y = +175 MPa

GATE-22. Ans. (d) From the Mohr’s circle it will give all directions.
GATE-22a. Ans. 80
GATE-23. Ans. (c)
GATE-23a. Ans. (b)
GATE-23b. Ans. 1632

V (1 − 2 )
V
=
E
( x + y + z )
(1 − 2 ) (1 − 2
0.33)
V=
E
( x + y + z ) V=
70 103 MPa
( 70 MPa + 0 + 0 ) ( 400 400 30 ) mm3

GATE-23c.Ans. 0.1 (Range given by IIT 0.08 to 0.12)

(𝟏−𝟐𝝁)
𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 (𝜺𝒗 ) = 𝜺𝒙 + 𝜺𝒚 + 𝜺𝒛 = (𝝈𝒙 + 𝝈𝒚 + 𝝈𝒛 )
𝑬

𝑵𝒐𝒘, 𝝈𝒙 = 𝝈𝒚 = 𝝈𝒛 = −𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝜺𝒙 = 𝜺𝒚 = 𝜺𝒛 = 𝜺
(𝟏 − 𝟐𝝁)
𝒐𝒓(𝜺𝒗 ) = 𝜺 + 𝜺 + 𝜺 = (−𝒑 − 𝒑 − 𝒑)
𝑬
(𝟏−𝟐𝝁) (𝟏−𝟐𝝁) ∆𝑳 (𝟏−𝟐𝝁)
𝒐𝒓 𝟑𝜺 = 𝟑 (−𝒑) 𝒐𝒓 𝜺 = (−𝒑) 𝒐𝒓 = (−𝒑)
𝑬 𝑬 𝑳 𝑬

(𝟏 − 𝟐𝝁) (𝟏 − 𝟐 × 𝟎. 𝟑)
𝒐𝒓 ∆𝑳 = (−𝒑) × 𝑳 = (−𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝑴𝑷𝒂) × 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝒎𝒎 = −𝟎. 𝟎𝟏 𝒎𝒎
𝑬 𝟐𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝑴𝑷𝒂
GATE-24. Ans. (c) Shear strain emax − emin = 1000 − ( −600 ) 10 −6 = 1600 10 −6
GATE-24a. Ans. (a)
GATE-24b. Ans. (b)

Assume plane stress condition, z =0

Thereis noshear stress, x = 1 = 100 MPa and y = 2 =0
GATE-24c. Ans. Range (5.013 to 5.015)
GATE-25. Ans.(b)When strain is measured along any three arbitrary directions, the strain diagram is
called rosette.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

IES
IES-1. Ans. (a)
IES-1a. Ans. (c)
+ −
Normal stress ( )= + cos 2 +
x y x y
n xy sin 2
2 2
σx − σy
Shear stress ( )= sin2θ - xy cos2θ
2

+ −
= + cos2 +
x y x y
IES-2. Ans. (c) n xy sin2
2 2
+
= 45o and = 0; =
x y
At xy n
2
IES-2(i). Ans(c) x = 40 MPa, y = 20 MPa .
+ −
= + cos 2 = 30 + 10cos 60 = 35MPa
x y x y
2 2
σx − σy
IES-2a Ans. (a) Shear stress ( )= sin2θ - xy cos2θ
2
Hereσx = σ, σy = σ and xy =0
IES-3. Ans. (b)
IES-3a. Ans. (a)
IES-4. Ans. (c)
IES-4(i). Ans. (b)
IES-5. Ans. (a) 1 = , 2 =− , 3 =0
1 1+
+ (− ) (− )
2
U= 2
−2 V= 2
V
2E E
IES-6. Ans. (b)
IES-7. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation for A.
IES-8. Ans. (b) 1 = , 2 =− , 3 =0

IES-9. Ans. (a)

+ −
= + cos2 +
x y x y
IES-10. Ans. (a) n xy sin2
2 2
IES-10(i). Ans. (b)
IES-11. Ans. (d)
IES-11a Ans. (c)
IES-12. Ans. (c)
− 100 − 0
IES-12(i). Ans. (c) max = 1 2
= = 50 units.
2 2
−
IES-13. Ans. (c) max = 1 2
, 1 =2 2 or max = 2
or 2 =2 max or =2
1 2= 4 max
2 2
2
300 300
IES-13a.Ans. (d) 1 = + + 2002 = 400 MPa
2 2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
400 + ( −400 ) 400 − ( −400 )
2

IES-13b.Ans. (c) 1,2 = + 3002 = 500 MPa

2 2
IES-13c. Ans. (c)
IES-13d. Ans. (c)
IES-13e. Ans. (c)

æs - 0 ö
2
sx +0
s1 = + ç x ÷ +t2
2 è 2 ø
æ8- 0ö
2
8+0
10 = + ç ÷ +t
2

2 è 2 ø
t = 4.47 kPa
2
+ −
= + +
x y x y 2
IES-14. Ans. (c) 1,2 xy
2 2
2
+ −
=0 = +
x y x y 2
if 2 xy
2 2
2 2
+ −
= + =
x y x y 2
or xy or xy x y
2 2
− 80 − ( −40)
IES-15. Ans. (d) max = 1 2
= = 60 MPa
2 2
IES-15(i). Ans. (c)
2
IES-16. Ans. (b) tan 2 = =0
xy

x − y

− 3 −
max = 1 2
= =
2 2
3 +
Major principal stress on the plane of maximum shear = 1 = =2
2
IES-16(i).Ans. (d) Shear stress is maximum at 45o plane.
+ −
n = x y
+ x y
cos2
2 2
100 + ( −50) −
n = + x y
cos2 45o = 25 MPa
2 2
IES-17. Ans. (b)When stresses are alike, then normal stress σ n on plane inclined at angle 45° is
2 2
1 1 1 1
n = y cos 2
+ x sin 2
= y + x = 500 + = 500 kg/cm2
2 2 2 2
2
+ −
= + +
x y x y 2
IES-19. Ans. (d) 1,2 xy
2 2
2
50 + ( −10) 50 + 10
1,2 = + + 402
2 2
max = 70 and min = −30
+ −
= +
x y x y
IES-20. Ans. (d) x cos2
2 2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
P −P P +P
n = + cos2 45 = 0
2 2

+0 +0
2

IES-21. Ans. (c) ( )1,2 = + = 50 50 5

x x 2
xy
2 2
( )1 − ( )2
Maximum shear stress = = 50 5
2
IES-21(i).Ans. (c)
+ −
n = x y
+ x y
cos 2
2 2
250 + ( −150 ) 250 − ( −150 )
200 = + cos 2
2 2
or = 20.7o
− 250 − ( −150 )
=
2
x

2
y
sin 2 = (
sin 2 20.7 o = 132.28 = 50 7)
Without Using Calculator
2
150 3 3 7
cos 2 = = therefore sin 2 = 1 − =
200 4 4 4
− 250 − ( −150 ) 7
= x y
sin 2 = = 50 7
2 2 4
And n + n = x + y

IES-22. Ans. (c)

IES-23. Ans. (b) It is a case of pure shear. Just put 1 =− 2
IES-24. Ans. (c)
IES-25. Ans. (a)

IES-25(i). Ans. (b)

xx = 60MPa, yy = 120MPa and xy = 40MPa .
2
− 60 − 120
2

radius = + = + 402 = 50
xx yy 2
xy
2 2
IES-25(ii). Ans. (b)
IES-25(iii). Ans. (c)
IES-26. Ans. (a)

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

2
2 2
x + y x − y
x − + 2
xy = + 2
xy
2 2

Radius of the Mohr Circle

2
x − y
+ 2
xy
2
2
x + y x − y
t = + + 2
xy
2 2
2
x + y x − y
2 = − + 2
xy
2 2
2
− x − y
max = 1 2
=r max = + 2
xy
2 2
IES-27. Ans. (c) Radius of the Mohr circle
2
− 100 − 40
2

= + = + 402 / 10 = 50 / 10 = 5cm
x y 2
xy / 10
2 2

+ 200 − 100
IES-28. Ans. (d) Centre of Mohr’s circle is ,0 = ,0 = ( 50,0 )
x y

2 2
IES-29. Ans. (d)
IES-30. Ans. (c)
IES-30(i). Ans. (b)The construction is for variations of stress in a body in different planes.
IES-31. Ans. (b)
IES-32. Ans. (c)
IES-33. Ans. (d)
IES-33a. Ans. (a)It’s very simple. in plastic deformation there is no change in volume. Therefore
volumetric strain will be zero. 1 + 2 + 3 = 0
Or you may use poisson’s ratio = 0.5 and calculate principal strains.
IES-33b. Ans. (c)
IES-34. Ans. (a)
IES-34a. Ans. (d)
IES-34b. Ans. (d)
IES-34c. Ans. (a)
IES-35. Ans. (a) max = 1 − 2 = 100 − ( −200) 10−6 = 300 10−6
−
don' t confuse withMaximumShear stress ( max )= 1 2

2
− −
= =
xy 1 2 1 2
in strain and max that is the difference.
2 2 2
IES-36. Ans. (d)

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
−
x

2
y
=
xy

2
xy = x − y (
= 1000 10−6 − −600 10−6 = 1600 10−6 )
IES-37. Ans. (c) Three strain gauges are needed on a plane surface to determine the principal strains
and their directions.
1 2 2 1
IES-38. Ans. (b) 1 and 2 From these two equation eliminate 2 .
E E E E
IES-38(i). Ans. (b)
IES-38(ii).Ans. (a)
IES-39. Ans. (a)
IES-40. Ans. (a)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (b) Weknow n = cos2 and = sin cos
100 = cos 45 or = 200 2

= 200 sin 45 cos 45 = 100

IAS-2. Ans. (c)

IAS-3. Ans. (b) It is a case of pure shear so principal planes will be along the diagonal.
IAS-4. Ans. (d)Stress in x direction =σx

Therefore x = x
, y =− x
, z =− x

E E E
IAS-5. Ans. (c)
xx xy xz

yx yy yz and xy = xy

2
zx zy zz

xy =G xy = 100 10 3
( 0.004 2) MPa = 800MPa
− − (− 1 )
IAS-6. Ans. (d) max = 1 2
= 1
= 1
2 2
−
IAS-7. Ans. (a) max = 1 2
Maximum normal stress will developed if 1 =− 2 =
2
2
− − 40 − 40
2

= + + 30 2 = 50 MPa
x y 2
IAS-8. Ans. (c) max xy =
2 2
IAS-9. Ans. (c)σb=100MPa =20 mPa
2

σ1,2= b
+ b
+ 2

2 2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
2 2

1,2 = b

2
+ b

2
+ 2
=
100
2
+
100
2
(
+ 202 = 50 + 2900 MPa )
+ −
IAS-10. Ans. (a) n = x y
+ x y
cos 2
2 2
[We may consider this as xy =0] x = y = ( say ) So n = for any plane
IAS-11. Ans. (d) They are same.
IAS-12. Ans. (b)
+ − 400 + 300 400 − 300
n = x y
+ x y
cos 2 = + cos 2 45o = 350MPa
2 2 2 2
IAS-13. Ans. (a)

= − + = − + = − +
x y z y z x z x y
x , y and z
E E E E E E E E E

+ +
v = x + y + z =
x

E
y z
−
2
E
( x + y + z )
+ + 60 + 20 − 50
= (1 − 2 ) = (1 − 2 0.35 ) = 9 10 −5
x y z

E 105
IAS-14. Ans. (d)
IAS-15. Ans. (b)
IAS-16. Ans. (d)
fx − f y
IAS-17. Ans. (d) Maximum shear stress is
2
+ 2+0
,0 = ,0 = (1, 0 )
x y
IAS-18. Ans. (d) Centre
2 2
2
− 2−0
2

radius = + = +0 =1
x y 2
x
2 2
IAS-19. Ans. (c) Mohr’s circle will be a point.
2
−
Radius of the Mohr’s circle = + = 0 and = =
x y 2
xy xy x y
2
IAS-20. Ans. (b)

IAS-21. Ans. (b)

IAS-22. Ans. (c) R is false. Stress in one plane always induce a lateral strain with its orthogonal plane.

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-1999
Question: What are principal in planes?
Answer: The planes which pass through the point in such a manner that the resultant stress across
them is totally a normal stress are known as principal planes. No shear stress exists at the
principal planes.

Conventional Question IES-2009

Q. The Mohr’s circle for a plane stress is a circle of radius R with its origin at + 2R on
axis. Sketch the Mohr’s circle and determine max , min , av , ( xy )max for this
situation. [2 Marks]

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Ans. Here max = 3R
min =R
3R + R
v =
= 2R
2
− 3R − R
and xy = max min
= =R
2 2

R R

(2R,0)

3R
Conventional Question IES-1999
Question: Direct tensile stresses of 120 MPa and 70 MPa act on a body on mutually
perpendicular planes. What is the magnitude of shearing stress that can be
applied so that the major principal stress at the point does not exceed 135 MPa?
Determine the value of minor principal stress and the maximum shear stress.
Answer: Let shearing stress is ' ' MPa.
The principal stresses are
2
120 70 120 70
σ1,2 2

2 2
Major principal stress is
2
120 70 120 70
σ1 2

2 2
135(Given) or , 31.2MPa.
Minor principal stress is
2
120 + 70 120 − 70
σ2 = − + 31.22 = 55 MPa
2 2
− 2 135 − 55
max = 1 = = 40 MPa
2 2
Conventional Question IES-2009
Q. The state of stress at a point in a loaded machine member is given by the principle
stresses. [ 2 Marks]
1 = 600 MPa, 2 = 0 and 3 = −600 MPa .
(i) What is the magnitude of the maximum shear stress?
(ii) What is the inclination of the plane on which the maximum shear stress acts
with respect to the plane on which the maximum principle stress 1 acts?
Ans. (i) Maximum shear stress,
− 600 − ( −600 )
= 1 3
=
2 2
= 600 MPa

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
(ii) At θ = 45º max. shear stress occurs with σ 1 plane. Since σ 1 and σ 3 are principle
stress does not contains shear stress. Hence max. shear stress is at 45º with principle
plane.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

Conventional Question IES-2008

Question: A prismatic bar in compression has a cross- sectional area A = 900 mm2 and
carries an axial load P= 90 kN. What are the stresses acts on
(i) A plane transverse to the loading axis;
(ii) A plane at θ =60o to the loading axis?
Answer: (i) From figure it is clear A plane
transverse to loading axis, θ =0o
P 90000
n cos2 θ=- N / mm 2
A 900
100 N / mm 2
P 90000
and = Sin 2θ= sinθ=0
2A 2×900
(iii)A plane at 60o to loading
axis,
θ =90°- 60° = 30°
P 90000
n cos2 θ=- cos2 30
A 900
75N / mm 2
P 90000
sin2 sin2 60o
2A 2 900
43.3N / mm 2

Conventional Question IES-2001

Question: A tension member with a cross-sectional area of 30 mm2 resists a load of 80 kN,
Calculate the normal and shear stresses on the plane of maximum shear stress.
P P
Answer: σn cos2 θ sin 2θ
A 2A

For maximum shear stress sin2θ = 1, or, θ = 45o

80 103 P 80 103
σn cos2 45 1333MPa and max 1333MPa
30 2A 30 2

Conventional Question IES-2007

Question: At a point in a loaded structure, a pure shear stress state = 400 MPa
prevails on two given planes at right angles.
(i) What would be the state of stress across the planes of an element taken at
+45° to the given planes?
(ii) What are the magnitudes of these stresses?
Answer: (i) For pure shear
σx σy; max σx 400 MPa

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s

(ii) Magnitude of these stresses

σn xy Sin2θ xy Sin90o xy 400 MPa and ( xy cos2θ) 0

Conventional Question IAS-1997
Question: Draw Mohr's circle for a 2-dimensional stress field subjected to
(a) Pure shear (b) Pure biaxial tension (c) Pure uniaxial tension and (d) Pure
uniaxial compression
Answer: Mohr's circles for 2-dimensional stress field subjected to pure shear, pure biaxial tension,
pure uniaxial compression and pure uniaxial tension are shown in figure below:

Conventional Question IES-2003

Question: A Solid phosphor bronze shaft 60 mm in diameter is rotating at 800 rpm and
transmitting power. It is subjected torsion only. An electrical resistance strain
gauge mounted on the surface of the shaft with its axis at 45° to the shaft axis,
gives the strain reading as 3.98 × 10–4. If the modulus of elasticity for bronze is
105 GN/m2 and Poisson's ratio is 0.3, find the power being transmitted by the
shaft. Bending effect may be neglected.
Answer:

Let us assume maximum shear stress on the cross-sectional plane MU is . Then

1
Principal stress along, VM = - 4 2 = - (compressive)
2
1
Principal stress along, LU = 4 2 (tensile)
2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Thus magntude of the compressive strain along VM is

= (1 µ) 3.98 10 4
E
3.98 10 4 105 109
or = 32.15 MPa
1 0.3
π
Torque being transmitted (T) = d3
16
π
32.15 106
0.063 =1363.5 Nm
16
2πN 2π×800
Power being transmitted, P =T. =T. =1363.5× W 114.23 kW
60 60

Conventional Question IES-2002

Question: The magnitude of normal stress on two mutually perpendicular planes, at a
point in an elastic body are 60 MPa (compressive) and 80 MPa (tensile)
respectively. Find the magnitudes of shearing stresses on these planes if the
magnitude of one of the principal stresses is 100 MPa (tensile). Find also the
magnitude of the other principal stress at this point.
Answer: Above figure shows stress condition assuming
shear stress is ' xy' 80Mpa
Jxy
Principal stresses

σx σy σx σy
2

σ1,2 2 60Mpa 60Mpa

xy Jxy
2 2 Jxy
2
60 80 60 80
or , σ1,2 2
xy
2 2 Jxy
80Mpa
2
60 80 60 80
or , σ1,2 2
xy
2 2
To make principal stress 100 MPa we have to consider '+' .
σ1 100 MPa 10 702 2
xy ; or, xy 56.57 MPa
Therefore other principal stress will be
2
60 80 60 80
σ2 (56.57) 2
2 2
i.e. 80 MPa(compressive)

Conventional Question IES-2001

Question:A steel tube of inner diameter 100 mm and wall thickness 5 mm is subjected to a
torsional moment of 1000 Nm. Calculate the principal stresses and orientations
of the principal planes on the outer surface of the tube.
Answer: π 4 4
Polar moment of Inertia (J)= 0.110 0.100 = 4.56 10 6 m4
32

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
T T .R 1000 (0.055) 5mm
Now or J
J R J 4.56 10 6
12.07MPa
2
Now,tan 2θ p
xy
,
σx σy
gives θp 450 or 1350 50mm
σ1 xy Sin 2θ 12.07 sin 900
12.07 MPa
and σ 2 12.07 sin 2700
12.07MPa

Conventional Question IES-2000

Question: At a point in a two dimensional stress system the normal stresses on two
mutually perpendicular planes are x and y and the shear stress is xy. At what
value of shear stress, one of the principal stresses will become zero?
Answer: Two principal stressdes are
σx σy σx - σ y
2

σ1,2 2
xy
2 2
Considering (-)ive sign it may be zero
σx σy σx σy σx σy σx σy
2 2 2
2 2
xy or, xy
2 2 2 2
σx σy σx σy
2 2

or, 2
xy or, 2
xy σ xσ y or, xy σ xσ y
2 2

Conventional Question IES-1996

Question: A solid shaft of diameter 30 mm is fixed at one end. It is subject to a tensile force
of 10 kN and a torque of 60 Nm. At a point on the surface of the shaft, determine
the principle stresses and the maximum shear stress.
Answer: Given: D = 30 mm = 0.03 m; P = 10 kN; T= 60 Nm
Pr incipal stresses ( 1, 2 ) and max imum shear stress ( max ):
10 103
Tensile stress t = x = = 14.15 106 N / m2 or 14.15 MN / m2
2
0.03
4

T
As per torsion equation, =
J R
TR TR 60 0.015
Shear stress, = = = = 11.32 106 N / m2
J
( 0.03 )
4 4
D
32 32
or 11.32 MN / m2

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
The principal stresses are calculated by u sin g the relations :
2
+ −
, = +
x y x y 2
12 xy
2 2

Here x = 14.15MN / m2 , y = 0; xy = = 11.32 MN / m2

2
14.15 14.15
+ (11.32 )
2
1,2 =
2 2
= 7.07 13.35 = 20.425 MN / m2 , −6.275MN / m2 .
Hence,major principal stress, 1 = 20.425 MN / m2 ( tensile )
Minor principal stress, 2 = 6.275MN / m2 ( compressive )
− 24.425 − ( −6.275 )
Maximum shear stress, max = 1 2
= = 13.35mm / m2
2 2

Conventional Question IES-2000

Question: Two planes AB and BC which are at right angles are acted upon by tensile stress
of 140 N/mm2 and a compressive stress of 70 N/mm2 respectively and also by
shear stress 35 N/mm2. Determine the principal stresses and principal planes.
Find also the maximum shear stress and planes on which they act.
Sketch the Mohr circle and mark the relevant data.
Answer: Given 70N/mm
2

σ x =140MPa(tensile) C B

σ y =-70MPa(compressive) 2
35Nmm 2
35MPa 140N/mm
xy

Principal stresses; σ1, σ2;

A

σx σy σx σy
2

We know that, σ1,2 2

xy
2 2
2
140 70 140 70
352 35 110.7
2 2
Therefore σ1=145.7 MPa and σ 2 75.7MPa

Position of Principal planes θ1, θ2

2 2 35
tan 2θ p
xy
0.3333
σx σy 140 70
σ1 - σ2 145 75.7
Maximum shear stress, max 110.7MPa
2 2
Y
Mohr cirle:
OL=σ x 140MPa
OM σy 70MPa
S 2qp =198.4

SM LT xy 35MPa U L
M O 2q= V
78.4
Joining ST that cuts at 'N' N
σ = 140 T
SN=NT=radius of Mohr circle =110.7 MPa
OV=σ1 145.7MPa
OV σ2 75.7MPa

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondal’s
Conventional Question IES-2010
Q6. The data obtained from a rectangular strain gauge rosette attached to a stressed
steel member are 0 = −220 10−6 , 45 = 120 10 −6 and 90 = 220 10 −6 . Given that the

value of E = 2 10 N / mm and Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3 , calculate the values of

5 2

principal stresses acting at the point and their directions. [10

Marks]
Ans. Use rectangular strain gauge rosette

Conventional Question IES-1998

Question: When using strain-gauge system for stress/force/displacement measurements
how are in-built magnification and temperature compensation achieved?
Answer: In-built magnification and temperature compensation are achieved by
(a) Through use of adjacent arm balancing of Wheat-stone bridge.
(b) By means of self temperature compensation by selected melt-gauge and dual element-
gauge.

Conventional Question AMIE-1998

Question: A cylinder (500 mm internal diameter and 20 mm wall thickness) with closed
ends is subjected simultaneously to an internal pressure of 0-60 MPa, bending
moment 64000 Nm and torque 16000 Nm. Determine the maximum tensile stress
and shearing stress in the wall.
Answer: Given: d = 500 mm = 0·5 m; t = 20 mm = 0·02 m; p = 0·60 MPa = 0.6 MN/m 2;
M = 64000 Nm = 0·064 MNm; T= 16000 Nm = 0·016 MNm.
Maximum tensile stress:
First let us determine the principle stresses 1 and 2 assuming this as a thin cylinder.
pd 0.6 0.5
We know, = 1 =
= 7.5MN / m2
2t 2 0.02
pd 0.6 0.5
and 2 = = = 3.75MN / m2
4t 4 0.02
Next consider effect of combined bending moment and torque on the walls of the cylinder.
Then the principal stresses '1 and '2 are given by
16
'1 = 3
M + M2 + T 2
d
16
and '2 = 3 M − M2 + T 2
d
16
'1 = 0.064 + 0.0642 + 0.0162 = 5.29MN / m2
( 0.5 )
3

16
and '2 = 0.064 − 0.0642 + 0.016 2 = −0.08MN / m2
( 0.5 )
3

Maximum shearing stress, max :

−
We Know, max = I II

2
II = 2 + '2 = 3.75 − 0.08 = 3.67MN / m2 ( tensile )
12.79 − 3.67
max = = 4.56MN / m2
2

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 3. Thin Cylinder

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

1. Thin Rings
Uniformly distributed loading (radial) may be due to either
• Internal†pressure†or†external†pressure†
• Centrifugal†force†as†in†the†case†of†a†rotating†ring†
†

Case-I: Internal pressure or external pressure†

• s†=†qr† †††Where†q†=†Intensity†of†loading†in†kg/cm2††
† † † †††††††††r†=†Mean†centreline†of†radius†
† † † †††††††††s = circumferential tension or hoop’s†
††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††tension††
†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††(Radial†loading†ducted†outward)
s qr
• Unit†stress,† = = †
A A
qr
• Circumferential†strain,† c = = †
E AE
• Diametral†strain,†( d )†=†Circumferential†strain,†( c )†
†

Case-II: Centrifugal force

w 2r 2
• Hoop's†Tension,† s = † Where†w†=†wt.†per†unit†length†of†circumferential†element
g
† † † † † †=†Angular†velocity†

s w 2r
• Radial†loading,†q†= = †
r g
s w
• Hoop's†stress,† = = . 2 2
r †
A Ag

2. Thin Walled Pressure Vessels

For†thin†cylinders†whose†thickness†may†be†considered†small†compared†to†their†diameter.††
Inner dia of the cylinder (di )
15 or 20
wall thickness (t)

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
3. General Formula
p
1
+ 2
= †
r1 r2 t
† Where†† 1 =Meridional†stress†at†A†

† † 2 =Circumferential†/†Hoop's†stress†
† † †P†=†Intensity†of†internal†gas†pressure/†fluid†pressure†
† † †t†=†Thickness†of†pressure†vessel.†
†
4. Some cases:
• Cylindrical vessel
pr pD pr pD
† 1 = = 2 = = r1 → , r2 = r †
t 2t 2t 4t
− pr pD
† max = 1 2
= = (in plane)
2 4t 8t †
pr
−0
− pr pD
max = 1 3
= t = = (out of plane)
2 2 2t 4t †
• Spherical vessel
pr pD
† † 1 = 2 = = † †††††††††††††††††††[r1†=†r2†=†r]†
2t 4t
−
max = 1 2
= 0 (in plane)
† 2 †
pr
−0
− pr pD
max = 1 3
= 2t = = (out of plane) †
2 2 4t 8t
• Conical vessel
py tan py tan
† 1 = [r1 → ] † and† † 2 = †
2t cos t cos
Notes:

• Volume† 'V'† of† the† spherical† shell,† V= Di3

6
1/3
6V
Di =

• Design†of†thin†cylindrical†shells†is†based†on†hoop's†stress
†

5. Volumetric Strain (Dilation)

V
• Rectangular†block,† = x + y + z†
V0

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
• Cylindrical pressure vessel
pr
† † 1=Longitudinal†strain†=
1
− 2
= 1− 2 †
E E 2 Et
pr
† † 2 =Circumferential†strain†= 1− 2 † 2
− 1
=
E E 2 Et
V pr pD
† † Volumetric†Strain,† = 1 +2 2 = [5 − 4μ] = [5 − 4μ] †
Vo 2 Et 4 Et
i.e. Volumetric strain, ( v ) = longitudinal strain ( 1 )+2 circumferential strain ( 2 )†
• Spherical vessels
pr
† † = 1 = 2 = [1 − ] †
2 Et
V 3 pr
† † =3 = [1 − ] †
V0 2 Et
†

6. Thin cylindrical shell with hemispherical end

Condition†for†no†distortion†at†the†junction†of†cylindrical†and†hemispherical†portion†
t2 1 −
† † = †† Where,†t1=†wall†thickness†of†cylindrical†portion†
t1 2 −
† † † † † † †t2†=†wall†thickness†of†hemispherical†portion†
†

7. Alternative method
Consider†the†equilibrium†of†forces†in†the†z-direction†acting†on†the†part†
cylinder†shown†in†figure.††
Force†due†to†internal†pressure†p†acting†on†area† D2/4†=†p.† D2/4†
Force†due†to†longitudinal†stress†acting†on†area† Dt†=†† 1
Dt†

Equating:†††††p.† D2/4†=† 1
Dt† †
pd pr
††††††††††or 1 = =
4t 2t
Now†consider†the†equilibrium†of†forces†in†the†x-direction†acting†on†the†
sectioned† cylinder† shown† in† figure.† It† is† assumed† that† the†
circumferential† stress† 2
†is† constant† through† the† thickness† of† the†

cylinder.†
Force†due†to†internal†pressure†p†acting†on†area†Dz†=†pDz†
Force†due†to†circumferential†stress† 2
†acting†on†area†2tz†=† 2
2tz†

Equating: pDz†= 2
2tz†

pD pr
or 2 = =
2t t
†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

†

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Stresses
GATE-1. A thin cylinder of inner radius 500 mm and thickness 10 mm is subjected to an
internal pressure of 5 MPa. The average circumferential (hoop) stress in MPa is
[GATE-2011]
(a)†100† † † (b)†250† † † (c)†500† † † (d)†1000†

GATE-2. The maximum principal strain in a thin cylindrical tank, having a radius of 25 cm
and wall thickness of 5 mm when subjected to an internal pressure of 1MPa, is
(taking Young's modulus as 200 GPa and Poisson's ratio as 0.2) [GATE-1998]†
† (a)†2.25†×†10–4† † (b)†2.25†† † (c)†2.25†×†10–6† † (d)†22.5†

GATE-3.A thin walled spherical shell is subjected to an internal pressure. If the radius of the
shell is increased by 1% and the thickness is reduced by 1%, with the internal
pressure remaining the same, the percentage change in the circumferential (hoop)
stress is [GATE-2012]
(a)†0†† † † (b)†1†† † † (c)†1.08†† † (d)†2.02†

GATE-3a.A long thin walled cylindrical shell, closed at both the ends, is subjected to an
internal pressure. The ratio of the hoop stress (circumferential stress) to longitudinal
stress developed in the shell is † † [GATE-2013, 2016]†
(a)†0.5†† † † (b)†1.0†† † † † (c)†2.0†† † † † (d)†4.0†

GATE-3b.A thin gas cylinder with an internal radius of 100 mm is subject to an internal
pressure of 10 MPa. The maximum permissible working stress is restricted to 100
MPa. The minimum cylinder wall thickness (in mm) for safe design must be ……….
[GATE-2014]

GATE-3c. A thin-walled cylindrical pressure vessel of internal diameter 2 m is designed to

withstand an internal pressure of 500 kPa (gauge). If the allowable normal stress at
any point within the cylindrical portion of the vessel is 100 MPa, the minimum
thickness of the plate of the vessel (in mm) is________. [PI:GATE-2016]

GATE-3d. A thin-walled cylindrical can with rigid end caps has a mean radius R = 100 mm
and a wall thickness of t = 5 mm. The can is pressurized and an additional tensile
stress of 50 MPa is imposed along the axial direction as shown in the figure. Assume
that the state of stress in the wall is uniform along its length. If the magnitudes of
axial and circumferential components of stress in the can are equal, the pressure (in
MPa) inside the can is_________(correct to two decimal places).
[GATE-2018]

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
GATE-3e.A spherical pressure vessel (made of mild steel) of internal diameter 500 mm and
thickness 10 mm is subjected to an internal gauge pressure of 4000 kPa. If the
yield stress of mild steel is 200 MPa, the factor of safety (up to one decimal place)
is ______ [GATE(PI)-2018]
GATE-3f. A thin-walled cylindrical pressure vessel has mean wall thickness of t and nominal
radius of r. The Poisson’s ratio of the wall material is 1/3. When it was subjected to
some internal pressure, its nominal perimeter in the cylindrical portion increased by
0.1% and the corresponding wall thickness became 𝒕̅ . The corresponding change in
the wall thickness of the cylindrical portion, i.e.𝟏𝟎𝟎 × (𝒕̅ − 𝒕)/𝒕 , is _______% (round off
to three decimal places). [GATE- 2022 Set-1]

Maximum shear stress

GATE-4. A thin walled cylindrical vessel of wall thickness, t and diameter d is fitted with
gas to a gauge pressure of p. The maximum shear stress on the vessel wall will
then be: [GATE-1999]†
pd pd pd pd
† (a) (b) (c) (d)
t 2t 4t 8t †

GATE-4(i) A cylindrical tank with closed ends is filled with compressed air at a pressure of
500 kPa. The inner radius of the tank is 2m, and it has wall thickness of 10 mm.
The magnitude of maximum in-plane shear stress (in MPa) is _ [GATE-2015]†
†
GATE-4(ii)A gas is stored in a cylindrical tank of inner radius 7 m and wall thickness 50 mm.
The gage pressure of the gas is 2 MPa. The maximum shear stress (in MPa) in the
wall is [GATE-2015]†
(a) 35 (b) 70 (c) 140 (d) 280
†
GATE-4(iii) The hoop stress at a point on the surface of a thin cylindrical pressure vessel is
computed to be 30.0 MPa. The value of maximum shear stress at this point is
(A) 7.5 MPa
(B) 15.0 MPa
(C) 30.0 MPa
(D) 22.5 MPa [CE: GATE-2022 set – 1]

Statement for Linked Answers and Questions 5 and 6

A cylindrical container of radius R = 1 m, wall
thickness 1 mm is filled with water up to a depth
of 2 m and suspended along its upper rim. The
density of water is 1000 kg/m3 and acceleration
due to gravity is 10 m/s2. The self-weight of the
cylinder is negligible. The formula for hoop
stress in a thin-walled cylinder can be used at all
points along the height of the cylindrical
container.

[GATE-2008]
GATE-5. The axial and circumferential stress ( a , c ) experienced by the cylinder wall at
mid-depth (1 m as shown) are
(a)†(10,10)†MPa† † (b)†(5,10)†MPa† † (c)†(10,5)†MPa† † (d)†(5,5)MPa†
†
GATE-6. If the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the container material are 100 GPa
and 0.3, respectively, the axial strain in the cylinder wall at mid-depth is:
† (a)†2†×†10–5†† † (b)†6†×†10–5† † (c)†7†×†10–5† † (d)†1.2†×†10–5†
†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
GATE-7. A thin walled cylindrical pressure vessel having a radius of 0.5 m and wall
thickness of 25 mm is subjected to an internal pressure of 700 kPa. The hoop stress
developed is [CE: GATE-2009]†
† (a)†14†MPa†† † (b)†1.4†MPa† † (c)†0.14†MPa† † (d)†0.014†MPa†

GATE-8.A thin plate of uniform thickness is subject to pressure as shown in the figure below

y y
x
z

Under the assumption of plane stress, which one of the following is correct?
(a)†Normal†stress†is†zero†in†the†z-direction† † † † † [GATE-2014]†
(b)†Normal†stress†is†tensile†in†the†z-direction†
(c)†Normal†stress†is†compressive†in†the†z-direction†
(d)†Normal†stress†varies†in†the†z-direction†

GATE-9. A thin-walled long cylindrical tank of inside radius r is subjected simultaneously

to internal gas pressure p and axial compressive force F at its ends. In order to
produce ‘pure shear’ state of stress in the wall of the cylinder, F should be equal to†
† (a)† p r2 † † † † † (b)† 2p r2 † † [CE: GATE-2006]†
2 2
† (c)† 3p r † † † † † (d)† 4p r †

GATE-10. A thin-walled cylinder of radius r and thickness t is open at both ends, and fits
snugly between two rigid walls under ambient conditions, as shown in the figure

The material of the cylinder has Young's modulus E, Poisson's ratio ν, and coefficient
of thermal expansion α. What is the minimum rise in temperature ΔT of the cylinder
(assume uniform cylinder temperature with no buckling of the cylinder) required to
prevent gas leakage if the cylinder has to store the gas at an internal pressure of p
above the atmosphere? [GATE-2020]
1 𝑝𝑟 1 𝑝𝑟 𝜈𝑝𝑟 3𝜈𝑝𝑟
(𝑎)∆𝑇 = (𝜈 − ) (𝑏)∆𝑇 = (𝜈 + ) (𝑐)∆𝑇 = (𝑑)∆𝑇 =
4 𝛼𝑡𝐸 4 𝛼𝑡𝐸 𝛼𝑡𝐸 2𝛼𝑡𝐸

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Circumferential or hoop stress

IES-1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: [IES-2002]
List-I List-II
(2-D Stress system loading) (Ratio of principal stresses)
A.† Thin†cylinder†under†internal†pressure† 1.† 3.0†
† B.† Thin†sphere†under†internal†pressure† 2.† 1.0†
† C.† Shaft†subjected†to†torsion† 3.† –1.0†
† † † 4.† 2.0†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Codes: A B C A B C
† † (a)†† 4†† 2†† 3†† (b)†† 1†† 3†† 2†
† † (c)†† 4†† 3†† 2†† (d)†† 1†† 2†† 3†
†
IES-2. A thin cylinder of radius r and thickness t when subjected to an internal
hydrostatic pressure P causes a radial displacement u, then the tangential strain
caused is: [IES-2002]
du 1 du u 2u
† †(a)† † † † (b)† . † † (c) † † † (d)† †
dr r dr r r
†
IES-3. A thin cylindrical shell is subjected to internal pressure p. The Poisson's ratio of
the material of the shell is 0.3. Due to internal pressure, the shell is subjected to
circumferential strain and axial strain. The ratio of circumferential strain to axial
strain is: [IES-2001]†
† (a)†0.425†† † (b)†2.25†† † (c)†0.225†† † (d)†4.25††

IES-4. A thin cylindrical shell of diameter d, length ‘l’ and thickness t is subjected to an
internal pressure p. What is the ratio of longitudinal strain to hoop strain in terms
of Poisson's ratio (1/m)? [IES-2004, ISRO-2015]†
m−2 m−2 2m − 1 2m + 2
† (a)† †† † (b)† † † (c) † † (d)† †
2m + 1 2m − 1 m−2 m −1

IES-5. When a thin cylinder of diameter 'd' and thickness 't' is pressurized with an
internal pressure of 'p', (1/m = is the Poisson's ratio and E is the modulus of
elasticity), then [IES-1998]
pd 1 1
† (a)† The†circumferential†strain†will†be†equal†to† − †
2tE 2 m
pd 1
† (b)† The†longitudinal†strain†will†be†equal†to† 1− †
2tE 2m
pd
† (c)† The†longitudinal†stress†will†be†equal†to †
2t
m−2
† (d)† The†ratio†of†the†longitudinal†strain†to†circumferential†strain†will†be†equal†to† †
2m − 1
IES-5a. A cylindrical storage tank has an inner diameter of 600 mm and a wall thickness
of 18 mm. The transverse and longitudinal strains induced are 255 × 10 -6 mm/mm
and 60 × 10-6 mm/mm, and if G is 77 GPa, the gauge pressure inside the tank will be
†[IES-2020 Prelims]
(a) 2.4 MPa (b) 2.8 MPa (c) 3.2 MPa (d) 3.6 MPa

IES-6. A thin cylinder contains fluid at a pressure of 500 N/m2, the internal diameter of
the shell is 0.6 m and the tensile stress in the material is to be limited to 9000 N/m 2.
The shell must have a minimum wall thickness of nearly [IES-2000]†
† (a)†9†mm†† † (b)†11†mm†† † (c)†17†mm†† † (d)†21†mm†
IES-7. A thin cylinder with closed
lids is subjected to internal
pressure and supported at
the ends as shown in figure.
The state of stress at point
X is as represented in
†
†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
[IES-1999]†

†
IES-8. A thin cylinder with both ends closed is subjected to internal pressure p. The
longitudinal stress at the surface has been calculated as σ o. Maximum shear stress
at the surface will be equal to: [IES-1999]
† (a ) 2 o ( b ) 1.5 o (c) o
†
(d ) 0.5 o
IES-8a. If a thin walled cylinder with closed hemispherical ends with thickness 12 mm
and inside diameter 1250 mm is to withstand a pressure of 1.5 MPa, then
maximum shear stress induced is [IES-2014]
(a)†19.5MPa† † (b)†39.05MPa† † (c)†78.12MPa† † (d)†90.5MPa†

IES-8b. A compressed air spherical tank having an inner diameter of 450 mm and a wall
thickness of 7 mm is formed by welding. If the allowable shear stress is 40 MPa,
the maximum permissible air pressure in the tank will be nearly
(a) 3 MPa (b) 5 MPa (c) 7 MPa (d) 9 MPa †[IES-2020 Prelims]
†
IES-9. A metal pipe of 1m diameter contains a fluid having a pressure of 10 kgf/cm 2. lf the
permissible tensile stress in the metal is 200 kgf/cm 2, then the thickness of the
metal required for making the pipe would be: [IES-1993]
† (a)†5mm† † † (b)†10†mm† † (c)†20†mm† (d)†25†mm†
†
IES-10. Circumferential stress in a cylindrical steel boiler shell under internal pressure is
80 MPa. Young's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio are respectively 2 × 105
MPa and 0.28. The magnitude of circumferential strain in the boiler shell will be:
[IES-1999]†
† (a)†3.44†×†10–4† † (b)†3.84†×†10–4† (c)†4†×†10–4† † (d)†4.56†×10†–4†
†

IES-11. A penstock pipe of 10m diameter carries water under a pressure head of 100 m. If
the wall thickness is 9 mm, what is the tensile stress in the pipe wall in MPa?
[IES-2009]
† (a)†2725† † † (b)†545·0† † (c)†272·5† † (d)†1090†
†
IES-12. A water main of 1 m diameter contains water at a pressure head of 100 metres.
The permissible tensile stress in the material of the water main is 25 MPa. What is
2
the minimum thickness of the water main? (Take g = 10 m/ s ).
[IES-2009]
† (a)†10†mm†††††††††††††††††† (b)20mm††††††††††††††††††††††(c)†50†mm††††††††††††††††††(d)†60†mm†

IES-12(i). A seamless pipe of diameter d m is to carry fluid under a pressure of p kN/cm 2. The
necessary thickness t of metal in cm, if the maximum stress is not to exceed σ
kN/cm2, is†† † † † † † [IES-2012]
𝑝𝑑 100𝑝𝑑 𝑝𝑑 100𝑝𝑑
(𝑎) 𝑡 ≥ 𝑐𝑚 (𝑏) 𝑡 ≥ 𝑐𝑚 (𝑐) 𝑡 ≤ 𝑐𝑚 (𝑑) 𝑡 ≤ 𝑐𝑚
2𝜎 2𝜎 2𝜎 2𝜎

IES-12(ii). A cast-iron pipe of 750 mm diameter is used to carry water under a head of 60 m.
What is the approximate thickness of the pipe if permissible stress is to be 20 MPa
? (Take specific weight of water as 9.81 kN/ m3 ) [IES 2022]
(a) 22 mm (b) 14 mm
(c) 11 mm (d) 7 mm

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s

Longitudinal stress
IES-13. Hoop stress and longitudinal stress in a boiler shell under internal pressure are
100 MN/m2 and 50 MN/m2 respectively. Young's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's
ratio of the shell material are 200 GN/m2 and 0.3 respectively. The hoop strain in
boiler shell is: [IES-1995]†
−3 −3 −3 −3
† (a)†0.425 10 † † (b)†0.5† 10 † † (c)†0.585† 10 † (d)†0.75† 10 †
†

Volumetric strain
IES-15. Circumferential and longitudinal strains in a cylindrical boiler under internal
steam pressure are 1 and 2 respectively. Change in volume of the boiler
cylinder per unit volume will be: [IES-1993; IAS 2003]†
1+2 (c) 2 1 +
2
† (a) 2 (b) 1 2 2 (d) 12 2 † †
†
IES-15a. In case of a thin cylindrical shell, subjected to an internal fluid pressure, the
volumetric strain is equal to† † † † † † [IES-2018]†
(a) circumferential†strain†plus†longitudinal†strain†
(b) circumferential†strain†plus†twice†the†longitudinal†strain†
(c) twice†the†circumferential†strain†plus†longitudinal†strain †
(d) twice†the†circumferential†strain†plus†twice†the†longitudinal†strain†

IES-16. The volumetric strain in case of a thin cylindrical shell of diameter d, thickness t,
subjected to internal pressure p is: [IES-2003; IAS 1997]†
pd pd pd pd
† (a)† .(3 − 2 )† (b)† .( 4 − 3 )† (c) .(5 − 4 )† (d)† .( 4 − 5 )†
2tE 3tE 4tE 4tE
† (Where E = Modulus of elasticity, μ = Poisson's ratio for the shell material)†

Spherical Vessel
IES-17. For the same internal diameter, wall thickness, material and internal pressure,
the ratio of maximum stress, induced in a thin cylindrical and in a thin spherical
pressure vessel will be: [IES-2001]
† (a)†2††† † † (b)†1/2†† † † (c)†4†† † † (d)†¼†
†
IES-17a. What is the safe working pressure for a spherical pressure vessel 1.5 m internal
diameter and 1.5 cm wall thickness, if the maximum allowable tensile stress is 45
MPa?†
(a)†0.9†MPa†† (b)†3.6†MPa† (c)†2.7†MPa† † (d)†1.8†MPa††† [IES-2013]†
†
IES-17b. A thin cylindrical pressure vessel and a thin spherical pressure vessel have the
same mean radius, same wall thickness and are subjected to same internal
pressure. The hoop stresses set up in these vessels cylinder in relation to sphere
will be in the ratio [IES-2017 Prelims]
† (a)†1†:†2†† † † (b)†1:†1† † † (c)†2†:†1†† † (d)†4†:†1†
†
IES-18. From design point of view, spherical pressure vessels are preferred over
cylindrical pressure vessels because they [IES-1997]†
† (a)† Are†cost†effective†in†fabrication†
† (b)† Have†uniform†higher†circumferential†stress†
† (c)† Uniform†lower†circumferential†stress† †
† (d)† Have†a†larger†volume†for†the†same†quantity†of†material†used†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s

IES-19. A spherical shell of 1.2 m internal diameter and 6 mm thickness is filled with
water under pressure until volume is increased by 400 x 10 3 mm3. If E = 204 GPa,
Poisson's ratio μ = 0.3, neglecting radial stresses, the hoop stress developed in
the shell will be nearly [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a)†43†MPa†† (b)†38†MPa† † (c)†33†MPa† † (d)†28†MPa†

IES-20. A spherical vessel has 1 m diameter. It is subjected to internal pressure of 1.5

N/ mm2 . If maximum stress is not to exceed 200 N/ mm2 . and joint efficiency is
80%, then the thickness of the plate required is [IES 2022]
(a) 3.20 mm (b) 4.21 mm
(c) 5.22 mm (d) 2.34 mm

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Circumferential or hoop stress

IAS-1. The ratio of circumferential stress to longitudinal stress in a thin cylinder
subjected to internal hydrostatic pressure is: [IAS 1994]†
† (a)†1/2†† † † (b)†1† † † (c)†2†† † † (d)†4†
†
IAS-2. A thin walled water pipe carries water under a pressure of 2 N/mm 2 and
discharges water into a tank. Diameter of the pipe is 25 mm and thickness is 2·5
mm. What is the longitudinal stress induced in the pipe? [IAS-2007]†
† (a)†0† † † (b)†2†N/mm2† † † (c)†5†N/mm2† † (d)†10†N/mm2†
IAS-3. A thin cylindrical shell of mean diameter 750 mm and wall thickness 10 mm has its
ends rigidly closed by flat steel plates. The shell is subjected to internal fluid
pressure of 10 N/mm2 and an axial external pressure P1. If the longitudinal stress
in the shell is to be zero, what should be the approximate value of P 1? [IAS-2007]†
† (a)†8†N/mm2† † †(b)†9†N/mm2† † (c)†10†N/mm2† † (d)†12†N/mm2†

IAS-4. Assertion (A): A thin cylindrical shell is subjected to internal fluid pressure that
induces a 2-D stress state in the material along the longitudinal and
circumferential directions. [IAS-2000]†
Reason(R): The circumferential stress in the thin cylindrical shell is two times the
magnitude of longitudinal stress.
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOT the†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†

IAS-5. Match List-I (Terms used in thin cylinder stress analysis) with List-II
(Mathematical expressions) and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists: [IAS-1998]
List-I List-II
† A.† Hoop†stress† 1.† pd/4t†
† B.† Maximum†shear†stress† 2.† pd/2t†
† C.† Longitudinal†stress† 3.† pd/2σ†
† D.† Cylinder†thickness† 4.† pd/8t†
Codes: A B C D A B C D
† † (a)†† 2†† 3†† 1† 4† (b)†† 2†† 3†† 4† 1†
† † (c)†† 2†† 4†† 3† 1† (d)†† 2†† 4†† 1† 3†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Longitudinal stress
IAS-6. Assertion (A): For a thin cylinder under internal pressure, At least three strain
gauges is needed to know the stress state completely at any point on the shell. †
Reason (R): If the principal stresses directions are not know, the minimum
number of strain gauges needed is three in a biaxial field. [IAS-2001]
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOT the†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†

Maximum shear stress

IAS-7. The maximum shear stress is induced in a thin-walled cylindrical shell having an
internal diameter 'D' and thickness ‘t’ when subject to an internal pressure 'p' is
equal to: [IAS-1996]
† (a)†pD/t† † † (b)†pD/2t† † (c)†pD/4t†† † (d)†pD/8t†

Volumetric strain
IAS-8. Circumferential and longitudinal strains in a cylindrical boiler under internal
steam pressure are 1 and 2 respectively. Change in volume of the boiler

cylinder per unit volume will be: [IES-1993; IAS 2003]†

† (a) 1 +2 2 (b) 2
1 2 (c) 2 1 + 2 (d) 2
1 2 † †

IAS-9. The volumetric strain in case of a thin cylindrical shell of diameter d, thickness t,
subjected to internal pressure p is: [IES-2003; IAS 1997]†
pd pd pd pd
† (a)† .(3 − 2 )† (b)† .( 4 − 3 )† (c) .(5 − 4 )† (d)† .( 4 − 5 )†
2tE 3tE 4tE 4tE
† (Where E = Modulus of elasticity, μ = Poisson's ratio for the shell material)†
IAS-10. A thin cylinder of diameter ‘d’ and thickness 't' is subjected to an internal
pressure 'p' the change in diameter is (where E is the modulus of elasticity and μ
is the Poisson's ratio) [IAS-1998]†

pd 2 pd 2 pd 2 pd 2
† (a)† (2 − ) † (b) (1 + ) †† (c) (2 + ) †(d)† (2 + ) †
4tE 2tE tE 4tE
IAS-11. The percentage change in volume of a thin cylinder under internal pressure
having hoop stress = 200 MPa, E = 200 GPa and Poisson's ratio = 0·25 is:
[IAS-2002]†
† (a)†0.40† † † (b)†0·30†† † (c)†0·25†† † (d)†0·20†
IAS-12. A round bar of length l, elastic modulus E and Poisson's ratio μ is subjected to an
axial pull 'P'. What would be the change in volume of the bar? [IAS-2007]†
Pl Pl (1 − 2 ) Pl Pl
† (a)† † † (b)† †† (c) † (d)† †
(1 − 2 ) E E E E
IAS-13. If a block of material of length 25 cm. breadth 10 cm and height 5 cm undergoes a
volumetric strain of 1/5000, then change in volume will be: [IAS-2000]†
† (a)†0.50†cm3† † (b)†0.25†cm3† † (c)†0.20†cm3† † (d)†0.75†cm3†
†
†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
†

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans.(b)Inner†radius†(r)†=†500†mm†
Thickness†(t)†=†10†mm†
† Internal†pressure†(p)†=†5†MPa†
pr 5 106 500
† Hoop†stress,† c = = Pa = 250 Mpa †
t 10
pr 1 250
GATE-2.Ans. (a)Circumferential†or†Hoop†stress† ( c ) = = = 50MPa †
t 5
pr
† Longitudinal†stress† ( l ) = = 25MPa †
2t
50 106 25 106
† ec = c
− l
= 9
− 0.2 9
= 2.25 10 −4
E E 200 10 200 10 †
GATE-3.Ans. (d)†
GATE-3a.Ans. (c)
GATE-3b. Ans. 9.8 to 10.6
pr 10 100
Maximum principalstress ( 1 )= = = 100
t t
or t = 10 mm
GATE-3c. Ans. 5 mm (Range given 4.5 to 5.5 )
pr pr 0.5 MPa 1000 mm
= Or t = = = 5 mm
t 100 MPa
GATE-3d. Ans. 5
pr
Circumferential stress, c =
t
pr
Axial Stress, l = + 50 MPa
2t
Now, c = l

pr pr
= + 50 MPa
t 2t
or p = 5 MPa
For†correct†calculation†inner†radius†will†be†used.††
GATE-3e. Ans. 4
GATE-3f. Ans: (-0.062 to -0.058 )
For mild steel (ductile material) best theory of failure Von-Mises theory
2
pr
+ − = = =
2 2 y
1 2 1 2 as 1 2
fos 2t
2

or 2
+ 2
− = y

fos †
pr d 500
or = y
or = y p = 4000 kPa = 4 MPa, r = = mm
fos 2t fos 2 2
2t 200 2 10
or fos = y
= =4
pr 4 250
pd pd pd
GATE-4. Ans. (c) c = , l = , Maximum shear stress = c
=
2t 4t 2 4t †

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
GATE-4(i). Ans. 25†
pr 500 2
Maximum†in†plane†shear†stress† max = = = 25MPa
4t 4 10 †
GATE-4(ii) Ans. (c)†
σ1†=†pr/t†=†(2†x†7)/0.05††=†280†MPa†
σ2†=†pr/2t†=†(2†x†7)/(2†x†0.05)†=†140†MPa†
σ3=0†
− 280 − 0
Maximum††shear†stress ( max )= max min
†= = †140 MPa †
2 2
GATE-4iii†Ans.†(A†or†B)†

GATE-5. Ans. (a)Pressure†(P)†=†h g†=†1 1000 10†=†10†kPa†

† Axial†Stress†( a) a 2 Rt = g R2L †
gRL 1000 10 1 1
† or = = = 10 MPa †
1 10−3
a
t
PR 10 1
† Circumferential†Stress( c )= = = 10 MPa †
t 1 10−3
10 10
GATE-6. Ans. (c) a = a
− c
= −3
− 0.3 −3
= 7 10 −5
E E 100 10 100 10 †
GATE-7. Ans. (a)
pd
Hoop†stress†=† †
2t
700 103 2 0.5
= = 14 106 = 14 MPa
2 25 10−3 †
GATE-8.Ans. (a)
GATE-9.Ans.(c)
pr
Hoop†stress,†† † † =
t
pr F
z = −
Longitudinal†stress,† †
2t 2 rt
† Now,†for†pure†shear†state,† z †should†be†compressive†and†is†equal†to† .†
† † † † † =− z †
pr pr F
† † † † † =− + †
t 2t 2 rt
3 pr F
† † † † † = †
2t 2 rt
† † † † † F = 3 pr2 †
GATE-10. Ans. (c) Since†cylinder†is†open†at†both†end.†
† Longitudinal†stress,† 𝜎𝐿 = 0†
𝜈𝜎 𝜈𝑃 𝜈𝑃𝑟
†††††††††††††For†no†leakage,††𝜀𝐿𝑝𝑟 = 𝜀𝐿𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 ,††or†† ℎ = 𝛼∆𝑇,†or†† 𝑟 = 𝛼∆𝑇,††or††∆𝑇 = †
𝐸 𝑡𝐸 𝛼𝑡𝐸

IES
IES-1. Ans. (a)
IES-2. Ans. (c)
pr
IES-3. Ans. (d)Circumferential†strain,† ec = c
− l
= (2 − )†
E E 2Et
pr
† Longitudinal†strain,† el = l
− c
= (1 − 2 )†
E E 2Et

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Pr
IES-4. Ans. (b) longitudinal stress ( l) = †
2t
Pr
hoop stress ( c )=
t
1 c 1 1
† l
− − †
l
= E m E = 2 m = m−2
1 l 1 2m − 1
c c
− 1−
E mE 2m
IES-5. Ans. (d)†Ratio†of†longitudinal†strain†to†circumferential†strain††
1 1
− − 2
l
m
c l
m
l
m−2
† = = = †
1 1 2m − 1
c − l 2 l − l
m m
pr
† Circumferential†strain,† ec = c
− l
= (2 − )†
E E 2Et
pr
† Longitudinal†strain,† el = l
− c
= (1 − 2 )†
E E 2Et
IES-5a. Ans.(d) Given,†D†=†600†mm,†t†=†18†mm,†𝜀ℎ = 255 × 10−6 𝑚𝑚/𝑚𝑚 ,†𝜀𝐿 = 60 × 10−6 𝑚𝑚/𝑚𝑚,††
G†=†77†GPa
𝑝𝑟
† Transverse†strain†is†given†by,† 𝜀ℎ = 2𝑡𝐸 (2 − 𝜇)†
𝑝𝑟
† Longitudinal†strain†is†given†by,† 𝜀𝐿 = (1 − 2𝜇)†
2𝑡𝐸
𝜀ℎ (2−𝜇) 255 (2−𝜇)
† ∴ = (1−2𝜇)†††††or†††††††††† = (1−2𝜇)††or†𝜇 = 0.3†
𝜀𝐿 60
† 𝑁𝑜𝑤 𝐸 = 2𝐺(1 + 𝜇)††=†2× 77(1 + 0.3) = 200.2 𝐺𝑃𝑎†
𝑝𝑟
† Now 𝜀ℎ = 2𝑡𝐸 (2 − 𝜇)†
2𝑡𝐸 255×10−6 ×2×18×200.2×103
p†= 𝜀ℎ ††=† = 3.6 𝑀𝑃𝑎†
𝑟(2−𝜇) 300×1.7
IES-6. Ans. (c)
IES-7.Ans.(a)†Point†'X'†is†subjected†to†circumferential†and†longitudinal†stress,†i.e.†tension†on†all†faces,†
but†there†is†no†shear†stress†because†vessel†is†supported†freely†outside.†
IES-8. Ans. (d)
2 −
† Longitudinal stress = o and hoop stress = 2 o Max. shear stress = o o
= o
†
2 2
IES-8a. Ans. (b)
IES-8b. Ans. (b) Given,†D†=†450†mm,†t†=†7†mm,†𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 40 𝑀𝑃𝑎†
𝑝𝑟 𝑝×225
† Maximum†shear†stress,†𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ††or†40 = 2×7 †
2𝑡
†††††††††††Permissible†air†pressure†in†tank,†p†=†2.489†MPa†
Examiner†ka†dil†ka†arma†samjho..†Jarur†in†plane†Maximum†shear†stress†pucha†
𝑝𝑟 𝑝×225
hai,†𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ††or†40 = †
4𝑡 4×7
Permissible†air†pressure†in†tank,†p†=†5†MPa†

pd 10 100 1000
IES-9. Ans. (d) Hoop stress = or 200 = or t = = 2.5 cm †
2t 2 t 400
1
IES-10. Ans. (a) Circumferential†strain†=† ( 1 − 2 )†
E
Since circumferential stress 1 = 80 MPa and longitudinal stress 2 = 40 MPa
† 1 †
Circumferential strain = 5 6
80 − 0.28 40 106 = 3.44 x10−4
2 10 10

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Pd
IES-11. Ans. (b) Tensile†stress†in†the†pipe†wall†=†Circumferential†stress†in†pipe†wall†=† †
2t
Where, P = gH = 980000N / m2
† 980000 10 †
Tensile stress = −3
= 544.44 10 6 N / m2 = 544.44MN / m 2 = 544.44MPa
2 9 10
IES-12. Ans. (b)Pressure†in†the†main = gh = 1000 10 1000 = 106 N / mm2 = 1000 KPa †
Pd
Hoop stress = c =
† 2t

t=
Pd
=
( )
106 (1)
=
1
m = 20 mm
6
2 c 2 25 10 50
†
IES-12(i). Ans. (b)
IES-12(ii). Ans (c)
IES-13. Ans. (a) Hoopstrain = 1 ( h − l ) = 1
100 − 0.3 50 = 0.425 10−3 †
E 200 1000
IES-14. Ans. (a)
IES-15. Ans. (c)†Volumetric†stream†=†2†×†circumferential†strain†+†longitudinal†strain†
† (Where E = Modulus of elasticity, μ = Poisson's ratio for the shell material)†
IES-15a. Ans . (c )
pD2
V = ´L
4
æp ö
logV = log ç ÷ + log D 2 + log L
è4ø
dV dD dL
ev = =2 +
V D L
ev = 2eCircumferential + e Longitudinal
† †
IES-16. Ans. (c)†Remember†it.†
IES-17. Ans. (a)
IES-17a.Ans. (d)
IES-17b.Ans. (c)†
IES-18. Ans. (c)
IES-19. Ans. (a)
V Pr 3 (1 − )
VolumetricStrain ( V ) = =3 =3 (1 − ) =
V 2tE E
3 3 3
V E 400 10 mm 204 10 MPa
or = = = 42.95 MPa
V 3 (1 − ) 1200 mm 3 (1 − 0.3)
3 3

6
4 3
Note:Volume of sphere = r = d3
3 6
IES-20. Ans. (d)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (c)
IAS-2. Ans. (a) †

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
7502
10
4
IAS-3. Ans. (c)Tensile† longitudinal† stress† due† to† internal† fluid† pressure† ( 1)† t† =† ††
750 10
7502
P1
4
tensile.†Compressive†longitudinal†stress†due†to†external†pressure†p 1†( l)c= †
750 10
compressive.†For†zero†longitudinal†stress†( l)†t†=†( l)c.†

Pr Pr
IAS-4. Ans. (b)For†thin†cell† c = l = †
t 2t
IAS-5. Ans. (d)
IAS-6. Ans.(d)For† thin† cylinder,† variation† of† radial† strain† is† zero.† So† only† circumferential† and†
longitudinal†strain†has†to†measurer†so†only†two†strain†gauges†are†needed.††
IAS-7. Ans. (c)††
IAS-8. Ans. (c)†Volumetric†stream†=†2†x†circumferential†strain†+†longitudinal†strain.†
IAS-9. Ans. (c)Remember†it.†
IAS-10. Ans. (a)
Pr
IAS-11. Ans. (d) Hoop stress ( t )= = 200 106 Pa
t
Pr
Volumetric strain (ev ) = (5 − 4 ) = t (5 − 4 )
2 Et 2E
† 6
†
200 10 2
= ( 5 − 4 0.25) =
2 200 109 1000
IAS-12. Ans. (b)
P
x = , y = 0 and z =0
A
† †
†
or x = x
, y =− x

E E

and z =− x

E
P
or v = x + y + z = x
(1 − 2 ) = (1 − 2 )†
E AE
Pl
V = v V = v . Al = (1 − 2 )
E
Volume change (δV)
IAS-13. Ans. (b) Volumetricstrain( v ) =
Initial volume (V)
1 †
or ( V ) = v V= 25 10 5 = 0.25cm3
5000

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
†

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question GATE-1996
Question: A thin cylinder of 100 mm internal diameter and 5 mm thickness is subjected to
an internal pressure of 10 MPa and a torque of 2000 Nm. Calculate the
magnitudes of the principal stresses. † † † †
Answer:† Given:†d†=†100†mm†=†0.1†m;†t†=†5†mm†=†0.005†m;†D†=†d†+†2t†=†0.1†+†2†x†0.005†=†
† 0.11†m†p†=†10†MPa,†10†x†106N/m2;†T=†2000†Nm.†
pd 10 106 0.1
† Longitudinal†stress,† l = x = = = 50 106 N / m2 = 50MPa †
4t 4 0.005
pd 10 106 0.1
† Circumferential†stress,† c = y = = = 100MPa †
2t 2 0.005
† To†find†the†shear†stress,†using†Torsional†equation,†
T
= , we have
J R
† TR T R 2000 ( 0.05 + 0.005 ) †
= xy = = = = 24.14MPa
J
32
D4 − d4 ( 32
0.114 − 0.14 ) ( )
† Principal†stresses†are:†
2
+ −
+( )
2
, =
x y x y
12 xy
2 2
2
50 + 100 50 − 100
+ ( 24.14 )
2
=
2 2
† = 75 34.75 = 109.75 and 40.25MPa †
1(Major principal stress ) = 109.75MPa;
2 ( min or principal stress ) = 40.25MPa;

Conventional Question IES-2008

Question: A thin cylindrical pressure vessel of inside radius ‘r’ and thickness of metal ‘t’ is
subject to an internal fluid pressure p. What are the values of
(i) Maximum normal stress?
(ii) Maximum shear stress?
p.r
Answer: Circumferential†(Hoop)†stress c = max †
t
p.r
† Longitudinal†stress = †
2t
c p.r
† Therefore†(ii)†Maximum†shear†stress,†( max)†= (in Plane)
2 4t †
c p.r
† and†Maximum†shear†stress,†( max)†= (Out of Plane) †
2 2t
†

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
†

Conventional Question IES-1996

Question: A thin cylindrical vessel of internal diameter d and thickness t is closed at both
ends is subjected to an internal pressure P. How much would be the hoop and
longitudinal stress in the material?
Answer: For†thin†cylinder†we†know†that††
Pd
† Hoop†or†circumferential†stress† σc †
2t
Pd
† And†longitudinal†stress σ = †
4t
† Therefore† σ c 2σ
†

Conventional Question IES-2009

Q. A cylindrical shell has the following dimensions:
Length = 3 m
Inside diameter = 1 m
Thickness of metal = 10 mm
Internal pressure = 1.5 MPa
Calculate the change in dimensions of the shell and the maximum intensity of
shear stress induced. Take E = 200 GPa and Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.3 [15-Marks]

Ans.† † We†can†consider†this†as†a†thin†cylinder.†
1.5 106 1
† † Hoop†stresses,† 1 = −3
= 0.75 108 = 75 MPa †
2 10 10
pd 1.5 106 1
† † Longitudinal†stresses,† 2 = = − 3
= 37.5 106 = 37.5 MPa †
4t 4 10 10
1 Pd
Hoop strain ( 1 ) = E( 1 − v 2) = (2 − v)
4tE
† †
1.5 106 1
= −3 9
( 2 − 0.3) = 0.31875 10−3
4 10 10 200 10
†
† † Change in diameter, d = c d = 1 × 0.31875 × 10−3 m = 0.31875 mm †
pd 37.5 106
Logitudinal strain,2 ( 1 − =
2v ) = (1 − 2 0.3 ) = 7.5 10−5
† † 4tE 200 109 †
−5 −4
Changein length, l = 7.5 10 3 = 2.25 10 m = 0.225 mm
pd 1.5 106 1
Maximum shear†stress, = = = 18.75 MPa (in− Plane )
8t 8 10 10 −3
max
†
pd 1.5 106 1 †
= = = 37.5 MPa (Out of Plane )
4t 4 10 10 −3
max

† † †

† †

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 Chapter-3 Thin Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Conventional Question IES-1998
Question: A thin cylinder with closed ends has an internal diameter of 50 mm and a wall
thickness of 2.5 mm. It is subjected to an axial pull of 10 kN and a torque of 500
Nm while under an internal pressure of 6 MN/m2
(i) Determine the principal stresses in the tube and the maximum shear stress.
(ii) Represent the stress configuration on a square element taken in the load
direction with direction and magnitude indicated; (schematic).†
Answer:† Given:†d†=†50†mm†=†0.05†m†D†=†d†+†2t†=†50†+†2†x†2.5†=†55†mm†=†0.055†m;†
† Axial†pull,†P†=†10†kN;†T=†500†Nm;†p†=†6MPa†
† (i)†Principal†stresses†( 1 2 , )†in†the†tube†and†the†maximum†shear†stress†( t max )†
pd P 6 106 0.05 10 103
= + = + = 55.5MPa
2.5 10−3 0.05 2.5 10−3
x
4t dt 4
† †
pd 6 106 0.05
= = = 60MPa
10−3
y
2t 2 2.5
† Principal†stresses†are†
+ −
, = + − − − (1)
x y x y 2
12 xy
2 2
T
† Us e Torsional equation, = − − − (i ) †
J R
Polar moment of Inertia ( J) =
32
(D 4
)
− d4 =
32
( 0.055 )
4
− ( 0.05 )
4
= 2.848 10 −7 m 4

† Substituting the values in (i ) , we get †

500
=
2.848 10−7 ( 0.055 / 2 )
† †
or =
500 ( 0.055 / 2) = 48.28MPa
2.848 10−7
† Now,†substituting†the†various†values†in†eqn.†(i),†we†have†
55.5 + 60 55.5 − 60
+ ( 48.28 )
2
1 2 , =
2 2

†
= 106.08MPa, 9.42MPa †
Principal stresses are : 1 = 106.08MPa; 2 = 9.42MPa
106.08
Maximum shear stress, max = 1
= = 53.04MPa(Out of Plane)
2 2
† (ii) Stress configuration on a square element †

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 4. Theories of Failure

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

1. Introduction
• Failure: Every material has certain strength, expressed in terms of stress or strain, beyond which

it fractures or fails to carry the load.

• Failure Criterion: A criterion used to hypothesize the failure.

• Failure Theory: A Theory behind a failure criterion.

Why Need Failure Theories?

• To design structural components and calculate margin of safety.

• To guide in materials development.

• To determine weak and strong directions.

Failure Mode
• Yielding: a process of global permanent plastic deformation. Change in the geometry of the object.

• Low stiffness: excessive elastic deflection.

• Fracture: a process in which cracks grow to the extent that the component breaks apart.

• Buckling: the loss of stable equilibrium. Compressive loading can lead to bucking in columns.

• Creep: a high-temperature effect. Load carrying capacity drops.

Failure Modes:
Excessive elastic Yielding Fracture
deformation
1. Stretch, twist, or • Plastic deformation at room • Sudden fracture of brittle
bending temperature materials
2. Buckling • Creep at elevated • Fatigue (progressive fracture)
temperatures • Stress rupture at elevated
3. Vibration • Yield stress is the important temperatures
design factor • Ultimate stress is the
important design factor

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
2. Maximum Principal Stress Theory
(W. Rankin’s Theory- 1850) – Brittle Material
The maximum principal stress criterion:
• Rankin stated max principal stress theory as follows- a material fails by fracturing when the
largest principal stress exceeds the ultimate strength σ u in a simple tension test. That is, at the
onset of fracture, |σ1| = σu OR |σ3| = σu
• Crack will start at the most highly stressed point in a brittle material when the largest principal
stress at that point reaches σu
• Criterion has good experimental verification, even though it assumes ultimate strength is same
in compression and tension

Failure surface according to maximum principal stress theory

• This theory of yielding has very poor agreement with experiment. However, the theory has been
used successfully for brittle materials.
• Used to describe fracture of brittle materials such as cast iron
• Limitations
o Doesn’t distinguish between tension or compression
o Doesn’t depend on orientation of principal planes so only applicable to isotropic materials
• Generalization to 3-D stress case is easy:

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
3. Maximum Shear Stress or Stress difference theory
(Guest’s or Tresca’s Theory-1868)- Ductile Material
The Tresca Criterion:
• Also known as the Maximum Shear Stress criterion.
• Yielding will occur when the maximum shear stress reaches that which caused yielding in a
simple tension test.
• Recall that yielding of a material occurred by slippage between planes oriented at 45° to principal
stresses. This should indicate to you that yielding of a material depends on the maximum shear
stress in the material rather than the maximum normal stress.

If 1 2 3 Then 1 − 3 = y

• Failure by slip (yielding) occurs when the maximum shearing stress, max exceeds the yield stress

f
as determined in a uniaxial tension test.

• This theory gives satisfactory result for ductile material.

Failure surface according to maximum shear stress theory

4. Strain Energy Theory (Haigh’s Theory)

The theory associated with Haigh
This theory is based on the assumption that strains are recoverable up to the elastic limit, and the energy
absorbed by the material at failure up to this point is a single valued function independent of the stress
system causing it. The strain energy per unit volume causing failure is equal to the strain energy at the
elastic limit in simple tension.
2
1
U= 2
1 + 2
2 + 2
3 −2 ( 1 2 + 2 3 + 3 1) =
y

2E 2E
2
1 + 2
2 + 2
3 −2 ( 1 2 + 2 3 + 3 1 )= 2
y For 3D- stress
2
1 + 2
2 −2 1 2 = 2
y For 2D- stress

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
5. Shear Strain Energy Theory (Distortion Energy Theory or Mises-Henky
Theory or Von-Misses Theory)-Ductile Material
Von-Mises Criterion:
• Also known as the Maximum Energy of Distortion criterion
• Based on a more complex view of the role of the principal stress differences.
• In simple terms, the von Mises criterion considers the diameters of all three Mohr’s circles as
contributing to the characterization of yield onset in isotropic materials.
• When the criterion is applied, its relationship to the uniaxial tensile yield strength is:

• For a state of plane stress ( 3 =0)

1
2
− 1 2 + 2
2
= 2
y

• It is often convenient to express this as an equivalent stress, e:

1 1/2
e ( 1 2 )2 ( 2 3 )2 ( 3 1 )2
2
1 1/2
or e ( x y )2 ( y z )2 ( x z )2 6( 2
xy
2
yz
2
zx )
2
• In formulating this failure theory we used generalized Hooke's law for an isotropic material so
the theory given is only applicable to those materials but it can be generalized to anisotropic
materials.
• The von Mises theory is a little less conservative than the Tresca theory but in most cases there
is little difference in their predictions of failure. Most experimental results tend to fall on or
between these two theories.
• It gives very good result in ductile material.

OCTAHEDRAL SHEAR STRESS CRITERION (VON MISES)

Octahedral Shear Stress Criterion ( Von Mises)

Since hydrostatic stress alone does not cause yielding, we can find a material plane called the octahedral
plane, where the stress state can be decoupled into dilation strain energy and distortion strain energy.
On the octahedral plane, the octahedral normal stress solely contributes to the dilation strain energy and
the distortion strain energy in the state of stress is determined by the octahedral shear stress

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s

State of stress Octahedral normal stress Octahedral Shear Stress

+ +
Octahedral normal stress ( oct )= 1 2 3
3
1
Octahedral shear stress ( oct ) = ( ) +( ) +( )
2 2 2
1 − 2 2 − 3 3 − 1
3
Octahedral stress criterion oct Yield for no failure.

1
( − 0) + (0 − 0) + (0 − ) 2
2 2 2
For Yield = y y = y = 0.471 y
3 3
Now oct Yield

1 2
( ) +( ) +( )
2 2 2
or 1 − 2 2 − 3 3 − 1 y
3 3
1
( ) +( ) +( )
2 2 2
or 1 − 2 2 − 3 3 − 1 y
[exactly same as Von-Mises]
2

But Maximum octahedral shear stress

2
octYield = y = 0.471 y .......for Uni-axial Stress
3

octYield = y
= 0.577 y .......for Pure Shear stress
3

6. Maximum Principal Strain Theory (St. Venant Theory)

According to this theory, yielding will occur when the maximum principal strain just exceeds the strain
at the tensile yield point in either simple tension or compression. If ε1 and ε2 are maximum and minimum
principal strains corresponding to σ1 and σ2, in the limiting case

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s

7. Mohr’s theory- Brittle Material

Mohr’s Theory
• Mohr’s theory is used to predict the fracture of a material having different properties in tension
and compression. Criterion makes use of Mohr’s circle
• In Mohr’s circle, we note that τ depends on σ, or = f(σ). Note the vertical line PC represents
states of stress on planes with same σ but differing , which means the weakest plane is the one
with maximum , point P.
• Points on the outer circle are the weakest planes. On these planes the maximum and minimum
principal stresses are sufficient to decide whether or not failure will occur.
• Experiments are done on a given material to determine the states of stress that result in failure.
Each state defines a Mohr’s circle. If the data are obtained from simple tension, simple
compression, and pure shear, the three resulting circles are adequate to construct an envelope
(AB & A’B’)
• Mohr’s envelope thus represents the locus of all possible failure states.

Higher shear stresses are to the left of origin, since most brittle materials have higher strength in
compression

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
8. Comparison
A comparison among the different failure theories can be made by superposing the yield surfaces as shown
in figure

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Maximum Shear stress or Stress Difference Theory

GATE-1. Match 4 correct pairs between list I and List II for the questions [GATE-1994]
List-I List-II
(a) Hooke's law 1. Planetary motion
(b) St. Venant's law 2. Conservation Energy
(c) Kepler's laws 3. Elasticity
(d) Tresca's criterion 4. Plasticity
(e) Coulomb's laws 5. Fracture
(f) Griffith's law 6. Inertia

GATE-2. Which theory of failure will you use for aluminium components under steady
loading? [GATE-1999]
(a) Principal stress theory (b) Principal strain theory
(c) Strain energy theory (d) Maximum shear stress theory

GATE-2a. An axially loaded bar is subjected to a normal stress of 173 MPa. The shear stress
in the bar is [CE: GATE-2007]
(a) 75 MPa (b) 86.5 MPa (c) 100 MPa (d) 122.3 MPa

GATE-2b. A machine element is subjected to the following bi-axial state of stress; σx = 80 MPa;
σy = 20 MPa xy = 40 MPa. If the shear strength of the material is 100 MPa, the factor
of safety as per Tresca’s maximum shear stress theory is [GATE-2015]
(a) 1.0 (b) 2.0 (c) 2.5 (d) 3.3

GATE-2c. The principal stresses at a point in a critical section of a machine component are σ1
= 60 MPa, σ2 = 5 MPa and σ3 = - 40 MPa. For the material of the component, the
tensile yield strength is σy = 200 MPa. According to the maximum shear stress
theory, the factor of safety is____________. [GATE-2017]
(a) 1.67 (b) 2.00 (c) 3.6 (d) 4.00

GATE-2d. At a critical point in a component, the state of stress is given as σ x x = 100

MPa, σ yy = 220 MPa, σ xy = σyx = 80 MPa and all other stress components are zero.
The yield strength of the material is 468 MPa. The factor of safety on the basis of
maximum shear stress theory is _______ (round off to one decimal place).
[GATE-2019]

GATE-2e. The Mohr's circle of plane stress

for a point in a body is shown. The
design is to be done on the basis
of the maximum shear stress
theory for yielding. Then,
yielding will just begin if the
designer chooses a ductile
material whose yield strength is:
(a) 45 MPa (b) 50 MPa
(c) 90 MPa (d) 100 MPa [GATE-2005]

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
GATE-2f. A thin-walled spherical pressure vessel has a mean radius of 500 mm and wall
thickness of 10 mm. The yield strength of the material is 500 MPa. The internal
pressure in MPa at which the spherical pressure vessel will yield according to the
Tresca criterion is ____________ (rounded off to one decimal place)[XE: GATE-2022 ]

GATE-2g. A shaft AC rotating at a constant speed carries a thin pulley of radius r = 0.4 m at
the end C which drives a belt. A motor is coupled at the end A of the shaft such that
it applies a torque Mz about the shaft axis without causing any bending moment.
The shaft is mounted on narrow frictionless bearings at A and B where AB = BC =
L = 0.5 m. The taut and slack side tensions of the belt are T 1 = 300 N and T2 = 100 N,
respectively. The allowable shear stress for the shaft material is 80 MPa. The self-
weights of the pulley and the shaft are negligible. Use the value of available in
the on-screen virtual calculator. Neglecting shock and fatigue loading and
assuming maximum shear stress theory, the minimum required shaft diameter is
________ mm (round off to 2 decimal places).
[GATE- 2022 Set-2]

Shear Strain Energy Theory (Distortion energy theory)

GATE-3. According to Von-Mises' distortion energy theory, the distortion energy under three
dimensional stress state is represented by [GATE-2006]

GATE-3b. The Von Mises stress at a point in a body subjected to forces is proportional to the
square root of the
(a) distortional strain energy per unit volume
(b) dilatational strain energy per unit volume
(c) plastic strain energy per unit volume
(d) total strain energy per unit volume [GATE-2021]

GATE-4. A small element at the critical section of a component is in a bi-axial state of stress
with the two principal stresses being 360 MPa and 140 MPa. The maximum working
stress according to Distortion Energy Theory is:
[GATE-1997]
(a) 220 MPa (b) 110 MPa (c) 314 MPa (d) 330 MPa

GATE-4a. In a metal forming operation when the material has just started yielding, the
principal stresses are σ1 = +180 MPa, σ2 = -100 MPa, σ3 = 0. Following von Mises'
criterion, the yield stress is ________________ MPa. [GATE-2017]

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s

GATE-4b. A shaft is subjected to pure torsional moment. The maximum shear stress developed
in the shaft is 100 MPa. The yield and ultimate strengths of the shaft material in
tension are 300 MPa and 450 MPa, respectively. The factor of safety using maximum
distortion energy (von-Mises)theory is ……….. [GATE-2014]

GATE-5. The homogeneous state of stress for a metal part undergoing plastic deformation is
10 5 0
T = 5 20 0
0 0 −10
where the stress component values are in MPa. Using von Mises yield criterion, the
value of estimated shear yield stress, in MPa is
(a) 9.50 (b) 16.07 (c) 28.52 (d) 49.41 [GATE-2012]

GATE-5(i) The uni-axial yield stress of a material is 300 MPa. According to Von Mises criterion,
the shear yield stress (in MPa) of the material is _____ [GATE-2015]

GATE-6. Match the following criteria of material failure, under biaxial stresses 1 and 2

and yield stress y , with their corresponding graphic representations:

[GATE-2011]
P. Maximum-normal-stress criterion L.
2
y

– y y
1

– y

Q. Minimum-distortion-energy criterion M.
2

– y y
1

– y
R. Maximum shear-stress criterion N.
2

– y y
1

– y

(a) P – M, Q – L, R – N (b) P – N, Q – M, R – L
(c) P – M, Q – N, R – L (d) P – N, Q – L, R – M

GATE-7. Consider the two states of stress as shown in configurations I and II in the figure
below. From the standpoint of distortion energy (von-Mises) criterion, which one of the
following statements is true? [GATE-2014]

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s

I II

(a) I yields after II (b) II yields after I

(c) Both yield simultaneously (d) Nothing can be said about their relative yielding

GATE-8. Which one of following is NOT correct? [GATE-2014]

(a) Intermediate principal stress is ignored when applying the maximum principal stress theory
(b) The maximum shear stress theory gives the most accurate results amongst all the failure
theories
(c) As per the maximum strain energy theory, failure occurs when the strain energy per unit
volume exceeds a critical value
(d) As per the maximum distortion energy theory, failure occurs when the distortion energy per
unit volume exceeds a critical value
GATE-9. A structural member under loading has a uniform state of plane stress which in usual
notations is given by 𝝈𝒙 = 𝟑𝑷, 𝝈𝒚 = −𝟐𝑷, and 𝝉𝒙𝒚 = √𝟐𝑷, , where P > 0. The yield strength
of the material is 350 MPa. If the member is designed using the maximum distortion
energy theory, then the value of P at which yielding starts (according to the maximum
distortion energy theory) is
(a) 70 MPa
(b) 90 MPa [GATE- 2022 Set-2]
(c) 120 MPa
(d) 75 MPa

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Maximum Principal Stress Theory

IES-1. Match List-I (Theory of Failure) with List-II (Predicted Ratio of Shear Stress to
Direct Stress at Yield Condition for Steel Specimen) and select the correct answer
using the code given below the Lists: [IES-2006]
List-I List-II
A. Maximum shear stress theory 1. 1·0
B. Maximum distortion energy theory 2. 0·577
C. Maximum principal stress theory 3. 0·62
D. Maximum principal strain theory 4. 0·50
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 4 3 (b) 4 3 1 2
(c) 1 3 4 2 (d) 4 2 1 3
IES-2. From a tension test, the yield strength of steel is found to be 200 N/mm 2. Using a
factor of safety of 2 and applying maximum principal stress theory of failure, the
permissible stress in the steel shaft subjected to torque will be: [IES-2000]
(a) 50 N/mm2 (b) 57.7 N/mm2 (c) 86.6. N/mm2 (d) 100 N/mm2

IES-3. A circular solid shaft is subjected to a bending moment of 400 kNm and a twisting
moment of 300 kNm. On the basis of the maximum principal stress theory, the direct
stress is σ and according to the maximum shear stress theory, the shear stress is
. The ratio σ/ is: [IES-2000]
1 3 9 11
(a ) ( b) ( c) (d )
5 9 5 6
IES-4. Which of the following is applied to brittle materials? [ISRO-2015]

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
(a) Maximum principal stress theory (b) Maximum principal strain theory
(c) Maximum strain energy theory (d) Maximum shear stress theory

IES-5. Design of shafts made of brittle materials is based on [IES-1993]

(a) Guest's theory (b) Rankine’s theory (c) St. Venant's theory (d) Von Mises theory

IES-5a Assertion (A): A cast iron specimen shall fail due to shear when subjected to a compressive
load. [IES-2010]
Reason (R): Shear strength of cast iron in compression is more than half its compressive
strength.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Maximum Shear stress or Stress Difference Theory

IES-6. If the principal stresses corresponding to a two-dimensional state of stress are 1

and 2 is greater than 2 and both are tensile, then which one of the following
would be the correct criterion for failure by yielding, according to the maximum
shear stress criterion? [IES-1993]

(a)
( 1 − 2 )= yp
(b) 1
= yp
(c ) 2
= yp
(d ) = 2
1 yp
2 2 2 2 2 2

IES-6(i). Which one of the following figures represents the maximum shear stress theory or
Tresca criterion? [IES-1999]

IES-7. According to the maximum shear stress theory of failure, permissible twisting
moment in a circular shaft is 'T'. The permissible twisting moment will the same
shaft as per the maximum principal stress theory of failure will be:
[IES-1998: ISRO-2008]
(a) T/2 (b) T (c) 2T (d) 2T

IES-8. Permissible bending moment in a circular shaft under pure bending is M according
to maximum principal stress theory of failure. According to maximum shear stress
theory of failure, the permissible bending moment in the same shaft is:[IES-1995]
(a) 1/2 M (b) M (c) 2M (d) 2M

IES-9. A rod having cross-sectional area 100 x 10- 6 m2 is subjected to a tensile load. Based
on the Tresca failure criterion, if the uniaxial yield stress of the material is 200 MPa,
the failure load is: [IES-2001]
(a) 10 kN (b) 20 kN (c) 100 kN (d) 200 kN

IES-10. A cold roller steel shaft is designed on the basis of maximum shear stress theory.
The principal stresses induced at its critical section are 60 MPa and - 60 MPa

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
respectively. If the yield stress for the shaft material is 360 MPa, the factor of safety
of the design is: [IES-2002]
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6

IES-11. A shaft is subjected to a maximum bending stress of 80 N/mm 2 and maximum

shearing stress equal to 30 N/mm2 at a particular section. If the yield point in
tension of the material is 280 N/mm2, and the maximum shear stress theory of
failure is used, then the factor of safety obtained will be: [IES-1994]
(a) 2.5 (b) 2.8 (c) 3.0 (d) 3.5

IES-12. For a two-dimensional state stress ( 1 2 , 1 0, 2 0 ) the designed values are

most conservative if which one of the following failure theories were used?
[IES-1998]
(a) Maximum principal strain theory (b) Maximum distortion energy theory
(c) Maximum shear stress theory (d) Maximum principal stress theory
IES-12(i). Which one of the following static loading failure theories is used for ductile
materials? [IES 2022]
(a) Maximum shear stress theory (b) Maximum normal stress theory
(c) Coulomb-Mohr theory (d) Modified Mohr theory

Shear Strain Energy Theory (Distortion energy theory)

IES-13. Who postulated the maximum distortion energy theory? [IES-2008]
(a) Tresca (b) Rankine (c) St. Venant (d) Mises-Henky

IES-14. Who postulated the maximum distortion energy theory? [IES-2008]

(a) Tresca (b) Rankine (c) St. Venant (d) Mises-Henky

IES-15. The maximum distortion energy theory of failure is suitable to predict the failure
of which one of the following types of materials? [IES-2004]
(a) Brittle materials (b) Ductile materials (c) Plastics (d) Composite materials

IES-16. If σy is the yield strength of a particular material, then the distortion energy theory
is expressed as [IES-1994]
( − ) +( − ) +( − ) =2
2 2 2 2
(a) 1 2 2 3 3 1 y

(b) ( 2
1 − 2
2 + 2
3 )−2 ( 1 2 + 2 3 + 3 1 )= 2
y

( 1 − 2) +( − ) +( 3 − 1) =3
2 2 2 2
(c) 2 3 y

(d) (1 − 2 )( 1 + + 3 ) = 2 (1 + )
2 2
2 y

IES-17. If a shaft made from ductile material is subjected to combined bending and twisting
moments, calculations based on which one of the following failure theories would
give the most conservative value? [IES-1996]
(a) Maximum principal stress theory (b) Maximum shear stress theory.
(d Maximum strain energy theory (d)Maximum distortion energy theory.

IES-17a. The theory of failure used in designing the ductile materials in a most accurate
way is by [IES-2019 Pre.]
1. maximum principal stress theory
2. distortion energy theory
3. maximum strain the ory
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 only (c) 2 only (d) 3 only

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
Maximum Principal Strain Theory
IES-18. Match List-I (Failure theories) with List-II (Figures representing boundaries of
these theories) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
[IES-1997]
List-I List-II
A. Maximum principal stress
theory

B. Maximum shear stress theory

C. Maximum octahedral stress

theory

D. Maximum shear strain energy

theory

Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 2 4 3 1
(c) 4 2 3 1 (d) 2 4 1 3

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Maximum Principal Stress Theory

IAS-1. For 1 2 and σ3 = 0, what is the physical boundary for Rankine failure theory?
[IAS-2004]
(a) A rectangle (b) An ellipse (c) A square (d) A parabola

Shear Strain Energy Theory (Distortion energy theory)

IAS-2. Consider the following statements: [IAS-2007]
1. Experiments have shown that the distortion-energy theory gives an accurate
prediction about failure of a ductile component than any other theory of failure.
2. According to the distortion-energy theory, the yield strength in shear is less
than the yield strength in tension.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

IAS-3. Consider the following statements: [IAS-2003]

1. Distortion-energy theory is in better agreement for predicting the failure of
ductile materials.
2. Maximum normal stress theory gives good prediction for the failure of brittle
materials.
3. Module of elasticity in tension and compression are assumed to be different
stress analysis of curved beams.

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3

IAS-4. Which one of the following graphs represents Mises yield criterion? [IAS-1996]

Maximum Principal Strain Theory

IAS-5. Given that the principal stresses 1 2 3 and σe is the elastic limit stress in
simple tension; which one of the following must be satisfied such that the elastic
failure does not occur in accordance with the maximum principal strain theory?
[IAS-2004]

(a) e 1
− 2
− 3
(b) e 1
− 2
− 3
E E E E E E E E

(c) e 1
+ 2
+ 3
(d) e 1
+ 2
− 3
E E E E E E E E

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans. (a) - 3, (c) -1, (d) -5, (e) -2
St. Venant's law: Maximum principal strain theory
GATE-2. Ans. (d) Aluminium is a ductile material so use maximum shear stress theory
GATE-2a. Ans. (b)
− 2
Shear stress = 1
2
173 − 0
Shear stress = = 86.5 MPa
2
GATE-2b. Ans. (b)
2 2
80 + 20 80 − 20 80 + 20 80 − 20
1 = + + 402 = 100 and 2 = − + 402 = 0
2 2 2 2
− 100 − 0 100
max = 1 2
= = 50 FOS = =2
2 2 50
GATE-2c. Ans. (b)
GATE-2d. Ans. 1.8
GATE-2e. Ans. (d) Like stress = 1 /2
GATE-2f. Ans. (19 to 21)
GATE-2g. Ans. (23.60 to 24.20)
GATE-3. Ans. (c)
1
( 1 − 2 ) + ( 2 − 3 ) + ( 3 − 1 ) Where E = 2G(1 + ) simplify and get result.
2 2 2
Vs =
12G
GATE-3b. Ans. (a)
According to Von Mises theory or Maximum distortion energy theory
Distortion energy absorbed per unit volume of material

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
𝟏+𝝁
𝒖𝒅 = ( ) (𝝈𝟐𝟏 + 𝝈𝟐𝟐 + 𝝈𝟐𝟑 − 𝝈𝟏 𝝈𝟐 − 𝝈𝟐 𝝈𝟑 − 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 )
𝟑𝑬
Distortion energy absorbed per unit volume of material under uni-axial state of
stress at the time of yielding
𝟏+𝝁
𝒖𝒅𝒚 = ( ) (𝝈𝟐𝒚 + 𝟎 + 𝟎 − 𝟎 − 𝟎 − 𝟎)
𝟑𝑬
According to von Mises Theory
𝒖𝒅 ≤ 𝒖𝒅𝒚
𝟏+𝝁 𝟏+𝝁
𝒐𝒓 ( ) (𝝈𝟐𝟏 + 𝝈𝟐𝟐 + 𝝈𝟐𝟑 − 𝝈𝟏 𝝈𝟐 − 𝝈𝟐 𝝈𝟑 − 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 ) ≤ ( ) (𝝈𝟐𝒚 + 𝟎 + 𝟎 − 𝟎 − 𝟎 − 𝟎)
𝟑𝑬 𝟑𝑬
or √(𝝈𝟐𝟏 + 𝝈𝟐𝟐 + 𝝈𝟐𝟑 − 𝝈𝟏 𝝈𝟐 − 𝝈𝟐 𝝈𝟑 − 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 ) ≤ 𝝈𝒚
or 𝝈𝒆 ≤ 𝝈𝒚
Where 𝝈𝒆 is equivalent stress or Von Mises effective stress
GATE-4. Ans. (c) According to distortion energy theory if maximum stress (σ t) then
or t2 = 12 + 22 − 1 2
or 2
t = 3602 + 1402 − 360 140
or t = 314 MPa
GATE-4a. Ans. Ans. (range 245 to 246)
300 173.2
= = = 173.2 MPa fos = = = 1.732
y y
GATE-4b. Ans. 1.7 to 1.8 Exp. y
3 3 100
GATE-5. Ans. (b)
We know that equivalent stress ( e )
( ) +( ) +( + 6( )
1
)
2 2
= − − − + +
2 2 2 2
x y y z z x xy yz zx
2
+ ( 20 − ( −10 ) ) + ( −10 − 20 ) + 6 ( 52 + 0 + 0 )
1
(10 − 20 )
2
=
2 2

2
= 27.84 MPa

Therefore Yield shear stress ( )= 27.84

= = = 16.07 MPa
y e
y
3 3 3
y
GATE-5(i) Ans. 173.28 = = 0.577 y = 173.28 MPa
3
GATE-6. Ans. (c)
GATE-7. Ans. (c) Von-Mises theory doesn’t depends on the orientation of planes.
GATE-8. Ans. (b) The maximum shear stress theory gives the most conservative results but the Von-
Mises theory gives the most accurate results for ductile materials.

GATE-9. Ans. (a)

IES-1. Ans. (d)
IES-2. Ans. (d)For pure shear x

IES-3. Ans. (c)

16
(
= 3 M + M2 + T 2
d
) and =
16
d3
( M2 + T 2 )
M + M2 + T2 4 + 42 + 32 9
Therefore = = =
M +T
2 2
4 +32 2 5
IES-4. Ans. (a)
IES-5. Ans. (b)Rankine's theory or maximum principle stress theory is most commonly used for brittle
materials.
IES-5a Ans. (d) A cast iron specimen shall fail due to crushing when subjected to a compressive load.
A cast iron specimen shall fail due to tension when subjected to a tensile load.
IES-6. Ans. (b)
IES-6(i). Ans. (b)
16T
= =
yt
IES-7. Ans.(d) Given 3
principal stresses for only this shear stressare
d 2

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
1,2 = 2
= maximum principal stress theory of failure gives
16 ( 2T )
max[ 1, 2 ]= yt =
d3
IES-8. Ans. (b) =
16
d3 (
M + M2 + T 2 ) 16
and
d3
= (
M2 + T 2 put T = 0 )
32M
32M 16M d3 16M
= = = = = ThereforeM = M
yt
or yt and
d3 d3
2 2 d3
IES-9. Ans. (b) Tresca failure criterion is maximum shear stress theory.
P sin 2 P
Weknow that, = = =
yt
or max or P yt A
A 2 2A 2
IES-10. Ans. (b)
80 − 0
2

IES-11. Ans. (b) Maximum shear stress = + 302 = 50 N/mm 2

2
280
According to maximum shear stress theory, = y
; F .S . = = 2.8
2 2 50
IES-12. Ans. (c)

Graphical comparison of different failure theories

Above diagram shows that 1 0, 2 0 will occur at 4th quadrant and most conservative
design will be maximum shear stress theory.
IES-12(i). Ans. (a)
IES-13. Ans. (d)
IES-14. Ans. (d)
Maximum shear stress theory → Tresca
Maximum principal stress theory → Rankine
Maximum principal strain theory → St. Venant
Maximum shear strain energy theory → Mises – Henky
IES-15. Ans. (b)
IES-16. Ans. (a)
IES-17. Ans. (b)

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s

IES-17a. Ans . (c ) Maximum distortion energy theory is the best theory of failure for safe and
economic design of ductile material components.
IES-18. Ans. (d)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (c) Rankine failure theory or
Maximum principle stress theory.

= = 0.577
y
IAS-2. Ans. (c) y y
3
IAS-3. Ans. (b)
IAS-4. Ans. (d)
IAS-5. Ans. (b)Strain at yield point>principal strain
e 1
− 2
− 3

E E E E

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question ESE-2010
Q. The stress state at a point in a body is plane with
σ1 = 60N / mm 2 & σ 2 = −36N / mm 2
If the allowable stress for the material in simple tension or compression is
100 N/mm2 calculate the value of factor of safety with each of the following
criteria for failure
(i) Max Stress Criteria
(ii) Max Shear Stress Criteria
(iii) Max strain criteria
(iv) Max Distortion energy criteria [10 Marks]

Ans. The stress at a point in a body is plane

1 = 60 N / mm2 2 = −36 N / mm2
Allowable stress for the material in simple tension or compression is 100 N/mm2

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
Find out factor of safety for
(i) Maximum stress Criteria : - In this failure point occurs when max principal stress reaches the
limiting strength of material.
Therefore. Let F.S factor of safety

=
( allowable )
1
F.S
100 N / mm2
F.S = = 1.67 Ans.
60 N / mm2
(ii) Maximum Shear stress criteria : - According to this failure point occurs at a point in a
member when maximum shear stress reaches to shear at yield point

max = yt
yt = 100 N / mm2
2 F.S
− 60 + 36 96
max = 1 2
= = = 48 N / mm2
2 2 2
100
48 =
2 F.S
100 100
F.S = = = 1.042
2 48 96
F.S = 1.042 Ans.
(iv) Maximum Distortion energy criteria ! – In this failure point occurs at a point in a
member when distortion strain energy per unit volume in a bi – axial system reaches the
limiting distortion strain energy at the of yield
2

+ − =
2 2 yt
1 2 1 2
F.S
2
100
60 + ( 36 )
2
2
− 60 −36 =
F.S
F.S = 1.19

Conventional Question ESE-2006

Question: A mild steel shaft of 50 mm diameter is subjected to a beading moment of 1.5 kNm
and torque T. If the yield point of steel in tension is 210 MPa, find the maximum
value of the torque without causing yielding of the shaft material according to
(i) Maximum principal stress theory
(ii) Maximum shear stress theory.
32M
Answer: We know that, Maximum bending stress (σb )
πd 3
16T
and Maximum shear stress ( )
πd 3
Principal stresses are given by:
σb σb
2
16
σ1,2 2
M M2 T2
2 2 πd 3

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
(i ) According to Maximum principal stress theory
Maximum principal stress=Maximum stress at elastic limit y

16
or M M2 T2 210 106
d3
16
or 3
1500 15002 T2 210 106
0.050
or T = 3332 Nm = 3.332 kNm
( ii ) According to Maximum shear stress theory
σ1 σ 2 σ y
max
2 2
or , σ1 σ2 σy
16
or , 2× M2 T2 210 10 6
πd3
or , T = 2096 N m = 2.096 kNm

Conventional Question ESE-2005

Question: Illustrate the graphical comparison of following theories of failures for two-
dimensional stress system:
(i) Maximum normal stress theory
(ii) Maximum shear stress theory
(iii) Distortion energy theory
Answer:

Conventional Question ESE-2004

Question: State the Von- Mises's theory. Also give the naturally expression.
Answer: According to this theory yielding would occur when total distortion energy absorbed per unit
volume due to applied loads exceeds the distortion energy absorbed per unit volume at the
tensile yield point. The failure criterion is
2 2 2
σ1 σ2 σ2 σ3 σ3 σ1 2σ 2y
[symbols has usual meaning]

Conventional Question ESE-2002

Question: Derive an expression for the distortion energy per unit volume for a body
subjected to a uniform stress state, given by the σ1 and σ 2 with the third principal
stress 3 being zero.

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
Answer: According to this theory yielding would occur when total distortion energy absorbed per unit
volume due to applied loads exceeds the distortion energy absorbed per unit volume at the
tensile yield point. Total strain energy ET and strain energy for volume change EV can be
given as

Substituting strains in terms of stresses the distortion energy can be given as

At the tensile yield point, σ1 = σy , σ2 = σ3 = 0 which gives

The failure criterion is thus obtained by equating Ed and Edy , which gives

In a 2-D situation if σ3 = 0, the criterion reduces to

Conventional Question GATE-1996

Question: A cube of 5mm side is loaded as shown in figure below.
(i) Determine the principal stresses σ1 ,σ2 ,σ3 .
(ii) Will the cube yield if the yield strength of the material is 70 MPa? Use Von-
Mises theory.
Answer: Yield strength of the material et = 70 MPa = 70 MN/m2 or 70 N/mm2.

i Principal stress ,
1 2 , 3 :
2000 1000
x 80 N/mm2 ; y 40 N/mm2
5 5 5 5
500 800
z 20 N/mm2 ; xy 32 N/mm2
5 5 5 5
2
x y x y 2 80 40 80 40 2
xy 32
2 2 2 2
2 2
60 20 32 97.74, 22.26

1 97.74N/mm2 , or 97.74 MPa

and 2 22.96N/mm2 or 22.96 MPa
3 z 20N/mm2 or 22 MPa

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
ii Will the cube yieldor not?
According to Von-Mises yield criteria, yielding will occur if
2 2 2 2
1 2 2 3 3 1 2 yt
2 2 2
Now 1 2 2 3 3 1
2 2 2
97.74 22.96 22.96 20 20 97.74
11745.8 i
2 2
and, 2 yt 2 70 9800 ii
Since 11745.8 > 9800 so yielding will occur.

Conventional Question GATE-1995

Question: A thin-walled circular tube of wall thickness t and mean radius r is subjected to
an axial load P and torque T in a combined tension-torsion experiment.
(i) Determine the state of stress existing in the tube in terms of P and T.
(ii) Using Von-Mises - Henky failure criteria show that failure takes place when
2 2
3 0 , where 0 is the yield stress in uniaxial tension,
and are respectively the axial and torsional stresses in the tube.

Answer: Mean radius of the tube = r,

Wall thickness of the tube = t,
Axial load = P, and
Torque = T.
(i) The state of stress in the tube:
P
Due to axial load, the axial stress in the tube x
2 rt
Due to torque, shear stress,
Tr Tr T
xy
J 2 r 3t 2 r 3t
4
J r t r4 2 r 3t -neglecting t 2 higher power of t.
2
P T
The state of stress in the tube is, x , y 0, xy
2 rt 2 r 3t
(ii) Von Mises-Henky failure in tension for 2-dimensional stress is
2 2 2
0 1 2 1 2

2
x y x y 2
1 xy
2 2
2
x y x y 2
2 xy
2 2
2
x x 2
In this case, 1 xy , and
2 4
2
x x 2
2 xy y 0
2 4
2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 x x 2 x x 2 x x 2 x x 2
0 xy xy xy xy
2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4

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 Chapter-4 Theories of Failure S K Mondal’s
2 2 2 2 2 2
x x 2 x x 2 x x 2 x x 2
xy 2. . xy xy 2. . xy
4 4 2 4 4 4 2 4
2 2
x x 2
xy
4 4
2 2
x 3 xy

2 2
0 x 3 xy

Conventional Question GATE-1994

Question: Find the maximum principal stress developed in a cylindrical shaft. 8 cm in
diameter and subjected to a bending moment of 2.5 kNm and a twisting moment
of 4.2 kNm. If the yield stress of the shaft material is 300 MPa. Determine the factor
of safety of the shaft according to the maximum shearing stress theory of failure.
Answer: Given: d = 8 cm = 0.08 m; M = 2.5 kNm = 2500 Nm; T = 4.2 kNm = 4200 Nm
yield yt 300 MPa 300 MN/m2
2 2
Equivalent torque, Te M2 T2 2.5 4.2 4.888kNm
Maximum shear stress developed in the shaft,
16T 16 4.888 103 6
max 10 MN/m2 48.62MN/m2
d3 0.08
3

300
Permissible shear stress 150MN/m2
2
150
Factor of safety 3.085
48.62

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 5. Moment of Inertia and Centroid

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

3.1 Centre of gravity
The centre of gravity of a body defined as the point through which the whole weight of a body may be

assumed to act.

3.2 Centroid or Centre of area

The centroid or centre of area is defined as the point where the whole area of the figure is assumed to be

concentrated.

3.3 Moment of Inertia (MOI)

• About any point the product of the force and the perpendicular distance between them is known

as moment of a force or first moment of force.

• This first moment is again multiplied by the perpendicular distance between them to obtain

second moment of force.

• In the same way if we consider the area of the figure it is called second moment of area or area

moment of inertia and if we consider the mass of a body it is called second moment of mass or

mass moment of Inertia.

• Mass moment of inertia is the measure of resistance of the body to rotation and forms the

basis of dynamics of rigid bodies.

• Area moment of Inertia is the measure of resistance to bending and forms the basis of

strength of materials.

3.4 Mass moment of Inertia (MOI)

I= mi ri2
i
• Notice that the moment of inertia ‘I’ depends on the distribution of mass in the system.
• The furthest the mass is from the rotation axis, the bigger the moment of inertia.
• For a given object, the moment of inertia depends on where we choose the rotation axis.
• In rotational dynamics, the moment of inertia ‘I’ appears in the same way that mass m does in
linear dynamics.

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
• Solid disc or cylinder of mass M and radius R, about perpendicular axis through its centre,

1
I= MR2
2
• Solid sphere of mass M and radius R, about an axis through its centre, I = 2/5 M R2
• Thin rod of mass M and length L, about a perpendicular axis through
its centre.

1
I= ML2
12

• Thin rod of mass M and length L, about a perpendicular axis through its
end.

1
I= ML2
3

3.5 Area Moment of Inertia (MOI) or Second moment of area

• To find the centroid of an area by the first moment of the area

about an axis was determined ( ∫ x dA )
• Integral of the second moment of area is called moment of
inertia (∫ x2dA)
• Consider the area ( A )
• By definition, the moment of inertia of the differential area
about the x and y axes are dIxx and dIyy
• dIxx = y2dAIxx = ∫ y2 dA

• dIyy = x2dAIyy = ∫ x2dA

3.6 Parallel axis theorem for an area

The rotational inertia about any axis is the sum
of second moment of inertia about a parallel
axis through the C.G and total area of the body
times square of the distance between the axes.

INN = ICG + Ah2

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
3.7 Perpendicular axis theorem for an area
If x, y & z are mutually perpendicular axes as shown, then
I zz ( J ) = I xx + I yy

Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of x – y and vertical to this

page as shown in figure.

• To find the moment of inertia of the differential area about the pole (point of origin) or z-axis, (r)
is used. (r) is the perpendicular distance from the pole to dA for the entire area
J = ∫ r2 dA = ∫ (x2 + y2 )dA = Ixx + Iyy(since r2 = x2 + y2 )
Where, J = polar moment of inertia

3.8 Moments of Inertia (area) of some common area

(i) MOI of Rectangular area
Moment of inertia about axis XX which passes
through centroid.
Take an element of width ‘dy’ at a distance y
from XX axis.
Area of the element (dA) = b dy.
and Moment of Inertia of the element about XX

axis = dA y 2 = b.y 2 .dy

Total MOI about XX axis (Note it is area
moment of Inertia)
+h h
2 2
bh3
I xx = by dy = 2 by2dy =
2

−h 0
12
2

bh3
I xx =
12
hb3
Similarly, we may find, I yy =
12
bh3 hb3
Polar moment of inertia (J) = Ixx + Iyy = +
12 12

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
If we want to know the MOI about an axis NN passing
through the bottom edge or top edge.
Axis XX and NN are parallel and at a distance h/2.
Therefore INN = Ixx+ Area (distance) 2
2
bh3 h bh3
= +b h =
12 2 3

Case-I:Square area

a4
I xx =
12

Case-II:Square area with diagonal as axis

a4
I xx =
12

Case-III:Rectangular area with a centrally

rectangular hole
Moment of inertia of the area = moment of inertia of BIG
rectangle – moment of inertia of SMALL rectangle

BH 3 bh3
I xx = −
12 12

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
(ii) MOI of a Circular area
The moment of inertia about axis XX this passes through
the centroid. It is very easy to find polar moment of inertia
about point ‘O’. Take an element of width ‘dr’ at a distance
‘r’ from centre. Therefore, the moment of inertia of this
element about polar axis

d(J) = d(Ixx + Iyy ) = area of ring (radius)2

or d(J) = 2 rdr r 2

Integrating both side we get

R
R4 D4
J = 2 r3dr = =
0 2 32
Due to summetry I xx = I yy
J D4
Therefore, I xx = I yy = =
2 64

D4 D4
I xx = I yy = and J =
64 32
Case-I: Moment of inertia of a circular

area with a concentric hole.

Moment of inertia of the area = moment of inertia of
BIG circle – moment of inertia of SMALL circle.

D4 d4
Ixx = Iyy = –
64 64

= ( D4 − d4 )
64
and J = ( D4 − d4 )
32

Case-II:Moment of inertia of a semi-

circular area.
1
I NN = of the momemt of total circular lamina
2
1 D4 D4
= =
2 64 128

We know that distance of CG from base is

4r 2D
= = h ( say )
3 3
i.e. distance of parallel axis XX and NN is (h)
According to parallel axis theory

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
I NN = IG + Area × ( distance )
2

D4 1 D2
(h)
2
or = I xx +
128 2 4
D4 1 D2 2D
or = I xx +
128 2 4 3

or Ixx = 0.11R4
Case – III: Quarter circle area
IXX = one half of the moment of Inertia of the Semi-
circular area about XX.

I XX =
1
2
(0.11R ) = 0.055 R
4 4

IXX = 0.055 R4
INN= one half of the moment of Inertia of the Semi-
circular area about NN.
1 D4 D4
I NN = =
2 64 128

(iii) Moment of Inertia of a Triangular area

(a) Moment of Inertia of a Triangular area of
a axis XX parallel to base and passes through
C.G.

bh3
I XX =
36
(b) Moment of inertia of a triangle about an
axis passes through base

bh3
I NN =
12

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
(iv) Moment of inertia of a thin circular ring:
Polar moment of Inertia

( J ) = R2 area of whole ring

= R2 2 Rt = 2 R3t

J
I XX = IYY = = R3t
2

(v) Moment of inertia of a elliptical area

ab3
I XX =
4

Let us take an example: An I-section beam of 100 mm wide, 150 mm depth flange and web of
thickness 20 mm is used in a structure of length 5 m. Determine the Moment of Inertia (of area) of
cross-section of the beam.
Answer: Carefully observe the figure below. It has sections with symmetry about the neutral axis.

bh3
We may use standard value for a rectangle about an axis passes through centroid. i.e. I = . The
12
section can thus be divided into convenient rectangles for each of which the neutral axis passes the
I Beam = I Re c tan gle - I Shaded area

( 0.150 )
3
0.100 0.40 0.1303
centroid. = -2 m4
12 12
= 1.183 10-4 m4

3.9 Radius of gyration

Consider area A with moment of inertia Ixx. Imagine
that the area is concentrated in a thin strip parallel to
the x axis with equivalent Ixx.

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
I xx
I xx = kxx
2
A or kxx =
A
kxx =radius of gyration with respect to the x axis.

Similarly

I yy
I yy = kyy
2
A or kyy =
A

J
J = ko2 A or ko =
A
ko2 = kxx
2
+ kyy
2

Let us take an example: Find radius of gyration for a circular area of diameter ‘d’ about central axis.
Answer:

We know that, I xx = K xx
2
A

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
4
d
I XX 64 = d
or K XX = =
A d2 4
4

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Moment of Inertia (Second moment of an area)

GATE-1. The second moment of a circular area about the diameter is given by (D is the
diameter) [GATE-2003]

D4 D4 D4 D4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 16 32 64
GATE-2a. The area moment of inertia of a square of size 1 unit about its diagonal is:
[GATE-2001]
1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 4 12 6
GATE-2b. Polar moment of inertia (Ip), in cm4, of a rectangular section having width, b = 2 cm and
depth, d = 6 cm is ________________ [CE: GATE-2014]

GATE-2c. The figure shows cross-section of a beam subjected to bending. The area moment
of inertia (in mm4) of this cross-section about its base is ___________ GATE-2016]

GATE-2d. The cross-sections of two solid bars made of

the same material are shown in the figure. The
square cross-section has flexural (bending)
rigidity I1, while the circular cross-section has
flexural rigidity I2. Both sections have the same
cross-sectional area. The ratio I1/I2 is
(a) 1/𝜋 (b) 2/𝜋 (c) 𝜋/3 (d) 𝜋/6 [GATE-2016]

Radius of Gyration
Data for Q3–Q4 are given below. Solve the problems and choose correct
answers.
A reel of mass “m” and radius of gyration “k” is rolling down smoothly from rest with one
end of the thread wound on it held in the ceiling as depicted in the figure. Consider the
thickness of the thread and its mass negligible in comparison with the radius “r” of the hub
and the reel mass “m”. Symbol “g” represents the acceleration due to gravity. [GATE-2003]

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 195 of 516 Rev.0
 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid

GATE-3. The linear acceleration of the reel is:

gr 2 gk2 grk mgr 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
( r 2 + k2 ) ( r 2 + k2 ) (r 2
+k 2
) (r 2
+ k2 )
GATE-4. The tension in the thread is:
mgr 2 mgrk mgk2 mg
(a) (b) 2 (c) (d)
(r + k )
2 2
(
r + k2 ) (r 2
+k 2
) (r 2
+ k2 )
d
GATE-5. For the section shown below, second moment of the area about an axis distance
4
above the bottom of the area is [CE: GATE-2006]
b

bd 3 bd 3 7bd3 bd 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
48 12 48 3
r
GATE-6. A disc of radius r has a hold of radius cut-out as shown. The centroid of the
2
remaining disc (shaded portion) at a radial distance from the centre “O” is

r/2
O
O

[CE: GATE-2010]
r r r r
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 3 6 8

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Centroid
IES-1. Assertion (A): Inertia force always acts through the centroid of the body and is
directed opposite to the acceleration of the centroid. [IES-2001]

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 196 of 516 Rev.0
 Donate Generously !!!

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includes cutting-edge educational tools and research.

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students as possible have access to my updated
notes, which will help all the future budding
engineers to achieve their dreams.
 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
Reason (R): It has always a tendency to retard the motion.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Radius of Gyration
IES-2. Figure shows a rigid body of mass
m having radius of gyration k
about its centre of gravity. It is to
be replaced by an equivalent
dynamical system of two masses
placed at A and B. The mass at A
should be:
a m b m
(a) (b)
a +b a +b
m a m b
(c) (d)
3 b 2 a
[IES-2003]
IES-3. Force required to accelerate a cylindrical body which rolls without slipping on a
horizontal plane (mass of cylindrical body is m, radius of the cylindrical surface in
contact with plane is r, radius of gyration of body is k and acceleration of the body
is a) is: [IES-2001]
(a) m ( k2 / r 2 + 1) .a (b) ( mk 2 / r 2 ) .a (c) mk 2 .a (d) ( mk 2 / r + 1 ) .a

IES-4. A body of mass m and radius of gyration k is to be replaced by two masses m 1 and
m2 located at distances h1 and h2 from the CG of the original body. An equivalent
dynamic system will result, if [IES-2001]
(a) h1 + h2 = k (b) h12 + h22 = k 2 (c) h1h2 = k 2 (d) h1h2 = k 2

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Radius of Gyration
IAS-1. A wheel of centroidal radius of gyration 'k' is rolling on a horizontal surface with
constant velocity. It comes across an obstruction of height 'h' Because of its
rolling speed, it just overcomes the obstruction. To determine v, one should use
the principle (s) of conservation of [IAS 1994]
(a) Energy (b) Linear momentum
(c) Energy and linear momentum (d) Energy and angular momentum

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans. (d)

a 4 (1)
4

GATE-2a. Ans. (c) I xx = =

12 12

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid

GATE-2b. Ans. 40 cm4 use Izz = Ixx + Iyy

GATE-2c. Ans. 1875.63 (Range given (1873 to 1879)
2
bh3 d4 d2 h
I= − −
3 64 4 2
2
10 103 84 82 10
= − − mm 4
3 64 4 2
=1875.63 mm 4
MOI of rectangular area = bh3/12 about its base and bh3/12 about its CG.
MOI of circular area = d4/64 about its CG. But according to parallel axes
theorem about base it must be added by area X (distance) 2
Area moment of Inertia is the measure of resistance to bending and forms
the basis of strength of materials.
GATE-2d. Ans. (c)
GATE-3. Ans. (a) For downward linear motion mg–T = mf, where f = linear tangential acceleration =
rα, α = rotational acceleration. Considering rotational motion Tr = I .
f gr 2
or, T = mk2 therefore mg – T = mf gives f =
r2 r 2 + k2 ( )

f gr2 mgk2
GATE-4. Ans. (c) T = mk2 = mk2 =
r2 (
r 2 r 2 + k2 ) (r 2
+ k2 )
GATE-5. Ans. (c)
Using parallel axis theorem, we get the second moment of inertia as
2
bd3 d d bd3 bd3 7bd3
I= + bx − = + =
12 2 4 12 16 48
GATE-6. Ans. (c)
The centroid of the shaded portion of the disc is given by
A x + A 2 x2
x= 1 1
A1 + A2
where x is the radial distance from Q.
A1 = r 2 ; x1 = 0;

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 Chapter-5 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
2
r r2
A2 = − =−
2 4
r
x2 =
2
r2 r r2
r2 0−
x= 4 2 =− 2
r2 3 r2
r2 −
4
r
x=−
6
IES-1. Ans. (c) It has always a tendency to oppose the motion not retard. If we want to retard a
motion then it will wand to accelerate.
IES-2. Ans. (b)
IES-3. Ans. (a)
IES-4. Ans. (c)
IAS-1. Ans. (a)

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2004
Question: When are I-sections preferred in engineering applications? Elaborate your
answer.
Answer: I-section has large section modulus. It will reduce the stresses induced in the
material.Since I-section has the considerable area are far away from the natural so its
section modulus increased.

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 6. Bending Moment and Shear Force
Diagram
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
4.1 Shear Force andBending Moment

At first we try to understand what shear force is and what is bending moment?
We will not introduce any other co-ordinate system.
We use general co-ordinate axis as shown in the
figure. This system will be followed in shear force and
bending moment diagram and in deflection of beam.
Here downward direction will be negative i.e.
negative Y-axis. Therefore downward deflection of the
We use above Co-ordinate system
beam will be treated as negative.

Some books fix a co-ordinate axis as shown in the

following figure. Here downward direction will be
positive i.e. positive Y-axis. Therefore downward
deflection of the beam will be treated as positive. As
beam is generally deflected in downward directions
and this co-ordinate system treats downward Some books use above co-ordinate system
deflection is positive deflection.
Consider a cantilever beam as shown subjected to
external load ‘P’. If we imagine this beam to be cut by
a section X-X, we see that the applied force tend to
displace the left-hand portion of the beam relative to
the right hand portion, which is fixed in the wall.
This tendency is resisted by internal forces between
the two parts of the beam. At the cut section a
resistance shear force (Vx) and a bending moment
(Mx) is induced. This resistance shear force and the
bending moment at the cut section is shown in the
left hand and right hand portion of the cut beam.
Using the three equations of equilibrium
Fx = 0 , Fy = 0 and Mi = 0

We find that Vx = −P and Mx = −P. x

In this chapter we want to show pictorially the

variation of shear force and bending moment in a

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
beam as a function of ‘x' measured from one end of
the beam.

Shear Force (V) ≡ equal in magnitude but opposite in direction

to the algebraic sum (resultant) of the components in the
direction perpendicular to the axis of the beam of all external
loads and support reactions acting on either side of the section
being considered.

Bending Moment (M) equal in magnitude but opposite in

direction to the algebraic sum of the moments about (the
centroid of the cross section of the beam) the section of all
external loads and support reactions acting on either side of
the section being considered.

What are the benefits of drawing shear force and bending moment diagram?
The benefits of drawing a variation of shear force and bending moment in a beam as a function of ‘x'
measured from one end of the beam is that it becomes easier to determine the maximum absolute value
of shear force and bending moment. The shear force and bending moment diagram gives a clear picture
in our mind about the variation of SF and BM throughout the entire section of the beam.
Further, the determination of value of bending moment as a function of ‘x' becomes very important so as
to determine the value of deflection of beam subjected to a given loading where we will use the formula,

d 2y
EI = Mx .
dx 2

4.2 Notation and sign convention

• Shear force (V)
Positive Shear Force
A shearing force having a downward direction to the right hand side of a section or upwards to
the left hand of the section will be taken as ‘positive’. It is the usual sign conventions to be
followed for the shear force. In some book followed totally opposite sign convention.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
The upward direction shearing The downward direction
force which is on the left hand shearing force which is on the
of the section XX is positive right hand of the section XX is
shear force. positive shear force.

Negative Shear Force

A shearing force having an upward direction to the right hand side of a section or downwards to
the left hand of the section will be taken as ‘negative’.

The downward direction The upward direction shearing

shearing force which is on the force which is on the right
left hand of the section XX is hand of the section XX is
negative shear force. negative shear force.

• Bending Moment (M)

Positive Bending Moment
A bending moment causing concavity upwards will be taken as ‘positive’ and called as sagging
bending moment.

Sagging

If the bending moment of If the bending moment of A bending moment causing

the left hand of the section the right hand of the concavity upwards will be
XX is clockwise then it is a section XX is anti- taken as ‘positive’ and
positive bending moment. clockwise then it is a called as sagging bending
positive bending moment. moment.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Negative Bending Moment

Hogging
If the bending moment of If the bending moment of A bending moment causing
the left hand of the section the right hand of the convexity upwards will be
XX is anti-clockwise then section XX is clockwise taken as ‘negative’ and called
it is a negative bending then it is a negative as hogging bending moment.
moment. bending moment.

Way to remember sign convention

• Remember in the Cantilever beam both Shear force and BM are negative (–ive).

4.3 Relation between S.F (Vx), B.M. (Mx) & Load (w)

dVx
• = -w (load) The value of the distributed load at any point in the beam is equal to
dx
the slope of the shear force curve. (Note that the sign of this rule may change depending on the
sign convention used for the external distributed load).

dM x
• = Vx The value of the shear force at any point in the beam is equal to the slope of
dx
the bending moment curve.

4.4 Procedure for drawing shear force and bending moment diagram
Construction of shear force diagram
• From the loading diagram of the beam constructed shear force diagram.
• First determine the reactions.
• Then the vertical components of forces and reactions are successively summed from the left end
of the beam to preserve the mathematical sign conventions adopted. The shear at a section is
simply equal to the sum of all the vertical forces to the left of the section.
• The shear force curve is continuous unless there is a point force on the beam. The curve then
“jumps” by the magnitude of the point force (+ for upward force).
• When the successive summation process is used, the shear force diagram should end up with the
previously calculated shear (reaction at right end of the beam). No shear force acts through the
beam just beyond the last vertical force or reaction. If the shear force diagram closes in this

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
fashion, then it gives an important check on mathematical calculations. i.e. The shear force will
be zero at each end of the beam unless a point force is applied at the end.

Construction of bending moment diagram

• The bending moment diagram is obtained by proceeding continuously along the length of beam
from the left hand end and summing up the areas of shear force diagrams using proper sign
convention.

• The process of obtaining the moment diagram from the shear force diagram by summation is
exactly the same as that for drawing shear force diagram from load diagram.

• The bending moment curve is continuous unless there is a point moment on the beam. The curve
then “jumps” by the magnitude of the point moment (+ for CW moment).

• We know that a constant shear force produces a uniform change in the bending moment,
resulting in straight line in the moment diagram. If no shear force exists along a certain portion
of a beam, then it indicates that there is no change in moment takes place. We also know that
dM/dx= Vx therefore, from the fundamental theorem of calculus the maximum or minimum
moment occurs where the shear is zero.

• The bending moment will be zero at each free or pinned end of the beam. If the end is built in,
the moment computed by the summation must be equal to the one calculated initially for the
reaction.

4.5 Different types of Loading and their S.F & B.M Diagram
(i) A Cantilever beam with a concentrated load ‘P’ at its free end.
Shear force:
At a section a distance x from free end consider the forces to
the left, then (Vx) = - P (for all values of x) negative in sign
i.e. the shear force to the left of the x-section are in downward
direction and therefore negative.

Bending Moment:
Taking moments about the section gives (obviously to the left
S.F and B.M diagram
of the section) Mx = -P.x (negative sign means that the
moment on the left hand side of the portion is in the
anticlockwise direction and is therefore taken as negative
according to the sign convention) so that the maximum
bending moment occurs at the fixed end i.e. Mmax = - PL(at x
= L)

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
(ii) A Cantilever beam with uniformly distributed load over the whole length
When a cantilever beam is subjected to a uniformly
distributed load whose intensity is given w /unit length.
Shear force:
Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from
the free end. If we just take the resultant of all the forces on
the left of the X-section, then
Vx = -w.x for all values of ‘x'.
At x = 0, Vx = 0
At x = L, Vx = -wL (i.e. Maximum at fixed end)
Plotting the equation Vx = -w.x, we get a straight line
because it is a equation of a straight line y (Vx) = m(- w) .x
Bending Moment:
Bending Moment at XX is obtained by treating the load to the
S.F and B.M diagram
left of XX as a concentrated load of the same value (w.x)
acting through the centre of gravity at x/2.
Therefore, the bending moment at any cross-section XX is

x w.x 2
Mx = ( −w.x ) . =−
2 2
Therefore the variation of bending moment is according toparabolic law.
The extreme values of B.M would be
at x = 0, Mx = 0

wL2
and x = L, Mx = −
2

wL2
Maximum bending moment, Mmax = at fixed end
2
Another way to describe a cantilever beam with uniformly distributed load (UDL) over it’s whole length.

(iii) A Cantilever beam loaded as shown below draw its S.F and B.M diagram

In the region 0 < x < a

Following the same rule as followed previously, we get
Vx =- P; and Mx = - P.x
In the region a < x < L

Vx =- P+P=0; and Mx = - P.x +P ( x − a ) = P.a

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

S.F and B.M diagram

(iv)Let us take an example: Consider a cantilever bean of 5 m length. It carries a uniformly

distributed load 3 KN/m and a concentrated load of 7 kN at the free end and 10 kN at 3 meters from the
fixed end.

Draw SF and BM diagram.

Answer:In the region 0 < x < 2 m
Consider any cross section XX at a distance x from free end.
Shear force (Vx) = -7- 3x
So, the variation of shear force is linear.
at x = 0, Vx = -7 kN
at x = 2 m , Vx = -7 - 3 2 = -13 kN
at point Z Vx = -7 -3 2-10 = -23 Kn

x 3x 2
Bending moment (Mx) = -7x - (3x). =− − 7x
2 2
So, the variation of bending force is parabolic.
at x = 0, Mx = 0
2
at x = 2 m, Mx = -7 2 – (3 2) = - 20 kNm
2
In the region 2 m < x < 5 m
Consider any cross section YY at a distance x from free end
Shear force (Vx) = -7 - 3x – 10 = -17- 3x
So, the variation of shear force is linear.
at x = 2 m, Vx = - 23 kN
at x = 5 m, Vx = - 32 kN

x
Bending moment (Mx) = - 7x – (3x) - 10 (x - 2)
2

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
3
= − x 2 − 17 x + 20
2
So, the variation of bending force is parabolic.
3 2
at x = 2 m, Mx = − 2 − 17 2 + 20 = - 20 kNm
2
at x = 5 m, Mx = - 102.5 kNm

(v) A Cantilever beam carrying uniformly varying load from zero at free end and w/unit
length at the fixed end

Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the free end.

w
At this point load (wx) = .x
L
L L
w wL
Therefore total load (W) = w x dx = .xdx =
0 0
L 2

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Shear force ( Vx ) = area of ABC (load triangle)
1 w wx 2
=− . x .x = −
2 L 2L
The shear force variation is parabolic.
at x = 0, Vx = 0
WL − WL
at x = L, Vx = − i.e. Maximum Shear force (Vmax ) = at fixed end
2 2
Bending moment ( Mx ) = load distance from centroid of triangle ABC
wx 2 x wx 3
. =− =−
2L 3 6L
The bending moment variation is cubic.
at x= 0, Mx = 0
wL2 wL2
at x = L, Mx = − i.e. Maximum Bending moment (Mmax ) = at fixed end.
6 6

Alternative way : ( Integration method)

d ( Vx ) w
We know that = − load = − .x
dx L
w
or d(Vx ) = − .x .dx
L
Integrating both side
Vx x
w
d ( Vx ) = − . x .dx
0 0
L
w x2
or Vx = − .
L 2

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Again we know that
d (Mx ) wx 2
= Vx = -
dx 2L
wx 2
or d (Mx ) = - dx
2L
Integrating both side we get ( at x=0,Mx =0 )
Mx x
wx 2
d(Mx ) = − .dx
0 0
2L
w x3 wx 3
or Mx = - × =-
2L 3 6L
(vi) A Cantilever beam carrying gradually varying load from zero at fixed end and w/unit
length at the free end

wL2 wL
Considering equilibrium we get, MA = and Reaction (RA ) =
3 2
Considering any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the fixed end.
W
At this point load (Wx ) = .x
L
Shear force ( Vx ) = R A − area of triangle ANM

wL 1 w wL wx 2
= - . .x .x = + -
2 2 L 2 2L
The shear force variation is parabolic.
wL wL
at x = 0, Vx = + i.e. Maximum shear force, Vmax = +
2 2
at x = L, Vx = 0

wx2 2x
Bending moment (Mx ) =RA .x - . - MA
2L 3
wL wx 3 wL2
= .x - -
2 6L 3
The bending moment variation is cubic
wL2 wL2
at x = 0, Mx = − i.e.Maximum B.M. (Mmax ) = − .
3 3
at x = L, Mx = 0

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

(vii) A Cantilever beam carrying a moment M at free end

Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the free end.

Shear force: Vx = 0 at any point.
Bending moment (Mx) = -M at any point, i.e. Bending moment is constant throughout the
length.

(viii) A Simply supported beam with a concentrated load ‘P’ at its mid span.

P
Considering equilibrium we get, R A = RB =
2
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from left end A and section YY at a
distance from left end A, as shown in figure below.
Shear force:In the region 0 < x < L/2

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Vx = RA = + P/2 (it is constant)
In the region L/2 < x < L
P
Vx = RA – P = - P = - P/2 (it is constant)
2
Bending moment: In the region 0 < x < L/2
P
Mx = .x (its variation is linear)
2
PL
at x = 0, Mx = 0 and at x = L/2 Mx = i.e. maximum
4

PL
Maximum bending moment, Mmax = at x = L/2 (at mid-point)
4
In the region L/2 < x < L
P PL P
Mx = .x – P(x - L/2)= − .x (its variation is linear)
2 2 2
PL
at x = L/2 , Mx = and at x = L, Mx = 0
4

(ix) A Simply supported beam with a concentrated load ‘P’ is not at its mid span.

Pb Pa
Considering equilibrium we get, RA = and RB =
L L
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance x from left end A and another section YY
at a distance x from end A as shown in figure below.
Shear force: In the range 0 < x < a
Pb
V x = RA = + (it is constant)
L
In the range a < x < L

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Pa
Vx = RA - P = - (it is constant)
L
Bending moment: In the range 0 < x < a
Pb
Mx = +RA.x = .x (it is variation is linear)
L
Pab
at x = 0, Mx = 0 and atx = a, Mx = (i.e. maximum)
L
In the range a < x < L
Pb
Mx = RA.x – P(x- a)= .x – P.x + Pa (Put b = L - a)
L
x
= Pa (1 - Pa 1 − )
L
Pab
at x = a, Mx = and at x = L, Mx = 0
L

(x) A Simply supported beam with two concentrated load ‘P’ from a distance ‘a’ both end.
The loading is shown below diagram

Take a section at a distance x from the left support. This section is applicable for any value of x just to
the left of the applied force P. The shear, remains constant and is +P. The bending moment varies
linearly from the support, reaching a maximum of +Pa.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
A section applicable anywhere between the two applied forces. Shear force is not necessary to maintain
equilibrium of a segment in this part of the beam. Only a constant bending moment of +Pa must be
resisted by the beam in this zone.

Such a state of bending or flexure is called pure bending.

Shear and bending-moment diagrams for this loading condition are shown below.

(xi) A Simply supported beam with a uniformly distributed load (UDL) through out its
length

We will solve this problem by following two alternative ways.

(a) By Method of Section
wL
Considering equilibrium we get RA = RB =
2
Now Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance x from left end A.
Then the section view

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
wL
Shear force: Vx = − wx
2
(i.e. S.F. variation is linear)
wL
at x = 0, Vx =
2
at x = L/2, Vx = 0
wL
at x = L, Vx = -
2
wL wx 2
Bending moment: Mx = .x −
2 2
(i.e. B.M. variation is parabolic)
at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = L, Mx = 0
Now we have to determine maximum bending
moment and its position.

d ( Mx ) d ( Mx )
For maximum B.M: = 0 i .e. Vx = 0 = Vx
dx dx

wL L
or − wx = 0 or x=
2 2

wL2
Therefore,maximum bending moment, Mmax = at x = L/2
8
(a) By Method of Integration
Shear force:

d (Vx )
We know that, = −w
dx
or d (Vx ) = −wdx

wL
Integrating both side we get (at x =0, Vx = )
2
Vx x
d (Vx ) = − wdx
wL 0
+
2

wL
or Vx − = −wx
2
wL
or Vx = − wx
2
Bending moment:

d (Mx )
We know that, = Vx
dx

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wL
or d ( M x ) = Vx dx = − wx dx
2
Integrating both side we get (at x =0, Vx =0)
Mx x
wL
d (Mx ) = − wx dx
o 0
2
wL wx 2
or M x = .x −
2 2
Let us take an example: A loaded beam as shown below. Draw its S.F and B.M diagram.

Considering equilibrium we get

MA = 0 gives
- ( 200 4 ) 2 − 3000 4 + RB 8 = 0
or RB = 1700N

And RA + RB = 200 4 + 3000

or RA = 2100N

Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance 'x' from left end A and
as shown in figure

In the region 0 < x < 4m

Shear force (Vx) = RA – 200x = 2100 – 200 x

x
Bending moment (Mx) = RA .x – 200 x . = 2100 x -100 x2
2

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at x = 0, Vx = 2100 N, Mx = 0

at x = 4m, Vx = 1300 N, Mx = 6800 N.m

In the region 4 m< x < 8 m

Shear force (Vx) = RA - 200 4 – 3000 = -1700

Bending moment (Mx) = RA. x - 200 4 (x-2) – 3000 (x- 4)

= 2100 x – 800 x + 1600 – 3000x +12000 = 13600 -1700 x

at x = 4 m, Vx = -1700 N, Mx = 6800 Nm

at x = 8 m, Vx = -1700 N, Mx = 0

(xii) A Simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at one end and
w/unit length at other span.

1
Consider equilibrium of the beam = wL acting at a point C at a distance 2L/3 to the left end A.
2

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
MB = 0 gives
wL L
R A .L - . =0
2 3
wL
or R A =
6
wL
Similarly MA = 0 gives RB =
3
w
The free body diagram of section A - XX as shown below, Load at section XX, (wx) = x
L

1 w wx2
The resulted of that part of the distributed load which acts on this free body is = ( x). x =
2 L 2L
applied at a point Z, distance x/3 from XX section.

wx2 wL wx2
Shear force (Vx)= RA - = -
2L 6 2L
Therefore the variation of shear force is parabolic
wL
at x = 0, Vx =
6
wL
at x = L, Vx = -
3
wL wx2 x wL wx3
and Bending Moment (Mx ) = .x − . = .x −
6 2L 3 6 6L
The variation of BM is cubic
at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = L, Mx = 0

d (Mx ) d (Mx )
For maximum BM; =0 i.e. Vx = 0 = Vx
dx dx

wL wx 2 L
or - = 0 or x =
6 2L 3
3
wL L w L wL2
and Mmax = − =
6 3 6L 3 9 3

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wL2
i.e. Mmax = at x =
L
3
9 3

(xiii) A Simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at each end and
w/unit length at mid span.

1 L wL
Consider equilibrium of the beam AB total load on the beam = 2 w =
2 2 2

wL
Therefore R A = RB =
4
2w
The free body diagram of section A –XX as shown below, load at section XX (wx) = .x
L

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
1 2w wx2
The resultant of that part of the distributed load which acts on this free body is = .x. .x =
2 L L
applied at a point, distance x/3 from section XX.
Shear force (Vx):
In the region 0 < x < L/2

wx2 wL wx2
( Vx ) = RA − = −
L 4 L
Therefore the variation of shear force is parabolic.
wL
at x = 0, Vx =
4
at x = L/4, Vx = 0
In the region of L/2 < x < L
The Diagram will be Mirror image of AC.

Bending moment (Mx):

In the region 0 < x < L/2

wL 1 2wx wL wx 3
Mx = .x − .x. .( x / 3) = -
4 2 L 4 3L
The variation of BM is cubic
at x = 0, Mx = 0

wL2
at x = L/2, Mx =
12
In the region L/2 < x < L
BM diagram will be mirror image of AC.
For maximum bending moment

d (Mx ) d (Mx )
=0 i.e. Vx = 0 = Vx
dx dx

wL wx 2 L
or - = 0 or x =
4 L 2
2
wL
and Mmax =
12

wL2
i.e. Mmax = at x =
L
2
12

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(xiv) A Simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at mid span and
w/unit length at each end.

We now superimpose two beams as

(1) Simply supported beam with a UDL through
at its length
wL
( Vx )1 = − wx
2
wL wx 2
(Mx )1 = .x −
2 2

And (2) a simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at each end and w/unit
length at mind span.
In the range 0 < x < L/2

wL wx 2
( Vx )2 = −
4 L
wL wx3
(Mx )2 = .x −
4 3L
Now superimposing we get
Shear force (Vx):
In the region of 0< x < L/2

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
wL wL wx 2
Vx = ( Vx )1 − ( Vx )2 = -wx − -
2 4 L
w
( x - L/2)
2
=
L
Therefore the variation of shear force is parabolic
wL
at x = 0, Vx = +
4
at x = L/2, Vx = 0
In the region L/2 < x < L
The diagram will be mirror image of AC
Bending moment (Mx) = (Mx )1 - (Mx )2 =

wL wx 2 wL wx 3 wx 3 wx 2 wL
= .x − − .x − = − + .x
2 2 4 3L 3L 2 4

The variation of BM is cubic

at x = 0, Mx = 0
wx 2
at x = L / 2, Mx =
24

(xv) A simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) w1/unit length at one end
and w2/unit length at other end.

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At first we will treat this problem by considering a UDL of identifying (w 1)/unit length over the whole
length and a varying load of zero at one end to (w 2- w1)/unit length at the other end. Then superimpose
the two loadings.

Consider a section XX at a distance x from left end A

(i) Simply supported beam with UDL (w 1) over whole length
w1L
( Vx )1 = − w1x
2
wL 1
(Mx )1 = 1 .x − w1x 2
2 2
And(ii) simply supported beam with (GVL) zero at one end (w2- w1) at other end gives

(w 2 − w1 ) − (w 2 − w1 ) x 2
(Vx )2 =
6 2L
L (w 2 − w1 ) x 3
( M x )2 = ( w 2 − w 1 ) . .x −
6 6L
Now superimposing we get

w1L w 2L x2
Shear force ( Vx ) = ( Vx )1 + ( Vx )2 = + − w1x − ( w 2 − w1 )
3 6 2L
The SF variation is parabolic
w1L w 2L L
at x = 0, Vx = + = ( 2w1 + w 2 )
3 6 6
L
at x = L, Vx = − ( w1 + 2w 2 )
6
w1L wL 1 w 2 -w1 3
Bending moment ( Mx ) = (Mx )1 + (Mx )2 = .x + 1 .x − w 1x 2 − .x
3 6 2 6L
The BM variation is cubic.

at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = L, Mx = 0

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(xvi) A Simply supported beam carrying a continuously distributed load. The intensity of the
x
load at any point is, w x = w sin . Where ‘x’ is the distance from each end of the
L
beam.

We will use Integration method as it is easier in this case.

d ( Vx ) d (Mx )
We know that = load and = Vx
dx dx
d ( Vx ) x
Therefore = −w sin
dx L
x
d ( Vx ) = −w sin dx
L
Integrating both side we get
x
w cos
x L wL x
d ( Vx ) = − w sin dx or Vx = + + A=+ cos +A
L L
L
where, A = constant of Integration

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Again we know that
d (Mx ) wL x
= Vx or d (Mx ) = Vx dx = cos + A dx
dx L
Integrating both side we get
wL x
sin
L wL2 x
Mx = + Ax + B = 2
sin + Ax + B
L
L
[Where B = constant of Integration]
Now apply boundary conditions
At x = 0, Mx = 0 and at x = L, Mx = 0
This gives A = 0 and B = 0

wL x wL
Shear force ( Vx ) = cos and Vmax = at x = 0
L
wL2 x
And Mx = 2
sin
L
wL2
Mmax = 2
at x = L/2

(xvii) A Simply supported beam with a couple or moment at a distance ‘a’ from left end.

Considering equilibrium we get

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
MA = 0 gives
M
RB ×L +M = 0 or RB = −
L
and MB = 0 gives
M
− R A ×L +M = 0 or R A =
L

Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance ‘x’ from left end A and another section YY at a

distance ‘x’ from left end A as shown in figure.

In the region 0 < x < a

M
Shear force (Vx) = RA =
L

M
Bending moment (Mx) = RA.x = .x
L

In the region a< x < L

M
Shear force (Vx) = RA =
L

M
Bending moment (Mx) = RA.x – M = .x - M
L

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(xviii) A Simply supported beam with an eccentric load

When the beam is subjected to an eccentric load, the eccentric load is to be changed into a couple =
Force (distance travel by force)
= P.a (in this case) and a force = P
Therefore equivalent load diagram will be

Considering equilibrium
MA = 0 gives
-P.(L/2) + P.a + RB L = 0
P P.a P P.a
orRB = − and RA + RB = P gives RA = +
2 L 2 L
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance ‘x’ from left end A and another section YY at a
distance ‘x’ from left end A as shown in figure.

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In the region 0 < x < L/2

P P.a
Shear force (Vx) = +
2 L
P Pa
Bending moment (Mx) = RA . x = + .x
2 L
In the region L/2 < x < L
P Pa P Pa
Shear force (Vx) = + −P =- +
2 L 2 L
Bending moment (Vx) =RA . x – P.( x - L/2 ) – M
PL P Pa
= − − .x - Pa
2 2 L

4.6 Bending Moment diagram of Statically Indeterminate beam

Beams for which reaction forces and internal forces cannot be found out from static equilibrium
equations alone are called statically indeterminate beam. This type of beam requires deformation
equation in addition to static equilibrium equations to solve for unknown forces.

Statically determinate - Equilibrium conditions sufficient to compute reactions.

Statically indeterminate - Deflections (Compatibility conditions) along with equilibrium equations
should be used to find out reactions.

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Type of Loading & B.M Diagram Reaction Bending Moment

R A= R B =
P PL
2 MA = MB = -
8
wL wL2
R A = RB =
2 MA= MB = -
12
Pab 2
Pb 2
R A = 3 (3a + b) MA = - −
L L2
Pa 2 Pa 2b
RB = (3b + a ) MB = - −
L3 L2

3wL
R A= R B =
16
5wL
Rc =
8

RA RB

+
- -

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
4.7 Load and Bending Moment diagram from Shear Force diagram
OR
Load and Shear Force diagram from Bending Moment diagram

If S.F. Diagram for a beam is given, then

(i) If S.F. diagram consists of rectangle then the load will be point load

(ii) If S.F diagram consists of inclined line then the load will be UDL on that portion

(iii) If S.F diagram consists of parabolic curve then the load will be GVL

(iv) If S.F diagram consists of cubic curve then the load distribute is parabolic.

After finding load diagram we can draw B.M diagram easily.

If B.M Diagram for a beam is given, then

(i) If B.M diagram consists of vertical line then a point BM is applied at that point.

(ii) If B.M diagram consists of inclined line then the load will be free point load

(iii) If B.M diagram consists of parabolic curve then the load will be U.D.L.

(iv) If B.M diagram consists of cubic curve then the load will be G.V.L.

(v) If B.M diagram consists of fourth degree polynomial then the load distribution is
parabolic.

Let us take an example: Following is the S.F diagram of a beam is given. Find its loading diagram.

Answer: From A-E inclined straight line so load will be UDL and in AB = 2 m length load = 6 kN if
UDL is w N/m then w.x = 6 or w 2 = 6 or w = 3 kN/m after that S.F is constant so no force is there. At
last a 6 kN for vertical force complete the diagram then the load diagram will be

As there is no support at left end it must be a cantilever beam.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
4.8 Point of Contraflexure
In a beam if the bending moment changes sign at a point, the point itself having zero bending moment,
the beam changes curvature at this point of zero bending moment and this point is called the point of
contra flexure.
Consider a loaded beam as shown below along with the B.M diagrams and deflection diagram.

In this diagram we noticed that for the beam loaded as in this case, the bending moment diagram is
partly positive and partly negative. In the deflected shape of the beam just below the bending moment
diagram shows that left hand side of the beam is ‘sagging' while the right hand side of the beam is
‘hogging’.
The point C on the beam where the curvature changes from sagging to hogging is a point of
contraflexure.
• There can be more than one point of contraflexure in a beam.

Example: The point of contraflexure is a point where [ISRO-2015]

(a) Shear force changes sign (b) Bending moment changes sign
(c) Bending moment is maximum (d) None of the above
Answer. (b)
4.9 General expression
d4y
• EI =−
dx 4

d3y
• EI = Vx
dx 3

d2y
• EI = Mx
dx 2
dy
• = θ = slope
dx
• y= = Deflection
• Flexural rigidity = EI

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OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Shear Force (S.F.) and Bending Moment (B.M.)

Cantilever
GATE-1. A beam is made up of two
identical bars AB and BC, by
hinging them together at B. The
end A is built-in (cantilevered)
and the end C is simply-
supported. With the load P acting
as shown, the bending moment at
A is:

[GATE-2005]
PL 3PL
(a) Zero (b) (c) (d) Indeterminate
2 2
GATE-1a. A beam of negligible mass is hinged at support P and has a roller support Q as
shown in the figure. [GATE-2020]

A point load of 1200 N is applied at point R. The magnitude of the reaction force at
support Q is __________ N.

Cantilever with Uniformly Distributed Load

GATE-2. The shapes of the bending moment diagram for a uniform cantilever beam
carrying a uniformly distributed load over its length is: [GATE-2001]
(a) A straight line (b) A hyperbola (c) An ellipse (d) A parabola

Cantilever Carrying load Whose Intensity varies

GATE-6. A cantilever beam carries the anti-
symmetric load shown, where ωo is
the peak intensity of the
distributed load. Qualitatively, the
correct bending moment diagram
for this beam is:

[GATE-2005]

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

Simply Supported Beam Carrying Concentrated Load

GATE-7. A concentrated load of P acts on a simply supported beam of span L at a distance
L
from the left support. The bending moment at the point of application of the
3
load is given by [GATE-2003]
PL 2 PL PL 2PL
(a) (b) (c ) (d )
3 3 9 9
GATE-8. A simply supported beam carries a load 'P'
through a bracket, as shown in Figure. The
maximum bending moment in the beam is
(a) PI/2 (b) PI/2 + aP/2
(c) PI/2 + aP (d) PI/2 – aP

[GATE-2000, ISRO-2015]

Simply Supported Beam Carrying a Uniformly

Distributed Load
Statement for Linked Answer and Questions Q9-Q10:
A mass less beam has a loading pattern as shown in the figure. The beam is of rectangular
cross-section with a width of 30 mm and height of 100 mm. [GATE-2010]

GATE-9. The maximum bending moment occurs at

(a) Location B (b) 2675 mm to the right of A
(c) 2500 mm to the right of A (d) 3225 mm to the right of A

GATE-10. The maximum magnitude of bending stress (in MPa) is given by [ISRO-2015]
(a) 60.0 (b) 67.5 (c) 200.0 (d) 225.0

Data for Q11-Q12 are given below. Solve the problems and choose correct
answers
A steel beam of breadth 120 mm and
height 750 mm is loaded as shown in the
figure. Assume Esteel= 200 GPa.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
[GATE-2004]
GATE-11. The beam is subjected to a maximum bending moment of
(a) 3375 kNm (b) 4750 kNm (c) 6750 kNm (d) 8750 kNm

GATE-12. The value of maximum deflection of the beam is:

(a) 93.75 mm (b) 83.75 mm (c) 73.75 mm (d) 63.75 mm

Statement for Linked Answer and Questions Q13-Q14:

A simply supported beam of span length 6 m and 75 mm diameter carries a uniformly
distributed load of 1.5 kN/m [GATE-2006]

GATE-13. What is the maximum value of bending moment?

(a) 9 kNm (b) 13.5 kNm (c) 81 kNm (d) 125 kNm

GATE-14. What is the maximum value of bending stress?

(a) 162.98 MPa (b) 325.95 MPa (c) 625.95 MPa (d) 651.90 MPa

GATE-15.A cantilever beam OP is connected to another beam PQ with a pin joint as shown in
the figure. A load of 10 kN is applied at the mid-point of PQ. The magnitude of
bending moment (in kNm) at fixed end O is [GATE-2015]
(a) 2.5 (b) 5 (c) 10 (d) 25

GATE-15a. A vertical load of 10 kN acts on a hinge located at a distance of L/4 from the
roller support Q of a beam of length L (see figure).

The vertical reaction at support Q is [CE: GATE-2018]

(a) 0.0 kN (b) 2.5 kN (c) 7.5 kN (d) 10.0 kN
GATE-15b. The magnitude of reaction force at joint C of the hinge-beam shown in the
figure is _______ kN (round off to 2 decimal places). [GATE-2020]

GATE-15c. The figure shows two identical mass-less beams AB and CD, each clamped at one
of their ends. The left end of beam CD rests on the right end of beam AB such that
the ends of the beams are just in contact. The beams are unstressed before the
application of load. Assume no friction at the contact. Now, if a uniformly
distributed load of 800 N/m is applied on beam CD, the bending moment at the end
B of beam AB in N.m is ___________ (rounded off to the nearest integer)
[XE: GATE-2022 ]

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

Simply Supported Beam Carrying a Load whose

Intensity varies Uniformly from Zero at each End to w
per Unit Run at the MiD Span
GATE-16. A simply supported beam of length 'l' is subjected to a symmetrical uniformly
varying load with zero intensity at the ends and intensity w (load per unit length)
at the mid span. What is the maximum bending moment? [IAS-2004]
3wl 2 wl 2 wl 2 5wl 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
8 12 24 12

GATE-16a.For the simply supported beam of length L, subjected to a uniformly distributed

moment M kN-m per unit length as shown in the figure, the bending moment (in
kN-m) at the mid-span of the beam is [CE: GATE-2010]

Mk
N -mp
eru
nitle
n g
th

L
M
(a) zero (b) M (c) ML (d)
L

GATE-16b. A simply supported beam of length L is subjected to a varying distributed load

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟑𝝅𝒙/𝑳) Nm-1, where the distance x is measured from the left support. The
magnitude of the vertical reaction force in N at the left support is [GATE-2013]
(a) zero (b) L/3 (c) L/ (d) 2L/

GATE-16c. For a loaded cantilever beam of uniform cross-section, the bending moment (in
N.mm) along thelength is M (x) = 5x2+10x, where x is the distance (in mm)
measured from the free end of thebeam. The magnitude of shear force (in N) in the
cross-section at x = 10 mm is ________________. [GATE-2017]

GATE-17. List-I shows different loads acting on a beam and List-II shows different bending
moment distributions. Match the load with the corresponding bending moment
diagram.
List-I List-II [CE: GATE-2003]
A. 1.

B. 2.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
C. 3.

D. 4.

5.

Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 5 4 1 3
(c) 2 5 3 1 (d) 2 4 1 3

GATE-18. The bending moment diagram for a beam is given below: [CE: GATE-2005]
b 200 kN-m
a

100 kN-m

a b

0.5m 0.5m 1m 1m
The shear force at sections aa and bb respectively are of the magnitude.
(a) 100 kN, 150 kN (b) zero, 100 kN
(c) zero, 50 kN (d) 100 kN, 100 kN

GATE-19. A simply supported beam AB has the bending moment diagram as shown in the
following figure: [CE: GATE-2006]

The beam is possibly under the action of following loads

(a) Couples of M at C and 2M at D (b) Couples of 2M at C and M at D
M 2M
(c) Concentrated loads of at C and at D
L L
M
(d) Concentrated loads of at C and couple of 2M at D
L
GATE-20. A simply-supported beam of length 3L is subjected to the loading shown in the figure.

[GATE-2016]

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
It is given that P = 1 N, L = 1 m and Young’s modulus E = 200 GPa. The cross-section is a
square with dimension 10 mm X 10 mm. The bending stress (in Pa) at the point A located at the
top surface of the beam at a distance of 1.5 L from the left end is _________________
(Indicate compressive stress by a negative sign and tensile stress by a positive sign.)
GATE-21. Match List-I (Shear Force Diagrams) beams with List-II (Diagrams of beams with
supports and loading) and select the correct answer by using the codes given
below the lists: [CE: GATE-2009]
List-I List-II
1
A. q/
u n
itlengt
h q/
u nitl
engt
h

q
L q
L L L
L
2 + 4 +
4 4
– q
2.
L – q
L
4
2
q q
q
2 2
B.

q
L
L L L
4 4
4+
–q
L
3.
4
q
/
u n
i
tle
ngt
h
C.

q q q L L L
2 + 2 +2 4 4
–q q – q
4.
2 2 2
D. q q
2 2

q L L
L
2 + 4 4
–q
2

Codes:
A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 1 2 4 (b) 3 4 2 1
(c) 2 1 4 3 (d) 2 4 3 1

GATE-22. For the overhanging beam shown in figure, the magnitude of maximum bending
moment (in kN-m) is _____ [GATE-
2015]

GATE-23. Consider a simply supported beam PQ as shown in the figure. A truck having 100
kN on the front axle and 200 kN on the rear axle, moves from left to right. The
spacing between the axles is 3 m. The maximum bending moment at point R is
_________ kNm. (in integer) [CE: GATE-2022 set – 1]

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

GATE-24. The frame shown in the figure is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 1000
N/m over a distance of 0.6 m. Neglecting the weight of the frame, the maximum
shear force (in N) in the region between the supports A and B of the frame is
________. [XE: GATE-2022 ]

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Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Shear Force (S.F.) and Bending Moment (B.M.)

[IES-1998]
IES-1. A beam subjected to a load P is shown in
the given figure. The bending moment at
the support AA of the beam will be
(a) PL (b) PL/2
(c) 2PL (d) zero

[IES-1997]
IES-3. The bending moment (M) is constant over a length segment (I) of a beam. The
shearing force will also be constant over this length and is given by [IES-1996]
(a) M/l (b) M/2l (c) M/4l (d) None of the above

IES-4. A rectangular section beam subjected to a bending moment M varying along its
length is required to develop same maximum bending stress at any cross-section.
If the depth of the section is constant, then its width will vary as [IES-1995]
(a) M (b) M (c) M2 (d) 1/M

IES-5. Consider the following statements: [IES-1995]

If at a section distant from one of the ends of the beam, M represents the bending
moment. V the shear force and w the intensity of loading, then
1. dM/dx = V 2. dV/dx = w
3. dw/dx = y (the deflection of the beam at the section)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

IES-5a Shear force and

bending moment 200 N
diagrams for a beam A D
ABCD are shown in
B C
300 N
figure. It can be
concluded that 10 m 25 m
(a) The beam has
three supports
(b) End A is fixed
(c) A couple of 2000
3000 Nm 3000 Nm
Nm acts at C
(d) A uniformly
distributed load 1000 Nm
is confined to A
B C D
portion BC only 10 m 10 m 15 m
[IES-2010]

Cantilever
IES-6. The maximum bending moment at the fixed end in a cantilever of length L
carrying a uniformly distributed load W per unit length across the whole span is
WL2 WL2
(a) 2 (b) 4 [IES 2022]
3 3
WL WL
(c) 4 (d) 8

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IES-6(i). The given figure shows a beam BC simply supported at C and hinged at B (free
end) of a cantilever AB. The beam and the cantilever carry forces of

100 kg and 200 kg respectively. The bending moment at B is: [IES-1995]

(a) Zero (b) 100 kg-m (c) 150 kg-m (d) 200 kg-m

IES-7. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists: [IES-1993, 2011]
List-I List-II
(Condition of beam) (Bending moment diagram)
A. Subjected to bending moment at the 1. Triangle
end of a cantilever
B. Cantilever carrying uniformly distributed 2. Cubic parabola
load over the whole length
C. Cantilever carrying linearly varying load 3. Parabola
from zero at the fixed end to maximum at
the support
D. A beam having load at the centre and 4. Rectangle
supported at the ends
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 3 4 1 2

IES-8. If the shear force acting at every section of a beam is of the same magnitude and
of the same direction then it represents a [IES-1996]
(a) Simply supported beam with a concentrated load at the centre.
(b) Overhung beam having equal overhang at both supports and carrying equal
concentrated loads acting in the same direction at the free ends.
(c) Cantilever subjected to concentrated load at the free end.
(d) Simply supported beam having concentrated loads of equal magnitude and in the same
direction acting at equal distances from the supports.

IES-8a. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. In uniformly distributed load, the nature of shear force is linear and bending
moment is parabolic.
2. In uniformly varying load, the nature of shear force is linear and bending
moment is parabolic.
3. Under no loading condition, the nature of shear force is linear and bending
moment is constant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 only (d) 1 only

Cantilever with Uniformly Distributed Load

IES-9. A uniformly distributed load (in kN/m) is acting over the entire length of a 3 m
long cantilever beam. If the shear force at the midpoint of cantilever is 6 kN, what
is the value of ? [IES-2009]
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5

IES-10. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the Lists: [IES-2009]

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Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 5 2 4 (b) 4 5 2 3
(c) 1 3 4 5 (d) 4 2 5 3

IES-11. The shearing force diagram for a

beam is shown in the above figure.
The bending moment diagram is
represented by which one of the
following?

[IES-2008]

IES-12. A cantilever beam having 5 m length is so loaded that it develops a shearing force
of 20T and a bending moment of 20 T-m at a section 2m from the free end.
Maximum shearing force and maximum bending moment developed in the beam
under this load are respectively 50 T and 125 T-m. The load on the beam is:
(a) 25 T concentrated load at free end [IES-1995]
(b) 20T concentrated load at free end
(c) 5T concentrated load at free end and 2 T/m load over entire length

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(d) 10 T/m udl over entire length

Cantilever Carrying Uniformly Distributed Load for a

Part of its Length
IES-13. A vertical hanging bar of length L and weighing w N/ unit length carries a load W
at the bottom. The tensile force in the bar at a distance Y from the support will be
given by [IES-1992]
W
( a ) W + wL ( b )W + w(L − y) ( c)(W + w) y / L (d ) W + (L − y)
w

Cantilever Carrying load Whose Intensity varies

IES-14. A cantilever beam of 2 m length supports a triangularly distributed load over its
entire length, the maximum of which is at the free end. The total load is 37.5 kN.
What is the bending moment at the fixed end? [IES 2007]
(a) 50 106 N mm (b) 12.5 106 N mm (c) 100 106 N mm (d) 25 106 N mm

Simply Supported Beam Carrying Concentrated Load

IES-15. Assertion (A): If the bending moment along the length of a beam is constant, then
the beam cross section will not experience any shear stress. [IES-1998]
Reason (R): The shear force acting on the beam will be zero everywhere along the
length.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-16. Assertion (A): If the bending moment diagram is a rectangle, it indicates that the
beam is loaded by a uniformly distributed moment all along the length.
Reason (R): The BMD is a representation of internal forces in the beam and not
the moment applied on the beam. [IES-2002]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-17. The maximum bending moment in a simply supported beam of length L loaded by
a concentrated load W at the midpoint is given by [IES-1996]
WL WL WL
(a) WL (b) (c) (d)
2 4 8

IES-18. A simply supported beam is

loaded as shown in the above
figure. The maximum shear force
in the beam will be
(a) Zero (b) W
(c) 2W (d) 4W

[IES-1998]
IES-18(a). A simply supported beam of 8 m length carries three-point loads of 8 kN, 4 kN and
10 kN at 2 m, 5 m and 6 m respectively from the left end. What are the left and
right support reactions respectively? [IES 2022]
(a) 12 kN and 10 kN (b) 9 kN and 11 kN
(c) 11 kN and 9 kN (d) 10 kN and 12 kN

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
IES-19. If a beam is subjected to a constant bending moment along its length, then the
shear force will [IES-1997]
(a) Also have a constant value everywhere along its length
(b) Be zero at all sections along the beam
(c) Be maximum at the centre and zero at the ends (d) zero at the centre and maximum
at the ends

IES-20. A loaded beam is shown in

the figure. The bending
moment diagram of the
beam is best represented as:

[IES-2000]

IES-20(i). A beam ABCD 6 m long is supported at B and C, 3 m apart with overhangs AB = 2

m and CD = 1 m. It carries a uniformly distributed load of 100 KN/m over its entire
length: [IES-2015]

The maximum magnitudes of bending moment and shear force are

(a) 200 KN-m and 250 KN (b) 200 KN-m and 200KN
(c) 50 KN-m and 200 KN (d) 50 KN-m and 250 KN

IES-21. A simply supported beam has equal over-hanging lengths and carries equal
concentrated loads P at ends. Bending moment over the length between the
supports [IES-2003]
(a) Is zero (b) Is a non-zero constant
(c) Varies uniformly from one support to the other (d) Is maximum at mid-span

IES-21(i). A beam simply supported at equal distance from the ends carries equal loads at
each end. Which of the following statements is true? [IES-2013]
(a) The bending moment is minimum at the mid-span
(b) The bending moment is minimum at the support
(c) The bending moment varies gradually between the supports
(d) The bending moment is uniform between the supports

IES-22. The bending moment diagram for the case shown below will be q as shown in

(a) (b)

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(c) (d)

[IES-1992]
IES-23. Which one of the following
portions of the loaded beam
shown in the given figure is
subjected to pure bending?
(a) AB (b)DE
(c) AE (d) BD
[IES-1999]

IES-24. Constant bending moment over span "l" will occur in [IES-1995]

IES-25. For the beam shown in the above

figure, the elastic curve between the
supports B and C will be:
(a) Circular (b) Parabolic
(c) Elliptic (d) A straight line

[IES-1998]

IES-26. A beam is simply supported at its ends and is loaded by a couple at its mid-span as
shown in figure A. Shear force diagram for the beam is given by the figure.
[IES-1994]

(a) B (b) C (c) D (d) E

IES-27. A beam AB is hinged-supported at its ends and is loaded by couple P.c. as shown
in the given figure. The magnitude or shearing force at a section x of the beam is:
[IES-1993]

(a) 0 (b) P (c) P/2L (d) P.c./2L

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IES-27a.Which one of the following is the correct bending moment diagram for a beam
which is hinged at the ends and is subjected to a clockwise couple acting at the mid-
span?
[IES-2018]

Simply Supported Beam Carrying a Uniformly

Distributed Load
IES-28. A freely supported beam at its ends carries a central concentrated load, and
maximumbending moment is M. If the same load be uniformly distributed over the beam
length,then what is the maximum bending moment? [IES-2009]
M M
(a) M (b) (c) (d) 2M
2 3

Simply Supported Beam Carrying a Load who’s

Intensity varies uniformly from Zero at each End
to w per Unit Run at the MiD Span
IES-29. A simply supported beam is
subjected to a distributed
loading as shown in the
diagram given below:
What is the maximum shear
force in the beam?
(a) WL/3 (b) WL/2
(c) 2WL/3 (d) WL/4

[IES-2004]

Simply Supported Beam carrying a Load who’s Intensity

varies
IES-30. A beam having uniform cross-section carries a uniformly distributed load of
intensity q per unit length over its entire span, and its mid-span deflection is δ.
The value of mid-span deflection of the same beam when the same load is
distributed with intensity varying from 2q unit length at one end to zero at the
other end is: [IES-1995]
(a) 1/3 δ (b) 1/2 δ (c) 2/3 δ (d) δ

Simply Supported Beam with Equal Overhangs and

carrying a Uniformly Distributed Load
IES-31. A beam, built-in at both ends, carries a uniformly distributed load over its entire
span as shown in figure-I. Which one of the diagrams given below, represents
bending moment distribution along the length of the beam?
[IES-1996]

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The Points of Contraflexure

IES-32. The point· of contraflexure is a point where: [IES-2005]
(a) Shear force changes sign (b) Bending moment changes sign
(c) Shear force is maximum (d) Bending moment is maximum

IES-33. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the Lists: [IES-2000]
List-I List-II
A. Bending moment is constant 1. Point of contraflexure
B. Bending moment is maximum or minimum 2. Shear force changes sign
C. Bending moment is zero 3. Slope of shear force diagram is
zero over the portion of the beam
D. Loading is constant 4. Shear force is zero over the
portion of the beam
Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3 (b) 3 2 1 4
(c) 4 2 1 3 (d) 3 1 2 4

Loading and B.M. diagram from S.F. Diagram

IES-34. The bending moment diagram shown in Fig. I correspond to the shear force
diagram in [IES-1999]

IES-35. Bending moment distribution in a built beam is shown in the given

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
The shear force distribution in the beam is represented by [IES-2001]

IES-36. The given figure shows the

shear force diagram for the
beam ABCD.
Bending moment in the portion
BC of the beam
[IES-1996]
(a) Is a non-zero constant (b) Is zero
(c) Varies linearly from B to C (d) Varies parabolically from B to C

IES-37. Figure shown above represents the

BM diagram for a simply supported
beam. The beam is subjected to
which one of the following?
(a) A concentrated load at its mid-
length
(b) A uniformly distributed load over
its length
(c) A couple at its mid-length
(d) Couple at 1/4 of the span from each
end

[IES-2006]
IES-38. If the bending moment diagram for
a simply supported beam is of the
form given below.
Then the load acting on the beam
is:
(a) A concentrated force at C
(b) A uniformly distributed load over
the whole length of the beam
(c) Equal and opposite moments
applied at A and B
(d) A moment applied at C [IES-1994]

IES-38a. A lever is supported on two

hinges at A and C. It carries a
force of 3 kN as shown in the
above figure. The bending
moment at B will be
(a) 3 kN-m (b) 2 kN-m
(c) 1 kN-m (d) Zero

IES-39. The figure given below shows a bending moment diagram for the beam CABD:

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Load diagram for the above beam will be: [IES-1993]

IES-40. The shear force diagram shown in the following figure is that of a [IES-1994]
(a) Freely supported beam with symmetrical point load about mid-span.
(b) Freely supported beam with symmetrical uniformly distributed load about mid-span
(c) Simply supported beam with positive and negative point loads symmetrical about the
mid-span
(d) Simply supported beam with symmetrical varying load about mid-span

IES-40(i). A part of shear force diagram of the beam is shown in the figure

If the bending moment at B is -9kN, then bending moment at C is [IES-2014]

(a) 40kN (b) 58kN (c) 116kN (d) -80kN

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Statically Indeterminate beam
IES-41 Which one of the following is NOT a statically indeterminate structure?
P
T
C (b) A B
(a) B
A C

(c) Steel
(d) F
Y Aliminium

X T
O [IES-2010]
Z

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Shear Force (S.F.) and Bending Moment (B.M.)

IAS-1. Assertion (A): A beam subjected only to end moments will be free from shearing
force. [IAS-2004]
Reason (R): The bending moment variation along the beam length is zero.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-2. Assertion (A): The change in bending moment between two cross-sections of a
beam is equal to the area of the shearing force diagram between the two sections.
[IAS-1998]
Reason (R): The change in the shearing force between two cross-sections of beam
due to distributed loading is equal to the area of the load intensity diagram
between the two sections.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-3. The ratio of the area under the bending moment diagram to the flexural rigidity
between any two points along a beam gives the change in [IAS-1998]
(a) Deflection (b) Slope (c) Shear force (d) Bending moment

Cantilever
IAS-4. A beam AB of length 2 L having a
concentrated load P at its mid-span
is hinge supported at its two ends A
and B on two identical cantilevers as
shown in the given figure. The
correct value of bending moment at
A is
(a) Zero (b) PLl2
(c) PL (d) 2 PL [IAS-1995]

IAS-5. A load perpendicular to the plane of the handle is applied at the free end as shown
in the given figure. The values of Shear Forces (S.F.), Bending Moment (B.M.) and

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
torque at the fixed end of the handle have been determined respectively as 400 N,
340 Nm and 100 by a student. Among these values, those of [IAS-1999]
(a) S.F., B.M. and torque are correct
(b) S.F. and B.M. are correct
(c) B.M. and torque are correct
(d) S.F. and torque are correct

Cantilever with Uniformly Distributed Load

IAS-6. If the SF diagram for a beam is a triangle with length of the beam as its base, the
beam is: [IAS-2007]
(a) A cantilever with a concentrated load at its free end
(b) A cantilever with udl over its whole span
(c) Simply supported with a concentrated load at its mid-point
(d) Simply supported with a udl over its whole span

IAS-7. A cantilever carrying a uniformly distributed load is shown in Fig. I.

Select the correct B.M. diagram of the cantilever. [IAS-1999]

IAS-8. A structural member ABCD is loaded

as shown in the given figure. The
shearing force at any section on the
length BC of the member is:
(a) Zero (b) P
(c) Pa/k (d) Pk/a

[IAS-1996]

Cantilever Carrying load Whose Intensity varies

IAS-9. The beam is loaded as shown in Fig. I. Select the correct B.M. diagram
[IAS-1999]

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Simply Supported Beam Carrying Concentrated Load
IAS-10. Assertion (A): In a simply supported beam carrying a concentrated load at mid-
span, both the shear force and bending moment diagrams are triangular in nature
without any change in sign. [IAS-1999]
Reason (R): When the shear force at any section of a beam is either zero or
changes sign, the bending moment at that section is maximum.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-11. For the shear force to be uniform throughout the span of a simply supported
beam, it should carry which one of the following loadings? [IAS-2007]
(a) A concentrated load at mid-span
(b) Udl over the entire span
(c) A couple anywhere within its span
(d) Two concentrated loads equal in magnitude and placed at equal distance from each
support

IAS-12. Which one of the following figures represents the correct shear force diagram for
the loaded beam shown in the given figure I? [IAS-1998; IAS-1995]

Simply Supported Beam Carrying a Uniformly

Distributed Load
IAS-13. For a simply supported beam of length fl' subjected to downward load of uniform
intensity w, match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes
given below the Lists: [IAS-1997]
List-I List-II
5w 4
A. Slope of shear force diagram 1.
384 E I
B. Maximum shear force 2. w
w4
C. Maximum deflection 3.
8

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
w
D. Magnitude of maximum bending moment 4.
2
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 3 1 2 4
(c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 2 4 1 3

Simply Supported Beam Carrying a Load whose

Intensity varies Uniformly from Zero at each End to w
per Unit Run at the MiD Span
IAS-14. A simply supported beam of length 'l' is subjected to a symmetrical uniformly
varying load with zero intensity at the ends and intensity w (load per unit length)
at the mid span. What is the maximum bending moment? [IAS-2004]
3wl 2 wl 2 wl 2 5wl 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
8 12 24 12

Simply Supported Beam carrying a Load whose

Intensity varies
IAS-15. A simply supported beam of span l is subjected to a uniformly varying load having
zero intensity at the left support and w N/m at the right support. The reaction at
the right support is: [IAS-2003]
wl wl wl wl
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 5 4 3

Simply Supported Beam with Equal Overhangs and

carrying a Uniformly Distributed Load
IAS-16. Consider the following statements for a simply supported beam subjected to a
couple at its mid-span: [IAS-2004]
1. Bending moment is zero at the ends and maximum at the centre
2. Bending moment is constant over the entire length of the beam
3. Shear force is constant over the entire length of the beam
4. Shear force is zero over the entire length of the beam
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 4

IAS-17. Match List-I (Beams) with List-II (Shear force diagrams) and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the Lists: [IAS-2001]

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 5 3 (b) 1 4 5 3
(c) 1 4 3 5 (d) 4 2 3 5

The Points of Contraflexure

IAS-18. A point, along the length of a beam subjected to loads, where bending moment
changes its sign, is known as the point of [IAS-1996]
(a) Inflexion (b) Maximum stress (c) Zero shear force (d) Contra flexure

IAS-19. Assertion (A): In a loaded beam, if the shear force diagram is a straight line
parallel to the beam axis, then the bending moment is a straight line inclined to
the beam axis. [IAS 1994]
Reason (R): When shear force at any section of a beam is zero or changes sign, the
bending moment at that section is maximum.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Loading and B.M. diagram from S.F. Diagram

IAS-20. The shear force diagram of a
loaded beam is shown in the
following figure:
The maximum Bending Moment of
the beam is:
(a) 16 kN-m (b) 11 kN-m

(c) 28 kN-m (d) 8 kN-m

[IAS-1997]
IAS-21. The bending moment for a loaded beam is shown below: [IAS-2003]

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The loading on the beam is represented by which one of the followings diagrams?
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

IAS-22. Which one of the given bending moment diagrams correctly represents that of the
loaded beam shown in figure? [IAS-1997]

IAS-23. The shear force diagram is shown

above for a loaded beam. The
corresponding bending moment
diagram is represented by

[IAS-2003]

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IAS-24. The bending moment diagram for a simply supported beam is a rectangle over a
larger portion of the span except near the supports. What type of load does the
beam carry? [IAS-2007]
(a) A uniformly distributed symmetrical load over a larger portion of the span except near
the supports
(b) A concentrated load at mid-span
(c) Two identical concentrated loads equidistant from the supports and close to mid-point
of the beam
(d) Two identical concentrated loads equidistant from the mid-span and close to supports

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans. (b)
GATE-1a. Ans.

∑ 𝑀𝑃 = 0
1200×5-𝑅𝑄 × 4 = 0
1200×5
𝑅𝑄 = = 1500𝑁
4
GATE-2. Ans. (d)

GATE-6. Ans. (c)

wx 2 wx3
Mx = −
2 6L

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
GATE-7. Ans. (d)
L 2L
P
Pab 3 3 2PL
Mc = = =
l L 9

GATE-8. Ans. (b)

GATE-9. Ans. (c)
3000 N/m

R1 R2
R1 + R 2 = 3000 2 = 6000N
R1 4 − 3000 2 1 = 0
R1 = 1500,
S.F. eqn . at any section x from end A.
R1 − 3000 ( x − 2) = 0 for x 2m}
x = 2.5 m.
GATE-10. Ans. (b)
Binding stress will be maximum at the outer surface
So taking y = 50 mm
ld 3 m 50
and I = & 3
=
12 ld
12
x2
m x = 1.5 103[2000 + x] −
2
m2500 = 3.375 10 N − mm
6

3.375 106 50 12
= = 67.5 MPa
30 1003
wl2 120 152
GATE-11. Ans. (a) Mmax = = kNm = 3375kNm
8 8
bh3 0.12 ( 0.75 )
3

GATE-12. Ans. (a) Moment of inertia (I) = = = 4.22 10−3 m4

12 12
5 wl4 5 120 103 15 4
= = m = 93.75mm
384 EI 384 200 109 4.22 10−3
max

wl2 1.5 62
GATE-13. Ans. (a) Mmax = = = 6.75kNm But not in choice. Nearest choice (a)
8 8
32M 32 6.75 103
GATE-14. Ans. (a) = = Pa = 162.98MPa
d3 ( 0.075 )
2

GATE-15. Ans. (c)

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

M= 5 x 2 = 10 KN
GATE-15a. Ans. (a) In the simply supported part no force et all.
GATE-15b. Ans. 20

∑ MBRight = 0
4R c = 10 × 4 × 2
R c = 20 kN
GATE-15c. Ans. (148 to 152)
GATE-16. Ans. (b)
GATE-16a. Ans. (a)
Let the reaction at the right hand support be VR upwards. Taking moments about left hand
support, we get
VR L − ML = 0
VR = M
Thus, the reaction at the left hand support VL will be M downwards.
Moment at the mid-span
L L
= −M +M =0
2 2
Infact the bending moment through out the beam is zero.
GATE-16b.Ans. (b)
𝒅𝑴
GATE-16c. Ans. 110 Range (110 to 110) 𝒙 = 𝑽𝒙 = 10 x + 10 = 10x10 + 10 = 110
𝒅𝒙
GATE-17. Ans. (d)
GATE-18. Ans. (c)
The bending moment to the left as well as right of section aa is constant which means shear
force is zero at aa .
200 − 100
Shear force at bb = = 50kN
2
GATE-19. Ans. (a)
The shear force diagram is

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
C D
A B

M – M
L L
SFD

M 2M

RA Loading diagram RB

3M M
R A = RB = =
3L L
GATE-20. Ans. 0 (Zero)
It is a case of BM at the mid span of a simply supported beam, at this point BM changes sign
so value is zero.
GATE-21. Ans. (a)
GATE-22. Ans.40 kNm
GATE-23 Ans. (180)
GATE-24. Ans. (295 to 305)

IES
PL
IES-1. Ans.(b) Load P at end produces moment in
2
anticlockwise direction. Load P at end
produces moment of PL in clockwise
direction. Net moment at AA is PL/2.

IES-3. Ans. (d) Dimensional analysis gives choice (d)

M bh3
IES-4. Ans. (a) = const. and I=
I 12
IES-5. Ans. (b)
IES-5a Ans. (c) A vertical increase in BM diagram entails there is a point moment similarly a
vertical increase in SF diagram entails there is a point shear force.
IES-6. Ans. (a)
IES-6(i). Ans. (a)
IES-7. Ans. (b)
IES-8. Ans. (c)
IES-8a. Ans. (d)

• dVx
= -w (load)
dx
The value of the distributed load at any point in the beam is equal to the slope of the shear force
curve.
• dM x
= Vx
dx

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
The value of the shear force at any point in the beam is equal to the slope of the bending moment
curve.
IES-9. Ans. (c)

Shear force at mid point of cantilever

l
= =6
2
3
=6
2
6 2
= = 4 kN / m
3
IES-10. Ans. (b)
IES-11. Ans. (b) Uniformly distributed load on cantilever beam.

IES-12. Ans. (d)

IES-13. Ans. (b)
IES-14. Ans. (a)

4
M = 37.5 KNm = 50 106 Nmm
3
IES-15. Ans. (a)
IES-16. Ans. (d)
IES-17. Ans. (c)
IES-18. Ans. (c)
IES-18(a). Ans. (d)

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
IES-19. Ans. (b)
IES-20. Ans. (a)
IES-20(i).Ans. b
IES-21. Ans. (b)

IES-21(i). Ans. (d)

IES-22. Ans. (a)
IES-23. Ans. (d) Pure bending takes place in the section between two weights W
IES-24. Ans. (d)
IES-25. Ans. (a)
IES-26. Ans. (d)
IES-27. Ans. (d) If F be the shearing force at section x (at point A), then taking moments about B, F x
2L = Pc
Pc Pc
or F = Thus shearing force in zone x =
2L 2L
IES-27a.Ans. (c)

IES-28. Ans. (b)

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

WL
B.MMax = =M
4
Where the Load is U.D.L.
Maximum Bending Moment
W L2
=
L 8
WL 1 WL M
= = =
8 2 4 2
IES-29. Ans. (d) 1 WL
Total load = L W=
2 2

WL 1 W WL Wx 2
Sx = − x. X = −
4 2 L 4 L
2
WL
Smax at x = 0 =
4

IES-30. Ans. (d)

IES-31. Ans. (d)
IES-32. Ans. (b)
IES-33. Ans. (b)
IES-34. Ans. (b) If shear force is zero, B.M. will also be zero. If shear force varies linearly with length,
B.M. diagram will be curved line.
IES-35. Ans. (a)
IES-36. Ans. (a)
IES-37. Ans. (c)
IES-38. Ans. (d) A vertical line in centre of B.M. diagram is possible when a moment is applied there.
IES-38a. Ans. (d) At the mid point BM is zero and changes its sign.

IES-39. Ans. (a) Load diagram at (a) is correct because B.M. diagram between A and B is parabola
which is possible with uniformly distributed load in this region.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
IES-40. Ans. (b) The shear force diagram is possible on simply supported beam with symmetrical
varying load about mid span.
IES-40(i) Ans. (a)
IES-41 Ans. (c)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (a)
IAS-2. Ans. (b)
IAS-3. Ans. (b)
IAS-4. Ans. (a)Because of hinge support between beam AB and cantilevers, the bending moment can't
be transmitted to cantilever. Thus bending moment at points A and B is zero.
IAS-5. Ans. (d)
S.F = 400N and BM = 400 ( 0.4 + 0.2 ) = 240Nm
Torque = 400 0.25 = 100Nm
IAS-6. Ans. (b)

x wx 2
IAS-7. Ans. (c) Mx = − wx =−
2 2

IAS-8. Ans. (a)

IAS-9. Ans. (d)
IAS-10. Ans. (d) A is false.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
IAS-11. Ans. (c)
IAS-12. Ans. (a)
IAS-13. Ans. (d)

IAS-14. Ans. (b)

IAS-15. Ans. (d)
IAS-16. Ans. (c)

IAS-17. Ans. (d)

IAS-18. Ans. (d)
IAS-19. Ans. (b)
IAS-20. Ans. (a)

IAS-21. Ans. (d)

IAS-22. Ans. (c) Bending moment does not depends on moment of inertia.
IAS-23. Ans. (a)
IAS-24. Ans. (d)

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2005
Question: A simply supported beam of length 10 m carries a uniformly varying load whose
intensity varies from a maximum value of 5 kN/m at both ends to zero at the
centre of the beam. It is desired to replace the beam with another simply
supported beam which will be subjected to the same maximum 'bending
moment’ and ‘shear force' as in the case of the previous one. Determine the
length and rate of loading for the second beam if it is subjected to a uniformly
distributed load over its whole length. Draw the variation of 'SF' and 'BM' in
both the cases.
Answer:
X
5KN/m 5KN/m

B
X

RA 10m RB

10
Total load on beam =5× 25 kN
2
25
RA RB 12.5 kN
2
Take a section X-X from B at a distance x.
For 0 x 5 m we get rate of loading
a bx [as lineary varying]
at x=0, =5 kN / m
and at x = 5, 0
These two bounday condition gives a = 5 and b = -1
5 x
dV
We know that shear force(V),
dx
x2
or V = dx = (5 x )dx 5x c1
2
at x = 0, F =12.5 kN (RB ) so c1 12.5
2
x
V = -5x + 12.5
2
It is clear that maximum S.F = 12.5 kN
dM
For a beam V
dx
x2 5x 2 x3
or , M = Vdx ( 5x 12.5)dx = - 12.5 x C2
2 2 6
at x = 0, M = 0 gives C2 0
M = 12.5x - 2.5x 2 x3 / 6

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
dM
for Maximum bending moment at 0
dx
x2
or-5x+ 12.5 0
2
or , x 2 10 x 25 0
or , x 5 means at centre.
So, Mmax 12.5 2.5 2.5 5 2 53 / 6 20.83 kNm
X
wKNm
A B

RA L RB

Now we consider a simply supported beam carrying uniform distributed load

over whole length ( KN/m).
WL
Here R A RB
2
S.F .at section X-X
W
Vx x
2
Vmax 12.5 kN

B.M at section X-X

W Wx 2
Mx x
2 2
2 2
dM x WL L WL
20.83 (ii )
dx 2 2 2 8
Solving (i ) & (ii ) we get L=6.666m and =3.75kN/m

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Conventional Question IES-1996
Question: A Uniform beam of length L is carrying a uniformly distributed load w per unit
length and is simply supported at its ends. What would be the maximum bending
moment and where does it occur?
Answer: By symmetry each support
W
reactionis equal i.e. RA=RB=
2
B.M at the section x-x is
W Wx 2
Mx=+ x
2 2
For the B.M to be maximum we
dM x
have to 0 that gives.
dx
W Bending Moment Diagram
x 0
+ 2
or x= i.e. at mid point.
2
2
w 2
And Mmax=
2 2 2 2 8

Conventional Question AMIE-1996

Question: Calculate the reactions at A and D for the beam shown in figure. Draw the
bending moment and shear force diagrams showing all important values.

Answer: Equivalent figure below shows an overhanging beam ABCDF supported by a roller
support at A and a hinged support at D. In the figure, a load of 4 kN is applied through a
bracket 0.5 m away from the point C. Now apply equal and opposite load of 4 kN at C.
This will be equivalent to a anticlockwise couple of the value of (4 x 0.5) = 2 kNm acting at
C together with a vertical downward load of 4 kN at C. Show U.D.L. (1 kN/m) over the
port AB, a point load of 2 kN vertically downward at F, and a horizontal load of 2 3 kN as
shown.

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

For reaction and A and D.

Let ue assume RA= reaction at roller A.
RDV vertically component of the reaction at the hinged support D, and
RDH horizontal component of the reaction at the hinged support D.

Obviously RDH= 2 3 kN ( → )
In order to determine RA, takings moments about D, we get

2
RA 6 + 2 1= 1 2 +2+2 +2+4 2
2
or R A = 3kN
Also R A + RDV = (1 2 ) + 4 + 2 = 8

or RDV = 5kN vetrically upward

(R ) + (R ) ( )
2 2
Re action at D, RD = 2
DV DH = 52 + 2 3 = 6.08kN
5
Inclination with horizontal = = tan −1 = 55.3 0
2 3
S.F.Calculation :
VF = −2kN
VD = −2 + 5 = 3kN
VC = 3 − 4 = −1kN
VB = −1kN
VA = −1 − (1 2 ) = −3kN

B.M.Calculation :
MF = 0
MD = −2 1 = −2kNm
MC = −2 (1 + 2 ) + 5 2 + 2 = 6kNm

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
The bending moment increases from 4kNm in (i,e., −2 (1 + 2 ) + 5 2 )
to 6kNm as shown
MB = −2 (1 + 2 + 2 ) + 5 ( +2 ) − 4 2 + 2 = 4kNm
2 1
MP = −2 1 + 2 + 2 + + 5 ( 2 + 2 + 1) − 4 ( 2 + 1) + 2 − 1 1
2 2
= 2.5kNm
MA = 0

Conventional Question GATE-1997

Question: Construct the bending moment and shearing force diagrams for the beam shown
in the figure.

Answer:

Calculation: First find out reaction at B and E.

Taking moments, about B, we get

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
0.5
RE 4.5 + 20 0.5 + 100 = 50 3 + 40 5
2
or RE = 55kN
Also, RB + RE = 20 0.5 + 50 + 40
or RB = 45kN RE = 55kN
S.F. Calculation : VF = −40 kN
VE = −40 + 55 = 15 kN
VD = 15 − 50 = −35 kN
VB = −35 + 45 = 10 kN
B.M.Calculation : MG = 0
MF = 0
ME = −40 0.5 = −20kNm
MD = −40 2 + 55 1.5 = 2.5kNm
MC = −40 4 + 55 3.5 − 50 2 = −67.5kNm
The bending moment increases from − 62.5kNm to 100.
0.5
MB = −20 0.5 = −2.5kNm
2
Conventional Question GATE-1996
Question: Two bars AB and BC are connected by a frictionless hinge at B. The assembly is
supported and loaded as shown in figure below. Draw the shear force and
bending moment diagrams for the combined beam AC. clearly labelling the
important values. Also indicate your sign convention.

Answer: There shall be a vertical reaction at hinge B and we can split the problem in two parts.
Then the FBD of each part is shown below

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

Calculation: Referring the FBD, we get,

Fy = 0, and R1 + R2 = 200kN
From MB = 0,100 2 + 100 3 −R2 4 = 0
500
or R2 = = 125kN
4
R1 = 200 − 125 = 75kN
Again, R3 = R1 = 75kN
and M = 75 1.5 = 112.5kNm.

Conventional Question IES-1998

Question: A tube 40 mm outside diameter; 5 mm thick and 1.5 m long simply supported at
125 mm from each end carries a concentrated load of 1 kN at each extreme end.
(i) Neglecting the weight of the tube, sketch the shearing force and bending
moment diagrams;
(ii) Calculate the radius of curvature and deflection at mid-span. Take the
modulus of elasticity of the material as 208 GN/m2

Answer: (i) Given, d0 = 40mm = 0.04m; di = d0 − 2t = 40 − 2 5 = 30mm = 0.03m;

W = 1kN; E = 208GN / m2 = 208 102 N / m2; l = 1.5; a = 125mm = 0.125m

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s

Calculation:
(ii) Radius of coordinate R
As per bending equation:
M E
= =
I y R
EI
or R = − − − (i)
M
Here,M = W a = 1 103 0.125 = 125Nm

I=
64
(d 4
0 − d14 )
( 0.04 ) − ( 0.03 )
4 4
= = 8.59 10 −8 m4
64
Substituting the values in equation (i ) , we get
208 108 8.59 10 −8
R= = 142.9 m
125
Deflection at mid − span :
d2 y
EI = Mx = − Wx + W ( x − a ) = − Wx + Wx − Wa = − Wa
dx 2
Integrating, we get
dy
EI = − Wax + C1
dx
1 dy
When, x= , =0
2 dx
1 Wal
0 = − Wa + C1 or C1 =
2 2
dy Wal
EI = − Wax +
dx 2
Integrating again, we get
x 2 Wal
EIy = − Wa + x + C2
2 2
When x = a, y = 0

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 Chapter-6 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondal’s
Wa3 Wa2l
0=− + + C2
2 2
Wa3 Wa2l
or C2 = −
2 2
2
Wax Walx Wa3 Wa2l
EIy = − + + −
2 2 2 2
Wa x 2 lx a2 al
or y= − + + −
EI 2 2 2 2
At mid − span,i,e., x = l / 2
Wa ( l / 2 ) (l / 2 ) + a2 − al
2
l
y= − +
EI 2 2 2 2

Wa l2 a2 al
= − + −
EI 8 2 2
1 1000 0.125 1.52 0.1252 0.125 1.5
= + −
208 109 8.59 10−8 8 2 2
= 0.001366m = 1.366mm
It will be in upward direction
Conventional Question IES-2001
Question: What is meant by point of contraflexure or point of inflexion in a beam? Show
the same for the beam given below:
17.5kN/m 20kN
A C B D

4M 4M
2m
Answer: In a beam if the bending moment changes sign at a point, the point itself having zero
bending moment, the beam changes curvature at this point of zero bending moment and
this point is called the point of contra flexure.
17.5kN/m 20kN
A C B D

4M 4M 2M

BMD
From the bending moment diagram we have seen that it is between A & C.
[If marks are more we should calculate exact point.]

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 7. Deflection of Beam

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

5.1 Introduction
• We know that the axis of a beam deflects from its initial position under action of applied forces.
• In this chapter we will learn how to determine the elastic deflections of a beam.
Selection of co-ordinate axes
We will not introduce any other co-ordinate system.
We use general co-ordinate axis as shown in the
figure. This system will be followed in deflection of
beam and in shear force and bending moment
diagram. Here downward direction will be negative
i.e. negative Y-axis. Therefore downward deflection of
the beam will be treated as negative.
We use above Co-ordinate system
To determine the value of deflection of beam
subjected to a given loading where we will use the

d 2y
formula, EI = Mx .
dx 2

Some books fix a co-ordinate axis as shown in the

following figure. Here downward direction will be
positive i.e. positive Y-axis. Therefore downward
deflection of the beam will be treated as positive. As
beam is generally deflected in downward directions
and this co-ordinate system treats downward
deflection is positive deflection. Some books use above co-ordinate system
To determine the value of deflection of beam
subjected to a given loading where we will use the
d 2y
formula, EI = −M x .
dx 2

Why to calculate the deflections?

• To prevent cracking of attached brittle materials

• To make sure the structure not deflect severely and to “appear” safe for its occupants

• To help analyzing statically indeterminate structures

• Information on deformation characteristics of members is essential in the study of vibrations of

machines

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

Several methods to compute deflections in beam

• Double integration method (without the use of singularity functions)
• Macaulay’s Method (with the use of singularity functions)
• Moment area method
• Method of superposition
• Conjugate beam method
• Castigliano’s theorem
• Work/Energy methods

Each of these methods has particular advantages or disadvantages.

Methods to find
deflection

Double integration Geometrical Energy Method

method Method

Moment area Conjugate

method beam method

Castiglian’s Virtual
theorem Work
• Work/ Method

Assumptions in Simple Bending Theory

• Beams are initially straight
• The material is homogenous and isotropic i.e. it has a uniform composition and its mechanical
properties are the same in all directions
• The stress-strain relationship is linear and elastic
• Young’s Modulus is the same in tension as in compression
• Sections are symmetrical about the plane of bending
• Sections which are plane before bending remain plane after bending

Non-Uniform Bending
• In the case of non-uniform bending of a beam, where bending moment varies from section to
section, there will be shear force at each cross section which will induce shearing stresses
• Also these shearing stresses cause warping (or out-of plane distortion) of the cross section so
that plane cross sections do not remain plane even after bending

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
5.2 Elastic line or Elastic curve
We have to remember that the differential equation of the elastic line is

2
d y
EI 2 =M x
dx
Proof: Consider the following simply supported beam with UDL over its length.

From elementary calculus we know that curvature of a line (at point Q in figure)

d2 y
1 dx 2
= 3/2
where R = radius of curvature
R dy
2

1+
dx
dy
For small deflection, 0
dx
1 d2 y
or
R dx 2

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Bending stress of the beam (at point Q)
− (Mx ) .y
x =
I
From strain relation we get
1
= − x and x = x

R y E
1 Mx
=
R EI
d2 y Mx
Therefore =
dx 2 EI
d2 y
or EI = Mx
dx 2
5.3 General expression
d2y
From the equation EI = M x we may easily find out the following relations.
dx 2
d4y
• EI =− Shear force density (Load)
dx 4
d3y
• EI 3 = Vx Shear force
dx
d2y
• EI 2 = M x Bending moment
dx
dy
• = θ = slope
dx
• y = = Deflection, Displacement
• Flexural rigidity = EI

5.4 Double integration method (without the use of singularity functions)

• V x= − dx

• Mx = Vx dx

d2y
• EI = Mx
dx 2
1
• = Slope = M x dx
EI

• = Deflection = dx

4-step procedure to solve deflection of beam problems by double integration method

Step 1: Write down boundary conditions (Slope boundary conditions and displacement boundary
conditions), analyze the problem to be solved

d2y
Step 2: Write governing equations for, EI = Mx
dx 2

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Step 3: Solve governing equations by integration, results in expression with unknown integration
constants
Step 4: Apply boundary conditions (determine integration constants)
Following table gives boundary conditions for different types of support.
Types of support and Boundary Conditions Figure

Clamped or Built in support or Fixed end :

( Point A)
Deflection, ( y ) = 0
Slope, ( )=0
Moment , ( M ) 0 i.e.Afinite value

Free end: (Point B)

Deflection, ( y ) 0 i.e.A finite value

Slope, () 0 i.e.A finite value
Moment , ( M ) = 0

Roller (Point B) or Pinned Support (Point A) or

Hinged or Simply supported.

Deflection, ( y ) = 0
Slope, () 0 i.e.Afinite value
Moment , ( M ) = 0

End restrained against rotation but free to

deflection
Deflection, ( y ) 0 i.e.Afinite value
Slope, ()=0
Shear force, (V ) = 0

Flexible support
Deflection, ( y ) 0 i.e.Afinite value
Slope, ( ) 0 i .e. A finite value
dy
Moment , ( M ) = kr
dx
Shear force, (V ) = k. y

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Using double integration method we will find the
deflection and slope of the following loaded
beams one by one.
(i) A Cantilever beam with point load at the free end.
(ii) A Cantilever beam with UDL (uniformly distributed load)
(iii) A Cantilever beam with an applied moment at free end.
(iv) A simply supported beam with a point load at its midpoint.
(v) A simply supported beam with a point load NOT at its midpoint.
(vi) A simply supported beam with UDL (Uniformly distributed load)
(vii) A simply supported beam with triangular distributed load (GVL) gradually varied load.
(viii) A simply supported beam with a moment at mid span.
(ix) A simply supported beam with a continuously distributed load the intensity of which at

x
any point ‘x’ along the beam is w x = w sin
L

(i) A Cantilever beam with point load at the free end.

We will solve this problem by double integration method. For that at first we have to calculate (M x).
Consider any section XX at a distance ‘x’ from free end which is left end as shown in figure.

Mx = - P.x
We know that differential equation of elastic line

d2 y
EI = Mx = −P.x
dx2
Integrating both side we get

d2 y
EI = − P x dx
dx 2
dy x2
or EI = − P. + A .............(i)
dx 2

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Again integrating both side we get
x2
EI dy = P + A dx
2
Px 3
or EIy = - + Ax +B ..............(ii)
6
Where A and B is integration constants.
Now apply boundary condition at fixed end which is at a distance x = L from free end and we also know
that at fixed end
at x = L, y=0
dy
at x = L, =0
dx
PL3
from equation (ii) EIL = - + AL +B ..........(iii)
6
PL2
from equation (i) EI.(0) = - +A …..(iv)
2
PL2 PL3
Solving (iii) & (iv) we get A = and B = -
2 3
Px3 PL2 x PL3
Therefore, y=- + −
6EI 2EI 3EI
The slope as well as the deflection would be maximum at free end hence putting x = 0 we get

PL3
ymax = - (Negative sign indicates the deflection is downward)
3EI
PL2
(Slope)max = max =
2EI
Remember for a cantilever beam with a point load at free end.

3
PL
Downward deflection at free end, ( )=
3EI
PL2
And slope at free end, ( )=
2EI

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
(ii) A Cantilever beam with UDL (uniformly distributed load)

We will now solve this problem by double integration method, for that at first we have to calculate (M x).
Consider any section XX at a distance ‘x’ from free end which is left end as shown in figure.

x wx2
Mx = − ( w.x ). =−
2 2
We know that differential equation of elastic line

d2 y wx 2
EI 2 = −
dx 2
Integrating both sides we get

d2 y wx 2
EI = − dx
dx 2 2
dy wx3
or EI =− + A ......(i)
dx 6
Again integrating both side we get
wx 3
EI dy = − + A dx
6
wx 4
or EIy = - + Ax + B.......(ii)
24
where A and B are integration constants

Now apply boundary condition at fixed end which is at a distance x = L from free end and we also know
that at fixed end.
at x = L, y=0
dy
at x = L, =0
dx
-wL3 +wL3
from equation (i) we get EI (0) = + A or A =
6 6
wL4
from equation (ii) we get EI.y = - + A.L + B
24
wL4
or B=-
8
The slope as well as the deflection would be maximum at the free end hence putting x = 0, we get

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
4
wL
ymax = − Negative sign indicates the deflection is downward
8EI
wL3
( slope )max = max =
6EI
Remember: For a cantilever beam with UDL over its whole length,

4
wL
Maximum deflection at free end ( )=
8EI
wL3
Maximum slope, ( )=
6EI

(iii) A Cantilever beam of length ‘L’ with an applied moment ‘M’ at free end.

Consider a section XX at a distance ‘x’ from free end, the bending moment at section XX is
(Mx) = -M
We know that differential equation of elastic line

d2 y
or EI = −M
dx 2
Integrating both side we get
d2 y
or EI = − M dx
dx 2
dy
or EI = −Mx + A ...(i)
dx

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Again integrating both side we get
EI dy = (M x +A ) dx
Mx 2
or EI y = − + Ax + B ...(ii)
2
Where A and B are integration constants.
applying boundary conditions in equation (i) &(ii)
dy
at x = L, = 0 gives A = ML
dx
ML2 ML2
at x = L, y = 0 gives B = − ML2 = −
2 2
2
Mx MLx ML2
Therefore deflection equation is y = - + −
2EI EI 2EI
Which is the equation of elastic curve.

2
ML
Maximum deflection at free end ( )= (It is downward)

2EI
ML
Maximum slope at free end ( )=
EI
Let us take a funny example: A cantilever beam AB of length ‘L’ and uniform flexural rigidity EI has
a bracket BA (attached to its free end. A vertical downward force P is applied to free end C of the
bracket. Find the ratio a/L required in order that the deflection of point A is zero. [ISRO – 2008,
GATE-2014]

We may consider this force ‘P’ and a moment (P.a) act on free end A of the cantilever beam.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
3
PL
Due to point load ‘P’ at free end ‘A’ downward deflection ( )=
3EI
ML2 (P.a)L2
Due to moment M = P.a at free end ‘A’ upward deflection ( )= =
2EI 2EI
For zero deflection of free end A
PL3 (P.a)L2
=
3EI 2EI
a 2
or =
L 3

(iv) A simply supported beam with a point load P at its midpoint.

A simply supported beam AB carries a concentrated load P at its midpoint as shown in the figure.

We want to locate the point of maximum deflection on the elastic curve and find its value.
In the region 0 < x < L/2
Bending moment at any point x (According to the shown co-ordinate system)

P
Mx = .x
2
and In the region L/2 < x < L
P
Mx = ( x − L / 2)
2
We know that differential equation of elastic line

d2 y P
EI = .x (In the region 0 < x < L/2)
dx2 2
Integrating both side we get

d2 y P
or EI 2
= x dx
dx 2
dy P x 2
or EI = . + A (i)
dx 2 2
Again integrating both side we get

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
P 2
EI dy = x + A dx
4
Px3
or EI y = + Ax + B (ii)
12
Where A and B are integrating constants
Now applying boundary conditions to equation (i) and (ii) we get

at x = 0, y=0
dy
at x = L/2, =0
dx
PL2
A=- and B = 0
16
Px3 PL12
Equation of elastic line, y = - x
12 16

3
PL
Maximum deflection at mid span (x = L/2) ( )=
48EI
PL2
and maximum slope at each end ( )=
16EI

(v) A simply supported beam with a point load ‘P’ NOT at its midpoint.
A simply supported beam AB carries a concentrated load P as shown in the figure.

We have to locate the point of maximum deflection on the elastic curve and find the value of this
deflection.
Taking co-ordinate axes x and y as shown below

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

For the bending moment we have

P.a
In the region 0 x a, Mx = .x
L
P.a
And, In the region a x L, Mx = − (L - x )
L
So we obtain two differential equation for the elastic curve.
d2 y P.a
EI = .x for 0 x a
dx 2 L
d2 y P.a
and EI 2 = − . (L - x ) for a x L
dx L
Successive integration of these equations gives

dy P.a x 2
EI = . + A1 ......(i) for o x a
dx L 2
dy P.a 2
EI = P.a x - x + A2 ......(ii) for a x L
dx L
P.a x 3
EI y = . +A1x+B1 ......(iii) for 0 x a
L 6
x 2 P.a x 3
EI y = P.a − . + A 2 x + B2 .....(iv) for a x L
2 L 6
Where A1, A2, B1, B2are constants of Integration.
Now we have to use Boundary conditions for finding constants:
BCS (a) at x = 0, y = 0
(b) at x = L, y = 0

dy
(c) at x = a, = Same for equation (i) & (ii)
dx
(d) at x = a, y = same from equation (iii) & (iv)

We get A1 =
Pb 2
6L
(
L − b2 ; ) A2 =
P.a
6L
(
2L2 + a2 )
and B1 = 0; B2 = Pa3 / 6EI

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Therefore we get two equations of elastic curve

EI y = -
Pbx 2
6L
(
L − b2 − x 2 ) ..... (v) for 0 x a

EI y =
Pb L
6L b
( )
( x - a ) + L2 − b2 x - x 3 . ...(vi)
3
for a x L

For a > b, the maximum deflection will occur in the left portion of the span, to which equation (v)
applies. Setting the derivative of this expression equal to zero gives

a(a+2b) (L-b)(L+b) L2 − b2
x= = =
3 3 3
at that point a horizontal tangent and hence the point of maximum deflection substituting this value of
P.b(L2 − b2 )3/2
x into equation (v), we find, ymax =
9 3. EIL
Case –I: if a = b = L/2 then

L2 − (L/2)
2

Maximum deflection will be at x = = L/2

3
i.e. at mid point
3/2
P. (L/2) L2 − (L/2)
2
PL3
and ymax = ( )= =
9 3 EIL 48EI

(vi) A simply supported beam with UDL (Uniformly distributed load)

A simply supported beam AB carries a uniformly distributed load (UDL) of intensity w/unit length over
its whole span L as shown in figure. We want to develop the equation of the elastic curve and find the
maximum deflection at the middle of the span.

Taking co-ordinate axes x and y as shown, we have for the bending moment at any point x

wL x2
Mx = .x - w.
2 2
Then the differential equation of deflection becomes

d2 y wL x2
EI = Mx = .x - w.
dx2 2 2
Integrating both sides we get

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
2 3
dy wL x w x
EI = . − . +A .....(i)
dx 2 2 2 3
Again Integrating both side we get

wL x3 w x 4
EI y = . − . + Ax + B .....(ii)
2 6 2 12
Where A and B are integration constants. To evaluate these constants we have to use boundary
conditions.
at x = 0, y = 0 gives B=0
dy wL3
at x = L/2, =0 gives A=−
dx 24
Therefore the equation of the elastic curve

wL 3 w wL3 wx
y= .x − .x 4 − .x = L3 − 2L.x 2 + x3
12EI 24EI 12EI 24EI
The maximum deflection at the mid-span, we have to put x = L/2 in the equation and obtain

4
5wL
Maximum deflection at mid-span, ( )= (It is downward)

384EI
And Maximum slope A = B at the left end A and at the right end b is same putting x = 0 or x = L

wL3
Therefore we get Maximum slope ( )=
24EI
(vii) A simply supported beam with triangular distributed load (GVL) gradually
varied load.
A simply supported beam carries a triangular distributed load (GVL) as shown in figure below. We have

to find equation of elastic curve and find maximum deflection ( ).

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

In this (GVL) condition, we get

d4 y w
EI 4
= load = − .x .....(i)
dx L
Separating variables and integrating we get

d3 y wx2
EI = ( Vx ) = − +A .....(ii)
dx3 2L
Again integrating thrice we get

d2 y wx3
EI = Mx = − + Ax +B .....(iii)
dx2 6L
dy wx 4 Ax2
EI =− + +Bx +C .....(iv)
dx 24L 2
wx5 Ax3 Bx2
EI y = − + + +Cx +D .....(v)
120L 6 2
Where A, B, C and D are integration constant.
Boundary conditions at x = 0, Mx = 0, y=0
at x = L, Mx = 0, y = 0 gives
wL 7wL3
A= , B = 0, C = - , D=0
6 360
wx
Therefore y = - 7L4 − 10L2 x 2 + 3x 4 (negative sign indicates downward deflection)
360EIL
dy
To find maximum deflection , we have =0
dx
wL4
And it gives x = 0.519 L and maximum deflection ( ) = 0.00652
EI

(viii) A simply supported beam with a moment at mid-span

A simply supported beam AB is acted upon by a couple M applied at an intermediate point distance ‘a’
from the equation of elastic curve and deflection at point where the moment acted.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

M M
Considering equilibrium we get R A = and RB = −
L L
Taking co-ordinate axes x and y as shown, we have for bending moment
M
In the region 0 x a, Mx = .x
L
M
In the region a x L, Mx = x-M
L
So we obtain the difference equation for the elastic curve

d2 y M
EI = .x for 0 x a
dx 2 L
d2 y M
and EI 2 = .x − M for a x L
dx L
Successive integration of these equation gives

dy M x 2
EI= . + A1 ....(i) for 0 x a
dx L 2
dy M x 2
EI = = - Mx+ A 2 .....(ii) for a x L
dx L 2
M x3
and EI y = . + A1x + B1 ......(iii) for 0 x a
L
M x 3 Mx 2
EI y = − + A 2 x + B2 ......(iv) for a x L
L 2
Where A1, A2, B1 and B2 are integration constants.
To finding these constants boundary conditions
(a) at x = 0, y = 0
(b) at x = L, y = 0
dy
(c) at x = a, = same form equation (i) & (ii)
dx
(d) at x = a, y = same form equation (iii) & (iv)

ML Ma2 ML Ma2
A1 = −M.a + + , A2 = +
3 2L 3 2L
2
Ma
B1 = 0, B2 =
2
With this value we get the equation of elastic curve

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Mx
y=- 6aL - 3a2 − x 2 − 2L2 for 0 x a
6L
deflection of x = a,
Ma
y= 3aL - 2a 2 − L2
3EIL

(ix) A simply supported beam with a continuously distributed load the

x
intensity of which at any point ‘x’ along the beam is wx = w sin
L

At first we have to find out the bending moment at any point ‘x’ according to the shown co-ordinate
system.
We know that
d ( Vx ) x
= − w sin
dx L
Integrating both sides we get

x
d ( Vx ) = − w sin dx +A
L
wL x
or Vx = + .cos +A
L
and we also know that
d (Mx ) wL x
= Vx = cos +A
dx L
Again integrating both sides we get

wL x
d (Mx ) = cos + A dx
L
wL2 x
or Mx = 2
sin + Ax +B
L
Where A and B are integration constants, to find out the values of A and B. We have to use boundary
conditions
at x = 0, Mx = 0
and at x = L, Mx = 0

wL2 x
From these we get A = B = 0. Therefore Mx = 2
sin
L
So the differential equation of elastic curve

d2 y wL2 x
EI 2
= Mx = 2 sin
dx L

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Successive integration gives

dy wL3 x
EI = − 3 cos +C .......(i)
dx L
wL4 x
EI y = − 4
sin + Cx + D .....(ii)
L
Where C and D are integration constants, to find out C and D we have to use boundary conditions
at x = 0, y=0
at x = L, y=0
and that give C = D = 0

dy wL3 x
Therefore slope equation = − EI
3
cos
dx L
4
wL x
and Equation of elastic curve y = − 4 sin
EI L
(-ive sign indicates deflection is downward)

x
Deflection will be maximum if sin is maximum
L
x
sin =1 or x = L/2
L
WL4
and Maximum downward deflection ( )= 4
(downward).
EI
5.5 Macaulay's Method (Use of singularity function)
• When the beam is subjected to point loads (but several loads) this is very convenient method for
determining the deflection of the beam.

• In this method we will write single moment equation in such a way that it becomes continuous
for entire length of the beam in spite of the discontinuity of loading.

• After integrating this equation we will find the integration constants which are valid for entire
length of the beam. This method is known as method of singularity constant.

Procedure to solve the problem by Macaulay’s method

Step – I: Calculate all reactions and moments
Step – II: Write down the moment equation which is valid for all values of x. This must contain
brackets.
Step – III: Integrate the moment equation by a typical manner. Integration of (x-a) will be

( x-a) ( x-a )
2 3
x2
not − ax and integration of (x-a)2 will be so on.
2 2 3

Step – IV: After first integration write the first integration constant (A) after first terms and after
second time integration write the second integration constant (B) after A.x . Constant A and B are valid
for all values of x.
Step – V: Using Boundary condition find A and B at a point x = p if any term in Macaulay’s method, (x-
a) is negative (-ive) the term will be neglected.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
(i) Let us take an example: A simply supported beam AB length 6m with a point load of 30 kN is
applied at a distance 4m from left end A. Determine the equations of the elastic curve between each
change of load point and the maximum deflection of the beam.

Answer: We solve this problem using Macaulay’s method, for that first writes the general momentum
equation for the last portion of beam BC of the loaded beam.

d2 y
EI = Mx = 10x -30 ( x - 4 ) N.m ....(i)
dx2
By successive integration of this equation (using Macaulay’s integration rule

( x − a)
2

e.g ( x − a ) dx = )
2
We get
dy
= 5x 2 + A -15 ( x-4 ) ..... (ii )
2
EI N.m2
dx
5
and EI y = x 3 + Ax + B - 5 (x - 4)3 N.m3 ..... (iii )
3
Where A and B are two integration constants. To evaluate its value we have to use following boundary
conditions.
at x = 0, y=0
and at x = 6m, y = 0
Note: When we put x = 0, x - 4 is negativre (–ive) and this term will notbe considered for x = 0 , so our
5 3
equation will be EI y = x + Ax +B, and at x = 0 , y = 0 gives B = 0
3
But when we put x = 6, x-4 is positive (+ive) and this term will be considered for x = 6, y = 0 so our
5 3
equation will be EI y = x + Ax + 0 – 5 (x – 4)3
3
This gives
5 3
EI .(0) = .6 + A.6 + 0 − 5(6 − 4)3
3
or A = - 53
So our slope and deflection equation will be
dy
= 5x 2 - 53 - 15 ( x - 4 )
2
EI
dx
5
and EI y = x3 - 53x + 0 - 5 ( x - 4 )
3

3
Now we have two equations for entire section of the beam and we have to understand how we use these
equations. Here if x < 4 then x – 4 is negative so this term will be deleted. That so why in the region
o x 4m we will neglect (x – 4) term and ourslope and deflection equation will be

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
dy
EI = 5x 2 -53
dx
5
and EI y = x 3 - 53x
3
But in the region 4m x 6m , (x – 4) is positive so we include this term and our slope and deflection

equation will be
dy
= 5x 2 - 53 - 15 ( x - 4 )
2
EI
dx
5
EI y = x 3 - 53x - 5 ( x - 4 )
3

3
Now we have to find out maximum deflection, but we don’t know at what value of ‘x’ it will be
maximum. For this assuming the value of ‘x’ will be in the region 0 x 4m .

dy
Deflection (y) will be maximum for that = 0 or 5x 2 - 53 = 0 or x = 3.25 m as our calculated x is in
dx
the region 0 x 4m ; at x = 3.25 m deflection will be maximum

5
or EI ymax = 3.253 – 53 3.25
3
115
or ymax = - (-ive sign indicates downward deflection)
EI
But if you have any doubt that Maximum deflection may be in the range of 4 x 6m , use EIy = 5x2 –
53x – 5 (x – 4)3 and find out x. The value of x will be absurd that indicates the maximum deflection will
not occur in the region 4 x 6m .

dy
Deflection (y) will be maximum for that =0
dx

5x2 -53 - 15 ( x - 4) = 0
2
or

or 10x2 -120x + 293 = 0

or x = 3.41 m or 8.6 m
Both the value fall outside the region 4 x 6m and in this region 4 x 6m and in this region
maximum deflection will not occur.

(ii) Now take an example where Point load, UDL and Moment applied simultaneously in a
beam:
Let us consider a simply supported beam AB (see Figure) of length 3m is subjected to a point load 10
kN, UDL = 5 kN/m and a bending moment M = 25 kNm. Find the deflection of the beam at point D if
flexural rigidity (EI) = 50 KNm2.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

Answer: Considering equilibrium

MA = 0 gives
-10 1 - 25 - ( 5 1) (1 + 1 + 1/ 2) + RB 3=0
or RB = 15.83kN
R A + RB = 10 + 5 1 gives R A = −0.83kN
We solve this problem using Macaulay’s method, for that first writing the general momentum equation
for the last portion of beam, DB of the loaded beam.

5 ( x-2)
2
d2 y
-10 ( x-1) +25 ( x-2 ) −
0
EI = Mx = −0.83x
dx 2 2

By successive integration of this equation (using Macaulay’s integration rule

( x − a)
2

e.g ( x − a) dx = )
2
We get
dy 0.83 2 5
.x + A -5 ( x − 1) +25 ( x − 2 ) − ( x − 2 )
2 3
EI =−
dx 2 6
0.83 3 5 25 5
x + Ax +B - ( x − 1) + ( x − 2) − ( x − 2)
3 2 4
and EIy = −
6 3 2 24
Where A and B are integration constant we have to use following boundary conditions to find out A & B.
at x = 0, y=0
at x = 3m, y = 0
Therefore B = 0

0.83 3 5 3 5
and 0 = - 3 +A 3 + 0 - 2 +12.5 12 − 14
6 3 24
or A = 1.93

EIy = - 0.138x3 + 1.93x -1.67 ( x − 1) +12.5 ( x − 2) − 0.21( x − 2)

3 2 4

Deflextion at point D at x = 2m
EIyD = −0.138 23 + 1.93 2 − 1.67 13 = −8.85
8.85 8.85
or yD = − =− m ( −ive sign indicates deflection downward)
EI 50 103
= 0.177mm ( downward) .

(iii) A simply supported beam with a couple M at a distance ‘a’ from left end

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
If a couple acts we have to take the distance in
the bracket and this should be raised to the
power zero. i.e. M(x – a)0. Power is zero because
(x – a)0 = 1 and unit of M(x – a)0 = M but we
introduced the distance which is needed for
Macaulay’s method.
d2 y
= M = RA. x − M ( x-a )
0
EI
dx2
Successive integration gives

dy M x 2
= . + A - M ( x-a )
1
EI
dx L 2
M ( x-a )
2
M 3
EI y = x + Ax + B -
6L 2
Where A and B are integration constants, we have to use boundary conditions to find out A & B.
at x = 0, y = 0 gives B = 0
M (L-a )
2
ML
at x = L, y = 0 gives A = −
2L 6

8. Moment area method

• This method is used generally to obtain displacement and rotation at a single point on a beam.
• The moment area method is convenient in case of beams acted upon with point loads in which
case bending moment area consist of triangle and rectangles.

• Angle between the tangents drawn at 2 points A&B on the elastic line, θ AB

θ AB = 1 Area of the bending moment diagram between A&B

EI

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
A
i.e. slope AB = B.M.
EI
• Deflection of B related to 'A'
M
yBA = Moment of diagram between B&A taking about B (or w.r.t. B)
EI

A B.M x
i.e. deflection yBA =
EI
Important Note
If A1 = Area of shear force (SF) diagram

A2 = Area of bending moment (BM) diagram,

A1 A2
Then, Change of slope over any portion of the loaded beam =
EI
Some typical bending moment diagram and their area (A) and distance of C.G
( )
from one edge x is shown in the following table. [Note the distance will be
different from other end]
Shape BM Diagram Area Distance from C.G
1. Rectangle

b
A = bh x=
2

2. Triangle
b
x=
3

3. Parabola
b
x=
4

4. Parabola
5.Cubic Parabola

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
6. y = k xn
7. Sine curve

Determination of Maximum slope and deflection

by Moment Area- Method
(i) A Cantilever beam with a point load at free end
Area of BM (Bending moment diagram)

1 PL2
(A) = L PL =
2 2
Therefore
A PL2
Maximum slope ( = )= (at free end)
EI 2EI
Ax
Maximum deflection ( ) =
EI
2
PL 2
L
2 3 PL3
= = (at free end)
EI 3EI

(ii) A cantilever beam with a point load not at free end

1 Pa2
Area of BM diagram ( A ) = a Pa =
2 2
Therefore
A Pa2
Maximum slope ( =)= ( at free end)
EI 2EI
Ax
Maximum deflection ( ) =
EI
Pa2 a
L-
2 3 Pa2 a
= = . L- (at free end)
EI 2EI 3

(iii) A cantilever beam with UDL over its whole length

1 wL2 wL3
Area of BM diagram ( A ) = L =
3 2 6
Therefore
A wL3
Maximum slope ( = )= (at free end)
EI 6EI
Ax
Maximum deflection ( ) =
EI
3
wL 3
L
6 4 wL4
= = (at free end)
EI 8EI

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

(iv) A simply supported beam with point load at mid-spam

Area of shaded BM diagram
1 L PL PL2
(A) = =
2 2 4 16
Therefore
A PL2
Maximum slope ( = )= (at each ends)
EI 16EI
Ax
Maximum deflection ( ) =
EI
2
PL L
16 3 PL3
= = (at mid point)
EI 48EI

(v) A simply supported beam with UDL over its whole length
Area of BM diagram (shaded)
2 L wL2 wL3
(A) = =
3 2 8 24
Therefore
A wL3
Maximum slope ( = )= (at each ends)
EI 24EI
Ax
Maximum deflection ( ) =
EI
3
wL 5 L
24 8 2 5 wL4
= = (at mid point)
EI 384 EI

9. Method of superposition
Assumptions:
• Structure should be linear
• Slope of elastic line should be very small.
• The deflection of the beam should be small such that the effect due to the shaft or rotation of the
line of action of the load is neglected.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Principle of Superposition:
• Deformations of beams subjected to combinations of loadings may be obtained as the linear
combination of the deformations from the individual loadings
• Procedure is facilitated by tables of solutions for common types of loadings and supports.

Example:

For the beam and loading shown, determine

the slope and deflection at point B.

Superpose the deformations due to Loading I and Loading II as shown.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

10. Conjugate beam method

In the conjugate beam method, the length of the conjugate beam is the same as the length of the
actual beam, the loading diagram (showing the loads acting) on the conjugate beam is simply the
bending-moment diagram of the actual beam divided by the flexural rigidity EI of the actual beam, and
the corresponding support condition for the conjugate beam is given by the rules as shown below.

Corresponding support condition for the conjugate beam

Conjugates of Common Types of Real Beams

Conjugate beams for statically determinate Conjugate beams for Statically
real beams indeterminate real beams

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

By the conjugate beam method, the slope and deflection of the actual beam can be found by
using the following two rules:
• The slope of the actual beam at any cross section is equal to the shearing force at the
corresponding cross section of the conjugate beam.
• The deflection of the actual beam at any point is equal to the bending moment of the
conjugate beam at the corresponding point.

Procedure for Analysis

• Construct the M / EI diagram for the given (real) beam subjected to the specified (real) loading.
If a combination of loading exists, you may use M-diagram by parts
• Determine the conjugate beam corresponding to the given real beam
• Apply the M / EI diagram as the load on the conjugate beam as per sign convention
• Calculate the reactions at the supports of the conjugate beam by applying equations of
equilibrium and conditions
• Determine the shears in the conjugate beam at locations where slopes is desired in the real
beam, Vconj = θreal
• Determine the bending moments in the conjugate beam at locations where deflections is
desired in the real beam, Mconj = yreal

The method of double integration, method of superposition, moment-area theorems, and Castigliano’s
theorem are all well established methods for finding deflections of beams, but they require that the
boundary conditions of the beams be known or specified. If not, all of them become helpless. However,
the conjugate beam method is able to proceed and yield a solution for the possible deflections of the
beam based on the support conditions, rather than the boundary conditions, of the beams.

(i) A Cantilever beam with a point load ‘P’ at its free end.

For Real Beam: At a section a distance ‘x’ from free end

consider the forces to the left. Taking moments about the
section gives (obviously to the left of the section) Mx = -P.x
(negative sign means that the moment on the left hand side
of the portion is in the anticlockwise direction and is
therefore taken as negative according to the sign convention)
so that the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed
end i.e. Mmax = - PL ( at x = L)

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

wL2 wL
Considering equilibrium we get, MA = and Reaction (RA ) =
3 2
Considering any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the fixed end.
W
At this point load (Wx ) = .x
L
Shear force ( Vx ) = R A − area of triangle ANM

wL 1 w wL wx 2
= - . .x .x = + -
2 2 L 2 2L
The shear force variation is parabolic.
wL wL
at x = 0, Vx = + i.e. Maximum shear force, Vmax = +
2 2
at x = L, Vx = 0

wx2 2x
Bending moment (Mx ) = RA .x - . - MA
2L 3
wL wx 3 wL2
= .x - -
2 6L 3
The bending moment variation is cubic
wL2 wL2
at x = 0, Mx = − i.e.Maximum B.M. (Mmax ) = − .
3 3
at x = L, Mx = 0

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Beam Deflection
GATE-1. A lean elastic beam of given flexural
rigidity, EI, is loaded by a single force F
as shown in figure. How many boundary
conditions are necessary to determine
the deflected centre line of the beam?
(a) 5 (b) 4
(c) 3 (d) 2
[GATE-1999]

GATE-1(i).Two identical cantilever beams are supported as shown, with their free ends in
contact through a rigid roller. After the load P is applied, the free ends will have
[GATE-2005]

(a) Equal deflections but not equal slopes

(b) Equal slopes but not equal deflections
(c) Equal slopes as well as equal deflections
(d) Neither equal slopes nor equal deflections

GATE-1(ii). The ‘plane section remains plane’ assumption in bending theory implies:
(a) strain profile is linear [CE: GATE-2013]
(b) stress profile is linear
(c) both strain and stress profiles are linear
(d) shear deformations are neglected

Double Integration Method

GATE-1(iii). A cantilever beam of length L, with uniform cross-section and flexural rigidity,
EI, is loaded uniformly by a vertical load, w per unit length. The maximum vertical
deflection of the beam is given by [GATE-2014]
4 4 4 4
wL wL wL wL
(a) (b) (c) (d)
8 EI 16 EI 4 EI 24 EI

GATE-1(iv). A cantilever beam having square cross-section of side a is subjected to an end

load. If a is increased by 19%, the tip deflection decreases approximately by
(a) 19% (b) 29% (c) 41% (d) 50% [GATE-2016]

GATE-1(v)The following statement are related to bending of beams [CE: GATE-2012]

I. The slope of the bending moment diagram is equal to the shear force.

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
II. The slope of the shear force diagram is equal to the load intensity
III. The slope of the curvature is equal to the flexural rotation
IV. The second derivative of the deflection is equal to the curvature.
The only FALSE statement is
(a) I (b) II (c) III (d) IV

GATE-2. A simply supported beam carrying a concentrated load W at mid-span deflects by

δ1 under the load. If the same beam carries the load W such that it is distributed
uniformly over entire length and undergoes a deflection δ 2 at the mid span. The
ratio δ1: δ2 is: [IES-1995; GATE-1994]
(a) 2: 1 (b) 2:1 (c) 1: 1 (d) 1: 2

GATE-3. A simply supported laterally loaded beam was found to deflect more than a
specified value. [GATE-2003]
Which of the following measures will reduce the deflection?
(a) Increase the area moment of inertia
(b) Increase the span of the beam
(c) Select a different material having lesser modulus of elasticity
(d) Magnitude of the load to be increased

GATE-4. A cantilever beam of length L is subjected to a moment M at the free end. The momentof
inertia ofthe beam cross section about the neutral axis is I and the Young’s modulus is E.
The magnitude ofthe maximum deflection is
ML2 ML2 2ML2 4ML2
(a) (b) (c ) (d ) [GATE-2012]
2 EI EI EI EI
GATE-4a. A horizontal cantilever beam of circular cross-section length = 1 m and flexural
rigidity El = 200 Nm2 is subjected to an applied moment MA = 1.0 Nm at the free
end as shown in the figure. The magnitude of vertical deflection of the free end
is__________ mm. (round off to one decimal place) [GATE-2019]

GATE-4(i) A cantilever beam with square cross-section of 6 mm side is subjected to a load of

2 kN normal to the top surface as shown in the figure. The young’s modulus of
elasticity of the material of the beam is 210 GPa. The magnitude of slope (in
radian) at Q (20 mm from the fixed end) is ________ [GATE-2015]

GATE-4(ii)The flexural rigidity (EI) of a cantilever beam is assumed to be constant over the
PL
length of the beam shown in figure. If a load P and bending moment are applied
2
at the free end of the beam then the value of the slope at the free end is
[GATE-2014, IES-1997]

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
P

P
L/
2
L

1 PL2 PL2 3 PL2 5 PL2

(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 EI EI 2 EI 2 EI

GATE-4iii. A force P is applied at a distance x from the end of the beam as shown in the
figure. What would be the value of x so that the displacement at ‘A’ is equal to
zero?
L

x P

L
(a) 0.5L (b) 0.25L (c) 0.33L (d) 0.66L [GATE-2014]

Statement for Linked Answer Questions GATE-5 and GATE-6:

A triangular-shaped cantilever beam of
t P
uniform-thickness is shown in the figure.
The Young’s modulus of the material of the
beam is E. A concentrated load P is applied l
at the free end of the beam

x
b

[GATE-2011]
GATE-5. The area moment of inertia about the neutral axis of a cross-section at a distance
x measure from the free end is
bxt 3 bxt 3 bxt 3 xt 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 12 24 12
GATE-6.The maximum deflection of the beam is [GATE-2011]
24Pl3 12Pl3 8Pl 3 6Pl 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Ebt 3 Ebt3 Ebt 3 Ebt 3

GATE-6a. A prismatic, straight, elastic, cantilever beam is subjected to a linearly distributed

transverse load as shown below. If the beam length is L, Young's modulus E and
area moment of inertia I, the magnitude of the maximum deflection is[GATE-2019]

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

qL4 qL4 qL4 qL4

(a) (b) (c ) (d )
10 EI 60 EI 15EI 30 EI
GATE-7. For the linear elastic beam shown in the figure, the flexural rigidity, EI is 781250
kN- m2 . When w = 10 kN/m, the vertical reaction R A at A is 50 kN. The value of R A
for w = 100 kN/m is [CE: GATE-2004]
w(kN/m)

B
A
6 mm gap
5m Rigid
platform
(a) 500 kN (b) 425 kN
(c) 250 kN (d) 75 kN

GATE-7a. A cantilever of length l, and flexural rigidity EI, stiffened by a spring of stiffness k,
is loaded by transverse force P, as shown [GATE-2020]

The transverse deflection under the load is

𝐏𝐥𝟑 𝟑𝐄𝐈−𝐊𝐥𝟑 𝐏𝐥𝟑 𝟑𝐄𝐈 𝐏𝐥𝟑 𝟔𝐄𝐈−𝐊𝐥𝟑 𝐏𝐥𝟑 𝟑𝐄𝐈
(𝐚) [ ] (𝐛) [ ] (𝐜) [ ] (𝐝) [ ]
𝟑𝐄𝐈 𝟑𝐄𝐈 𝟑𝐄𝐈 𝟑𝐄𝐈+𝐊𝐥𝟑 𝟑𝐄𝐈 𝟔𝐄𝐈 𝟑𝐄𝐈 𝟑𝐄𝐈+𝟐𝐊𝐥𝟑

GATE-7b. A beam of length L is carrying a uniformly distributed load w per unit length. The
flexural rigidity of the beam is EI. The reaction at the simple support at the right
end is [GATE-2016]

wL 3wL wL wL
(a) (b) (c ) (d )
2 8 4 8
GATE-7c.The linearly elastic planar structure shown in the figure is acted upon by two
vertical concentrated forces. The horizontal beams UV and WX are connected with
the help of the vertical linear spring with spring constant k = 20 kN/m. The fixed

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
supports are provided at U and X. It is given that flexural rigidity EI = 𝟏𝟎𝟓 kN-m2 ,
P = 100 kN, and a = 5 m. Force Q is applied at the center of beam WX such that the
force in the spring VW becomes zero. [CE: GATE-2022 set – 2]

The magnitude of force Q (in kN) is ________. (round off to the nearest integer)

GATE-8. Consider the beam AB shown in the figure below. Part AC of the beam is rigid
while Part CB has the flexural rigidity EI. Identify the correct combination of
deflection at end B and bending moment at end A, respectively [CE: GATE-2006]
P

A C B

L L
3 3
PL PL
(a) , 2 PL (b) , PL
3 EI 3 EI
8 PL3 8 PL3
(c) , 2 PL (d) , PL
3 EI 3 EI

Statement for Linked Answer Questions 8(i) and 8(ii):

In the cantilever beam PQR shown in figure below, the segment PQ has flexural rigidity EI
and the segment QR has infinite flexural rigidity. [CE: GATE-2009]

GATE-8(i) The deflection and slope of the beam at Q are respectively [CE: GATE-2009]
5 WL3 3 WL2 WL3 WL2
(a) and (b) and
6 EI 2EI 3 EI 2 EI
WL3 WL2 WL3 3 WL2
(c) and (d) and
2EI EI 3 EI 2 EI

GATE-8(ii) The deflection of the beam at R is [CE: GATE-2009]

3 3
8 WL 5 WL
(a) (b)
EI 6 EI
7 WL3 8 WL3
(c) (d)
3EI 6 EI
Common Data for Questions 9 and 10:

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Consider a propped cantilever beam ABC under two loads of magnitude P each as shown in
the figure below. Flexural rigidity of the beam is EI. [CE: GATE-2006]
P a
B C
A P a

L L

GATE-9. The reaction at C is [CE: GATE-2006]

9P a 9P a
(a) (upwards) (b) (downwards)
16L 16L
9P a 9P a
(c) (upwards) (d) (downwards)
8L 8L

GATE-10. The rotation at B is [CE: GATE-2006]

5PL a 5PL a
(a) (clockwise) (b) (anticlockwise)
16 EI 16EI
59PL a 59PL a
(c) (clockwise) (d) (anticlockwise)
16EI 16EI

GATE-11. The stepped cantilever is subjected to moments, M as shown in the figure below.
The vertical deflection at the free end (neglecting the self weight) is

[CE: GATE-2008]
ML2 ML2 ML2
(a) (b) (c) (d) Zero
8 El 4 El 2El

Statement for Linked Answer Questions 12 and 13:

Beam GHI is supported by three pontoons as shown in the figure below. The horizontal
cross-sectional area of each pontoon is 8m2 , the flexural rigidity of the beam is 10000 kN- m2
and the unit weight of water is 10 kN/ m3 .

GATE-12. When the middle pontoon is removed, the deflection at H will be

(a) 0.2 m (b) 0.4 m

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
(c) 0.6 m (d) 0.8 m [CE: GATE-2008]

GATE-13. When the middle pontoon is brought back to its position as shown in the figure above, the
reaction at H will be [CE: GATE-2008]
(a) 8.6 kN (b) 15.7 kN (c) 19.2 kN (d) 24.2 kN

GATE-13a. The figure shows a simply supported beam PQ of uniform flexural rigidity EI
carrying two moments M and 2M.

The slope at P will be

(a) 0 (b) ML/(9EI) (c) ML/(6EI) (d) ML/(3EI) [CE: GATE-2018]

GATE-13b. The beam in the figure is subjected to a moment M0 at mid span as shown. Which
of the following is the vertical reaction at B? [XE: GATE-2022 ]

GATE-14. A cantilever beam with flexural rigidity of 200 Nm2 is loaded as shown in the
figure. The deflection (in mm) at the tip of the beam is _____ [GATE-2015]

GATE-15. A cantilever beam of length, L, and

flexural rigidity, EI, is subjected to
an end moment, M, as shown in the
figure. The deflection of the beam at
x = L/2 is [GATE-2021]
ML2 ML2 ML2 ML2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
16EI 4EI 2EI 8EI

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
GATE-15a. A cantilever beam with a uniform flexural rigidity (El = 200 x 10 6 N.m2) is
loaded with a concentrated force at its free end. The area of the bending moment
diagram corresponding to the full length of the beam is 10000 N.m 2. The
magnitude of the slope of the beam at its free end is micro radian (round off to the
nearest integer). [GATE-2021]

GATE-16. The simply supported beam is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of intensity w per
unit length, on half of the span from one end. The length of the span and the flexural
stiffness are denoted as l and EI respectively. The deflection at mid-span of the beam is
5 wl 4 5 wl 4 5 wl 4 5 wl 4
(a) (b) (c ) (d )
6144 EI 768 EI 384 EI 192 EI
[CE: GATE-2012]

GATE-17. For the cantilever beam of span 3 m (shown below), a concentrated load of 20 kN
applied at thefree end causes a vertical displacement of 2 mm at a section located
at a distance of 1 m from thefixed end. If a concentrated vertically downward load
of 10 kN is applied at the section located at adistance of 1 m from the fixed end
(with no other load on the beam), the maximum verticaldisplacement in the same
beam (in mm) is __________ [CE: GATE-2014]

GATE-18. A simply supported beam of uniform rectangular cross-section of width b and

depth h is subjected to linear temperature gradient, 0º at the top and Tº at the
bottom, as shown in the figure. The coefficient of linear expansion of the beam
material is . The resulting vertical deflection at the mid-span of the beam is

0
°

T°
T
emp
.Gr
adie
nt

L [CE: GATE-2003]

T h2 TL2
(a) upward (b) upward
8L 8h
T h2 TL2
(c) downward (d) downward
8L 8h

GATE-19. The beam of an overall depth 250 mm (shown below) is used in a

buildingsubjected to twodifferent thermal environments. The temperatures at the
top and bottom surfaces of the beam are36°C and 72°C respectively. Considering
coefficient of thermal expansion (α) as 1.50×10−5 per °C,the vertical deflection of
the beam (in mm) at its mid-span due to temperature gradient is ____
[CE: GATE-2014]

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

GATE-20. An L-shaped elastic member ABC with slender arms AB and BC of uniform cross-
section is clamped at end A and connected to a pin at end C. The pin remains in
continuous contact with and is constrained to move in a smooth horizontal slot.
The section modulus of the member is same in both the arms. The end C is
subjected to a horizontal force P and all the deflections are in the plane of the
figure. Given the length AB is 4a and length BC is a, the magnitude and direction
of the normal force on the pin from the slot, respectively, are [GATE- 2022 Set-1]

(a) 3P/8, and downwards

(b) 5P/8, and upwards
(c) P/4, and downwards
(d) 3P/4, and upwards

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Double Integration Method

IES-1. Consider the following statements: [IES-2003]
In a cantilever subjected to a concentrated load at the free end
1. The bending stress is maximum at the free end
2. The maximum shear stress is constant along the length of the beam
3. The slope of the elastic curve is zero at the fixed end
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 2

IES-1(i). If E = elasticity modulus, I = moment of inertia about the neutral axis and M =
bending moment in pure bending under the symmetric loading of a beam, the
radius of curvature of the beam: [IES-2013]
1. Increases with E 2. Increases with M
3. Decreases with I 4. Decreases with M
Which of these are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4

IES-1(ii). Which one of the following is NOT used as support for beams? [IES 2022]

(a) Roller support (b) Hinged support

(c) Fixed support (d) Independent support

IES-2. A cantilever of length L, moment of inertiaI. Young's modulus E carries a

concentrated load W at the middle of its length. The slope of cantilever at the free
end is: [IES-2001]

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
2 2 2
WL WL WL WL2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 EI 4 EI 8 EI 16 EI

IES-3. The two cantilevers A

and B shown in the
figure have the same
uniform cross-section
and the same
material.Free end
deflection of cantilever [IES-2000]
'A' is δ.
The value of mid- span deflection of the cantilever ‘B’ is:
1 2
(a ) ( b) ( c) (d) 2
2 3
IES-4. A cantilever beam of rectangular cross-section is subjected to a load W at its free
end. If the depth of the beam is doubled and the load is halved, the deflection of
the free end as compared to original deflection will be: [IES-1999]
(a) Half (b) One-eighth (c) One-sixteenth (d) Double

IES-5. The distance between the supports of a simply supported beam is L. The beam has
two equal overhangs of length L/3 over each support. The beam carries a point
load 2W at the centre and a point load W at each end. Deflection at the centre is
[IES 2022]
(a) 1.8 mm (b) 7.2 mm
(c) 0 mm (d) 3.6 mm

IES-5(i). A simply supported beam of constant flexural rigidity and length 2L carries a
concentrated load 'P' at its mid-span and the deflection under the load is . If a
cantilever beam of the same flexural rigidity and length 'L' is subjected to load 'P'
at its free end, then the deflection at the free end will be: [IES-1998]
1
(a ) ( b) ( c) 2 (d) 4
2

IES-6. Two identical cantilevers are

loaded as shown in the
respective figures. If slope at
the free end of the cantilever in Figure E Figure F
figure E is θ, the slope at free
and of the cantilever in figure [IES-1997, GATE-2014]
F will be:
1 1 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 2 3
IES-7. A cantilever beam carries a load W uniformly distributed over its entire length. If
the same load is placed at the free end of the same cantilever, then the ratio of
maximum deflection in the first case to that in the second case will be:
[IES-1996]
(a) 3/8 (b) 8/3 (c) 5/8 (d) 8/5

IES-8. The given figure shows a

cantilever of span 'L' subjected to
a concentrated load 'P' and a
moment 'M' at the free end.
Deflection at the free end is
given by
[IES-1996]

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
2 2 2 3 2 3 2
PL ML ML PL ML PL ML PL3
(a) + (b) + (c) + (d) +
2 EI 3EI 2 EI 3EI 3EI 2 EI 2 EI 48 EI

IES-9. For a cantilever beam of length 'L', flexural rigidity EI and loaded at its free end
by a concentrated load W, match List I with List II and select the correct answer.

List I List II
A. Maximum bending moment 1. Wl
B. Strain energy 2. Wl2/2EI
C. Maximum slope 3. Wl3/3EI
D. Maximum deflection 4. W2l2/6EI
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 4 3 2 (b) 1 4 2 3
(c) 4 2 1 3 (d) 4 3 1 2

IES-10. Maximum deflection of a cantilever beam of length ‘l’ carrying uniformly

distributed load w per unit length will be: [IES- 2008]
(a) wl4/ (EI) (b) w l4/ (4 EI) (c) w l4/ (8 EI) (d) w l4/ (384 EI)
[Where E = modulus of elasticity of beam material and I = moment of inertia of beam cross-
section]

IES-11. A cantilever beam of length ‘l’ is subjected to a concentrated load P at a distance

of l/3 from the free end. What is the deflection of the free end of the beam? (EI is
the flexural rigidity) [IES-2004]
2 Pl 3 3 Pl 3 14 Pl 3 15 Pl 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
81EI 81EI 81EI 81EI

IES-11(i). A simply supported beam of length l is loaded by a uniformly distributed load w

over the entire span. It is propped at the mid span so that the deflection at the
centre is zero. The reaction at the prop is:
[IES-2013]
5 1 5 1
(a) wl (b) wl (c) wl (d) wl
16 2 8 10

IES-12. A 2 m long beam BC carries a single

concentrated load at its mid-span
and is simply supported at its ends
by two cantilevers AB = 1 m long and
CD = 2 m long as shown in the figure.
The shear force at end A of the
cantilever AB will be
(a) Zero (b) 40 kg
(c) 50 kg (d) 60 kg [IES-1997]

IES-13. Assertion (A): In a simply supported beam subjected to a concentrated load P at

mid-span, the elastic curve slope becomes zero under the load. [IES-2003]
Reason (R): The deflection of the beam is maximum at mid-span.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-14. At a certain section at a distance 'x' from one of the supports of a simply
supported beam, the intensity of loading, bending moment and shear force arc W x,
Mx and Vx respectively. If the intensity of loading is varying continuously along
the length of the beam, then the invalid relation is: [IES-2000]

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 313 of 516 Rev.0
 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
2
Mx dM x d Mx dVx
( a ) Slope Qx = ( b )Vx = ( c )Wx = ( d )Wx =
Vx dx dx 2 dx
IES-15. The bending moment equation, as a function of distance x measured from the left
end, for a simply supported beam of span L m carrying a uniformly distributed
load of intensity w N/m will be given by [IES-1999]
wL w wL w
( a ) M= ( L-x ) - ( L-x ) Nm ( b ) M= ( x ) - ( x ) Nm
3 2

2 2 2 2
wL 2 w wL 2 wLx
( c ) M= ( L-x ) - ( L-x ) Nm ( d ) M= ( x ) -
3
Nm
2 2 2 2

IES-16. A simply supported beam with width 'b' and depth ’d’ carries a central load W and
undergoes deflection δ at the centre. If the width and depth are interchanged, the
deflection at the centre of the beam would attain the value [IES-1997]
2 3 3/2
d d d d
(a ) ( b) ( c) (d)
b b b b
IES-17. A simply supported beam of rectangular section 4 cm by 6 cm carries a mid-span
concentrated load such that the 6 cm side lies parallel to line of action of loading;
deflection under the load is δ. If the beam is now supported with the 4 cm side
parallel to line of action of loading, the deflection under the load will be:
(a) 0.44 δ (b) 0.67 δ (c) 1.5 δ (d) 2.25 δ [IES-1993]

IES-18. A simply supported beam carrying a concentrated load W at mid-span deflects by

δ1 under the load. If the same beam carries the load W such that it is distributed
uniformly over entire length and undergoes a deflection δ 2 at the mid span. The
ratio δ1: δ2 is: [IES-1995; GATE-1994]
(a) 2: 1 (b) 2:1 (c) 1: 1 (d) 1: 2

IES-18a. A beam of length L and flexural rigidity EI is simply supported at the ends and
carries a concentrated load W at the middle of the span. Another beam of length L
and flexural rigidity EI is fixed horizontally at both ends and carries an identical
concentrated load W at the mid-span. The ratio of central deflection of the first
beam to that of second beam is [IES-2014]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 0.25 (d) 4

IES-18b. A uniform bar, simply supported at the ends, carries a concentrated load P at mid-
span. If the same load be, alternatively, uniformly distributed over the full length
of the bar, the maximum deflection of the bar will decrease by [IES-2017
Prelims]
(a) 25.5% (b) 31.5% (c) 37.5% (d) 50.0%

Moment Area Method

IES-19. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the Lists: [IES-1997]
List-I List-II
A. Toughness 1. Moment area method
B. Endurance strength 2. Hardness
C. Resistance to abrasion 3. Energy absorbed before fracture in a
tension test
D. Deflection in a beam 4. Fatigue loading
Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 1 2 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 3 4 1 2

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Slope and Deflection at a Section

IAS-1. Which one of the following is represented by the area of the S.F diagram from one
end upto a given location on the beam? [IAS-2004]
(a) B.M. at the location (b) Load at the location
(c) Slope at the location (d) Deflection at the location

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
Double Integration Method
IAS-2. Which one of the following is the correct statement? [IAS-2007]
dM
If for a beam = 0 for its whole length, the beam is a cantilever:
dx
(a) Free from any load (b) Subjected to a concentrated load at its free end
(c) Subjected to an end moment (d) Subjected to a udl over its whole span

IAS-3. In a cantilever beam, if the length is doubled while keeping the cross-section and
the concentrated load acting at the free end the same, the deflection at the free
end will increase by [IAS-1996]
(a) 2.66 times (b) 3 times (c) 6 times (d) 8 times

Conjugate Beam Method

IAS-4. By conjugate beam method, the slope at any section of an actual beam is equal to:
[IAS-2002]
(a) EI times the S.F. of the conjugate beam (b) EI times the B.M. of the conjugate beam
(c) S.F. of conjugate beam (d) B.M. of the conjugate beam

IAS-5. I = 375 × 10-6 m4; l = 0.5 m

E = 200 GPa
Determine the stiffness of the
beam shown in the above figure
(a) 12 × 108 N/m
(b) 10 × 108 N/m
(c) 4 × 108 N/m
(d) 8 × 108 N/m
[IES-2002]

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 316 of 516 Rev.0
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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
d2 y
GATE-1.Ans.(d) EI = M .Since it is second order differential equation so we need two boundary
dx 2
conditions to solve it.
GATE-1(i). Ans. (a) As it is rigid roller, deflection must be same, because after deflection they also
will be in contact. But slope unequal.
GATE-1(ii). Ans. (a)
GATE-1(iii). Ans. (a)
GATE-1(iv). Ans. (d)
PL3 a4 4 PL3 1
= I= = or
3EI 12 Ea 4 a4
4 4 4
a a1 1
2
= 1 = =
1 a2 1.19a1 1.19
−
4
1
% Decrease = 1 2
100% = 1 − 100% = 50.13%
1 1.19
GATE-1(v). Ans. (c)
We know that
ds
=W
dx
dM
=S
dX
d2 y
EI . =M
dx 2
d2 y M
=
dx 2 EI
M E M 1
Also = = =
I y R EI R
d2 y 1
=
dx 2 R
W 4
5 l
Wl 3
l 5Wl3
GATE-2. Ans. (d) 1 = = and 2 = = Therefore δ1: δ2 = 8 : 5
48EI 384EI 384EI
Wl3
GATE-3. Ans. (a) Maximum deflection (δ) =
48EI
To reduce, δ, increase the area moment of Inertia.
GATE-4. Ans. (a)
ML2
GATE-4a. Ans. 2.50 use =
2 EI
GATE-4(i) Ans. 0.158 Use double integration method.
GATE-4(ii)Ans. (b)
GATE-4(iii)Ans. (c) Refer theory of this book, “Let us take an funny example” ISRO-2008

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 317 of 516 Rev.0
 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
GATE-5. Ans.(b)At any distance x

X-Section at x distance P
Area moment of inertia about b h
Neutral-axis of cross-section
x
b 3
t
bxt 3 l
Ix = l =
12 121

GATE-6. Ans.(d)From strain energy method

1
M 2dx
U= [Here, M = Px ]
0
2EI
1 1
P 2x 2 6l P 2 6l P 2 l2 3l3 P 2
= 3
= 3
x dx = =
0 bxt Ebt 0 Ebt 3 2 Ebt 3
2E dx
121

Deflection at free end

U 6P l3
= =
P Ebt 3
GATE-6a. Ans. (d) use Castigliano’s theorem.
GATE-7. Ans. (b)
The deflection at the free end for
w L4 10 (5)4 1000
w(10 kN/ m) = = = 1mm
8EI 8 781250
The gap between the beam and rigid platform is 6 mm. Hence, no reaction will be developed
when w = 10 kN/m
Now, deflection at the free end for w(100 kN/m) will be = 10 × 1 mm = 10 mm
But, this cannot be possible because margin of deflection is only 6m.
Thus, w = 100 kN/m will induce a reaction R B at B.
w L4 PB L3
− = Permissible deflection
8 EI 3EI
100 (5)4 RB (5)3 6
− =
8 781250 3 781250 1000
10 6 RB 125
− =
1000 1000 3 781250
R B = 75 kN
R A = (100 5 − 75) = 425 kN
GATE-7a. Ans.(b)
As per given configuration diagram of beam:

∆𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 = ∆𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
(𝑃−𝑅)𝐿3 𝑅
=
3𝐸𝐼 𝑘
3𝐸𝐼
𝑃−𝑅 = 𝑅
𝐾𝐿3
𝑃 𝑃𝐿3 𝐾
∴ 𝑅= 3𝐸𝐼 =
1+ 𝐾𝐿3 +3𝐸𝐼
𝐾𝐿3

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
𝑅 𝑃𝐿3
Deflection of beam, ∆𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 = =
𝐾 𝐾𝐿3+3𝐸𝐼
4 3
wL RL 3wL
GATE-7b. Ans. (b) = or R =
8 EI 3EI 8
GATE-7c. Ans. (620 to 660)

GATE-8. Ans. (a)

Part AC of the beam is rigid. Hence C will act as a fixed end. Thus the deflection at B will be
PL3
given as B =
3 EI
But the bending moment does not depend on the rigidity or flexibility of the beam
BM at P = P × 2L = 2PL
GATE-8(i) Ans. (a)
The given cantilever beam can be modified into a beam as shown below
W

E
l
P W
L
L
Q
3 2
WL WL L
Deflection at Q = +
3EI 2EI
2 WL3 + 3 WL3 5 WL3
= =
6 EI 6 EI
WL2 WL × L WL2 + 2 WL2 3 WL2
Slope at Q= + = =
2EI EI 2EI 2EI
GATE-8(ii) Ans. (c)
Since the portion QR of the beam is rigid, QR will remain straight.
Deflection of R = Deflection at Q + Slope at Q × L
5 WL3 3 WL2 5 WL3 + 9 WL3
= + L=
6 EI 2EI 6 EI
14 WL3 7 WL3
= =
6 EI 3EI
GATE-9. Ans. (c)
The moment at point B = 2 Pa
In the cantilever beam ABC, the deflection at C due to meoment 2Pa will be given as
2P a L L
c = L+
EI 2
3P a L2
= (downwards)
EI
The reaction at C will be upwards
R(2 L)3 8 RL3
c = = (upwards )
3EI 3EI
Thus, c = c

3 P a L2 8 RL3
=
EI 3 EI
9Pa
R= (upwards)
8L
GATE-10. Ans. (a)
The rotation at B
(i) Due to moment

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
2P a L
B1 = (clockwise)
EI
(ii) Due to reaction R
RL2 RL2 3RL2 27 P a L
B2 = + = = (anti clockwise)
2EI EI 2EI 16 EI
B = B1 − B 2

27 P a L 5 P a L
= 2− = (clockwise)
16 EI 16 EI
GATE-11. Ans. (c)
Using Moment Area Method
M
M
A 2El
El B

L L
2 2

+
2M M

BMD

M
El
M diaghram
El
M
Deflection at B w.r.t. A = Moment of area of diagram between A and B about B
El
M L ML2
= L =
El 2 2E l
GATE-12. Ans. (b)
The reactions at the ends are zero as there are hinges to left of G and right of I. Hence when
the middle pontoon is removed, the beam GHI acts as a simply supported beam.
48k N

G H I

24 k N 24 k N
The deflection at H will be due to the load at H as well as due to the displacement of
pontoons at G and I in water. Since the loading is symmetrical, both the pontoons will be
immersed to same height. Let it be x.
x × area of cross section of pontoon × unit weight of water = 24
x × 8 × 10 = 24
x = 0.3 m
Also, deflection at H due to load
PL3 48 (10)3
P= = = 0.1m
48 EI 48 104
Final deflection at H = 0.3 + 0.1 = 0.4 m
GATE-13. Ans. (c)
Let the elastic deflection at H be .

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
(P − R) L 3
= …(i)
48 EI
The reactions at G and I will be same, as the beam is symmetrically loaded.
Let the reaction at each G and I be Q.
Using principle of buoyancy, we get
x × area of cross-section of pontoon × w = Q
x × 8 × 10 = Q
Q
x= …(ii)
80
P
G I

x x
x+

Q Q

R
Also, we have
Q+Q+R=P
2Q + R = 48 …(iii)
Also, ( x + ) × area of cross-section of Pontoon w = R

R
x+ =
80
Q R
+ = [from (ii)]
80 80
48 − R R
+ = [from (iii)]
2 80 80
2R − 48 + R
=
160
3R − 48
=
160
(48 − R) 103 3R − 48
= [from (i)]
48 104 160
R = 19.2 kN
GATE-13a. Ans. (c)
GATE-13b. Ans. (a)
GATE-14. Ans. 0.26
Pa2
Deflection =
2EI
( L − a / 3) a = 0.05 m and L = 0.100 m = 0.2604 mm

GATE-15. Ans. (d) If BMD is triangle or rectangle we have to use Moment area Method

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

As slope at A is zero we have to take CG from non zero slope point B, that is 𝑥̅ = L/4
Area of BMD of AB part = M x L/2
Area of BMD M × L/2 𝐿 𝑀𝐿2
Deflection at 𝐵 (𝛿𝐵 ) = × 𝑥̅ = × =
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 4 8𝐸𝐼
GATE-15a. Ans. 50 (Range given by IIT 48 to 52)
We can directly use formula of Moment Area Method
The area of the bending moment diagram
corresponding to the full length of the beam is 10000
N.m2.
Uniform flexural rigidity, El = 200 x 106 N.m2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓𝐵𝑀𝐷
Slope =
𝐸𝐼
10000 𝑁𝑚2
= = 50 × 10−3 𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 50 𝜇𝑟𝑎𝑑
200 × 106 𝑁𝑚2

GATE-16. Ans. (b)

2 =
5 wl 4
2 =
384 E l
5 wl 4
=
768 E l
GATE-17. Ans. 1.0 mm
GATE-18. Ans. (d)
T
The average change in temperature =
2
T
The compression in the top most fibre = L
2
T
Similarly, the elongation in bottom most fibre L
2
L T T
Strain, 0 = =
L 2 2
Therefore deflection at midpoint is downward. Now, from the equation of pure bending, we
have

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
M E
= =
I R y
1
Curvature, =
R Ey
Strain h
= y=
y 2
2 0 T
= =
h h
Also, from the property of circle, we have
L2
Deflection, =
8R
L2 T TL2
= = downward
8 h 8h
GATE-19. Ans. 2.38 to 2.45 mm use same funda like GATE-18
GATE-20. Ans : (a)

IES
IES-1. Ans. (b)
IES-1(i). Ans. (d)
IES-1(ii). Ans. (d)

2
L
W
2 WL2
IES-2. Ans. (c)
2EI 8EI
3
WL WL2 5WL3
IES-3. Ans. (c) = + L=
3EI 2EI 6EI
W 2Lx2 x3 5WL3
ymid = − = =
EI 2 6 at x =L
6EI
Wl 3 Wl 3 12 4Wl 3
IES-4. Ans. (c) Deflectionin cantilever = = =
3EI 3Eah3 Eah3
4Wl 3 1 4Wl 3
If h is doubled, and W is halved, New deflection = =
2 Ea ( 2h )
3
16 Eah3
IES-5. Ans. (c)
W ( 2L )
3
WL3
IES-5(i). Ans. (c) for simply supported beam = =
48EI 6 EI
3
WL
and deflection for Cantilever = =2
3EI
ML ( PL / 2 ) L PL2
IES-6. Ans. (d) When a B. M is applied at the free end of cantilever, = = =
EI EI 2 EI
PL2
When a cantilever is subjected to a single concentrated load at free end, then =
2 EI
3 3
Wl Wl 3
IES-7. Ans. (a) =
8 EI 3EI 8
IES-8. Ans. (b)
IES-9. Ans. (b)

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
IES-10. Ans. (c)
IES-11. Ans. (c) Moment Area method gives us
1 2Pl 2l l 4
+ l
Area 2 3 3 3 9
A = x=
EI EI
Pl3 2 7 14 Pl3
= =
EI 9 9 81 EI
2
2l
W
Wa2 l a 3 l 2l / 3
Alternatively Ymax = − = −
EI 2 6 EI 2 6
Wl3 4 (9 − 2)
=
EI 9 18
14 Wl3
=
81 EI

IES-11(i). Ans. (c)

IES-12. Ans. (c) Reaction force on B and C is same 100/2 = 50 kg. And we know that shear force is same
throughout its length and equal to load at free end.
IES-13. Ans. (a)
IES-14. Ans. (a)
IES-15. Ans. (b)
Wl3 Wl3
IES-16.Ans. (b) Deflection at center = =
48EI bd3
48E
12
Wl 3 Wl 3 Wl 3 d2 d2
In second case,deflection = = = = 2
= 2
48EI db3 bd 3 b b
48E 48E
12 12
IES-17. Ans. (d) Use above explanation
W 4
5 l
Wl3 l 5Wl3
IES-18. Ans.(d) 1 = = and 2 = = Therefore δ1: δ2 = 8: 5
48EI 384EI 384EI
IES-18a. Ans.(d)
Pl 3
Deflection of simply supported beam with concentrated load at the mid span =
48 EI
Pl 3
Deflection of beam fixed horizontally at both ends with concentrated load at the mid span=
192 EI
Pl 3
Ratio of central deflections=
48 EI = 4
Pl 3
192 EI
IES-18b. Ans. (c)
IES-19. Ans. (c)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (a)

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
IAS-2. Ans. (c) udl or point load both vary with x. But
if we apply Bending Moment (M) = const.
dM
and =0
dx

IAS-3. Ans. (d)

3
PL3 L
= 3
L 2
= 2 =8
3EI 1 L1
IAS-4. Ans. (c)
IAS-5. Ans. (c) Stiffness means required load for unit deformation.BMD of the given beam

Loading diagram of conjugate beam

The deflection at the free end of the actual beam = BM of the at fixed point of conjugate
beam
1 ML 2L WL L 1 WL 2L 3WL3
y L L L L L
2 EI 3 2EI 2 2 2EI 3 2EI
W 2EI 2 200 109 375 10 6

Or stiffness = 4 1010 N / m
y 3L3 3 0.5
3

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question GATE-1999
Question: Consider the signboard mounting shown in figure below. The wind load acting
perpendicular to the plane of the figure is F = 100 N. We wish to limit the
deflection, due to bending, at point A of the hollow cylindrical pole of outer
diameter 150 mm to 5 mm. Find the wall thickness for the pole. [Assume E = 2.0 X
1011 N/m2]

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s

Answer: Given: F = 100 N; d0 = 150 mm, 0.15 my = 5 mm; E = 2.0 X 1O11 N/m2
Thickness of pole, t
The system of signboard mounting can be considered as a cantilever loaded at A i.e. W =
100 N and also having anticlockwise moment of M = 100 x 1 = 100 Nm at the free
end.Deflection of cantilever having concentrated load at the free end,
WL3 ML2
y= +
3EI 2EI
100 53 100 53
5 10−3 = +
3 2.0 1011 I 2 2.0 1011 I
1 100 53 100 53
or I= −3 11
+ 11
= 5.417 10 −6 m4
5 10 3 2.0 10 2 2.0 10

But I=
64
(d
4
0 − di4 )
5.417 10−6 =
64
(0.15 4
− di4 )
or di = 0.141m or 141 mm
d0 − di 150 − 141
t= = = 4.5 mm
2 2

Conventional Question IES-2003

Question: Find the slope and deflection at the free end of a cantilever beam of length 6m as
loaded shown in figure below, using method of superposition. Evaluate their
numerical value using E = 200 GPa, I = 1×10 -4 m4 and W = 1 kN.
Answer: We have to use superposition
theory.
1st consider
PL3 (3W ) 23 8W
δc
3EI 3EI EI
PL2 (3W ).2 2
6W
θc
2EI 2EI EI
8W 6W 32W
Deflection at A due to this load(δ1 ) = δc c .(6 2) = 4
EI EI EI

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 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
nd
2 consider:
2W 128W 43
δB
3EI 3EI
2
(2W ) 4 16W
B
2EI EI
Deflection at A due to this load(δ 2 )
224W
=δB B (6 4)=
3EI
.

3rd consider :
W 63 72W
(δ3 ) δA
3EI EI
2
W 6 18W
A
2EI EI

Apply Superpositioning Formula

6W 16W 18W 40W 40 103
= A + B + = + + = = = 0.002 rad
C
EI EI EI EI ( 200 109 ) 10−4
32W 224W 72W 536W
= 1 + 2+ + 3+ =
=
EI 3EI EI 3EI
3
536 10
= = 8.93mm
3 ( 200 109 ) 10−4

Conventional Question IES-2002

Question: If two cantilever beams of identical dimensions but made of mild steel and grey
cast iron are subjected to same point load at the free end, within elastic limit,
which one will deflect more and why?

Answer: Grey cost iron will deflect more.

We know that a cantilever beam of length 'L' end load 'P' will deflect at free end

PL3
( )=
3 EI
1
E
ECast Iron 125 GPa and EMild steel 200 GPa

Conventional Question IES-1997

Question: A uniform cantilever beam (EI = constant) of length L is carrying a concentrated
load P at its free end. What would be its slope at the (i) Free end and (ii) Built in
end

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 327 of 516 Rev.0
 Chapter-7 Deflection of Beam S K Mondal’s
2
PL
Answer: (i) Free end, θ=
2EI
(ii) Built-in end, θ 0

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 8. Strain Energy Method

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

1. Resilience (U)
• Resilience is an ability of a material to absorb energy when
elastically deformed and to return it when unloaded.
• The strain energy stored in a specimen when stained within
the elastic limit is known as resilience.

σ2 2
E
U= Volume or U= Volume
2E 2

2. Proof Resilience
• Maximum strain energy stored at elastic limit. i.e. the strain energy stored in the body upto
elastic limit.
• This is the property of the material that enables it to resist shock and impact by storing energy.
The measure of proof resilience is the strain energy absorbed per unit volume.

3. Modulus of Resilience (u)

The proof resilience per unit volume is known as modulus of resilience.
If σ is the stress due to gradually applied load, then

σ2 2
E
u= or u=
2E 2

4. Application
3 L
P2 L P2.
P2 L 4 4
U= = +
π
2 AE 2 (2d ) 2 E πd 2
2. E
4 4

Strain energy becomes smaller & smaller as the cross sectional area of bar
is increased over more & more of its length i.e. A ,U

5. Toughness
• This is the property which enables a material to be twisted, bent or stretched under impact load
or high stress before rupture. It may be considered to be the ability of the material to absorb

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
energy in the plastic zone. The measure of toughness is the amount of energy absorbed after
being stressed upto the point of fracture.
• Toughness is an ability to absorb energy in the plastic range.
• The ability to withstand occasional stresses above the yield stress without fracture.
• Toughness = strength + ductility
• The materials with higher modulus of toughness are used to make components and structures
that will be exposed to sudden and impact loads.
• Tenacity is defined as the work required to stretch the material after the initial resistance is
overcome.

Modulus of Toughness
• The ability of unit volume of material
to absorb energy in the plastic range.
• The amount of work per unit volume
that the material can withstand
without failure.
• The area under the entire stress strain
diagram is called modulus of toughness,
which is a measure of energy that can UT= σuεf
be absorbed by the unit volume of
material due to impact loading before it
fractures.

6. Strain energy in shear and torsion

• Strain energy per unit volume, (u s )
τ2 G 2
us = or, u s =
2G 2
• Total Strain Energy (U) for a Shaft in Torsion
1
Us = T
2
1 T 2L 1 GJ 2
Us = or
2 GJ 2 L

τ 2max 2 L
or Us = 2
d
2G r 2
• Cases

τ 2max
•Solid shaft ,U s = r 2L
4G

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s

• Hollow shaft , U s =
τ 2
max
(D 4
−d 4
)L = τ 2
max
(D 2
+d 2
) Volume
4G D2 4G D2

τ2
•Thin walled tube , U s = sLt
4G
where s = Length of mean centre line
2 2 n 2
GJ d GJ PR
• Conical spring , US = dx = .R.d ( R = Radius)
2 dx 2 0
GJ
2πn
P2
= R3d (R varies with )
2GJ 0

3 P2 L
• Cantilever beam with load 'p' at end, Us =
5 bhG

πP 2 R 3 n
• Helical spring , U s = ( L = 2 Rn )
GJ

7. Strain energy in bending.

Mx
• Angle subtended by arc, θ = .dx
EI
• Strain energy stored in beam.
L
M x2
Ub = .dx
0
2EI
L 2
EI d 2y d 2y M
or U b = dx =−
2 0 dx 2 dx 2 EI

• Cases

P 2 L3
o Cantilever beam with a end load P , U b =
6 EI
P 2 L3
o Simply supported with a load P at centre, U b =
96 EI
• Important Note
o For pure bending
• M is constant along the length ‘L’
ML
• =
EI
M 2L EI 2
• U= if Misknown = if curvature / L isknown
2EI 2L
o For non-uniform bending
• Strain energy in shear is neglected
• Strain energy in bending is only considered.

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
8. Castigliano’s theorem
U
= δn
Pn

U 1 Mx
= Mx dx
p EI p
• Note:
o Strain energy, stored due to direct stress in 3 coordinates
1
U= (σ x )2 − 2 σ xσ y
2E
o If σ x = σ y = σ z ,in case of equal stress in 3 direction then

3σ2 σ2
U= [1 − 2μ] = (volume strain energy)
2E 2k

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 332 of 516 Rev.0
 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Strain Energy or Resilience

GATE-1. The strain energy stored in the beam with flexural rigidity EI and loaded as
shown in the figure is: [GATE-2008]

P 2L3 2P 2L3 4P 2L3 8P 2L3

(a) (b) (c) (d)
3EI 3EI 3EI 3EI

PL3
GATE-2. is the deflection under the load P of a cantilever beam length L, modulus of
3 EI
elasticity, E, moment of inertia-I]. The strain energy due to bending is:
[GATE-1993, 2017, ISRO-2015]
P 2 L3 P 2 L3 P 2 L3 P 2 L3
(a) (b) (c ) (d )
3EI 6 EI 4 EI 48EI

GATE-2(i). U1 and U 2 are the strain energies stored in a prismatic bar due to axial tensile
forces P1 and P2 , respectively. The strain energy U stored in the same bar due to
combined action of P1 and P2 will be [CE: GATE-2007]
(a) U = U1 + U 2 (b) U = U1 U2
(c) U U1 + U 2 (d) U U1 + U 2

GATE-3. The stress-strain behaviour of a

material is shown in figure. Its
resilience and toughness, in Nm/m3,
are respectively
(a) 28 × 104, 76 × 104
(b) 28 × 104, 48 × 104
(c) 14 × 104, 90 × 104
(d) 76 × 104

[GATE-2000]

GATE-4. A square bar of side 4 cm and length 100 cm is subjected to an axial load P. The
same bar is then used as a cantilever beam and subjected to all end load P. The
ratio of the strain energies, stored in the bar in the second case to that stored in
the first case, is: [GATE-1998]
(a) 16 (b) 400 (c) 1000 (d) 2500

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
GATE-4(i) For linear elastic systems, the type of displacement function for the strain energy
is
(a) linear (b) quadratic [CE: GATE-2004]
(c) cubic (d) quartic

GATE-4(ii)A mild steel specimen is under uniaxial tensile stress. Young’s modulus and yield
stress for mild steel are 2 105 MPa and 250 MPa respectively. The maximum
amount of strain energy per unit volume that can be stored in this specimen
without permanent set is
(a) 156 Nmm/ mm3 (b) 15.6 Nmm/ mm3 [CE: GATE-2008]
(c) 1.56 Nmm/ mm3 (d) 0.156 Nmm/ mm3

Toughness
GATE-5. The total area under the stress-strain curve of a mild steel specimen tested up to
failure under tension is a measure of [GATE-2002]
(a) Ductility (b) Ultimate strength (c) Stiffness (d) Toughness

GATE-6.For a ductile material, toughness is a measure of [GATE-2013]

(a) resistance to scratching (b) ability to absorb energy up to fracture
(c) ability to absorb energy till elastic limit (d) resistance to indentation

GATE-6a. Consider the following statements: [PI: GATE-2016]

(P) Hardness is the resistance of a material to indentation.
(Q) Elastic modulus is a measure of ductility.
(R) Deflection depends on stiffness.
(S) The total area under the stress-strain curve is a measure of resilience.
Among the above statements, the correct ones are
(a) P and Q only. (b) Q and S only. (c) P and R only. (d) R and S only.

Castigliano’s Theorem
GATE-7.A frame is subjected to a load P as shown in the figure. The frame has a constant
flexural rigidity EI. The effect of axial load is neglected. The deflection at point A due
to the applied load P is [GATE-2014, ISRO-2015]
1 PL3 2 PL3
(a) (b)
3 EI 3 EI
PL3 4 PL3
(c) (d)
EI 3 EI L

A
L
GATE-7a. A plane frame PQR (fixed at P and free at R) is
shown in the figure. Both members (PQ and QR)
have length, L, and flexural rigidity, EI. Neglecting
the effect of axial stress and transverse shear, the
horizontal deflection at free end. R, is

𝟐𝑭𝑳𝟑 𝟒𝑭𝑳𝟑 𝑭𝑳𝟑 𝟓𝑭𝑳𝟑

(a) (b) (c) (d) [GATE-2021]
𝟑𝑬𝑰 𝟑𝑬𝑰 𝟑𝑬𝑰 𝟑𝑬𝑰

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
GATE-8. A simply supported beam of length 2L is subjected to a moment M at the mid-point x
= 0 as shown in the figure. The deflection in the domain 0 ≤ x ≤ L is given by
− Mx
y= ( L − x )( x + c ) [GATE-2016]
12 EIL
where E is the Young’s modulus, I is the area moment of inertia and c is a constant (to be
determined) .

The slope at the center x = 0 is

(a) 𝑀𝐿/(2𝐸𝐼) (b) 𝑀𝐿/(3𝐸𝐼) (c) 𝑀𝐿/(6𝐸𝐼) (d) 𝑀𝐿/(12𝐸𝐼)

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Strain Energy or Resilience

IES-1. What is the strain energy stored in a body of volume V with stress due to
gradually applied load? [IES-2006]
2
E E2 V2 V
(a) (b) (c) (d)
V V E 2E
Where, E = Modulus of elasticity

IES-1a. The capacity of a material to absorb energy when deformed elastically and then to
have this energy recovered upon unloading is called [IES-2016]
(a) endurance (b) resilience (c) toughness (d) ductility

IES-1b. The maximum energy which can be stored in a body up to the elastic limit is
called [IES-2020 Prelims.]
(a) Proof resilience (b) Modulus of resilience
(c) Impact toughness (d) Endurance strength

IES-1c. A circular bar L m long and d m in diameter is subjected to tensile force of F kN.
Then the strain energy, U will be (where, E is the modulus of elasticity in kN/m 2 )
[IES-2012]
4𝐹 2 𝐿 𝐹2 𝐿 2𝐹 2 𝐿 3𝐹 2 𝐿
(𝑎) 2 ∙ (𝑏) 2 ∙ (𝑐) 2 ∙ (𝑑) 2 ∙
𝜋𝑑 𝐸 𝜋𝑑 𝐸 𝜋𝑑 𝐸 𝜋𝑑 𝐸
IES-1d. Statement (I): Ductile materials generally absorb more impact energy than the
brittle materials.
Statement (II): Ductile materials generally have higher ultimate strength than
brittle materials. [IES-2012]
(a) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true and Statement (II) is the
correct explanation of Statement (I)
(b) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true but Statement (II) is not the
correct explanation of Statement (I)
(c) Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false
(d) Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true

IES-1e. Which one of the following is the capacity of a material to absorb energy when it
is deformed elastically and then, upon unloading, to have this energy recovered?
(a) Resilience (b) Ductility (c) Brittleness (d) Hardness [IES 2022]

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
IES-2. A bar having length L and uniform cross-section with area A is subjected to both
tensile force P and torque T. If G is the shear modulus and E is the Young's
modulus, the internal strain energy stored in the bar is: [IES-2003]
T 2 L P2L T 2 L P2 L T 2L P2L T 2 L P2 L
(a) + (b) + (c) + (d) +
2GJ AE GJ 2 AE 2GJ 2 AE GJ AE
IES-3. Strain energy stored in a body of volume V subjected to uniform stress s is:
[IES-2002]
(a) s E / V (b) sE2/ V (c) sV2/E (d) s2V/2E

IES-4. A bar of length L and of uniform cross-sectional area A and second moment of
area ‘I’ is subjected to a pull P. If Young's modulus of elasticity of the bar material
is E, the expression for strain energy stored in the bar will be: [IES-1999]
P2L PL2 PL2 P2L
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2AE 2EI AE AE
IES-4a. The strain energy per unit volume of a round bar under uniaxial tension with
axial stress and modulus of elasticity E is [IES-2016]
2 2 2 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
E 2E 3E 4E
IES-5. Which one of the following gives the correct expression for strain energy stored in
a beam of length L and of uniform cross-section having moment of inertia ‘I’ and
subjected to constant bending moment M? [IES-1997]
ML ML M 2L M 2L
(a ) (b) (c) (d)
EI 2 EI EI 2 EI
2
IES-6. A steel specimen 150 mm in cross-section stretches by 0·05 mm over a 50 mm
gauge length under an axial load of 30 kN. What is the strain energy stored in the
specimen? (Take E = 200 GPa) [IES-2009]
(a) 0.75 N-m (b) 1.00 N-m (c) 1.50 N-m (d) 3.00 N-m

IES-7. What is the expression for the strain energy due to bending of a cantilever beam
(length L. modulus of elasticity E and moment of inertia I)? [IES-2009]
P 2 L3 P 2 L3 P 2 L3 P 2 L3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3EI 6 EI 4 EI 48 EI

IES-7(i). A cantilever beam, 2m in length, is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of

5kN/m. If E = 200GPa and I = 1000 cm 4 , the strain energy stored in the beam will be
(a) 7Nm (b) 12Nm (c) 8Nm (d) 10Nm [IES-2014]

IES-8. The property by which an amount of energy is absorbed by a material without

plastic deformation, is called: [IES-2000]
(a) Toughness (b) Impact strength (c) Ductility (d) Resilience

IES-8a Resilience of material becomes important when it is subjected to :

(a) Fatigue (b) Thermal stresses
(c) Shock loading (d) Pure static loading [IES-2011]

IES-8b. Which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) The strain produced per unit volume is called resilience.
(b) The maximum strain produced per unit volume is called proof resilience.
(c) The least strain energy stored in a unit volume is called proof resilience.
(d) The greatest strain energy stores in a unit volume of a material without
permanent deformation is called proof resilience. [IES-2017 Prelims]

IES-9. 30 C 8 steel has its yield strength of 400 N/mm 2 and modulus of elasticity of 2 × 105
MPa. Assuming the material to obey Hooke's law up to yielding, what is its proof
resilience? [IES-2006]
(a) 0·8 N/mm2 (b) 0.4 N/mm2 (c) 0·6 N/mm2 (d) 0·7 N/mm2

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
IES9a Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the lists: [IES-2010]
List I List II
A. Point of inflection 1. Strain energy
B. Shearing strain 2. Equation of bending
C. Section modulus 3. Equation of torsion
D. Modulus of resilience 4. Bending moment diagram
Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 2 4 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 4 2 3 1

Toughness
IES-10. Toughness for mild steel under uni-axial tensile loading is given by the shaded
portion of the stress-strain diagram as shown in [IES-2003]

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Strain Energy or Resilience

IAS-1. Total strain energy stored in a simply supported beam of span, 'L' and flexural
rigidity 'EI 'subjected to a concentrated load 'W' at the centre is equal to:
[IAS-1995]
W 2 L3 W 2 L3 W 2 L3 W 2 L3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
40 EI 60 EI 96 EI 240 EI

IAS-2. If the cross-section of a member is subjected to a uniform shear stress of intensity

'q' then the strain energy stored per unit volume is equal to (G = modulus of
rigidity). [IAS-1994]
(a) 2q2/G (b) 2G / q2 (c) q2 /2G (d) G/2 q2

IAS-4. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IAS-2004]

The work done in stretching an elastic string varies
(a) As the square of the extension (b) As the square root of the extension
(c) Linearly with the extension (d) As the cube root of the extension

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
Toughness
IAS-5. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists: [IAS-1996]
List-I (Mechanical properties) List-II (Meaning of properties)
A. Ductility 1. Resistance to indentation
B. Hardness 2. Ability to absorb energy during plastic
C. Malleability deformation
D. Toughness 3. Percentage of elongation
4. Ability to be rolled into flat product
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 4 3 2 (b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 3 1 4 2

IAS-6. Match List-I (Material properties) with List-II (Technical definition/requirement)

and select the correct answer using the codes below the lists: [IAS-1999]
List-I List-II
A. Hardness 1. Percentage of elongation
B. Toughness 2. Resistance to indentation
C. Malleability 3. Ability to absorb energy during plastic deformation
D. Ductility 4. Ability to be rolled into plates
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 2 1 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 1 3 4 2

IAS-7. A truck weighing 150 kN and travelling at 2m/sec impacts which a buffer spring
which compresses 1.25cm per 10 kN. The maximum compression of the spring is:
[IAS-1995]
(a) 20.00 cm
(b) 22.85 cm
(c) 27.66 cm
(d) 30.00 cm

For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 338 of 516 Rev.0
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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
4L L 3L 4L
M 2dx M 2dx M 2dx M 2dx
GATE-1.Ans. (C)
0
2EI 0
2EI L
2EI 3L
2EI
L 2 3L 2 L 4L
M dx M dx M 2dx M 2dx
2 By symmetry
0
2EI L
2EI 0
2EI 3L
2EI
L 2 3L 2 2 3
(Px ) dx (PL ) dx 4P L
2
0
2EI L
2EI 3EI
GATE-2. Ans. (b)We may do it taking average
P PL3 P 2 L3
Strain energy = Average force x displacement = =
2 3EI 6 EI
U
Alternative method: In a funny way you may use Castigliano’s theorem, . Then
P
U PL3 PL3
or U U P Partially integrating with respect to P we get
P 3EI 3EI
P2L3
U=
6EI
GATE-2(i). Ans. (d)
P2 L
We know that Strain Energy, U =
2 AE
It is obvious from the above equation that strain energy is proportional to the square of load
applied. We know that sum of squares of two numbers is less than the square of their sum.
Thus U U1 + U2 .
GATE-3. Ans. (c) Resilience = area under this curve up to 0.004 strain
1
= 0.004 70 106 = 14 104 Nm/m3
2
Toughness = area under this curve up to 0.012 strain
1
= 14 104 + 70 106 ( 0.012 − 0.004 ) + (0.012 − 0.004) (120 − 70) 106 Nm/m3
2
= 90 104 Nm/m3
2
W
AL
A W 2L
GATE-4. Ans. (d) U1 = =
2E 2AE
2 3 2 3
W L W L 2W 2L3
U2 = = =
6EI 1 4 Ea 4
6E a
12
2
U2 4L2 100
or = 2 =4 = 2500
U1 a 4
GATE-4(i) Ans. (b)
1 1
Strain Energy = = E 2

2 2
GATE-4(ii)Ans. (d)
The strain energy per unit volume may be given as
2
1 1 (250)2
u= = = 0.156 N − mm/ mm3
y

2 E 2 2 105
GATE-5.Ans. (d)

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
GATE-6.Ans. (b)
GATE-6a. Ans.(c) Percentage elongation is a measure of ductility. The total area under the stress-strain curve is a
measure of modulus of toughness.
GATE-7.Ans. (d)
GATE-7a. Ans. (b) Use Castigliano’s theorem
(𝑭𝑳)𝟐 𝑳 𝑳 (𝑭𝒙)𝟐 𝒅𝒙 𝟐𝑭𝟐 𝑳𝟑
𝑼 = 𝑼𝑷𝑸 + 𝑼𝑸𝑹 = + ∫𝑶 =
𝟐𝑬𝑰 𝟐𝑬𝑰 𝟑𝑬𝑰
𝝏𝑼 𝟒𝑭𝑳𝟑
Horizontal deflection at R is = (𝜹𝑯 )𝑹 = =
𝝏𝑭 𝟑𝑬𝑰
dy
GATE-8. Ans. (c) Here we may use slope ( ) = but problem is that ‘c’ is unknown. Finding ‘c’ is
dx
difficult. Easiest method is use Castigliano’s Theorem.

Total Strain Energy (U) = UAC + UBC

( M 2L . x ) dx = M L
2

( Ra x ) ( Rb x )
L 2 L 2 L 2
U= dx + dx = 2
0
2 EI 0
2 EI 0
2 EI 12 EI
According to Castigliano's Theorem
U 2ML ML
Slope ( ) = = =
M 12 EI 6 EI

IES
1 2
IES-1. Ans. (d) Strain Energy = . V
2 E
IES-1a. Ans. (b)
IES-1b. Ans.(a) The maximum energy which can be stored in a body upto elastic limit, is called proof
resilience.
IES-1c. Ans. (c)
IES-1d. Ans. (c)
IES-1e. Ans. (a)
1 1 1 PL 1 TL
IES-2. Ans. (c) Internal strain energy = P + T = P + T
2 2 2 AE 2 GJ
IES-3. Ans. (d)
1 1 P P L PL2
IES-4.Ans. (a) Strain energy = x stress x strain x volume = . ( AL ) =
2 2 A A E 2 AE
IES-4a. Ans. (b)
IES-5. Ans. (d)
IES-6. Ans. (a)Strain Energy stored in the specimen
( 30000 ) 50 10−3
2
1 1 PL P2L
= P = P = = = 0.75 N-m
2 2 AE 2AE 2 150 10−6 200 109
L
L
(Px)2 dx P2 x 3 P2L3
IES-7. Ans. (b)Strain Energy Stored = = =
0
2E 2EI 3 0
6EI
IES-7(i). Ans.(d)

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
L L 2
Wx 2
M x 2 dx dx 2
2 W2 25 106 25
U= 0
= 0
= x 4 dx = = 10 Nm
2 EI 2 EI 8EI 0 8 200 109 1000 10−8 5
IES-8. Ans. (d)
IES-8a. Ans. (c)
IES-8b. Ans. (d)
1 2 1 ( 400 )
2

IES-9. Ans. (b) Proof resilience (Rp ) = . = = 0.4N / mm2

2 E 2 2 105
IES9a Ans. (b)
IES-10. Ans. (d) Toughness of material is the total area under stress-strain curve.

IAS
L L/2 L/2 2
M2 dx M2 dx 1 Wx W 2L3
IAS-1. Ans. (c)Strain energy = =2 = dx =
0
2EI 0
2EI EI 0
2 96EI
U U
Alternative method: In a funny way you may use Castigliano’s theorem,
P W
WL3
We know that for simply supported beam in concentrated load at mid span. Then
48EI
U
U WL3 WL3
or U U W partially integrating with respect to W
WP 48EI 48EI
W 2L3
we get U =
96EI
IAS-2. Ans. (c)
2
2
1 2 1 l
IAS-4. Ans. (a) E E
2E 2 2 L2
IAS-5. Ans. (d)
IAS-6. Ans. (b)
IAS-7. Ans. (c) Kinetic energy of the truck = strain energy of the spring
150 103
22
1 1 mv 2 9.81
mv 2 = kx 2 or x = = = 0.2766 m = 27.66 cm
2 2 k 10 1000
0.0125

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES 2009
Q. A close coiled helical spring made of wire diameter d has mean coil radius R,
number of turns n and modulus of rigidity G. The spring is subjected to an axial
compression W.
(1) Write the expression for the stiffness of the spring.
(2) What is the magnitude of the maximum shear stress induced in the spring
wire neglecting the curvature effect? [2 Marks]
W Gd4
Ans. (1) Spring stiffness, K = =
X 8nD3

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
8WD
(2) Maximum shear stress, =
d3

Conventional Question IES 2010

Q. A semicircular steel ring of mean radius 300 mm is suspended vertically with the
top end fixed as shown in the above figure and carries a vertical load of 200 N at
the lowest point.
Calculate the vertical deflection of the lower end if the ring is of rectangular
cross- section 20 mm thick and 30 mm wide.
5 2
Value of Elastic modulus is 2 10 N/mm .
Influence of circumferential and shearing forces may be neglected.
[10 Marks]

Ans. Load applied, F = 200 N

Mean Radius, R = 300 mm
5 2
Elastic modules, E = 2 10 N/mm
I = Inertia of moment of cross – section
bd3
I= b = 20 mm
12
d = 30 mm

=
20 (30 )3 = 45,000 mm4
12
Influence of circumferential and shearing force are neglected strain energy at the section.
M2Rd R
u= for 10
0
2EI 4
M = F R sin
M
= R sin
F
u F R2 sin2 FR 2
= = d
F 0 EI 2EI

200 (300 )
2
FR2
= =
2EI 2 2 105 45000
= 0.942 10 −3 m = 0.942mm

Conventional Question GATE-1996

Question: A simply supported beam is subjected to a single force P at a distance b from one
of the supports. Obtain the expression for the deflection under the load using
Castigliano's theorem. How do you calculate deflection at the mid-point of the
beam?

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 Chapter-8 Strain Energy Method S K Mondal’s
Answer: Let load P acts at a distance b from the support B, and L be the total length of the beam.
Pb
Re action at A, RA , and
L
Pa
Re action at A, RB
L

Strain energy stored by beam AB,

U=Strain energy stored by AC (U AC) + strain energy stored by BC (UBC)
2 2
a Pb dx b Pa dx P 2b2 a3 P 2b2 a3
= .x + .x = +
0 L 2EI 0 L 2EI 6EIL2 6EIL2
P 2b2 a 2 P ( L − b ) b
2 2 2
P 2b2 a 2
= ( a + b ) = = ( a + b) = L)
6EIL2 6EIL 6EIL
U 2P ( L − b ) b P ( L − b ) b2
2 2 2

Deflection under the load P , = y = = =

P 6EIL 3EIL
Deflection at the mid-span of the beam can be found by Macaulay's method.
By Macaulay's method, deflection at any section is given by
P (x − a)
3
Pbx 3 Pb 2
EIy =
6L
−
6L
(
L − b2 x − ) 6
Where y is deflection at any distance x from the support.
L
At x = , i, e. at mid-span,
2
3
L
P −a
Pb ( L / 2 )
3

EIy =
6L
−
Pb 2
6L
L − b2 ( L
2
−
2
6
)
or, EIy =
PbL 2
−
Pb L2
− b (
2

−
)
P ( L − 2a )
3

48 12 48
y=
P
48EI
2 2 2
(
bL − 4b L − b − ( L − 2a )
3
)

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 †

9. Bending Stress in Beam

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

6.1 Euler Bernoulli’s Equation or (Bending stress formula) or Bending
Equation

M E
= =
y I R
Where††† ††=†Bending†Stress††
†††††††††††††††M†=†Bending†Moment†
†††††††††††††††I††††=†Moment†of†Inertia†
†††††††††††††††E†††=†Modulus†of†elasticity††
†††††††††††††††R††=†Radius†of†curvature††
†††††††††††††††y†=†Distance†of†the†fibre†from†NA†(Neutral†axis)†
†

6.2 Assumptions in Simple Bending Theory

All†of†the†foregoing†theory†has†been†developed†for†the†case†of†pure†bending†i.e.†constant†B.M†along†the†
length†of†the†beam.†In†such†case†
• The†shear†force†at†each†c/s†is†zero.†
• Normal†stress†due†to†bending†is†only†produced.†
• Beams†are†initially†straight†
• The†material†is†homogenous†and†isotropic†i.e.†it†has†a†uniform†composition†and†its†mechanical†
properties†are†the†same†in†all†directions†
• The†stress-strain†relationship†is†linear†and†elastic†
• Young’s Modulus is the same in tension as in compression†
• Sections†are†symmetrical†about†the†plane†of†bending†
• Sections†which†are†plane†before†bending†remain†plane†after†bending†

6.3

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

Mc1
max = t = †
I
Mc2
† † min = c = †††(Minimum†in†sense†of†sign)†
I
6.4 Section Modulus (Z)

I
Z=
y
• Z†is†a†function†of†beam†c/s†only†
• Z†is†other†name†of†the†strength†of†the†beam†
• Section†modulus†is†the†first†moment†of†area†about†the†axis†of†bending†for†a†beam†cross-section††††††††††
• The†strength†of†the†beam†sections†depends†mainly†on†the†section†modulus†

M
• The†flexural†formula†may†be†written†as,† = †
Z
bh 2
• Rectangular†c/s†of†width†is†"b"†&†depth†"h"†with†sides†horizontal,†Z†=†† †
6
a3
• Square†beam†with†sides†horizontal,†Z†=† †
6
a3
• Square†c/s†with†diagonal†horizontal,†Z†=† †
6 2
d3
• Circular†c/s†of†diameter†"d",†Z†=†† †
32
A†log†diameter†"d"†is†available.†It†is†proposed†to†cut†out†a†strongest†beam†
from†it.†Then††
b( d 2 − b 2 )
††††††††††††††††††Z†=†† †
6
bd 3 d
Therefore,†Zmax†=†† for b = †
9 3
† †

6.5 Flexural Rigidity (EI)

Reflects both

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
• Stiffness†of†the†material†(measured†by†E)†
• Proportions†of†the†c/s†area†(measured†by†I†)†

6.6 Axial Rigidity = EA

†

6.7 Beam of uniform strength

It†is†one†is†which†the†maximum†bending†stress†is†same†in†every†section†along†the†longitudinal†axis.†
For†it† † M bh 2 †
Where†b†=†Width†of†beam††
† ††††††h†=†Height†of†beam†
†

To make Beam of uniform strength the section of the beam may be varied by
• Keeping†the†width†constant†throughout†the†length†and†varying†the†depth,†(Most widely used)†
• Keeping†the†depth†constant†throughout†the†length†and†varying†the†width†
• By†varying†both†width†and†depth†suitably.††

6.8 Bending stress due to additional Axial thrust (P).

A† shaft† may† be† subjected† to† a† combined† bending† and† axial† thrust.† This† type† of† situation† arises† in†
various†machine†elements.†
†

If†P†=†Axial†thrust†

†
Then†direct†stress†( d )†=†P†/†A†(stress†due†to†axial†thrust)†

This† direct† stress† ( d )† may† be† tensile† or† compressive† depending† upon† the† load† P† is† tensile† or†

compressive.††
My
And†the†bending†stress†( b )†=† †is†varying†linearly†from†zero†at†centre†and†extremum†(minimum†or†
I
maximum)†at†top†and†bottom†fibres.††
†
†If†P†is†compressive†then†
P My
• At†top†fibre = + † † †(compressive)†
A I
P
• At†mid†fibre†††† = † † † †(compressive)†
A
P My
• At†bottom†fibre†† = – † †(compressive)†
A I

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

6.9 Load acting eccentrically to one axis

P ( P e) y
• max = + † where ‘e’ is the eccentricity at which ‘P’ is act.†
A I
P ( P e) y
• min = − †
A I
Condition for No tension in any section
2k 2
• For†no†tension†in†any†section,†the†eccentricity†must†not†exceed† †
d
† [Where†d†=†depth†of†the†section;†k†=†radius†of†gyration†of†c/s]†
h h
• For†rectangular†section†(b†x†h)†,† e i.e†load†will†be† 2e = of†the†middle†section.†
6 3
d d
• For circular section of diameter ‘d’ , e i.e.†diameter†of†the†kernel, 2e = †
8 4
D2 + d 2 D2 + d 2
For hollow circular section of diameter ‘d’ , e i.e.†diameter†of†the†kernel,† 2e .
8D 4D
†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

†

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Bending equation
GATE-1. A 1 m × 10 mm × 10 mm cantilever beam is subjected to a uniformly distributed
load per unit length of 100 N/m as shown in the figure below. The normal stress (in
MPa) due to bending at point P is ____________. [PI: GATE-2016]

GATE-2. A simply supported beam of width 100 mm, height 200 mm and length 4 m is
carrying a uniformly distributed load of intensity 10 kN/m. The maximum bending
stress (in MPa) in the beam is (correct to one decimal place) [GATE-2018]

GATE-3. A cantilever beam has the

square cross section 10 mm ×
10 mm. It carries a transverse
load of 10 N. Considering only
the bottom fibres of the beam,
the correct representation of
the longitudinal variation of †
[GATE-2005]†
the bending stress is:

† †

GATE-3a. An overhanging beam PQR is subjected to uniformly distributed load 20 kN/m as

shown in the figure. [GATE-2021]

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

The maximum bending stress developed in the beam is _________ MPa [Round off
to one decimal place]
GATE-4. A homogeneous, simply supported prismatic beam of width B, depth D and span L
is subjected to a concentrated load of magnitude P. The load can be placed
anywhere along the span of the beam. The maximum flexural stress developed in
beam is
2 PL 3 PL
† (a)† 2
†† † † † (b)† † † ††††††††††††[CE: GATE-2004]†
3 BD 4 BD2
4 PL 3 PL
† (c)† 2
† † † † † (d)† †
3 BD 2 BD2
†
GATE-4a. A cantilever beam of length 2 m with a square section of side length 0.1 m is
loaded vertically at the free end. The vertical displacement at the free end is 5
mm. The beam is made of steel with Young’s modulus of 2.0×1011 N/m2. The
maximum bending stress at the fixed end of the cantilever is††††††††††[CE: GATE-2018]
(a)†20.0†MPa†† (b)†37.5†MPa†† † (c)†60.0†MPa†† † (d)†75.0†MPa†
GATE-4b. An 8 m long simply-supported elastic beam of rectangular cross-section (100 mm ×
200 mm) is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m over its entire
span. The maximum principal stress (in MPa, up to two decimal places) at a point
located at the extreme compression edge of a cross-section and at 2 m from the
support is ______ †††[CE: GATE-2018]

GATE-4c. Consider an elastic straight beam of length L = 10π m, with square cross-section of
side a = 5 mm, and Young’s modulus E = 200 GPa. This straight beam was bent in
such a way that the two ends meet, to form a circle of mean radius R. Assuming
that Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is applicable to this bending problem, the
maximum tensile bending stress in the bent beam is_______ MPa. [GATE-2019]

GATE-4d. A wire of circular cross-section of diameter 1.0 mm is bent into a circular arc of
radius 1.0 m by application of pure bending moments at its ends. The Young's
modulus of the material of the wire is 100 GPa. The maximum tensile stress
developed in the wire is__________ MPa. [GATE-2019]

GATE-5. Consider a simply supported beam with a uniformly distributed load having a
neutral axis (NA) as shown. For points P (on the neutral axis) and Q (at the bottom
of the beam) the state of stress is best represented by which of the following pairs?†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

NA†

†Q†† P†

† † † † L† L† [CE: GATE-2011]
† (a)† † † † † † (b)†

P† Q†
P
† Q
†

† † † †
† †
† (c)† † † † † † (d)†

P
† Q
† P
† Q

† † †
†
GATE-6. Two beams, one having square cross section and another circular cross-section,
are subjected to the same amount of bending moment. If the cross sectional area
as well as the material of both the beams are the same then [GATE-2003]†
† (a)† Maximum†bending†stress†developed†in†both†the†beams†is†the†same†
† (b)† The†circular†beam†experiences†more†bending†stress†than†the†square†one†
† (c)† The†square†beam†experiences†more†bending†stress†than†the†circular†one†
† (d)† As†the†material†is†same†both†the†beams†will†experience†same†deformation†
†
GATE-7. A beam with the cross-section given below is subjected to a positive bending
momento (causing compression at the top) of 16 kNm acting around the horizontal
axis. The tensile force acting on the hatched area of the cross-section is† † †

75†mm†

25†mm†

50†mm†

50†mm† 50†mm†
† † † † † † † [CE: GATE-2006]†
† (a)†zero† † (b)†5.9†kN† † (c)†8.9†kN† † (d)†17.8†kN†

Section Modulus
GATE-8. The first moment of area about the axis of bending for a beam cross-section is†
(a)†moment†of†inertia†† † † (b)†section†modulus† † [CE: GATE-2014]†
(c)†shape†factor†† † † † (d)†polar†moment†of†inertia†

GATE-9. Consider a beam with circular cross-section of diameter d. The ratio of the second
moment of area about the neutral axis to the section modulus of the area is
𝒅 𝝅𝒅
(𝒂) (𝒃) (𝒄)𝒅 (𝒅)𝝅𝒅 [GATE-2017]
𝟐 𝟐

GATE-10. Match the items in Columns I and II [GATE-2006]†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
† Column-I Column-II
† P. Addendum† 1. Cam†
† Q. Instantaneous†centre†of†velocity† 2.† Beam†
† R.† Section†modulus† 3. Linkage†
† S.† Prime†circle† 4.† Gear†
† (a)†P†–†4,†Q†–†2,†R†–†3,†S†–†l† (b)†P†–†4,†Q†–†3,†R†–†2,†S†–†1†
† (c)†P†–†3,†Q†–†2,†R†–†1,†S†–†4† (d)†P†–†3,†Q†–†4,†R†–†1,†S†–†2†

Combined direct and bending stress

GATE-11. For the component loaded with a force F as shown in the figure, the axial stress at
the corner point P is: [GATE-2008, ISRO-2015] †

†
F (3L − b) F (3L + b) F (3L − 4b) F (3L − 2b)
† (a)† † (b)† † (c)† † (d)†
4b3 4b3 4b3 4b3 †

GATE-12. The maximum tensile stress at the section X-X shown in the figure below is†
L† L† L†
3 3 3
X† b
d/2
d
d/2

X†
L† L†
† † † 2 2
8P 6P
† (a)† † † † † † (b)† †† † [CE: GATE-2008]†
bd bd
4P 2P
† (c)† † † † † † (d)†
bd bd †
GATE-13. A cantilever beam has a span of 1 m and carries a uniformly distributed load of q =
1250 N/m over a portion as shown. A force F =1000 N acts at a distance L from the
fixed end. The distance L is such that the bending moment at the fixed end is zero.
The beam has a rectangular cross-section of depth 20 mm and width 24 mm. For
this loading, the magnitude of the maximum bending stress in the beam in MPa
is________________(round off to the nearest integer) [XE: GATE-2022 ]

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Bending equation
IES-1. Consider the following statements [IES-2014]
1.†Cross-section†of†a†member†of†truss†experiences†uniform†stress†
2.†Cross-section†of†a†beam†experiences†minimum†stress†
3.†Cross-section†of†a†beam†experiences†linearly†varying†stress†
4.†Cross-sections†of†truss†members†experience†only†compressive†stress.†
Which†of†the†above†statements†are†correct?†
(a)†1†and†2† † (b)†1†and†3† † (c)†1†and†4† † (d)†3†and†4†

IES-1(i). Beam A is simply supported at its ends and carries udl of intensity w over its
entire length. It is made of steel having Young's modulus E. Beam B is cantilever
and carries a udl of intensity w/4 over its entire length. It is made of brass having
Young's modulus E/2. The two beams are of same length and have same cross-
sectional area. If σA and σB denote the maximum bending stresses developed in
beams A and B, respectively, then which one of the following is correct?[IES-2005]
† (a) σA/σB† † † † (b) σA/σB†<†1.0†
† (c) σA/σB†>†1.0†† † † (d) σA/σB†depends†on†the†shape†of†cross-section†
†
IES-2. If the area of cross-section of a circular section beam is made four times, keeping
the loads, length, support conditions and material of the beam unchanged, then
the qualities (List-I) will change through different factors (List-II). Match the List-
I with the List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the
Lists: †
† List-I List-II [IES-2005]
† A.† Maximum†BM†† 1.† 8†
† B.† Deflection† 2.† 1†
† C.† Bending†Stress† 3.† 1/8†
† D.† Section†Modulus† 4.† 1/16†
† Codes: A B C D A B C D
† † (a)†† 3†† 1†† 2†† 4†† (b)†† 2†† 4†† 3†† 1†
† † (c)†† 3†† 4†† 2†† 1†† (d)†† 2†† 1†† 3†† 4†

IES-3. Consider the following statements in case of beams: [IES-2002]

1. Rate of change of shear force is equal to the rate of loading at a particular
section
2. Rate of change of bending moment is equal to the shear force at a particular
suction.
3. Maximum shear force in a beam occurs at a point where bending moment is
either zero or bending moment changes sign
† Which of the above statements are correct?
† (a)†1†alone††† † (b)†2†alone† † (c)†1†and†2†† † (d)†1,†2†and†3†
†
IES-4. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the Lists: [IES-2006]†
† List-I (State of Stress) List-II (Kind of Loading)
†
1. Combined† bending† and† torsion† of† circular†
shaft†
†

† †
2.† Torsion†of†circular†shaft†

† †

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
3.† Thin† cylinder† subjected† to† internal†
pressure†

† †
4.† Tie†bar†subjected†to†tensile†force†

† †
Codes: A B C D A B C D
† † (a)†† 2† 1†† 3†† 4†† (b)†† 3†† 4†† 2†† 1†
† † (c)†† 2†† 4†† 3†† 1†† (d)†† 3†† 1†† 2†† 4†

IES-4a. A T-section beam is simply supported and subjected to a uniformdistributed load

over itswhole span. Maximum longitudinal stress at [IES-2011]
(a)†Top†fibre†of†the†flange†† † † (b)†The†junction†of†web†and†flange†
(c)†The†mid-section†of†the†web†† † (d)†The†bottom†fibre†of†the†web†

IES-4b. A rotating shaft carrying a unidirectional transverse load is subjected to:

(a)†Variable†bending†stress†† (b)†Variable†shear†stress† † [IES-2013]†
† (c)†Constant†bending†stress† (d)†Constant†shear†stress†

IES-4c. Statement (I): A circular cross section column with diameter ‘d’ is to be axially
loaded in compression. For this the core of the section is considered to be a
d
concentric circulation area of diameter ' '. [IES-2013]
4
Statement (II): We can drill and take out a cylindrical volume of material with
d
diameter ' ' in order to make the column lighter and still maintaining the same
4
buckling (crippling) load carrying capacity.
† (a)† Both† Statement† (I)† and† Statement† (II)† are† individually† true† and† Statement† (II)† is† the†
correct†explanation†of†Statement†(I)†
† (b)†Both†Statement†(I)†and†Statement†(II)†are†individually†true†but†Statement†(II)†is†not†the†
correct†explanation†of†Statement†(I)†
† (c)†Statement†(I)†is†true†but†Statement†(II)†is†false†
† (d)†Statement†(I)†is†false†but†Statement†(II)†is†true†

Section Modulus
IES-5. Two beams of equal cross-sectional area are subjected to equal bending moment.
If one beam has square cross-section and the other has circular section, then †
† (a)† Both†beams†will†be†equally†strong† † † † ††††††††††††††[IES-1999, 2016]†
† (b)† Circular†section†beam†will†be†stronger†
† (c)† Square†section†beam†will†be†stronger†
† (d)† The†strength†of†the†beam†will†depend†on†the†nature†of†loading†
†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
IES-6. A beam cross-section is used in
two different orientations as
shown in the given figure:
Bending moments applied to the
beam in both cases are same. The
maximum bending stresses
induced in cases (A) and (B) are
related as:
† (a)† A = 4 B †††††††††(b)† A = 2 B †

† (c)† A = B
† (d)† A = B
† A††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††B†
2 4
[IES-1997]†
†
IES-6a. A beam with a rectangular section of 120 mm × 60 mm, designed to be placed
vertically is placed horizontally by mistake. If the maximum stress is to be limited,
the reduction in load carrying capacity would be [IES-2012]
1 1 1 1
(𝑎) (𝑏) (𝑐) (𝑑) †
4 3 2 6
†
IES-6b. A cantilever of length 1.2 m carries a concentrated load of 12 kN at the free end.
The beam is of rectangular cross section with breadth equal to half the depth. The
maximum stress due to bending is not to exceed 100 N/mm 2. The minimum depth
of the beam should be†† † † † † † † [IES-2015]
(a)†120†mm†† † (b)†60†mm† † (c)†75†mm† † (d)†240†mm†

IES-6c. A beam of span 3 m and width 90 mm is loaded as shown in the figure. If the
allowable bending stress is 12 MPa, the minimum depth required for the beam will
be

[IES-2020 Pre.]
(a) 218 mm (b) 246 mm (c) 318 mm (d) 346 mm

IES-6d. A†hollow†circular†bar†used†as†a†beam†has†its†outer†diameter†thrice†the†inside†diameter.† It†is†

subjected† to† a† maximum† bending† moment† of† 60† MN† m.† If† the† permissible† bending† stress† is†
limited†to†120†MPa,†the†inside†diameter†of†the†beam†will†be† [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a)†49.2†mm† † †(b)†53.4†mm† † (c)†57.6†mm† † (d)†61.8†mm†

IES-6e.† A 120 mm wide and 10 mm thick steel plate is bent into a circular arc of 8 m
radius. What is the bending moment which will produce the maximum stress?
(Take Young’s modulus as 200 GPa) [IES 2022]†
† (a)†250†Nm†† † † (b)†212†Nm†
† (c)†200†Nm†† † † (d)†172†Nm†

IES-6f. A wooden beam AB supporting two concentrated loads P has a rectangular cross-
section of width = 100 mm and height = 150 mm. The distance from each end of the
beam to the nearest load is 0.5 m. If the allowable stress in bending is 11 MPa and
the beam weight is negligible, the maximum permissible load will be nearly
(a) 5.8 kN (b) 6.6 kN (c) 7.4 kN (d) 8.2 kN [IES-2020 Pre.]

IES-6g. A vertical hollow aluminium tube 2.5 m high fixed at the lower end, must support
a lateral load of 12 kN at its upper end. If the wall thickness is 1/8th of the outer
diameter and the allowable bending stress is 50 MPa, the inner diameter will be
nearly [IES-2020 Pre.]
(a) 186 mm (b) 176 mm (c) 166 mm (d) 156 mm

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

IES-7. A horizontal beam with square cross-section is simply supported with sides of the
square horizontal and vertical and carries a distributed loading that produces
maximum bending stress in the beam. When the beam is placed with one of the
diagonals horizontal the maximum bending stress will be: [IES-1993]†
1
† (a) (b) (c) 2 (d) 2 †
2
IES-7(i). The ratio of the moments of resistance of a square beam (Z) when square section is
placed (i) with two sides horizontal (Z1) and (ii) with a diagonal horizontal (Z2 ) as
shown is † † † † † † † † [IES-2012]
𝒁𝟏 𝒁𝟏 𝒁𝟏 𝒁𝟏
(𝒂) = 𝟏. 𝟎 (𝒃) = 𝟐. 𝟎 (𝒄) = √𝟐 (𝒅) = 𝟏. 𝟓
𝒁𝟐 𝒁𝟐 𝒁𝟐 𝒁𝟐

IES-8. A bar of rectangular cross section (bx2b) and another beam of circular cross-
section (diameter=d) are made of the same material, and subjected to same
bending moment and have the same maximum stress developed. The ratio of
weights of rectangular bar and circular bar [IES-2014]
1 2
(2 ) 3 33
(a)† †† (b)† † † (c) 3 † † (d)† 1
3
2( ) 3 †
IES-8(i). For a rectangular beam, if the beam depth is doubled, keeping the width, length
and loading same, the bending stress is decreased by a factor [IES-2015]
(a)†2† † (b)†4† † † (c)†6† † † (d)†8†

IES-9. Which one of the following combinations of angles will carry the maximum load as
a column? [IES-1994]†

†
IES-9a. Assertion (A): For structures steel I-beams preferred to other shapes.†
† Reason (R): In I-beams a large portion of their cross-section is located far from the
neutral axis. [IES-1992, IES-2014]
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOTthe†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†

IES-9b. In the design of beams for a given strength, consider that the conditions of
economy of use of the material would avail as follows:†† †††[IES-2017 Prelims]†
1.†Rectangular†cross-section†is†more†economical†than†square†section†area†of†the†beam.†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
† 2.†Circular†section†is†more†economical†than†square†section.†
† 3.†I-section†is†more†economical†than†a†rectangular†section†of†the†same†depth.†
† Which†of†the†above†are†correct?†
† (a)†1,†2†and†3†††††††††††††††††(b)†1†and†2†only††††††††††††(c)†2†and†3†only†††††††††††(d)†1†and†3†only†
IES-9c. The cross-section of the beam is as shown in the figure: [IES-2019 Pre.]

If†the†permissible†stress†is†150†N/mm 2,†the†bending†moment†M†will†be†nearly
(a)†1.21†x†108†Nmm† (b)†1.42†x†10 8†Nmm
(c)†1.64†x†10 †Nmm†
8 (d)†1.88†x†10 8†Nmm

IES-10. A beam of length L simply supported at its ends carrying a total load W uniformly
distributed over its entire length deflects at the centre by δ and has a maximum
bending stress σ. If the load is substituted by a concentrated load W1 at mid span
such that the deflection at centre remains unchanged, the magnitude of the load
W1 and the maximum bending stress will be†† [IES-2015]†
(a)†0.3†W†and†0.3†σ†† (b)†0.6†W†and†0.5†σ† (c)†0.3†W†and†0.6†σ† (d)†0.6†W†and†0.3†σ†
†
IES-10a. A beam AB simply supported at its ends A and B, 3 m long, carries a uniformly
distributed load of 1 kN/m over its entire length and a concentrated load of 3 kN
at 1 m from A: [IES-2015]†

† If†ISJB†150†with†IXX†–†300cm4†is†used†for†the†beam,†the†maximum†value†of†bending†stress†is†
(a)75†MPa† † † (b)†85†MPa† † (c)†125†MPa† † (d)†250†MPa†

IES-10b. A beam of rectangular section (12 cm wide × 20 cm deep) is simply supported over
a span of 12 m. It is acted upon by a concentrated load of 80 kN at the midspan.
The maximum bending stress induced is: [IES-2017 Prelims]
(a)†400†MPa†† (b)†300†MPa† † (c)†200†MPa†† † (d)†100†MPa†

Combined direct and bending stress

IES-11. Assertion (A): A column subjected to eccentric load will have its stress at centroid
independent of the eccentricity. [IES-1994]†
† Reason (R): Eccentric loads in columns produce torsion.
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOTthe†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
IES-11a. For the configuration of loading shown in the given figure, the stress in fibre AB
is given by: [IES-1995]

P P.e.5
† (a)†P/A†(tensile)† † † † (b)† − (Compressive)†
A I xx
P P.e.5
† (c)† + (Compressive)† † (d)†P/A†(Compressive)†
A I xx

†
IES-11b.† A rectangular strut is 150 mm wide and 120 mm thick. It carries a load of 180
kN at an eccentricity of 10 mm in a plane bisecting the thickness as shown in
the figure:†

The†maximum†intensity†of†stress†in†the†section†will†be† [IES-2019 Pre.]†

† (a)†14†MPa† (b)†12†MPa†††††††††††††††††††††††††††(c)†10†MPa†††††††††††††††††††††††(d)†8†MPa†
IES-12. A column of square section 40 mm × 40
mm, fixed to the ground carries an
eccentric load P of 1600 N as shown in
the figure.
If the stress developed along the edge
CD is –1.2 N/mm2, the stress along the
edge AB will be:
†

† (a)† –1.2†N/mm2†
† (b)† +1†N/mm2† † †
† (c)† +0.8†N/mm2† †
† (d)† –0.8†N/mm2†
†

†
[IES-1999]†
IES-12a. A pull of 100 kN acts on a bar as shown in the figure in such a way that it is
parallel to the bar axis and is 10 mm away from xx:† [IES-2019 Pre.]†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

†
† The†maximum†bending†stress†produced†in†the†bar†at†xx is†nearly†
(a)†20.5†N/mm2† †(b)†18.8†N/mm2† † (c)†16.3†N/mm2† † (d)†14.5†N/mm2†

IES-13. A short column of symmetric cross-

section made of a brittle material is
subjected to an eccentric vertical load P
at an eccentricity e. To avoid tensile
stress in the short column, the
eccentricity e should be less than or equal
to:
† (a)† h/12† (b)† h/6† † †
† (c)† h/3†† †(d)†h/2†

†
[IES-2001]†
IES-14. A short column of external diameter D and internal diameter d carries an
eccentric load W. Toe greatest eccentricity which the load can have without
producing tension on the cross-section of the column would be: [IES-1999]†
D+d D2 + d 2 D2 + d 2 D2 + d 2
† (a) (b) (c) (d) †
8 8d 8D 8

IES-15 The ratio of the core of a rectangular section to the area of the rectangular section
when used as a short column is [IES-2010]
1 1 1 1
(a)† † † (b)† (c)† †† (d)†
9 36 †† † 18 24 †

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Bending equation
IAS-1. Consider the cantilever loaded as shown below: [IAS-2004]†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

†
What is the ratio of the maximum compressive to the maximum tensile stress?
† (a)†1.0†† † † (b)†2.0† † † (c)†2.5†† † † (d)†3.0†
†
IAS-2. A 0.2 mm thick tape goes over a frictionless pulley of 25 mm diameter. If E of the
material is 100 GPa, then the maximum stress induced in the tape is: [IAS 1994]†
(a)100†MPa†† (b)†200†MPa† † (c)400†MPa† † (d)†800†MPa†

Section Modulus
IAS-3. A pipe of external diameter 3 cm and internal diameter 2 cm and of length 4 m is
supported at its ends. It carries a point load of 65 N at its centre. The sectional
modulus of the pipe will be: [IAS-2002]
65 65 65 65
† (a)† cm3 † † (b)† cm3 † † (c)† cm3 † †(d)† cm3 †
64 32 96 128
†
IAS-4. A Cantilever beam of rectangular cross-section is 1m deep and 0.6 m thick. If the
beam were to be 0.6 m deep and 1m thick, then the beam would. [IAS-1999]
† (a)† Be†weakened†0.5†times†
† (b)† Be†weakened†0.6†times†
† (c)† Be†strengthened†0.6†times††
† (d)† Have† the† same† strength† as† the† original† beam† because† the† cross-sectional† area†
remainsthe†same†
†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
IAS-5. A T-beam shown in the given figure is
subjected to a bending moment such that
plastic hinge forms. The distance of the
neutral axis from D is (all dimensions are
in mm)
† (a)† Zero††
† (b)† 109†mm††
† (c)† 125†mm††
† (d)† 170mm††
†
†
[IAS-2001]†
IAS-6. Assertion (A): I, T and channel sections are preferred for beams. [IAS-2000]
† Reason(R): A beam cross-section should be such that the greatest possible amount
of area is as far away from the neutral axis as possible.
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOTthe†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†
†
IAS-7. If the T-beam cross-section
shown in the given figure has
bending stress of 30 MPa in the
top fiber, then the stress in the
bottom fiber would be (G is
centroid)
† (a)† Zero†
† (b)† 30†MPa†
† (c)† –80†MPa†
† (d)† 50†Mpa†
†

†
[IAS-2000]†
IAS-8. Assertion (A): A square section is more economical in bending than the circular
section of same area of cross-section. [IAS-1999]†
† Reason (R): The modulus of the square section is less than of circular section of
same area of cross-section.
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOTthe†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†

Bimetallic Strip
IAS-9. A straight bimetallic strip of copper and steel is heated. It is free at ends. The
strip, will: [IAS-2002]
† (a)†Expand†and†remain†straight† † † (b)†Will†not†expand†but†will†bend†
† (c)†Will†expand†and†bend†also† † † (d)†Twist†only

†
For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 360 of 516 Rev.0
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
Combined direct and bending stress
IAS-10. A short vertical column having a
square cross-section is subjected to
an axial compressive force, centre
of pressure of which passes
through point R as shown in the
above figure. Maximum
compressive stress occurs at point
† (a)† S† † †
† (b)† Q†
† (c)† R†
† (d)† P† †
† [IAS-2002]†
IAS-11. A strut's cross-sectional area A is subjected to load P a point S (h, k) as shown in
the given figure. The stress at the point Q (x, y) is: [IAS-2000]†
P Phy Pkx
† †(a)† + + †
A Ix Iy
P Phx Pky
† (b)† − − − †
A Iy Ix
P Phy Pkx
† (c)† + + †
A Iy Ix
P Phx Pky
† (d)† + − †
A Iy Ix
†
†
†

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans. 300 MPa†(Range†given†290†to†310)†
GATE-2. Ans. (30)†

M My 10 ( x ) 0.005
GATE-3. Ans. (a) Mx = P.x = or = = = 60.(x) MPa †
( 0.01)
4
I y I
12
At x = 0; =0
† †
At x = 1m; = 60MPa
† And†it†is†linear†as† x†
GATE-3a. Ans. 250 (249 to 251)
According†to†Engineering†Mechanics†(equilibrium†
equations)†
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 60 × 1.5 − 𝑅𝐵 × 2 = 0†
Or† 𝑅𝐵 = 45 𝑘𝑁(↑); 𝑅𝐴 = 15 𝑘𝑁(↑); †

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
From†SFD†maximum†MB†at†B†or†D†
1
𝑀𝐷 = × 15 × 0.75 𝑘𝑁𝑚 = 5.625 𝑘𝑁𝑚†
2
1
𝑀𝐵 = × 20 × 1 𝑘𝑁𝑚 = 10 𝑘𝑁𝑚 = 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 †
2
Mmax Mmax
σmax = =
Z (bh2 /6)
6 × 10 × 10 × 103 𝑁𝑚𝑚
3
= = 250 MPa†
24 mm × 1002 mm2

GATE-4. Ans. (d)

When† the† concentrated† load† is† placed† at† the† midspan,† maximum† bending† moment† will†
develop†at†the†mid†span.†
M PL
† Now,†† = y† † † M= †
I 4
PL D
3PL
† † † = 4 32 = †
BD 2BD2
12
GATE-4a. Ans. (b)

PL3 −3 PL3
= or 5 10 m = [UseSI unit]
3EI 3EI
Mymax PLymax
max = =
I I
†
PLymax 3EI 3 ymax E
or max
−3
= =
5 10 m I PL3 L2

or max =
3 ymax E
( 5 10 m ) =
−3
(
3 0.1
2 )( 2 1011 )
(5 10−3 ) Pa = 37.5 MPa
L2 22
GATE-4b. Ans. 90

wL2 10 22
At 2 m from support, Bending Moment (M) = RA 2 − = 40 2 − = 60 kNm
2 2
† Extreme compression edgeis topmost fibre. In the topmost fibreShear Stress is zero. †
My ( 60 10 Nm ) ( 0.100m )
3

Only Bending Stress ( b)= = = 90 106 Pa = 90 MPa

I 0.100 0.2003 4
m
12
GATE-4c. Ans. 100

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
2 R = 10 or R = 5 m
M E E Ey 200 103 2.5 10−3
= = or = or = = MPa = 100 MPa
y I R y R R 5
GATE-4d. Ans. 50
GATE-5. Ans. (c)
There† can† be† two† stresses† which† can† act† at† any† point† on† the† beam† viz.† flexural† stress† and†
shear†stress.†
M
= ymax †
I
SA y
† † † = †
Ib
† Where†all†the†symbols†have†their†usual†meaning.†
M E My
GATE-6. Ans. (b) = = ; or = ; †
I y I
a d
M M
2 6M 2 32M 4 M 22.27M d2
† sq = = 3 ; cir = 4
= 3
= 3
= = a2 †
1 a d d a a3 4
a.a3
12 64
† sq cir †

GATE-7. Ans. (c)

75†mm†

25†mm†

50†mm† x

fmax†
50†mm†
100†mm† Bending†stress†distribution†
M
† † † fmax = ymax †
I
16 106 12
† † † = 75 = 42.67 N/ mm2 †
100 1503
† From†similar†traingles,†we†have†
42.67 x
† † † = †
75 25
† † † x = 14.22 N/ mm2 †
1
† Tensile†force†=† 25 14.22 50 10−3 = 8.88 = 8.9 kN †
2

GATE-8. Ans. (b)

GATE-9. Ans. (a)
GATE-10. Ans. (b)
GATE-11. Ans. (d)†Total†Stress†=†Direct†stress†+†Stress†due†to†Moment†
† † =† P My F F (L b ) b
A I 4b2 2b (b)3
12 †
GATE-12. Ans. (a)
The†section†at†X††–†X†may†be†shown†as†in†the†figure†below:†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
P† b

d
4 d
2

† The†maximum†tensile†stress†at†the†section†X†–†X†is†
P M
† † † † = + †
A Z
d
P 6
P 4 2P 6 P 8 P
† † † † = + 2
= + = †
d d bd bd bd
b b
2 4
GATE-13. Ans. (123 to 127)

IES
IES-1 Ans. (b)
My
IES-1(i). Ans. (d) Bending†stress† ( )= , y and I both depends on the †
I
† † Shape of cross − sec tion so A
depends on the shape of cross − sec tion †
B

IES-2. Ans. (b)† Diameter†will†be†double,†D†=†2d.†

† † A.†Maximum†BM†will†be†unaffected††
4
EI1 d 1
† † B.†deflection†ratio† = = †
EI2 4 16
My M ( d / 2 )
3
d 1
† † C.†Bending†stress†† = = or Bending stress ratio = 2
= = †
I d4 1 D 8
64
3
Z 2 I2 y1 D
† † D.†Selection†Modulus†ratio = = = =8†
Z1 y1 I1 d
IES-3. Ans. (c)
IES-4. Ans. (c)
IES-4a.Ans. (d)
IES-4b. Ans. (a)
IES-4c.Ans. (c)
4
IES-5. Ans. (c)† If†D†is†diameter†of†circle†and†'a'†the†side†of†square†section,† d 2 = a 2 or d = a†
4
d2 a3 a3
† † Z†for†circular†section†=† = ; and Z for square section = †
32 4 6
2
b b 2
b b
bd 2 2 b3
b3
IES-6. Ans. (b)† Z†for†rectangular†section†is† ,† Z A = = , ZB = 2 = †
6 6 24 6 12
b3 b3
† † M = Z A . A = Z B . B or A = B , or A =2 B
24 12 †
IES-6a. Ans.†(c)†
IES-6b. Ans. (a)
IES-6c. Ans. (b)

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
Maximum†bending†moment†at†mid†section†𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 14.5 × 1.5 − 12 × 0.9 = 10.95 𝑘𝑁𝑚†

𝐼 𝑏𝑑3 ×2 𝑏𝑑2
Given,†b†=†0.09†m,†d†=†?† 𝑍 =𝑦= = †
12×𝑑 6
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
††††††††††††††††††††††††††Now,††††††††††††††††𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑧
= 𝑏𝑑2
†
6
6𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑏𝑑2
†
6𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 6×10.95×106
†††††††††††††††††††††††††††∴ 𝑑=√ =√ = 246.64 𝑚𝑚†
𝑏∙ 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 90×12

IES-6d. A n s . ( c ) †
Mymax MD 32 M 3d 32 3M
= = 2 = =
I
(D 4
−d4) ( 3 − 1) d
4 4
80 d 3
64
32 3 60 106
120 106 = †
80 d 3
32 3 60
d3 =
80 120
d = 0.5758 m = 575.8 mm
IES-6e.†Ans. (a)†
IES-6f. Ans. (d) Given,†b=100mm,†d=150mm,†𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 11 𝑀𝑃𝑎†

Mmax = Pa = 0.5 P†
𝑀 0.5𝑃 3𝑃
† Now,† 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑏𝑑2
= 𝑏𝑑2 †
𝑧
6
𝑏𝑑2 11×106 ×0.1×0.152
†††††††††††††††††††††††𝑃 = 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 3
††=† 3
= 8.25 𝑘𝑁†
IES-6g. Ans. (d) Given,†I†=†2.5†m†=†2500†mm,†F†=†12†kN†=†12×103†N†
𝑑
† † 𝑡 = 0 † ††††𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 50𝑀𝑃𝑎†
8
† ††††M†=†12×103†×†2500††Nmm†=†30×106††Nmm†
𝑑0 3𝑑0 †
† 𝑑𝑖 = 𝑑0 − 2𝑡 = 𝑑0 − =
4 4
††††††††††††††††††††††𝜎
𝑀 𝑀 𝑑0 ††††=†† 32𝑀
𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜋 ∙ 𝑑 4
†
𝐼 (𝑑4 −𝑑𝑖4 ) 2
64 0 𝜋𝑑03 [1−( 𝑖 ) ]
𝑑0

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
1⁄ 1⁄
3 3
32𝑀 32×12×103 ×2500
𝑑0 =[ 𝑑 4 ] †††††=†{ 3 4
} = 207.58 𝑚𝑚†
𝜋𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 [1−( 𝑖 ) ] 𝜋×50[1−( ) ]
4
𝑑0

†††††††††∴ 𝑑𝑖 = 155.68 𝑚𝑚†

M
IES-7. Ans. (c)† Bending†stress†=† †
Z
a3
† For†rectangular†beam†with†sides†horizontal†and†vertical,†Z†=† †
6
a3
† For†same†section†with†diagonal†horizontal,†Z†= †
6 2
† Ratio†of†two†stresses†=† 2†
IES-7(i). Ans. (c)†
IES-8. Ans. (d)
My
We know, =
I
In the given question since bending stress and moment both are same for the two bars
y y b/2 d /2 d 3 64
= or = or = .........(i )
I rectangular
I circular
8b 4 /12 d 4 / 64 b3 3
weight of rectangular bar A L g
Ratio of the weights= = rect †
weight of circular bar Acircular L g
2
2b 2 8 b2 8 3 3 d 3 64
Ratio of the weights = 2
= = .......( from(i ) = )
/4 d d2 64 b3 3
2
33
Ratio of the weights = 1
2 3

IES-8(i). Ans. (b)

IES-9. Ans. (a)
IES-9a. Ans. (a)
IES-9b. Ans. (d)
IES-9c. Ans. (b)

For Area Moment of inertia about Neutral Axis. Let think it is 3 Rectangle with size
200 mm x 400 mm , 96 mm x 380 mm and 96 mm x 380 mm.
Total MOI = MOI of rectangle 200 mm x 400 mm – MOI of rectangle 96 mm x 380 mm –
MOI of rectangle 96 mm x 380 mm

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
3 3 3 3
BH bh 200 400 96 380
I= −2 = −2 = 188714667 mm 4
12 12 12 12
Mymax
max =
I

or M = max I
=
(150 N / mm ) (188714667 mm ) = 141536000 Nmm
2 4
8
1.42 10 Nmm
†

ymax 200 mm
†
IES-10. Ans. (b)
IES-10a. Ans. (a)†Designation†of† I-beam†in†India.††
ISMB:†Indian†Standard†Medium†Weight†Beam†
ISJB:†Indian†Standard†Junior†Beams†
ISLB:†Indian†Standard†Light†Weight†Beams†
ISWB:†Indian†Standard†Wide†Flange†Beams.†
𝑷𝑳
IES-10b. Ans. (b) 𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟒
IES-11. Ans. (c)†A†is†true†and†R†is†false.†
P My Pky
IES-11a. Ans. (b) d = (compressive), x = = (tensile) †
A Ix Ix
IES-11b. Ans. (a)

Resultant†normal†stress†is†maximum†at†the†right†side†fiber†(R.F.)†of†the†cross†section,†because†the†
line†of†action†of†eccentric†axial†compressive†load†is†nearer†to†this†fiber.
Total =Direct Stress + Bending Stress

P Mymax
max =− −
A I
180 103 (180 10 0.01) 0.075
3

max = + MPa ( Comp.) = 14 MPa ( Comp.)

150 120 0.120 0.1503 6
10
12
P 6e 1600 6e
IES-12. Ans. (d) Compressive†stress†at†CD†=†1.2†N/mm2†= 1+ = 1+ †
A b 1600 20
6e 1600
† † or = 0.2. Sostress at AB = − (1 − 0.2 ) = −0.8 N/mm2 (com) †
20 1600
IES-12a. Ans. (b)

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

†
Mymax 1000 0.040
Maximum bending Stress( max ) = = Pa = 18.75 MPa †
I 0.050 0.0803
12
IES-13. Ans. (b)
IES-14. Ans. (c)
1 b h bh
IES-15. Ans. (c) A = 4=
2 6 6 18

IAS
My M 2h
IAS-1. Ans. (b)† σ= compressive, Max = at lower end of A. †
I I 3
M h
† † † σ†tensile,†max= at upper end of B †
I 3
E 0.2 25
IAS-2. Ans. (d)† = †Here†y†=† = 0.1 †mm†=†0.1†x†10-3†m,†R†=† mm†=†12.5†x†10-3†m†
y R 2 2
100 10 3 0.1 10 −3
† † or = MPa†=†800MPa†
12 .5 10 −3

I 64 (
34 − 24 )
65
IAS-3. Ans. (c) Section modulus (z) = = cm3 = cm3 †
y 3 96
2
I 0.6 13
IAS-4. Ans. (b) z1 = = = 1.2m3
y 0.5
I 1 0.63
† † and z2 = = = 0.72m3 †
y 0.3
z2 0.72
† † = = 0.6 times †
z1 1.2
†
IAS-5. Ans. (b)

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

IAS-6. Ans. (a) Because†it†will†increase†area†moment†of†inertia,†i.e.†strength†of†the†beam.†

M 30
IAS-7. Ans. (c)† = 1 = 2 or 2 = y2 1
= (110 − 30 ) = 80 MPa †
I y1 y 2 y1 30
† † As†top†fibre†in†tension†so†bottom†fibre†will†be†in†compression.††
IAS-8. ans. (c)
IAS-9. Ans. (c)†As†expansion†of†copper†will†be†more†than†steel.†
IAS-10. Ans. (a)†As†direct†and†bending†both†the†stress†is†compressive†here.††
IAS-11. Ans. (b)†All†stress†are†compressive,†direct†stress,††
P My Pky
† † d = (compressive), x = = (compressive) †
A Ix Ix
Mx Phx
† † and y = = (compressive) †
Iy Iy
†

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
†

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2008
Question: A Simply supported beam AB of span length 4 m supports a uniformly
distributed load of intensity q = 4 kN/m spread over the entire span and a
concentrated load P = 2 kN placed at a distance of 1.5 m from left end A. The
beam is constructed of a rectangular cross-section with width b = 10 cm and
depth d = 20 cm. Determine the maximum tensile and compressive stresses
developed in the beam to bending.
Answer:

† †
† RA + RB = 2 + 4×4.........(i) †

† -RA ×4 + 2×(4-1.5) + (4×4)×2=0.......(ii) †

† or RA = 9.25 kN, RB =18-RA = 8.75 kN †

† if 0 x 2.5 m †

† Mx =RB ×x - 4x. x -2(x-2.5) †

2
† =8.75x - 2x 2 - 2x + 5 = 6.75x - 2x 2 + 5 ...(ii) †

From (i) & (ii) we find out that bending movment at x = 2.1875 m in(i)
† †
gives maximum bending movement
dM
[Just find for both the casses]
† dx †
2
Mmax 8.25 2.1875 2 1875 9.57K 7kNm
bh3 0.1 0.23 5
† Area† movement† of† Inertia† (I)† =† 6.6667 10 m4
12 12
Maximum distance from NA is y = 10 cm = 0.1m †
My (9.57 103 ) 0.1 N
† 14.355MPa †
max
I 6.6667 10 5 m2
† Therefore† maximum† tensile† stress† in† the† lowest† point† in† the† beam† is† 14.355† MPa† and†
maximum†compressive†stress†in†the†topmost†fiber†of†the†beam†is†-14.355†MPa.†
†
Conventional Question IES-2007
Question: A simply supported beam made of rolled steel joist (I-section: 450mm×200mm)
has a span of 5 m and it carriers a central concentrated load W. The flanges are
strengthened by two 300mm × 20mm plates, one riveted to each flange over the
entire length of the flanges. The second moment of area of the joist about the
principal bending axis is 35060 cm4. Calculate

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
(i) The greatest central load the beam will carry if the bending stress in the
300mm/20mm plates is not to exceed 125 MPa.
(ii) The minimum length of the 300 mm plates required to restrict the
maximum bending stress is the flanges of the joist to 125 MPa.
Answer:

† Moment†of†Inertia†of†the†total†section†about†X-X††
† (I)†=†moment†of†inertia†of†I†–section†+†moment†of†inertia†of†the†plates†about†X-X†axis.†
2
30 23 45 2
† 35060 2 30 2 † 101370 cm4 †
12 2 2

(i) Greatest central point load(W):

For a simply supported beam a concentrated load at centre.
WL W 5
† M= 1.25W †
4 4
σ.I 125 106 101370 10 8
M 517194Nm
y 0.245
1.25W = 517194 or W = 413.76 kN
† (ii)† Suppose†the†cover†plates†are†absent†for†a†distance†of†x-meters†from†each†support.†Then†
at† these† points the bending moment must not exceed moment of resistance of ‘I’
section†alone†i.e†
σ.I 6
35060 10 8
† † 125 10 178878Nm †
y 0.245
† † Bending moment at x metres from each support †

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
W
= x 178878
2
41760
or , x 178878
† † 2 †
or x 0.86464 m
Hence leaving 0.86464 m from each support, for the
middle 5 - 2×0.86464 = 3.27 m the cover plate should be
provided.

Conventional Question IES-2002

Question: A beam of rectangular cross-section 50 mm wide and 100 mm deep is simply
supported over a span of 1500 mm. It carries a concentrated load of 50 kN, 500
mm from the left support.
Calculate: (i) The maximum tensile stress in the beam and indicate where it occurs:
(ii) The vertical deflection of the beam at a point 500 mm from the right
support. E for the material of the beam = 2×105 MPa.
Answer: Taking moment about L †
RR 1500 50 500
or , RR 16.667 kN
† †
or , RL RR 50
RL 50 16.667=33.333 kN
Take a section from right R,
†
x-x at a distance x.
† Bending moment (Mx ) RR .x †

† Therefore†maximum†bending†moment†will†occur†at†'c'†Mmax=16.667×1†KNm†
† (i)† Moment†of†Inertia†of†beam†cross-section†

bh3 0.050 (0.100)3 4

† † (I ) m = 4.1667×10 6 m 4 †
12 12
Applying bending equation
0.001
† 16.67 103 †
M σ E My 2
or, σ max 6
N / m2 200MPa
I y I 4.1667 10
† It will occure where M is maximum at point 'C' †
(ii) Macaulay's method for determing the deflection
† of the beam will be convenient as there is point load. †
d2y
Mx EI 33.333 x 50 ( x 0.5)
dx 2

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
Integrate both side we get
d2 y x2 50
EI 33.333 ( x 0.5)2 c1 x c2
dx 2 2 2
† at x=0, y=0 gives c2 0 †
at x=1.5, y=0 gives
0=5.556×(1.5)3 8.333 13 c1 1.5
or , c1 6.945

EIy 5.556 x3 8.333( x 0.5)3 6.945 1 2.43

† 2.43 †
or , y m = -2.9167 mm[downward so -ive]
(2×105 106 ) (4.1667 10 6 )
Conventional Question AMIE-1997
Question: If the beam cross-section is rectangular having a width of 75 mm, determine the
required depth such that maximum bending stress induced in the beam does not
exceed 40 MN/m2†
Answer:† Given:†b†=75†mm†=0·075†m,† max †=40†MN/m2†
† Depth†of†the†beam,†d:†Figure†below†shows†a†rectangular†section†of†width†b†=†0·075†m†and†
depth†d†metres.†The†bending†is†considered†to†take†place†about†the†horizontal†neutral†axis†
N.A.† shown† in† the† figure.† The† maximum† bending† stress† occurs† at† the† outer† fibres† of† the†
d
rectangular† section† at† a† distance† † above† or† below† the† neutral† axis.† Any† fibre† at† a†
2
My
distance†y†from†N.A.†is†subjected†to†a†bending†stress,† = ,†where†I†denote†the†second†
I
bd3
moment†of†area†of†the†rectangular†section†about†the†N.A.†i.e. .†
12
d
† At†the†outer†fibres,†y†=† †,†the†maximum†bending†stress†there†becomes†
2

†
d
M
2 M
max = 3
= − − − − (i)
bd bd2
† †
12 6
bd2
or M = max . − − − −(ii)
6
† For†the†condition†of†maximum†strength†i.e.†maximum†moment†M,†the†product†bd 2†must†be†
a†maximum,†since† max is†constant†for†a†given†material.†To†maximize†the†quantity†bd 2†we†
realise†that†it†must†be†expressed†in†terms†of†one†independent†variable,†say,†b,†and†we†may†
do†this†from†the†right-angle†triangle†relationship.†
b2 + d2 = D2
† †
or d2 = D2 − b2

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
Multiplying†both†sides†by†b,†we†get bd = bD − b †
2 2 3
†
† To† maximize† bd2† we† take† the† first† derivative† of† expression† with† respect† to† b† and† set† it†
equal†to†zero,†as†follows:†

†
d
db
( )
bd2 =
d
db
( )
bD2 − b3 = D2 − 3b2 = b2 + d2 − 3b2 = d2 − 2b2 = 0 †

† Solving,†we†have,†depth†d 2 †b† † †...(iii)†

† This†is†the†desired†radio†in†order†that†the†beam†will†carry†a†maximum†moment†M.†
† It†is†to†be†noted†that†the†expression†appearing†in†the†denominator†of†the†right†side†of†eqn.†
bd2
(i)† i.† e.† is† the† section† modulus† (Z)† of† a† rectangular† bar.† Thus,† it† follows;† the† section†
6
modulus†is†actually†the†quantity†to†be†maximized†for†greatest†strength†of†the†beam.†
† Using†the†relation†(iii),†we†have†
† d†=† 2 x†0·075†=†0·0106†m†
bd2
† Now,†M†=† max †x†Z†=† max x †
6
† Substituting†the†values,†we†get†
( 0.106 )
2
0.075
† M†=†40†× †=†0.005618†MNm†
6
M 0.005618
† = = = 40MN / m2 †
Z ( 0.075 ( 0.106 ) 2 / 6 )
max

† Hence,†the†required†depth†d†=†0·106†m†=†106†mm†

Conventional Question IES-2009

Q. (i) A cantilever of circular solid cross-section is fixed at one end and carries a
concentrated load P at the free end. The diameter at the free end is 200 mm and
increases uniformly to 400 mm at the fixed end over a length of 2 m. At what
distance from the free end will the bending stresses in the cantilever be
maximum? Also calculate the value of the maximum bending stress if the
concentrated load P = 30 kN
M
Ans.† † We†have† = .... (i) †
y I
† † †Taking†distance†x†from†the†free†end†we†have††
M = 30x kN.m = 30x × 103 N.m
x
† † y = 100 + ( 200 − 100) †
2
= 100 + 50x mm
d4
and I =
64
† † Let†d†be†the†diameter†at†x†from†free†end.†
( 400 − 200) x
4
200 +
† † 2 †
=
64
( 200 + 100x )4
= mm 4
64
† † †From†equation†(i),†we†have†

(100 + 50x ) 10−3

† † 30x 103
†
=
( 200 + 100x )4 10−12
64
960x
= ( 200 + 100x ) −3 1012 ...... (ii)

†
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 Chapter-9 Bending Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
960x −3
† †
= ( 200 + 100x ) 12
10
†
d
For max , =0
dx
† † 1012 960 †

−4 −3
† † x ( −3 )(100 )( 200 + 100x ) + 1. ( 200 + 100x ) =0†
- 300x + 200 + 100x = 0
† † †
x = 1m
30kN

200
400

2000mm
† (2m)
† Hence† maximum† bending† stress† occurs† at† the† midway† and† from† equation† (ii),† maximum†
bending†stress†
960
= (1) ( 200 + 100 ) −3 1012
† † † †
960 1012
= = 11.32 MPa
( 300 )3

†
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 †

10. Shear Stress in Beam

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
1. Shear stress in bending ( )
vQ
† † ††=† †
Ib
dM
Where,†V†=†Shear†force†=†† †
dx
c1

† Q†=†Statical†moment†=†† ydA †
y1

† I†=†Moment†of†inertia††
† b†=†Width†of†beam†c/s.

2. Statical Moment (Q)

c1

† Q= ydA =† Shaded† Area† ׆ distance† of† the† centroid† of† the† shaded† area† from† the† neutral† axisof† the†
y1

c/s.†

3. Variation of shear stress

Section Diagram Position of
max

max

Rectangular†† N.A† 3V
max =† †
† 2A
max = 1.5 mean †

† = NA †

Circular† N.A† †
† 4
max = mean †
3

†
Triangular† h max = 1.5 mean †
†from†N.A†
† 6
NA †=†1.33 mean †

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
Trapezoidal† † h †
†from†N.A†
† 6

Section Diagram
max

Uni†form† In†Flange,†
I-Section†† V 2− h12
( max ) ( max )y =h 1 = h †
1
2 8I
( max )y =1
h
2
=o†

In†Web††
†
v
( max ) y =o = 2− 2
b(h1 h1 ) + th1 †
2
1
8It
†
vb 2
( )
m im y1 = h1 = h − h1 †
2

2 8It

4. Variation of shear stress for some more section [Asked in different examinations]
Non uniform I-Section Diagonally placed square section

† †

L-section Hollow circle

† †
T-section Cross

† †

5. Rectangular section

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
3V
• Maximum†shear†stress†for†rectangular†beam:† max =† †
2A
• For†this,†A†is†the†area†of†the†entire†cross†section†
• Maximum†shear†occurs†at†the†neutral†axis†
• Shear†is†zero†at†the†top†and†bottom†of†beam†

6. Shear stress in beams of thin walled profile section.

• Shear stress at any point in the wall distance "s" from the free edge

†
s
V
= x ydA
It o

where Vx = Shear force †

= Thickness of the section
I = Moment of inrertia about NA
†
• Shear Flow (q)
s
V
q = t = x ydA
I NA o

• Shear Force (F)

F= qds

• Shear Centre (e)

† Point†of†application†of†shear†stress†resultant†
†

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

†

Previous 25-Years GATE Questions

Shear Stress Variation

GATE-1. The transverse shear stress acting
in a beam of rectangular cross-
section, subjected to a transverse
shear load, is:
† (a) Variable† with† maximum† at† the†
bottom†of†the†beam††
† (b)† Variable† with† maximum† at† the†
top†of†the†beam††
† (c)† Uniform††
† (d)† Variable† with† maximum† on† the†
neutral†axis††

†
[IES-1995, GATE-2008]†
GATE-1(a). The shear stress due to a transverse shear force in a linear elastic isotropic beam
of rectangular cross-section [XE: GATE-2022 ]
(a)†varies†linearly†along†the†depth†in†the†transverse†direction†of†the†beam††
(b)†is†zero†at†the†neutral†axis††
(c)†is†maximum†at†the†neutral†axis††
(d)†remains†constant†along†the†depth†in†the†transverse†direction†of†the†beam†

GATE-2. The ratio of average shear stress to the maximum shear stress in a beam with a
square cross-section is: [GATE-1994, 1998]†
2 3
† (a) 1 (b) (c) (d) 2
3 2 †
GATE-3. If a beam of rectangular cross-section is subjected to a vertical shear force V, the
shear force carried by the upper one third of the cross-section is [CE: GATE-2006]†
7V 8V V
† (a)†zero† † (b)† †† † (c)† †† † (d)† †
27 27 3

GATE-4 A symmetric I-section (with width of each flange = 50 mm, thickness of each flange
= 10 mm, depth of web = 100 mm, and thickness of web = 10 mm) of steel is
subjected to a shear force of 100 kN. Find the magnitude of the shear stress (in
N/mm2) in the web at its junction with the topflange. __________ [CE: GATE-2013]

GATE-5. The shear stress at the neutral axis in a beam of triangular section with a base of
40 mm and height 20 mm, subjected to a shear force of 3 kN is† [CE: GATE-2007]†
† (a)†3†MPa† † † (b)†6†MPa† † (c)†10†MPa† † (d)†20†MPa†
GATE-6. The point within the cross sectional plane of a beam through which the resultant
of the external loading on the beam has to pass through to ensure pure bending
without twisting of the cross-section of the beam is called† † [CE: GATE-2009]†
† (a)†moment†centre† † † † (b)†centroid†
† (c)†shear†centre† † † † (d)†elastic†centre†
†
GATE-7. Consider a simply supported beam of length, 50h, with a rectangular cross-section
of depth, h, and width, 2h. The beam carries a vertical point load, P, at its mid-
point. The ratio of the maximum shear stress to the maximum bending stress in
the beam is (a)†0.02† † (b)†0.10†† † (c)†0.05†† † (d)†0.01††

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
† [GATE-2014]

Shear Centre
GATE-8. The possible location of shear centre of the channel section, shown below, is†

† † † † † †† [CE: GATE-2014]†
(a)†P†† † (b)†Q†† † † (c)†R†† † † (d)†S†

Previous 25-Years IES Questions

Shear Stress Variation

IES-1. At a section of a beam, shear force is F with zero BM. The cross-section is square
with side a. Point A lies on neutral axis and point B is mid way between neutral
axis and top edge, i.e. at distance a/4 above the neutral axis. If A and B denote
shear stresses at points A and B, then what is the value of A / B? [IES-2005]†
† (a)†0††† † (b)†¾† † † (c)†4/3†† † † (d)†None†of†above†
†
IES-2. A wooden beam of rectangular cross-section 10 cm deep by 5 cm wide carries
maximum shear force of 2000 kg. Shear stress at neutral axis of the beam section
is: [IES-1997]
† (a)†Zero†† † (b)†40†kgf/cm2† † (c)†60†kgf/cm2† † (d)†80†kgf/cm2††

IES-2a. The maximum shearing stress induced in the beam section at any layer at any
position along the beam length (shown in the figure) is equal to [IES-2017
Prelims]

† (a)†30†kgf/cm2†† † (b)†40†kgf/cm2† † † (c)†50†kgf/cm2†† † (d)†60†

kgf/cm2†
†
IES-3. In case of a beam of circular cross-section subjected to transverse loading, the
maximum shear stress developed in the beam is greater than the average shear
stress by: [IES-2006; 2008]

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
† (a)†50%† † † (b)†33%†† † (c)†25%†† † (d)†10%††

IES-3(i). A solid circular cross-section cantilever beam of diameter Φ100 mm carries a

shear force of 10 kN at the free end. The maximum shear stress is [IES-2015]
(a)†4/3 †Pa† † (b)†3† †/4†Pa† † (c)†3† †/16†Pa† † (d)†16/3 †Pa

IES-4. What is the nature of distribution of shear stress in a rectangular beam?

[IES-1993, 2004; 2008]
† (a)†Linear†† † (b)†Parabolic†† † (c)†Hyperbolic†† † † (d)†Elliptic†

IES-5. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES 2007]

When a rectangular section beam is loaded transversely along the length, shear
stress develops on†
† (a)†Top†fibre†of†rectangular†beam†† † † (b)†Middle†fibre†of†rectangular†beam†
† (c)†Bottom†fibre†of†rectangular†beam† † (d)†Every†horizontal†plane†
†
IES-6. A beam having rectangular cross-section is subjected to an external loading. The
average shear stress developed due to the external loading at a particular cross-
section is t avg . What is the maximum shear stress developed at the same cross-
section due to the same loading? [IES-2009, IES-2016]
1 3
† (a)† tavg ††††††††††††††††††††††††(b)† tavg ††††††††††††††††††††††††(c)† tavg † †(d)†2 t avg †
2 2

IES-7. The transverse shear stress

acting in a beam of rectangular
cross-section, subjected to a
transverse shear load, is:
† (a)† Variable† with† maximum† at† the†
bottom†of†the†beam††
† (b)† Variable† with† maximum† at† the†
top†of†the†beam††
† (c)† Uniform††
† (d)† Variable†with†maximum†on†the†
neutral†axis†
†
[IES-1995, GATE-2008]
IES-8.

†
A cantilever is loaded by a concentrated load P at the free end as shown. The
shear stress in the element LMNOPQRS is under consideration. Which of the
following figures represents the shear stress directions in the cantilever?
[IES-2002]†

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

† † †

† † †
IES-9. In I-Section of a beam subjected to transverse shear force, the maximum shear
stress is developed. [IES- 2008]†
† (a)†At†the†centre†of†the†web†† † † (b)†At†the†top†edge†of†the†top†flange†
† (c)†At†the†bottom†edge†of†the†top†flange†† † (d)†None†of†the†above†

IES-9a. In a beam of I-section, which of the following parts will take the maximum shear
stress when subjected to traverse loading? [IES-2019 Pre]†
1. Flange†
2 . Web†
Select†the†correct†answer†using†the†code†given†below.†
(a)†1†only† (b)†2†only†
(c)†Both†1†and†2† (d)†Neither†1†nor†2†
†
†
IES-10. The given figure (all
dimensions are in mm) shows
an I-Section of the beam. The
shear stress at point P (very
close to the bottom of the
flange) is 12 MPa. The stress at
point Q in the web (very close
to the flange) is:
† (a)† Indeterminable† due† to†
incomplete†data†
† (b)† 60MPa†
† (c)† 18†MPa† † † †
† (d)† 12†MPa†
† †
[IES-2001]†
IES-11. Assertion (A): In an I-Section beam subjected to concentrated loads, the shearing
force at any section of the beam is resisted mainly by the web portion.
† Reason (R): Average value of the shearing stress in the web is equal to the value of
shearing stress in the flange. [IES-1995]
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOTthe†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†

IES-11(i). Statement (I):† If† the† bending† moment† along† the† length† of† a† beam† is† constant,† then† the†
beam†cross-section†will†not†experience†any†shear†stress.† † † [IES-2012]†
Statement (II):† The† shear† force† acting† on† the† beam† will† be† zero† everywhere† along† its†
length.†††
(a)† Both† Statements† (I)† and† Statement† (II)† are† individually† true† and† Statement† (II)† is† the†
correct†explanation†of†Statement†(I)†

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
(b)†Both†Statement†(I)†and†Statement†(II)†are†individually†true†but†Statement†(II)†is†not†the†
correct†explanation†of†Statement†(I)†
(c)†Statement†(I)†is†true†but†Statement†(II)†is†false†
(d)†Statement†(I)†is†false†but†Statement†(II)†is†true†

Shear stress distribution for different section

IES-12. The shear stress distribution over a beam cross-
section is shown in the figure above. The beam is of
† (a)†Equal†flange†I-Section†
† (b)†Unequal†flange†I-Section†
† (c)†Circular†cross-section†
† (d)†T-section†
†
[IES-2003]†

Previous 25-Years IAS Questions

Shear Stress Variation

IAS-1. Consider the following statements: [IAS-2007]
Two beams of identical cross-section but of different materials carry same
bending moment at a particular section, then
† 1. The maximum bending stress at that section in the two beams will be same.
2. The maximum shearing stress at that section in the two beams will be same.
3. Maximum bending stress at that section will depend upon the elastic
modulus of the beam material.
4. Curvature of the beam having greater value of E will be larger.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
† (a)†1†and†2†only† (b)†1,†3†and†4† † (c)†1,†2†and†3† † (d)†2,†3†and†4† †
†
IAS-2. In a loaded beam under bending [IAS-2003]†
† (a)† Both†the†maximum†normal†and†the†maximum†shear†stresses†occur†at†the†skin†fibres†
† (b)† Both†the†maximum†normal†and†the†maximum†shear†stresses†occur†the†neutral†axis†
† (c)† The†maximum†normal†stress†occurs†at†the†skin†fibres†while†the†maximum†shear†stress†
occurs†at†the†neutral†axis†
† (d)† The† maximum† normal† stress† occurs† at† the† neutral† axis† while† the† maximum† shear†
stress†occurs†at†the†skin†fibres†

Shear stress distribution for different section

IAS-3. Select the correct shear stress distribution diagram for a square beam with a
diagonal in a vertical position: [IAS-2002]†

† † † †

† †
† †

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
IAS-4. The distribution of shear stress of a beam is shown in the given figure.The cross-
section of the beam is: [IAS-2000]

† †

IAS-5. A channel-section of the beam shown in the given figure carries a uniformly
distributed load. [IAS-2000]

†
† Assertion (A): The line of action of the load passes through the centroid of the
cross-section. The beam twists besides bending.
Reason (R): Twisting occurs since the line of action of the load does not pass
through the web of the beam.
† (a)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†and†R†is†the†correct†explanation†of†A†
† (b)† Both†A†and†R†are†individually†true†but†R†is†NOTthe†correct†explanation†of†A††
† (c)† A†is†true†but†R†is†false†
† (d)† A†is†false†but†R†is†true†
†

†
For 2023 (GATE, IES & PSUs) Page 384 of 516 Rev.0
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
3
GATE-1.Ans(d) max = mean †
2
GATE-1(a). Ans. (c)

GATE-2.Ans. (b)
3
† max = mean †
2

GATE-3. Ans. (b)

d
2
y

† † † †
SA y
† = †
Ib
d
+y
d 2
V −y b
† † † = 2 2 †
Ib
2
d
V − y2
† † † = 4 †
2I
† † † dF = b dy †
d2
− y2 V
† † † = 4 b dy †
2I
† Integrating†both†sides,†we†get†
d

Vb 2
d2
† † † F= − y2 dy †
2I d 4
6

d
V b d2 y3 2
V b d3 d3 d3 d3
† † † = y− = − − + †
2I 4 3 d 2I 8 24 24 648
6

Vb d3 28 Vb d3 28 7V
† † † = = 12 = †
2I 8 81 2bd3 8 81 27
GATE-4. Ans. 70 to 72
GATE-5. Ans. (c)
SA y
Shear†stress,†† = †
Ib
† Where†

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
† S†=†Shear†force†
† A†=†Area†above†the†level†where†shear†stress†is†desired†
† y †=†Distance†of†CG†of†area†A†from†neutral†axis†
† I†=†Moment†of†Inertia†about†neutral†axis†
† b†=†Width†of†the†section†at†the†level†where†shear†stress†is†desired.†
† †

40 mm
3† †
20†mm†

† † † 40†mm†

40 40 40 80
† Width†at†a†distance†of† mm†from†the†top†=† = mm †
3 20 3 3
1 80 40 1 40
3 103
† † † = 2 3 3 3 3 †
40 203 80
36 3
3 103 3200 40 36 3
† † † = = 10 MPa †
162 3200 203
† Alternatively,†
12S
† † † q= (hy − y2 ) †
bh3
2
12 3 103 20 20
† † † = 20 − = 10 MPa †
40 203 3 3
GATE-6. Ans. (c)
GATE-7.Ans. (d)
GATE-8. Ans. (a)
†

IES ANSWERS
a a2 3 V 2
V − y2 .a
( )
VAy 2 4 3 V 2 2 a3 4
IES-1. Ans. (c) = = 4
= a − 4y 2 or A
= = †
Ib a 2 a3 B 3 V a
2 3
a . . a2 − 4
12 2 a3 4

3 F 3 2000
IES-2. Ans. (c)†Shear†stress†at†neutral†axis†=† = = 60 kg/cm2 †
2 bd 2 10 5
V 2000 kgf
IES-2a. Ans. (a) 𝝉𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟏. 𝟓τmean = 1.5 × = 1.5 × = 30 kgf/cm2
bh 20cm×5cm
†
IES-3.Ans.(b) In†the†case†of†beams†with†circular†cross-section,†the†ratio†of†the†maximum†shear†stress†
to†average†shear†stress†4:3

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

†
IES-3(i). Ans. (d)
IES-4. Ans. (b)

†
2
V h
† = − y12 †indicating†a†parabolic†distribution†of†shear†stress†across†the†cross-section.†
4I 4
IES-5. Ans. (b)

†
IES-6. Ans. (c)

Shear stress in a rectangular Shear stress in a circular beam, the

beam, maximum shear stress, maximum shear stress,
3F 4F 4
max = = 1.5 (average) max = = (average)
2b. h 3 d2 3
4
3
IES-7. Ans (d) max = mean
2 †
IES-8. Ans. (d)
IES-9. Ans. (a)

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s

IES-9a. Ans. (b)

†
IES-10. Ans. (b)
IES-11. Ans. (c)
IES-11(i). Ans. (a)†
IES-12. Ans. (b)

†
My VAy
IAS-1. Ans. (a)† Bending†stress = †and†shear†stress†( )†= both†of†them†does†not†depends†on†
I Ib
material†of†beam.†
†
IAS-2. Ans. (c)

†
†

†
V h2
† = − y12 †indicating†a†parabolic†distribution†of†shear†stress†across†the†cross-section.†
4I 4
IAS-3. Ans. (d)
IAS-4. Ans. (b)
IAS-5. Ans. (c)Twisting†occurs†since†the†line†of†action†of†the†load†does†not†pass†through†the†shear.†
†
†

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2006
Question: A timber beam 15 cm wide and 20 cm deep carries uniformly distributed load
over a span of 4 m and is simply supported.

†
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 Chapter-10 Shear Stress in Beam S K Mondal’s
If the permissible stresses are 30 N/mm2 longitudinally and 3 N/mm2 transverse
shear, calculate the maximum load which can be carried by the timber beam.

† †

bh3 ( 0.15) ( 0.20 )

3

Answer: Moment†of†inertia†(I) = = = 10−4 m4 †

12 12
20
Distance†of†neutral†axis†from†the†top†surface y † = = 10 cm = †0.1 m
2
M My
We†know†that† = †or†† = †
I y I
Where†maximum†bending†moment†due†to†uniformly
2
42
† distributed†load†in†simply†supported†beam†( M ) = = =2 †
8 8
Considering†longitudinal†stress

30 106 =
( 2 ) 0.1
10−4
or, = 15 kN/m†

Now†consideng†Shear†
.L .4
Maximum†shear†force† = = =2
2 2
2
Therefore†average†shear†stress†( mean )= = 66.67
0.15 0.2
† For†rectangular†cross-section †
33
Maximum†shear†stress( max )= . =
66.67 = 100
22
Now†3 106 = 100 ; = 30 kN/m
So†maximum†load†carring†capacity†of†the†beam†=†15†kN/m†(without†fail).

†
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 †
†

11. Fixed and Continuous Beam

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
What is a beam?
A†(usually)†horizontal†structural†member†that†is†subjected†to†a†load†that†tends†to†bend†it.†
†

Types of Beams

†
†
Simply supported beam Cantilever beam†

Simply Supported Beams† Cantilever Beam†

Single Overhang Beam†

Continuous Beam

Single Overhang Beam with internal hinge†

Double Overhang Beam

Fixed Beam Continuous beam†

Continuous beams
Beams†placed†on†more†than†2†supports†are†called†continuous†beams.†Continuous†beams†are†used† when†
the†span†of†the†beam†is†very†large,†deflection†under†each†rigid†support†will†be†equal†zero.†

Analysis of Continuous Beams

(Using†3-moment†equation)†

Stability of structure

If†the†equilibrium†and†geometry†of†structure†is†maintained†under†the†action†of†forces†than†the†structure†

is†said†to†be†stable.†

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s
†

External† stability† of† the† structure† is† provided† by† the† reaction† at† the† supports.† Internal† stability† is†

provided†by†proper†design†and†geometry†of†the†member†of†the†structure.†

Statically determinate and indeterminate structures

Beams†for†which†reaction†forces†and†internal†forces†can†be†found†out†from†static†equilibrium†equations†

alone†are†called†statically†determinate†beam.†
†

Example:

Xi 0, Yi 0 and Mi 0 is sufficient to calculate RA & RB.

Beams† for† which† reaction† forces† and† internal† forces† cannot† be† found† out† from† static† equilibrium†

equations† alone† are† called† statically† indeterminate† beam.† This† type† of† beam† requires† deformation†

equation†in†addition†to†static†equilibrium†equations†to†solve†for†unknown†forces.†
†

Example:

P P

RA RB Rc RD

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s

Advantages of fixed ends or fixed supports

• Slope†at†the†ends†is†zero.†
• Fixed†beams†are†stiffer,†stronger†and†more†stable†than†SSB.†
• In†case†of†fixed†beams,†fixed†end†moments†will†reduce†the†BM†in†each†section.†
• The†maximum†deflection†is†reduced.†

Bending moment diagram for fixed beam

Example:

BMD for Continuous beams

BMD†for†continuous†beams†can†be†obtained†by†superimposing†the†fixed†end†moments†diagram†over†the†
free†bending†moment†diagram.†

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s

Three - moment Equation for continuous beams OR

Clapeyron’s Three Moment Equation

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

†

Previous 25-Years IES Questions

Overhanging Beam
IES-1. An overhanging beam ABC is supported at points A and B, as shown in the above
figure. Find the maximum bending moment and the point where it occurs.
[IES-2009]
†

† (a)† 6†kN-m†at†the†right†support†
† (b)† 6†kN-m†at†the†left†support†
† (c)† 4.5†kN-m†at†the†right†support†
† (d)† 4.5kN-mat† the† midpoint†
between†the†supports

IES-2. A beam of length 4 L is simply supported on two supports with equal overhangs of
L on either sides and carries three equal loads, one each at free ends and the third
at the mid-span. Which one of the following diagrams represents correct
distribution of shearing force on the beam? [IES-2004]
†

†
†

IES-3. A horizontal beam carrying

uniformly distributed load is
supported with equal
overhangs as shown in the
given figure
The resultant bending moment at the mid-span shall be zero if a/b is: [IES-2001]†
† (a)†3/4†† † † (b)†2/3†† † † (c)†1/2†† † † (d)†1/3†

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s

Previous 25-Years IAS Questions

Overhanging Beam
IAS-1.

If the beam shown in the given figure is to have zero bending moment at its
middle point, the overhang x should be: [IAS-2000]†
2 2 2 2
† (a)† wl / 4P † † (b)† wl / 6P † † (c)† wl / 8P † † (d)† wl /12P †
†

IAS-2. A beam carrying a uniformly distributed load rests on two supports 'b' apart with
equal overhangs 'a' at each end. The ratio b/a for zero bending moment at mid-
span is: [IAS-1997]
1 3
† (a) †† † † (b)†1† † † (c)† † † † (d)†2†
2 2
IAS-3. A beam carries a uniformly distributed load and is supported with two equal
overhangs as shown in figure 'A'. Which one of the following correctly shows the
bending moment diagram of the beam? [IAS 1994]†

† † †

† † †

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s
†

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
†
†

IES-1. Ans. (a)Taking†moment†about†A†

VB 2 = ( 2 1) + ( 6 3 )
2VB = 2 + 18
† VB = 10 kN †
VA + VB = 2 + 6 = 8kN
VA = 8 − 10 = − 2 kN
† †Maximum†Bending†Moment†=†6†
kN-m†at†the†right†support†

IES-2. Ans. (d)

†
† They†use†opposite†sign†conversions†but†for†correct†sign†remember†S.F†&†B.M†of†cantilever†is†
(-)†ive.† †
IES-3. Ans. (c)
wl
IAS-1. Ans. (c) Rc = RD = P + †
2
wl l l l wl 2
† Bending†moment†at†mid†point†(M)†=† − + RD −P x+ = 0 gives x = †
2 4 2 2 8P
IAS-2. Ans. (d)

†
† (i)† By†similarity†in†the†B.M†diagram†a†must†be†b/2†
b2
† (ii)† By†formula† M = − a2 = 0 gives†a†=†b/2†
2 4
IAS-3. Ans. (a)
†
†

†
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 Chapter-11 Fixed and Continuous Beam P S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2006
Question: What are statically determinate and in determinate beams? Illustrate each case
through examples.
Answer: Beams† for† which† reaction† forces† and† internal† forces† can† be† found† out† from† static†
equilibrium†equations†alone†are†called†statically†determinate†beam.†
Example:

Xi 0, Yi 0 and Mi 0 is sufficient
† †
to calculate R A & RB.
† Beams† for† which† reaction† forces† and† internal† forces† cannot† be† found† out† from† static†
equilibrium† equations† alone† are† called† statically† indeterminate† beam.† This† type† of† beam†
requires† deformation† equation† in† addition† to† static† equilibrium† equations† to† solve† for†
unknown†forces.†
Example:
P P

†
RA RB Rc RD †
†

†
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 12. Torsion
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
• In machinery, the general term “shaft” refers to a member, usually of circular cross-section,

which supports gears, sprockets, wheels, rotors, etc., and which is subjected to torsion and to

transverse or axial loads acting singly or in combination.

• An “axle” is a rotating/non-rotating member that supports wheels, pulleys,… and carries no

torque.

• A “spindle” is a short shaft. Terms such as lineshaft, headshaft, stub shaft, transmission

shaft, countershaft, and flexible shaft are names associated with special usage.

Torsion of circular shafts

1. Equation for shafts subjected to torsion "T"
Torsion Equation

T G
= =
R J L
Where J = Polar moment of inertia

= Shear stress induced due to torsion T.

G = Modulus of rigidity

= Angular deflection of shaft

R, L = Shaft radius & length respectively

Assumptions

• The bar is acted upon by a pure torque.

• The section under consideration is remote from the point of application of the load and from a

change in diameter.

• Adjacent cross sections originally plane and parallel remain plane and parallel after twisting,

and any radial line remains straight.

• The material obeys Hooke’s law

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
• Cross-sections rotate as if rigid, i.e. every diameter rotates through the same angle

2. Polar moment of inertia

As stated above, the polar second moment of area, J is defined as

J = z0
R
2 r 3 dr

J = 2
LM r OP
4 R

=
2 R4
=
D4
For a solid shaft
N4Q 0
4 32
(6)

For a hollow shaft of internal radius r:

LM r OP
z
R

cD h
4
R
2 r 3 dr = 2 = ( R4 − r 4 ) = 4
−d4
J = 0
N4Q r
2 32
(7)

Where D is the external and d is the internal diameter.

d4
• Solid shaft “J” =
32

• Hollow shaft, "J” = (d o 4 − d i 4 )

32
3. The polar section modulus

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
Zp= J / c, where c = r = D/2
• For a solid circular cross-section, Zp = π D3 / 16
• For a hollow circular cross-section, Zp = π (Do4 - Di4 ) / (16Do)
• Then, max = T / Zp

• If design shears stress, d is known, required polar section modulus can be calculated from: Z p =

T/ d

Torsional Stiffness
𝑇 𝐺𝐽
The tensional stiffness k is defined as the torque per radius twist(𝐾𝑇 ) =𝜃=
𝐿

4. Power Transmission (P)

2 NT
• P (in Watt ) =
60
2 NT
• P (in hp) = (1 hp = 75 Kgm/sec).
4500
[Where N = rpm; T = Torque in N-m.]

5. Safe diameter of Shaft (d)

• Stiffness consideration
T G
=
J L
• Shear Stress consideration
T
=
J R
We take higher value of diameter of both cases above for overall safety if other parameters are given.

6. In twisting
16T
• Solid shaft, max =
d3
16Td o
• Hollow shaft, =
(d o 4 − di 4 )
max

TL
• Diameter of a shaft to have a maximum deflection " " d=4.9 × 4
G
[Where T in N-mm, L in mm, G in N/mm2]

7. Comparison of solid and hollow shaft

• A Hollow shaft will transmit a greater torque than a solid shaft of the same weight & same
material because the average shear stress in the hollow shaft is greater than the average shear
stress in the solid shaft

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
If solid shaft dia = D
( )holloow shaft 16
• max
= D
( max ) solid shaft 15 Hollow shaft, d o = D, d i =
2
• Strength comparison (same weight, material, length and max )

Th n2 + 1 External diameter of hollow shaft

= Where, n= [ONGC-2005]
Ts n n − 1
2 Internal diameter of hollow shaft

• Weight comparison (same Torque, material, length and max )

Wh
=
( )
n 2 − 1 n 2/3
Where, n=
External diameter of hollow shaft
[WBPSC-2003]
( )
2/3
Ws n4 − 1 Internal diameter of hollow shaft

• Strain energy comparison (same weight, material, length and max )

Uh n 2 + 1 1
= 2
= 1+ 2
Us n n

8. Shaft in series
= 1 + 2

Torque (T) is same in all section

Electrical analogy gives torque(T) = Current (I)

9. Shaft in parallel
1 = 2 and T = T1 + T2

Electrical analogy gives torque(T) = Current (I)

10. Combined Bending and Torsion

• In most practical transmission situations shafts which carry torque are also subjected to
bending, if only by virtue of the self-weight of the gears they carry. Many other practical
applications occur where bending and torsion arise simultaneously so that this type of loading
represents one of the major sources of complex stress situations.
• In the case of shafts, bending gives rise to tensile stress on one surface and compressive stress
on the opposite surface while torsion gives rise to pure shear throughout the shaft.
• For shafts subjected to the simultaneous application of a bending moment M and torque T the
principal stresses set up in the shaft can be shown to be equal to those produced by an
equivalent bending moment, of a certain value Me acting alone.

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
• Figure

• Maximum direct stress ( x ) & Shear stress ( ( xy ) in element A

32 M P
x = +
d3 A
16T
xy =
d3
• Principal normal stresses ( 1,2 ) & Maximum shearing stress ( max )

1,2 = x x
+ 2
xy
2 2
2
−
max = 1 2
= x
+( xy )2
2 2

• Maximum Principal Stress ( max ) & Maximum shear stress ( max )

16
max = 3
M + M 2 +T 2
d

16
max = 3
M 2 +T2
d

• Location of Principal plane ( )

1 T
= tan −1
2 M

• Equivalent bending moment (Me) & Equivalent torsion (Te).

M + M 2 +T 2
Me =
2

Te = M 2 + T 2
• Important Note
o Uses of the formulas are limited to cases in which both M & T are known. Under any
other condition Mohr’s circle is used.

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
• Safe diameter of shaft (d) on the basis of an allowable working stress.

32M e
o w in tension , d = 3
w

16Te
o w in shear , d= 3
w

11. Shaft subjected to twisting moment only

• Figure

• Normal force ( Fn ) & Tangential for ( Ft ) on inclined plane AB

Fn = − BC sin + AC cos
Ft = × BC cos - AC sin

• Normal stress ( n ) & Tangential stress (shear stress) ( t ) on inclined plane AB.

n = − sin 2

t = cos 2
• Maximum normal & shear stress on AB
( n )max max

0 0 +

45° – 0

90 0 –

135 + 0

• Important Note
• Principal stresses at a point on the surface of the shaft = + , - , 0
i.e 1,2 = sin2
• Principal strains

1 = (1 + ); 2 =− (1 + ); 3 =0
E E
• Volumetric strain,
v = 1 + 2 + 3 =0
• No change in volume for a shaft subjected to pure torque.

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
12. Torsional Stresses in Non-Circular Cross-section Members
• There are some applications in machinery for non-circular cross-section members and shafts
where a regular polygonal cross-section is useful in transmitting torque to a gear or pulley that
can have an axial change in position. Because no key or keyway is needed, the possibility of a
lost key is avoided.
• Saint Venant (1855) showed that max in a rectangular b×c section bar occurs in the middle of

the longest side b and is of magnitude formula

T T 1.8
max = = 3 +
bc2 bc2 b/c
Where b is the longer side and factor that is function of the ratio b/c.
The angle of twist is given by

Tl
=
bc3G
Where is a function of the ratio b/c

Shear stress distribution in different cross-section

Rectangular c/s Elliptical c/s Triangular c/s

13. Torsion of thin walled tube

• For a thin walled tube
T
Shear stress, =
2 A0t
sL
Angle of twist, =
2 AOG
[Where S = length of mean centre line, AO = Area enclosed by mean centre line]

• Special Cases
o For circular c/s

J = 2 r 3t ; Ao = r 2 ; S =2 r
[r = radius of mean Centre line and t = wall thickness]
T T .r T
= 2
= =
2 rt J 2 Aot

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
TL L TL
= = =
GJ Ao JG 2 r 3tG
o For square c/s of length of each side ‘b’ and thickness ‘t’

A0 = b 2
S =4b
o For elliptical c/s ‘a’ and ‘b’ are the half axis lengths.
A0 = ab
3
S (a + b) − ab
2

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Torsion Equation
GATE-1. A solid circular shaft of 60 mm diameter transmits a torque of 1600 Nm. The value
of maximum shear stress developed is: [GATE-2004]
(a) 37.72 MPa (b) 47.72 MPa (c) 57.72 MPa (d) 67.72 MPa

GATE-2. Maximum shear stress developed on the surface of a solid circular shaft under
pure torsion is 240 MPa. If the shaft diameter is doubled then the maximum shear
stress developed corresponding to the same torque will be: [GATE-2003]
(a) 120 MPa (b) 60 MPa (c) 30 MPa (d) 15 MPa

GATE-2a. A long shaft of diameter d is subjected to twisting moment T at its ends. The
maximum normal stress acting at its cross-section is equal to [CE: GATE-2006]
16 T 32 T 64 T
(a) zero (b) (c) 3
(d)
d 3
d d3
GATE-2b. A solid circular beam with radius of 0.25 m and length of 2 m is subjected to a
twisting moment of 20 kNm about the z-axis at the free end, which is the only load
acting as shown in the figure. The shear stress component τ xy at point ‘M’ in the
cross-section of the beam at a distance of 1 m from the fixed end is

(a) 0.0 MPa (b) 0.51 MPa (c) 0.815 MPa (d) 2.0 MPa [CE: GATE-2018]

GATE-2c. A shaft with a circular cross-section is subjected to pure twisting moment. The ratio of
the maximum shear stress to the largest principal stress is
(a) 2.0 (b) 1.0 (c) 0.5 (d) 0 [GATE-2016]

GATE-2d. A cylindrical rod of diameter 10 mm and length 1.0 m is fixed at one end. The
other end is twisted by an angle of 10° by applying a torque. If the maximum
shear strain in the rod is p × 10 –3 , then p is equal to____________________
(round off to two decimal places) [GATE-2019]

GATE-3. A steel shaft 'A' of diameter 'd' and length 'l' is subjected to a torque ‘T’ Another
shaft 'B' made of aluminium of the same diameter 'd' and length 0.5l is also
subjected to the same torque 'T'. The shear modulus of steel is 2.5 times the shear
modulus of aluminium. The shear stress in the steel shaft is 100 MPa. The shear
stress in the aluminium shaft, in MPa, is: [GATE-2000]
(a) 40 (b) 50 (c) 100 (d) 250

GATE-4. For a circular shaft of diameter d subjected to torque T, the maximum value of the
shear stress is: [GATE-2006]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
64T 32T 16T 8T
(a) (b) (c) (d)
d3 d3 d3 d3

GATE-4a. Two solid circular shafts of radii R1 and R 2 are subjected to same torque. The
R1
maximum shear stresses developed in the two shafts are 1 and 2 = 2, then
. If 2

R2 1

is ………. [GATE-2014]

GATE-4b. A torque T is applied L L/2

at the free end of a
stepped rod of T
circular cross- 2d
d
sections as shown in
the figure. The shear
modulus of the
material of the rod is
G. The expression for
d to produce an [GATE-2011]
angular twist at
the free end is
1 1 1 1
32 TL 4 18 TL 4 16 TL 4 2 TL 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
G G G G

GATE-4c. A rigid horizontal rod of length 2L is fixed to a circular cylinder of radius R as

shown in the figure. Vertical forces of magnitude P are applied at the two ends as
shown in the figure. The shear modulus for the cylinder is G and the Young’s
modulus is E.

The vertical deflection at point A is

PL3 PL3 2 PL3 4 PL3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
R 4G R4 E R4E R 4G

GATE-4d. A hollow circular shaft of inner radius 10 mm outer radius 20 mm and length 1 m
is to be used as a torsional spring. If the shear modulus of the material of the shaft
is 150 GPa, the torsional stiffness of the shaft (in kNm/rad) is___________________
(correct to two decimal places). [GATE-2018]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
GATE-4e. A circular shaft is rigidly connected to a wall at one end. The shaft has a solid
portion and a hollow portion as shown in the figure. The length of each portion is
𝐿 and the shear modulus of the material is 𝐺. The polar moment of inertia of the
hollow portion is 𝐽 and that of the solid portion is 50𝐽. A torque 𝑇 is applied at the
right most end as shown. The rotation of the section PQ is [XE: GATE-2022 ]

Power Transmitted by Shaft

GATE-5. A motor driving a solid circular steel shaft transmits 40 kW of power at 500 rpm. If
the diameter of the shaft is 40 mm, the maximum shear stress in the shaft is
___________________ MPa. [GATE-2017]

GATE-5a. The diameter of shaft A is twice the diameter of shaft B and both are made of the
same material. Assuming both the shafts to rotate at the same speed, the
maximum power transmitted by B is: [IES-2001; GATE-1994]
(a) The same as that of A (b) Half of A (c) 1/8 of A
th (d) 1/4th of A

GATE-5b. A hollow circular shaft has an outer diameter of 100 mm and a wall thickness of 25
mm. The allowable shear stress in the shaft is 125 MPa. The maximum torque the
shaft can transmit is [CE: GATE-2009]
(a) 46 kN-m (b) 24.5 kN-m (c) 23 kN-m (d) 11.5 kN-m

GATE-5c. A hollow shaft of 1 m length is designed to transmit a power of 30 kW at 700 rpm.

The maximum permissible angle of twist in the shaft is 1° . The inner diameter of
the shaft is 0.7 times the outer diameter. The modulus of rigidity is 80 GPa. The
outside diameter (in mm) of the shaft is _______ [GATE-2015]

GATE-5d. A hollow shaft do = 2di (where do and di are the outer and inner diameters
respectively) needs to transmit 20 kW power at 3000 RPM. If the maximum
permissible shear stress is 30 MPa, do is [GATE-2015]
(a) 11.29 mm (b) 22.58 mm (c) 33.87 mm (d) 45.16 mm

Combined Bending and Torsion

GATE-6. A solid shaft can resist a bending moment of 3.0 kNm and a twisting moment of 4.0
kNm together, then the maximum torque that can be applied is: [GATE-1996]
(a) 7.0 kNm (b) 3.5 kNm (c)4.5 kNm (d) 5.0 kNm

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

GATE-6i. A machine element XY, fixed at end X, is subjected to an axial load P, transverse load F, and a
twisting moment T at its free end Y. The most critical point from the strength point of view is
[GATE-2016]

(a) a point on the circumference at location Y

(b) a point at the centre at location Y
(c) a point on the circumference at location X
(d) a point at the centre at location X

GATE-6ii.A massless semi-circular rod held fixed at end A is in the xy-plane, as shown in the
figure. A force P along the negative z direction is acting at point B on the rod. The
unit vectors along x, y and z directions are denoted respectively as i, j and k. Due
to the applied force P, the cross-section of the rod at point D will be subjected to
[ XE: GATE-2022 ]

(A) a twisting moment 𝑃𝑅(1 - cos 𝜃) 𝐢, a bending moment 𝑃𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝐣, and a shear force -𝑃 𝐤
(B) a twisting moment 𝑃𝑅(1 -sin 𝜃) 𝐢, a bending moment 𝑃𝑅 cos 𝜃 𝐣, and a shear force 𝑃 𝐤
(C) a twisting moment 𝑃𝑅(cos 𝜃 -1) 𝐢, a bending moment -𝑃𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝐣, and a shear force -𝑃 𝐤
(D) a twisting moment 𝑃𝑅 sin 𝜃 𝐢, a bending moment 𝑃𝑅 (1 – cos 𝜃) 𝐣, and a shear force 𝑃 k

Comparison of Solid and Hollow Shafts

GATE-7. The outside diameter of a hollow shaft is twice its inside diameter. The ratio of its
torque carrying capacity to that of a solid shaft of the same material and the same
outside diameter is: [GATE-1993; IES-2001]
15 3 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
16 4 2 16

GATE-7(i) The maximum and minimum shear stresses in a hollow circular shaft of outer
diameter 20 mm and thickness 2 mm, subjected to a torque of 92.7 N-m will be
(a) 59 MPa and 47.2 MPa (b) 100 MPa and 80 MPa [CE: GATE-2007]
(c) 118 MPa and 160 MPa (d) 200 MPa and 160 Mpa

GATE-7(ii)The maximum shear stress in a solid shaft of circular cross-section having

diameter d subjected to a torque T is . If the torque is increased by four times
and the diameter of the shaft is increased by two times, the maximum shear stress
in the shaft will be [CE: GATE-2008]

(a) 2 (b) (c) (d)

2 4

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
GATE-7(iii)A shaft of length L is made of two materials, one in the inner core and the other
in the outer rim, and the two are perfectly joined together (no slip at the
interface) along the entire length of the shaft. The diameter of the inner core is di
and the external diameter of the rim is do, as shown in the figure. The modulus of
rigidity of the core and rim materials are Gi and Go, respectively. It is given that
do = 2di and Gi = 3Go. When the shaft is twisted by application of a torque along
the shaft axis, the maximum shear stress developed in the outer rim and the inner

core turn out to be and , respectively. All the deformations are in the elastic

range and stress-strain relations are linear. Then the ratio is ______(round
off to 2 decimal places). [ GATE- 2022 Set-2]

Shafts in Series
GATE-8. A torque of 10 Nm is transmitted through a stepped shaft as shown in figure. The
torsional stiffness of individual sections of lengths MN, NO and OP are 20 Nm/rad,
30 Nm/rad and 60 Nm/rad respectively. The angular deflection between the ends M
and P of the shaft is: [GATE-2004]

(a) 0.5 rad (b) 1.0 rad (c) 5.0 rad (d) 10.0 rad

GATE-8(i) Consider a stepped shaft subjected to a twisting moment applied at B as shown in

the figure. Assume shear modulus, G = 77 GPa. The angle of twist at C (in degrees)
is _____ [GATE-2015]

Shafts in Parallel
GATE-9. The two shafts AB and BC, of equal
length and diameters d and 2d, are
made of the same material. They are
joined at B through a shaft coupling,
while the ends A and C are built-in
(cantilevered). A twisting moment T is
applied to the coupling. If TA and TC
represent the twisting moments at the

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
ends A and C, respectively, then [GATE-2005]
(a) TC = TA (b) TC =8 TA (c) TC =16 TA (d) TA=16 TC

GATE-9a. A bar of circular cross section is clamped at ends P and Q as shown in the figure.
A torsional moment T= 150 Nm is applied at a distance of 100 mm from end P. The
torsional reactions (Tp, Tq) in Nm at the ends P and Q respectively are
[GATE-2018]

(a) (50, 100) (b) (75, 75) (c) (100, 50) (d) (120, 30)

GATE-10. A circular shaft shown in the figure is subjected to torsion T at two points A and
B. The torsional rigidity of portions CA and BD is GJ1 and that of portion AB is
GJ 2 . The rotations of shaft at points A and B are 1 and 2 . The rotation 1 is
[CE: GATE-2005]
C A B D

T T
L L L
TL TL
(a) (b)
GJ1 + GJ 2 GJ1
TL TL
(c) (d)
GJ 2 GJ1 − GJ 2

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Torsion Equation
IES-1. Consider the following statements: [IES- 2008]
Maximum shear stress induced in a power transmitting shaft is:
1. Directly proportional to torque being transmitted.
2. Inversely proportional to the cube of its diameter.
3. Directly proportional to its polar moment of inertia.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only

IES-2. A solid shaft transmits a torque T. The allowable shearing stress is . What is the
diameter of the shaft? [IES-2008]
16T 32T 16T T
(a) 3 (b) 3 (c) 3 (d) 3

IES-2(i). If a solid circular shaft of steel 2 cm in diameter is subjected to a permissible

shear stress 10 kN/cm2, then the value of the twisting moment (Tr ) will be
(a) 10 kN-cm (b) 20 kN-cm (c) 15 kN-cm (d) 5 kN-cm [IES-2012]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

IES-3. Maximum shear stress developed on the surface of a solid circular shaft under
pure torsion is 240 MPa. If the shaft diameter is doubled, then what is the
maximum shear stress developed corresponding to the same torque? [IES-2009]
(a) 120 MPa (b) 60 MPa (c) 30 MPa (d) 15 MPa

IES-4. The diameter of a shaft is increased from 30 mm to 60 mm, all other conditions
remaining unchanged. How many times is its torque carrying capacity increased?
[IES-1995; 2004]
(a) 2 times (b) 4 times (c) 8 times (d) 16 times

IES-4(i). Two shafts A and B are of same material and A is twice the diameter of B. The
torque that can be transmitted by A is [IES-2015,2016]
(a) 2 times that of B (b) 8 times that of B
(c) 4 times that of B (d) 6 times that of B

IES-5. A circular shaft subjected to twisting moment results in maximum shear stress of
60 MPa. Then the maximum compressive stress in the material is: [IES-2003]
(a) 30 MPa (b) 60 MPa (c) 90 MPa (d) 120 MPa

IES-5(i). The boring bar of a boring machine is 25 mm in diameter. During operation, the
bar gets twisted though 0.01 radians and is subjected to a shear stress of 42
N/mm2. The length of the bar is (Taking G = 0.84 × 10 5 N/mm2) [IES-2012]
(a) 500 mm (b) 250 mm (c) 625 mm (d) 375 mm

IES-5(ii). The magnitude of stress induced in a shaft due to applied torque varies
(a) From maximum at the centre to zero at the circumference
(b) From zero at the centre to maximum at the circumference [IES-2012]
(c) From maximum at the centre to minimum but not zero at the circumference
(d) From minimum but not zero at the centre, to maximum at the circumference

IES-6. Angle of twist of a shaft of diameter ‘d’ is inversely proportional to [IES-2000]

(a) d (b) d2 (c) d3 (d) d4

IES-6a. A solid bar of circular cross-section having a diameter of 40 mm and length of 1.3
m is subjected to torque of 340 Nm. If the shear modulus of elasticity is 80 GPa, the
angle of twist between the ends will be [IES-2020 Prelims.]
(a) 1.26° (b) 1.32° (c) 1.38° (d) 1.44°

IES-6b. A solid steel shaft of diameter d and length l is subjected to twisting moment T.
Another shaft B of brass having same diameter d, but length l/2 is also subjected to
the same moment. If shear modulus of steel is two times that of brass, the ratio of
the angular twist of steel to that of brass shaft is:
(a) 1:2 (b) 1:1 (c) 2:1 (d) 4:1 [IES-2011]

IES-7. A solid circular shaft is subjected to pure torsion. The ratio of maximum shear to
maximum normal stress at any point would be: [IES-1999]
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 1: 2 (c) 2: 1 (d) 2: 3

IES-8. Assertion (A): In a composite shaft having two concentric shafts of different
materials, the torque shared by each shaft is directly proportional to its polar
moment of inertia. [IES-1999]
Reason (R): In a composite shaft having concentric shafts of different materials,
the angle of twist for each shaft depends upon its polar moment of inertia.
(a) Both A and R areindividually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOTthe correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-9. A shaft is subjected to torsion as shown. [IES-2002]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

Which of the following figures represents the shear stress on the element
LMNOPQRS?

IES-10. A round shaft of diameter 'd' and

length 'l' fixed at both ends 'A' and
'B' is subjected to a twisting moment
'T’ at 'C', at a distance of 1/4 from A
(see figure). The torsional stresses in
the parts AC and CB will be:
(a) Equal
(b) In the ratio 1:3
(c) In the ratio 3 :1
(d) Indeterminate [IES-1997]

IES-10(i). A power transmission solid shaft of diameter d length l and rigidity modulus G is
subjected to a pure torque. The maximum allowable shear stress is max . The
maximum strain energy/unit volume in the shaft is given by: [IES-2013]
2 2 2 2
2
(a) max (b) max (c) max (d) max
4G 2G 3G 3G

Power Transmitted by Shaft

IES-12. In power transmission shafts, if the polar moment of inertia of a shaft is doubled,
then what is the torque required to produce the same angle of twist?
[IES-2006]
(a) 1/4 of the original value (b) 1/2 of the original value
(c) Same as the original value (d) Double the original value

IES-13. While transmitting the same power by a shaft, if its speed is doubled, what should
be its new diameter if the maximum shear stress induced in the shaft remains
same? [IES-2006]
1 1
(a) of the original diameter (b) of the original diameter
2 2

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
1
(c) 2 of the original diameter (d) of the original diameter
( 2)
1
3

IES-14. For a power transmission shaft transmitting power P at N rpm, its diameter is
proportional to: [IES-2005]
1/3 1/2 2/3
P P P P
(a) (b) (c) (d)
N N N N

IES-15. A shaft can safely transmit 90 kW while rotating at a given speed. If this shaft is
replaced by a shaft of diameter double of the previous one and rotated at half the
speed of the previous, the power that can be transmitted by the new shaft is:
(a) 90 kW (b) 180 kW (c) 360 kW (d) 720 kW [IES-2002]

IES-15a. A solid shaft is designed to transmit 100 kW while rotating at N rpm. If the
diameter of the shaft is doubled and is allowed to operate at 2 N rpm, the power
that can be transmitted by the latter shaft is [IES-2016]
(a) 200 kW (b) 400 kW (c) 800 kW (d) 1600 kW

IES-15b. The diameter of a shaft to transmit 25 kW at 1500 rpm, given that the ultimate
strength is 150 MPa and the factor of safety is 3, will nearly be [IES-2016]
(a) 12 mm (b) 16 mm (c) 20 mm (d) 26 mm

IES-15c. A solid shaft is to transmit 20 kW at 200 rpm. The ultimate shear stress for the
shaft material is 360 MPa and the factor of safety is 8. The diameter of the solid
shaft shall be [IES-2017]
(a) 42 mm (b) 45 mm (c) 48 mm (d) 51 mm

IES-15d. A steel spindle transmits 4 kW at 800 rpm. The angular deflection should not
exceed 0.25°/m length of the spindle. If the modulus of rigidity for the material
of the spindle is 84 GPa, the diameter of the spindle will be
(a) 46 mm (b) 42 mm (c) 38 mm (d) 34 mm [IES-2019 Pre.]

IES-16. The diameter of shaft A is twice the diameter or shaft B and both are made of the
same material. Assuming both the shafts to rotate at the same speed, the
maximum power transmitted by B is: [IES-2001; GATE-1994]
(a) The same as that of A (b) Half of A (c) 1/8th of A (d) 1/4th of A

IES-17. When a shaft transmits power through gears, the shaft experiences [IES-1997]
(a) Torsional stresses alone
(b) Bending stresses alone
(c) Constant bending and varying torsional stresses
(d) Varying bending and constant torsional stresses

Combined Bending and Torsion

IES-18. The equivalent bending moment under combined action of bending moment M
and torque T is: [IES-1996; 2008; IAS-1996]
1
(a) M2 +T2 (b) M + M 2 +T2
2
1 1
(c) M +T (d) M2 +T2
2 4

IES-19. A solid circular shaft is subjected to a bending moment M and twisting moment T.
What is the equivalent twisting moment T e which will produce the same maximum
shear stress as the above combination? [IES-1992; 2007]
(a) M2 + T2 (b) M + T (c) M2 +T2 (d) M – T

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
IES-20. A shaft is subjected to fluctuating loads for which the normal torque (T) and
bending moment (M) are 1000 N-m and 500 N-m respectively. If the combined
shock and fatigue factor for bending is 1.5 and combined shock and fatigue factor
for torsion is 2, then the equivalent twisting moment for the shaft is:
[IES-1994]
(a) 2000N-m (b) 2050N-m (c) 2100N-m (d) 2136 N-m

IES-21. A member is subjected to the combined action of bending moment 400 Nm and
torque 300 Nm. What respectively are the equivalent bending moment and
equivalent torque? [IES-1994; 2004]
(a) 450 Nm and 500 Nm (b) 900 Nm and 350 Nm
(c) 900 Nm and 500 Nm (d) 400 Nm and 500 Nm

IES-21a. A solid shaft is subjected to bending moment of 3.46 kN -m and a torsional

moment of 11.5 kN-m. For this case, the equivalent bending moment and
twisting moment are [IES-2018]

[IES-2018]
(a) 7.73 kN-m and 12.0 kN-m (b) 14.96 kN-m and 12.0 kN-m
(c) 7.73 kN-m and 8.04 kN-m (d) 14.96 kN-m and 8.04 kN-m

IES-21(i). A shaft of diameter 8 cm is subjected to bending moment of 3000Nm and twisting

moment of 4000 Nm. The maximum normal stress induced in the shaft
250 500 157.5 315
(a ) ( b) (c) (d) [IES-2014]

IES-22. A shaft was initially subjected to bending moment and then was subjected to
torsion. If the magnitude of bending moment is found to be the same as that of the
torque, then the ratio of maximum bending stress to shear stress would be:
[IES-1993]
(a) 0.25 (b) 0.50 (c) 2.0 (d) 4.0

IES-23. A shaft is subjected to simultaneous action of a torque T, bending moment M and

an axial thrust F. Which one of the following statements is correct for this
situation? [IES-2004]
(a) One extreme end of the vertical diametral fibre is subjected to maximum compressive
stress only
(b) The opposite extreme end of the vertical diametral fibre is subjected to
tensile/compressive stress only
(c) Every point on the surface of the shaft is subjected to maximum shear stress only
(d) Axial longitudinal fibre of the shaft is subjected to compressive stress only

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
IES-24. For obtaining the
maximum shear stress
induced in the shaft
shown in the given
figure, the torque
should be equal to
(a) T (b) Wl + T
1
2 2
wL
(c) (Wl ) +
2

2
1
2 2 2
wL
(d) Wl + +T 2
2 [IES-1999]

IES-25. Bending moment M and torque is applied on a solid circular shaft. If the
maximum bending stress equals to maximum shear stress developed, them M is
equal to: [IES-1992]
T
(a) (b) T (c) 2T (d) 4T
2

IES-26. A circular shaft is subjected to the combined action of bending, twisting and
direct axial loading. The maximum bending stress σ, maximum shearing force
3 and a uniform axial stress σ(compressive) are produced. The maximum
compressive normal stress produced in the shaft will be: [IES-1998]
(a) 3 σ (b) 2 σ (c) σ (d) Zero

IES-27. Which one of the following statements is correct? Shafts used in heavy duty speed
reducers are generally subjected to: [IES-2004]
(a) Bending stress only
(b) Shearing stress only
(c) Combined bending and shearing stresses
(d) Bending, shearing and axial thrust simultaneously

Comparison of Solid and Hollow Shafts

IES-28. The ratio of torque carrying capacity of a solid shaft to that of a hollow shaft is
given by: [IES-2008]
( ) ( )
−1
(a) 1 − K 4 (b) 1 − K 4 (c)K 4 (d)1/ K 4
Di
Where K = ; Di = Inside diameter of hollow shaft and D o = Outside diameter of hollow
Do
shaft. Shaft material is the same.

IES-28a. One-half length of 50 mm diameter steel rod is solid while the remaining half is
hollow having a bore of 25 mm. The rod is subjected to equal and opposite torque
at its ends. If the maximum shear stress in solid portion is τ or, the maximum
shear stress in the hollow portion is: [IES-2003]
15 4 16
(a) (b) (c) (d)
16 3 15

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
IES-28b. Two shafts, one solid and the other hollow, made of the same material, will have
the same strength and stiffness, if both are of the same [IES-2017]
(a) length as well as weight
(b) length as well as polar modulus
(c) weight as well as polar modulus
(d) length, weight as well as polar modulus

IES-28c. A propeller shaft is required to transmit 45 kW power at 500 rpm. It is a hollow shaft
having inside diameter 0.6 times the outside diameter. It is made of plain carbon
steel and the permissible shear stress is 84 N/mm2. The inner and outer diameters of
the shaft are nearly. [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) 21.7 mm and 39.1 mm (b) 23.7 mm and 39.1 mm
(c) 21.7 mm and 32.2 mm (d) 23.5 mm and 32.2 mm

IES-29. A hollow shaft of outer dia 40 mm and inner dia of 20 mm is to be replaced by a

solid shaft to transmit the same torque at the same maximum stress. What should
be the diameter of the solid shaft? [IES 2007]
(a) 30 mm (b) 35 mm (c) 10 (60)1/3 mm (d) 10 (20)1/3 mm

IES-30. The diameter of a solid shaft is D. The inside and outside diameters of a hollow
D 2D
shaft of same material and length are and respectively. What is the ratio
3 3
of the weight of the hollow shaft to that of the solid shaft? [IES 2007]
(a) 1:1 (b) 1: 3 (c) 1:2 (d) 1:3

IES-31. What is the maximum torque transmitted by a hollow shaft of external radius R
and internal radius r? [IES-2006]
R4 − r 4
(a)
16
(R 3
)
− r3 fs (b)
2R
(R 4
)
− r 4 fs (c)
8R
(R 4
)
− r 4 fs (d)
32 R
fs

( f s = maximum shear stress in the shaft material)

IES-32. A hollow shaft of the same cross-sectional area and material as that of a solid shaft
transmits: [IES-2005]
(a) Same torque (b) Lesser torque
(c) More torque (d) Cannot be predicted without more data

IES-33. The outside diameter of a hollow shaft is twice its inside diameter. The ratio of its
torque carrying capacity to that of a solid shaft of the same material and the same
outside diameter is: [GATE-1993; IES-2001]
15 3 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
16 4 2 16

IES-34. Two hollow shafts of the same material have the same length and outside
diameter. Shaft 1 has internal diameter equal to one-third of the outer diameter
and shaft 2 has internal diameter equal to half of the outer diameter. If both the
shafts are subjected to the same torque, the ratio of their twists 1 / 2 will be
equal to: [IES-1998]
(a) 16/81 (b) 8/27 (c) 19/27 (d) 243/256

IES-35. Maximum shear stress in a solid shaft of diameter D and length L twisted through
an angle θ is τ. A hollow shaft of same material and length having outside and
inside diameters of D and D/2 respectively is also twisted through the same angle
of twist θ. The value of maximum shear stress in the hollow shaft will be:
[IES-1994; 1997]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
16 8 4
(a ) ( b) ( c) (d)
15 7 3

IES-36. A solid shaft of diameter 'D' carries a twisting moment that develops maximum
shear stress τ. If the shaft is replaced by a hollow one of outside diameter 'D' and
inside diameter D/2, then the maximum shear stress will be: [IES-1994]
(a) 1.067 τ (b) 1.143 τ (c) 1.333 τ (d) 2 τ

IES-37. A solid shaft of diameter 100 mm, length 1000 mm is subjected to a twisting
moment 'T’ The maximum shear stress developed in the shaft is 60 N/mm 2. A hole
of 50 mm diameter is now drilled throughout the length of the shaft. To develop a
maximum shear stress of 60 N/mm2 in the hollow shaft, the torque 'T’ must be
reduced by: [IES-1998, 2012]
(a) T/4 (b) T/8 (c) T/12 (d)T/16

IES-38. Assertion (A): A hollow shaft will transmit a greater torque than a solid shaft of
the same weight and same material. [IES-1994]
Reason (R): The average shear stress in the hollow shaft is smaller than the
average shear stress in the solid shaft.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-38a. Hollow shafts are stronger than solid shafts having same weight because
(a) the stiffness of hollow shaft is less than that of solid shaft
(b) the strength of hollow shaft is more than that of solid shaft
(c) the natural frequency of hollow shaft is less than that of solid shaft
(d) in hollow shafts, material is not spread at large radius [IES-2019 Pre.]

IES-39. A hollow shaft is subjected to torsion. The shear stress variation in the shaft along
the radius is given by: [IES-1996]

Shafts in Series
IES-40. What is the total angle of
twist of the stepped
shaft subject to torque T
shown in figure given
above?
16Tl 38Tl
(a) (b)
Gd 4 Gd 4
64Tl 66Tl
(c) (d)
Gd 4 Gd 4 [IES-2005]

Shafts in Parallel
IES-41. For the two shafts connected in parallel, find which statement is true?

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
(a) Torque in each shaft is the same [IES-1992, 2011]
(b) Shear stress in each shaft is the same
(c) Angle of twist of each shaft is the same
(d) Torsional stiffness of each shaft is the same

IES-42. A circular section rod ABC is fixed at ends A and C. It is subjected to torque T at
B.AB = BC = L and the polar moment of inertia of portions AB and BC are 2 J and
J respectively. If G is the modulus of rigidity, what is the angle of twist at point B?
[IES-2005]
TL TL TL 2TL
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3GJ 2GJ GJ GJ
IES-43. A solid circular rod AB of diameter D and length L is fixed at both ends. A torque
T is applied at a section X such that AX = L/4 and BX = 3L/4. What is the maximum
shear stress developed in the rod? [IES-2004]
16T 12T 8T 4T
(a) (b) (c) (d)
D3 D3 D3 D3

IES-44. Two shafts are shown in

the above figure. These
two shafts will be
torsionally equivalent to
each other if their
(a) Polar moment of inertias
are the same
(b) Total angle of twists are
the same
(c) Lengths are the same
(d) Strain energies are the
same [IES-1998]

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Torsion Equation
IAS-1. Assertion (A): In theory of torsion, shearing strains increase radically away from
the longitudinal axis of the bar. [IAS-2001]
Reason (R): Plane transverse sections before loading remain plane after the
torque is applied.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-2. The shear stress at a point in a shaft subjected to a torque is: [IAS-1995]
(a) Directly proportional to the polar moment of inertia and to the distance of the point form
the axis
(b) Directly proportional to the applied torque and inversely proportional to the polar
moment of inertia.
(c) Directly proportional to the applied torque and polar moment of inertia
(d) inversely proportional to the applied torque and the polar moment of inertia

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
IAS-3. If two shafts of the same length, one of which is hollow, transmit equal torque and
have equal maximum stress, then they should have equal. [IAS-1994]
(a) Polar moment of inertia (b) Polar modulus of section
(c) Polar moment of inertia (d) Angle of twist

Hollow Circular Shafts

IAS-4. A hollow circular shaft having outside diameter 'D' and inside diameter ’d’
subjected to a constant twisting moment 'T' along its length. If the maximum
shear stress produced in the shaft is s then the twisting moment 'T' is given by:
[IAS-1999]
D −d
4 4
D −d
4 4
D −d
4 4
D −d4
4
(a) s (b) s (c) s (d) s
8 D 16 D 32 D 64 D

Torsional Rigidity
IAS-5. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists: [IAS-1996]
List-I (Mechanical Properties) List-II ( Characteristics)
A. Torsional rigidity 1. Product of young's modulus and second
moment of area about the plane of bending
B. Modulus of resilience 2. Strain energy per unit volume
C. Bauschinger effect 3. Torque unit angle of twist
D. Flexural rigidity 4. Loss of mechanical energy due to local
yielding
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 4 2 (b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 2 4 1 3 (d) 3 1 4 2

IAS-6. Assertion (A): Angle of twist per unit length of a uniform diameter shaft depends
upon its torsional rigidity. [IAS-2004]
Reason (R):The shafts are subjected to torque only.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Combined Bending and Torsion

IAS-7. A shaft is subjected to a bending moment M = 400 N.m alld torque T = 300 N.m The
equivalent bending moment is: [IAS-2002]
(a) 900 N.m (b) 700 N.m (c) 500 N.m (d) 450 N.m

Comparison of Solid and Hollow Shafts

IAS-8. A hollow shaft of length L is fixed at its both ends. It is subjected to torque T at a
L
distance of from one end. What is the reaction torque at the other end of the
3
shaft? [IAS-2007]
2T T T T
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 2 3 4

IAS-9. A solid shaft of diameter d is replaced by a hollow shaft of the same material and
2d d
length. The outside diameter of hollow shaft while the inside diameter is .
3 3
What is the ratio of the torsional stiffness of the hollow shaft to that of the solid
shaft? [IAS-2007]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
2 3 5
(a) (b) (c) (d) 2
3 5 3

IAS-10. Two steel shafts, one solid of diameter D and the other hollow of outside diameter
D and inside diameter D/2, are twisted to the same angle of twist per unit length.
The ratio of maximum shear stress in solid shaft to that in the hollow shaft is:
4 8 16
(a) (b) (c) (d) [IAS-1998]
9 7 15

Shafts in Series
IAS-11. Two shafts having the same length and material are joined in series. If the ratio of
the diameter of the first shaft to that of the second shaft is 2, then the ratio of the
angle of twist of the first shaft to that of the second shaft is: [IAS-1995; 2003]
(a) 16 (b) 8 (c) 4 (d) 2

IAS-12. A circular shaft fixed at A has diameter D for half of its length and diameter D/2
over the other half. What is the rotation of C relative of B if the rotation of B
relative to A is 0.1 radian? [IAS-1994]
(a)0.4 radian (b) 0.8 radian (c) 1.6 radian (d) 3.2 radian

(T, L and C remaining same in both cases)

Shafts in Parallel
IAS-13. A stepped solid circular shaft shown in the given figure is built-in at its ends and
is subjected to a torque To at the shoulder section. The ratio of reactive torque T 1
and T2 at the ends is (J1 and J2 are polar moments of inertia):
J2 l2 J2 l1
(a) (b)
J1 l1 J1 l2
J l2 J l1
(c) 1 (d) 1
J2 l1 J2 l2

[IAS-2001]
IAS-14. Steel shaft and brass shaft of same length and diameter are connected by a flange
coupling. The assembly is rigidity held at its ends and is twisted by a torque
through the coupling. Modulus of rigidity of steel is twice that of brass. If torque
of the steel shaft is 500 Nm, then the value of the torque in brass shaft will be:
(a) 250 Nm (b) 354 Nm (c) 500 Nm (d) 708 Nm [IAS-2001]
IAS-15. A steel shaft with bult-in ends is subjected to the action of a torque Mt applied at
an intermediate cross-section 'mn' as shown in the given figure. [IAS-1997]

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
Assertion (A): The magnitude of the twisting moment to which the portion BC is
M ta
subjected is
a+b
Reason(R): For geometric compatibility, angle of twist at 'mn' is the same for the
portions AB and BC.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-16. A steel shaft of outside diameter 100 mm is solid over one half of its length and
hollow over the other half. Inside diameter of hollow portion is 50 mm. The shaft if
held rigidly at two ends and a pulley is mounted at its midsection i.e., at the
junction of solid and hollow portions. The shaft is twisted by applying torque on
the pulley. If the torque carried by the solid portion of the shaft is 16000 kgm, then
the torque carried by the hollow portion of the shaft will be:
[IAS-1997]
(a) 16000 kg-m (b) 15000 kg-m (c) 14000 kg-m (d) 12000 kg-m

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
16T
GATE-1. Ans. (a) =
d3
16T 16T 16T 240
GATE-2. Ans. (c) = , 240 = if diameter doubled d = 2d, then = = = 30MPa
( 2d)
3
d d3 3
8
GATE-2a. Ans. (a)
16 T
Maximum shear stress =
d3
Normal stress = 0
GATE-2b. Ans. (a)
16T
Don’t get confused with .
d3
16T
See below given diagram properly. xy = 0 but yz = zx =
d3

GATE-2c. Ans. (b) It is a case of pure shear maximum normal stress and maximum shear stress are same.
GATE-2d. Ans. (0.8726)

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
T G
Bending Equation: = max =
J R L
R
or max =
G L
R
or max =
L

or p 10−3 =
0.005 m (10 180 ) rad
1m
or p = 0.8726
16T
GATE-3. Ans. (c) = as T & d both are same τ is same
d3
GATE-4. Ans. (c)
16T
GATE-4a.Ans. 7.9 to 8.1 Using it is 8.0
d3
GATE-4b. Ans.(b)Angular twist at the L L/2
free end
= 1+ 2
T
L
T d
T L 2
= + 2d 1 2
4 4
G (2d ) G (d )
32 32
2TL 16TL 18TL
= + =
G d4 G d4 G d4
1
18TL 4
d=
G
GATE-4c. Ans. (d)
Torque (T) = P.2 L
TL ( P.2 L ) L 4 PL2
= = =
GJ G R4
2( GR 4
)
Vertical upward displacement due to rotation of circular cylinder
4 PL3
= θ L= [As rod is rigid no bending, no deflection due to bending]
GR 4
GATE-4d. Ans. (35.343)

150 109 0.044 − 0.024

GJ 32
Tortional Stiffness = = = 35343 Nm / rad = 35.343 kNm / rad
L 1
GATE-4e. Ans. (A)

𝟐𝝅𝑵 𝟐𝝅×𝟓𝟎𝟎
GATE-5. Ans. range(60 to 61) 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 = 𝑻𝝎 = 𝑻 × ⇒ 𝟒𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 = 𝑻 × ⇒ 𝑻 = 𝟕𝟔𝟑. 𝟗𝟒 𝑵𝒎
𝟔𝟎 𝟔𝟎
𝟏𝟔𝑻
𝝉= = 𝟔𝟎. 𝟕𝟗 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝝅𝒅𝟑
2 N 16T d3
GATE-5a. Ans. (c) Power, P = T and = 3
or T =
60 d 16
d3 2 N
or P = or P d3
16 60
GATE-5b. Ans. (c)
T
=
J R

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
J
=T
R
2
= 125 (1004 − 504 ) 10−6 = 23.00 k −m
32 100
GATE-5c. Answer: 44.52
2 700
P =T or 30 1000 = T T = 409.256 Nm
60
T G
=
J L
409.256 80 109
=
1 180
(1 − 0.74 )D4
32
D = 0.04452 m = 44.52 mm
GATE-5d. Answer: (b)
2 3000
P =T or 20 103 = T T = 63.662Nm
60
T 63.662 30 106
= =
r J do / 2
(d4 − di4 )
32 o
di = 11.295 mm or do = 2di = 22.59 mm

GATE-6. Ans. (d) Equivalent torque ( Te ) = M2 + T2 = 32 + 42 = 5kNm

GATE-6i. Ans. (c)
GATE-6ii. Ans. (a)

T G J
GATE-7. Ans. (a) = = or T = if is const. T J
J L R R
4
D
D4 −
Th J 32 2 15
= h = =
T J 16
D4
32
GATE-7(i) Ans. (b)
T
=
R J

Here, J= (204 − 164 )mm4 ;

32
20
R1 = = 10 mm;
2
T = 92.7 N-m;
16
R2 = = 8 mm
2
TR1 92.7 103 10
1 = = = 99.96 MPa 100 MPa
J
(204 − 164 )
32
TR 2 92.7 103 8
and 2 = = = 79.96 MPa 80 MPa
J
(204 − 164 )
32
GATE-7(ii)Ans. (c)
We know that
T
=
R J

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
R T1 J2
1
= 1
2 R2 T2 J1
4
R T1 2R1
1
= 1
2 2R1 4 T1 R1
1 1
1
= 16
2 2 4

2 = 1

2 =
2
GATE-7(iii) Ans. (1.48 to 1.52)
TL
GATE-8. Ans. (b) We know that = or T = k. [let k = tortional stiffness]
GJ
TMN T T 10 10 10
= MN + NO + OP = + NO + OP = + + = 1.0 rad
kMN kNO kOP 20 30 60
GATE-8(i) Ans. 0.236
Angle of twist at (c) = Angle of twist at (B)
Tl 10 0.5 32
= = = 0.004134rad = 0.236 rad
GJ 77 109 0.024
TAL A TL TA TC TC
GATE-9.Ans.(c) = or = C C or = or TA =
( 2d)
AB BC
GA JA GC JC d4 4
16
32 32
GATE-9a. Ans. (c)

TP + TQ = T and PR = QR

TP L TQ 2 L
= or TP = (T − TP ) 2
GJ GJ
2T T
Tp = = 100 Nm and TQ = = 50 Nm
3 3
GATE-10. Ans. (b)
The symmetry of the shaft shows that there is no torsion on section AB.
TL
Rotation, 1 =
GJ1
IES-10(i). Ans. (a)

IES
T r 16T
IES-1. Ans. (d) = =
J d3
IES-2. Ans. (a)
IES-2(i). Ans. (d)
16T
IES-3. Ans. (c)Maximum shear stress = = 240 MPa =
d3
Maximum shear stress developed when diameter is doubled

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
16 1 16T 240
= = = = = 30MPa
( 2d)
3 3
8 d 8 8
16T d3
IES-4. Ans. (c) = 3
or T = for same material = const.
d 16
3 3
T2 d 60
T d3 or = 2 = =8
T1 d1 30
16T
IES-4(i).Ans. (b) =
d3
IES-5. Ans. (b)
IES-5(i). Ans. (b)
IES-5(ii). Ans. (b)
IES-6. Ans. (d)
𝑇∙𝐿 340×103 ×1.3×103
IES-6a. Ans. (a) Angle of twist, 𝜃 = = 𝜋 = 0.02199 rad = 1.26°
𝐺∙𝐽 80×103 × (40)4
32
IES-6b. Ans. (b)
IES-7. Ans. (a)
IES-8. Ans. (c)
IES-9. Ans. (d)
T G GR 1
IES-10. Ans. (c) = = or =
J R L L L
IES-12. Ans. (d)
T G T.L
= = or Q = if is const. T J if J is doubled then T is also doubled.
J L R G.J
IES-13. Ans. (d) Power (P) = torque ( T ) angular speed ( )
1 T 1
if P is const.T if = or T = ( T / 2 )
=
T 2
16T 16 ( T / 2 ) d 1
= = or = 3
d3 (d )
3
d 2
2 N 16T d3
IES-14. Ans. (a) Power, P = T and = or T =
60 d3 16
1/3
d3 2 N 480 P P
or P = or d3 = 2 or d
16 60 J N N
IES-15. Ans. (c)
16T
IES-15a. Ans. (d) = or T = d 3 /16
d3
2 NT 2 N d3
Power ( P ) = T . = =
60 60 16
16T
IES-15b.Ans. (d) = or T = d 3 /16
d3
2 NT 2 N d3
Power ( P ) = T . = =
60 60 16
2 1500 (150 / 3) 10
6
d3
25 103 = [ 2 10]
60 16
3
25 10 60 16 16 3 16
d3 = m = 6 109 mm3 = 16000 mm3
2 2 1500 50 106 10
or d = 20 3 2 answer is more than 20 mm. only option is 26 mm
IES-15c. Ans. (c)
IES-15d. Ans. (d)

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
2 N
Power ( P ) = T =T
60
P 60 4000 60
or T = = Nm = 47.75 Nm
2 N 2 800
TL T T
= or = or =
GJ L GJ L G d4
32 ( )
32T 32 47.75
or d 4 = = or d = 0.03394 m 34 mm
G
L
(84 10 ) 0.25 180
9

2 N 16T d3
IES-16. Ans. (c) Power, P = T and = or T =
60 d3 16
d3 2 N
or P = or P d3
16 60
IES-17. Ans. (d)
IES-18.Ans.(b)
IES-19. Ans. (c)Te = M2 + T2

IES-20. Ans. (d) Teq = (1.5 500 ) + ( 2 1000 ) = 2136 Nm

2 2

M + M2 + T2 400 + 4002 + 3002

IES-21. Ans. (a) Equivalent Bending Moment (Me ) = = = 450N.m
2 2
Equivalent torque ( Te ) = M2 + T2 = 4002 + 3002 = 500N.m
IES-21a. Ans. (a)
Equivalent Bending Moment
[𝑀 + √𝑀2 + 𝑇 2 ] [3.46 + √3.462 + 11.52 ]
𝑀𝑒 = = = 7.7346 𝑘𝑁𝑚
2 2
Equivalent Torque
𝑇𝑒 = √𝑀2 + 𝑇 2 = √3.462 + 11.52 = 12.009 𝑘𝑁𝑚
IES-21(i) Ans. (a)
M = 3000 Nm; T = 4000 Nm
16 16 250
= M + M 2 +T2 = −6
3000 + 30002 + 40002 =
d3 3
8 10
IES-22. Ans. (c)Use equivalent bending moment formula,
1st case: Equivalent bending moment (Me) = M
0 + 02 + T 2 T
2nd case: Equivalent bending moment (Me) = =
2 2
IES-23. Ans. (d)
wL2
IES-24. Ans. (d) Bending Moment, M = Wl +
2
32 M 16T
IES-25. Ans. (a) = and =
d3 d3
IES-26. Ans. (a)Maximum normal stress = bending stress σ + axial stress (σ) = 2 σ
We have to take maximum bending stress σ is (compressive)
2

The maximum compressive normal stress = b

− b
+ 2
xy
2 2

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
2
−2 −2
( )
2
= − + 3 = −3
2 2
IES-27. Ans. (c)
IES-28. Ans. (b) should be same for both hollow and solid shaft
4 −1
Ts Th Ts D4 Ts Di
= = 4 o 4 = 1−

32
Do4
32
(D 4
o − Di4 ) Th Do − Di Th Do

(1 − k )
Ts −1
4
Th
T J
IES-28a. Ans. (d) = or T =
J r r
J J D
or s = h h ; rs = rh =
rs rh 2

D4
Js 32 1 1 16
or = = = = =
(D )
h 4 4
Jh 4
−d4 d 25 15
32 1− 1−
D 50
IES-28b. Ans. (b)
IES-28c. Ans. (b)
2 N
Power ( P ) = T =T
60
P 60 45000 60
or T = = Nm = 859.4 Nm
2 N 2 500
T ( D 2) 16T
For Hollow Shaft , max = =
( D −d )
4 4 D 3
(1 − 0.64 )
32
16T 16 859.4
or D 3 = =
max (1 − 0.6 )
4
(84 106 ) (1 − 0.64 )
or D = 0.03912 m 39.1 mm or d = 0.6 39.1 mm 23.5 mm
IES-29. Ans. (c)Section modules will be same

(404 − 204 )
JH J 32 d4
-= s or =
RH Rs 40 32 d
2
2
3
or, d3 = (10)3 60 or d = 10 60 mm
4D2 D2
− L g
W 4 3 3
IES-30.Ans.(a) H = =1
WS D 2
L g
4
R4 − r 4 ( )
T fs
IES-31. Ans. (b) =
J R
or T =
J
R
fs = 2
R
fs =
2R
(R 4
)
− r 4 .fs .

T n +1
2
D
IES-32. Ans. (c) H = , Where n = H
TS n n2 − 1 dH
T G J
IES-33.Ans.(a) = = or T = if is const. T J
J L R R

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
4
D
D4 −
Th J 32 2 15
= h = =
T J 16
D4
32
4
d1
d14 −
1 Q1 2 243
IES-34. Ans. (d) Q = 4
=
J Q2 d1 256
d14 −
3
T G G.R.
IES-35. Ans. (d) = = or = if is const. R and outer diameter is same in both the
J L R L
cases.
Note: Required torque will be different.
T G TR 1
IES-36. Ans. (a) = = or = if T is const.
J L R J J
J D4 16
h
= = 4
= = 1.06666
Jh D 15
D −
4

2
Tr 16T T 32(d / 2) T 15
IES-37. Ans. (d) =
= = 4 or =
d − ( d / 2)
s 3 4
J d T 16
1
Reduction =
16
IES-38. Ans. (c)
IES-38a. Ans. (b)
IES-39. Ans. (c)
T 2l T l Tl 66Tl
IES-40. Ans. (d) = 1 + 2 = + = 64 + 2 =
d4 G 4
Gd4
( 2d) Gd
4
G.
32 32
IES-41. Ans. (c)
IES-42. Ans. (a) AB = BC

TABL TBC.L
or = or TAB = 2TBC
G.2J G.J
TAB + TBC = T or TBC = T / 3
T L TL
or QB = Q AB = . =
3 GJ 3GJ
IES-43. Ans. (b) AX = XB & TA + TB = T
3L
TA.L / 4 TB 4
or =
GJ GJ
3T
or TA = 3TB or TA = ,
4
3
16 T
16TA 4 12T
max = = 4
=
D3 D3 D3

IES-44. Ans. (b)

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (b)
T
IAS-2. Ans. (b) =
J R
T J
IAS-3.Ans.(b) = Here T & are same, so should be same i.e.polar modulus of section will be
J R R
same.

T G J s
32
(D 4
− d4 ) (D 4
− d4 )
IAS-4. Ans. (b) = = gives T = = = s
J L R R D 16 D
2
IAS-5.Ans. (b)
IAS-6. Ans. (c)
M + M 2 + T 2 400 + 4002 + 3002
IAS-7. Ans. (d) Me = = = 450 Nm
2 2
IAS-8. Ans. (c)

4 4
2d d
−
T GJ K 32 3 3 5
IAS-9. Ans. (c)Torsional stiffness = = or H = =
L KS .d 4 3
32
T G G R
IAS-10. Ans. (d) = = or = as outside diameter of both the shaft is D so is same
J R L L
for both the cases.
1 1
IAS-11. Ans. (a) Angle of twist is proportional to
J d4
T G 1 1 d4
IAS-12. Ans. (c) = or or ' J =
J L J d4 32
4
d
Here = or = 1.6 radian.
0.1 (d / 2 )4
T1l1 T2l2 T1 J l2
IAS-13.Ans. (c) 1 = 2 or = or = 1
GJ1 GJ 2 T2 J2 l1
IAS-14. Ans. (a)
Tsls Tl Ts Tb Tb Gb 1 Ts
1 = 2 or = bb or = or = = or Tb = = 250 Nm
Gs J s Gb J b Gs Gb Ts Gs 2 2
IAS-15. Ans. (a)

TL TL JH (100 4
− 504 )
IAS-16. Ans.(b) = or s = H or TH = TS = 16000 32 = 15000kgm
( )
s H
GJs GJH Js
1004
32

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES 2010
Q. A hollow steel rod 200 mm long is to be used as torsional spring. The ratio of
inside to outside diameter is 1 : 2. The required stiffness of this spring is 100 N.m
/degree.
Determine the outside diameter of the rod.
Value of G is 8 104 N/mm2 . [10 Marks]

Ans. Length of a hollow steel rod = 200mm

Ratio of inside to outside diameter = 1 : 2
Stiffness of torsional spring = 100 Nm /degree. = 5729.578 N m/rad
4 2
Rigidity of modulus (G) = 8 10 N / mm
Find outside diameter of rod : -
We know that
T G. Where T = Torque
=
J L
T N−M
= Stiffness
θ rad
J = polar moment
Stiffness = T = G.J θ = twist angle in rad
L
L = length of rod.
d2 = 2d1

J=
32
(d 4
2 - d14 )
J=
32
(16d 4
1 - d14 ) d1
d2
=
1
2

J= d14 15
32
8 104 106 N / m2
5729.578Nm / rad = d14 15
0.2 32
5729.578 .2 32
10
= d14
8 10 15
−3
d1 = 9.93 10 m.
d1 = 9.93mm.
d 2 = 2 9.93 = 19.86 mm Ans.

Conventional Question GATE - 1998

Question: A component used in the Mars pathfinder can be idealized as a circular bar
clamped at its ends. The bar should withstand a torque of 1000 Nm. The
component is assembled on earth when the temperature is 30°C. Temperature on
Mars at the site of landing is -70°C. The material of the bar has an allowable
shear stress of 300 MPa and its young's modulus is 200 GPa. Design the diameter
of the bar taking a factor of safety of 1.5 and assuming a coefficient of thermal
expansion for the material of the bar as 12 × 10–6/°C.
Answer: Given:

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
Tmax = 1000Nm; tE = 30 C; t m = −70 C;
0 0
allowable = 300MPa
−6
E = 200GPa; F.O.S. = 1.5; = 12 10 / C 0

Diameter of the bar,D :

Change in length, L = L t,where L = original length,m.
Change in lengthat Mars = L 12 10 −6 30 − ( −70 ) = 12 10 −4 L meters
Change in length 12 10 −4 L
Linear strain = = = 12 10 −4
original length L
= axial stress = E linear strain = 200 109 12 10 −4 = 2.4 108 N / m
2

From max imum shear stress equation,we have

2 2
16T
max = + a
D3 2
300
where, max = = 200MPa
allowable
=
F.O.S 1.5
Substituting the values, we get
2
16 1000
( )
2
4 1016 = + 1.2 108
D3
16 1000
or = 1.6 108
D3
1/3
16 1000
or D = = 0.03169 m = 31.69 mm
1.6 108

Conventional Question IES-2009

Q. In a torsion test, the specimen is a hollow shaft with 50 mm external and 30 mm
internal diameter. An applied torque of 1.6 kN-m is found to produce an angular
twist of 0.4º measured on a length of 0.2 m of the shaft. The Young’s modulus of
elasticity obtained from a tensile test has been found to be 200 GPa. Find the
values of
(i) Modulus of rigidity.
(ii) Poisson’s ratio. [10-Marks]
Ans. We have
T G
= = ......... (i)
J r L
Where J = polar moment of inertia
J=
32
(D 4
− d4 )
=
32
( 50
4
− 304 ) 10−12

= 5.338 10−7
T = 1.6 kN − m = 1.6 103 N-m
= 0.4º
l = 0.2 m
E = 200 × 109 N/m2
T G
From equation (i) =
J L
G 0.4
1.6 103 180
−7
=
5.338 10 0.2
1.6 0.2 103 180
G=
0.4 5.338 10−7
= 85.92 GPa

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
We also have
E = 2 G (1 + v)
200 = 2 × 85.92 (1 + v )
1 + v = 1.164
v = 0.164

Conventional Question IAS - 1996

Question: A solid circular uniformly tapered shaft of length I, with a small angle oftaper is
subjected to a torque T. The diameter at the two ends of the shaft are D and 1.2
D. Determine the error introduced of its angular twist for a given length is
determined on the uniform mean diameter of the shaft.
Answer: For shaft of tapering's section, we have
2TL R12 + R1R 2 + R 22 32TL D12 + D1D2 + D22
= =
3G R13R32 3G D13D32
(1.2) + 1.2 1 + (1)
2 2
32TL
= D1 = D and D2 = 1.2D
(1.2 ) (1)
3 3
3G D4
32TL
= 2.1065
3G D4
1.2D + D
Now, Davg = = 1.1D
2
3 (1.1D )
2
32TL 32TL 3 32TL
'= = = 2.049
(1.1D) (1.2)
6 4
3G 3G .D 4 3G D4

− ' 2.1065 − 2.049

Error = = = 0.0273 or 2.73%
2.1065

Conventional Question ESE-2008

Question: A hollow shaft and a solid shaft construction of the same material have the same
length and the same outside radius. The inside radius of the hollow shaft is 0.6
times of the outside radius. Both the shafts are subjected to the same torque.
(i) What is the ratio of maximum shear stress in the hollow shaft to that of solid
shaft?
(ii) What is the ratio of angle of twist in the hollow shaft to that of solid shaft?
T Gθ
Solution: Using = =
J R L
Inside radius (r)
Given, 0.6 and Th Ts T
Out side (R)
T .R T .R
(i) = gives ; For hollow shaft ( h )
J R4 r4
2
T .R
and for solid shaft ( s)=

.R 4
2
4
n R 1 1
Therefore 4 4 4
1.15
s R r r 1 0.64
1
R

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
TL T .L T .L
(ii) = gives h and s
GJ R4 r4
G. G. .R 4
2 2
θh R 4
1 1
Therefore 1.15
θs R 4
r 4
r
4
1 0.64
1
R
Conventional Question ESE-2006:
Question: Two hollow shafts of same diameter are used to transmit same power. One shaft
is rotating at 1000 rpm while the other at 1200 rpm. What will be the nature and
magnitude of the stress on the surfaces of these shafts? Will it be the same in two
cases of different? Justify your answer.
Answer: We know power transmitted (P) = Torque (T) ×rotation speed ( )
T .R PR P. D
And shear stress ( ) = 2
J J 2 N π
D4 d4
60 32
1
Therefore as P, D and d are constant.
N
So the shaft rotating at 1000 rpm will experience greater stress then 1200 rpm shaft.

Conventional Question ESE-2002

Question: A 5 cm diameter solid shaft is welded to a flat plate by 1 cm filled weld. What will
be the maximum torque that the welded joint can sustain if the permissible
shear stress in the weld material is not to exceed 8 kN/cm 2? Deduce the
expression for the shear stress at the throat from the basic theory.
Answer: Consider a circular shaft connected to a
plate by means of a fillet joint as shown in
figure. If the shaft is subjected to a torque,
shear stress develops in the weld.
Assuming that the weld thickness is very
small compared to the diameter of the
shaft, the maximum shear stress occurs in
the throat area. Thus, for a given torque
the maximum shear stress in the weld is
d
T t
2
max
J
Where T = Torque applied.
d = outer diameter of the shaft
t = throat thickness
J =polar moment of area of the throat
section
4
= d 2t d4 d3 t
32 4
d
T
[As t <<d] then 2 = 2T
d 3 t πtd
max 2

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
Given
d = 5 cm = 0.05 m & t = 1cm = 0.1 m
8000N
max 8 kN / cm 2 4 2
80MPa 80 106 N / m 2
10 m
πd 2t max π 0.052 0.01 80 106
T 3.142 kNm
2 2
Conventional Question ESE-2000
Question: The ratio of inside to outside diameter of a hollow shaft is 0.6. If there is a solid
shaft with same torsional strength, what is the ratio of the outside diameter of
hollow shaft to the diameter of the equivalent solid shaft.
Answer: Let D = external diameter of hollow shaft
So d = 0.6D internal diameter of hollow shaft
And Ds=diameter of solid shaft
From torsion equation
T
J R
π
{D 4 (0.6D )4 }
J 32
or ,T for hollow shaft
R D/2
π
Ds4
J 32
and T= J for solid shaft
R Ds
2
πD3 πD3s
{1 (0.6)4 }
16 16
D 1
or , 3 1.072
Ds 1 (0.6)4

Conventional Question ESE-2001

Question: A cantilever tube of length 120 mm is subjected to an axial tension P = 9.0 kN, A
torsional moment T = 72.0 Nm and a pending Load F = 1.75 kN at the free end.
The material is aluminum alloy with an yield strength 276 MPa. Find the
thickness of the tube limiting the outside diameter to 50 mm so as to ensure a
factor of safety of 4.
πD3t
Answer: Polar moment of inertia (J) =2πR 3t
4

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
T T.R TD TD 2T 2 72 18335
or, =
J R J 2J πD 3 t πD 2t π (0.050)2 t t
2
4
P 9000 9000 57296
Direct stress (σ1 )
A πdt π(0.050)t t
d
My M 2 Md
Maximum bending stress (σ 2 ) [J 2I ]
I I J
1750 0.120 0.050 4 106952
π (0.050)3 t t
164248
Total longitudinal stress (σb ) σ1 σ 2
t
Maximum principal stress
σb σb
2 2 2
164248 164248 18335 276 106
σ1 2

2 2 2t 2t t 4
or , t 2.4 10 3 m 2.4 mm
Conventional Question ESE-2000 & ESE 2001
Question: A hollow shaft of diameter ratio 3/8 required to transmit 600kW at 110 rpm, the
maximum torque being 20% greater than the mean. The shear stress is not to
exceed 63 MPa and the twist in a length of 3 m not to exceed 1.4 degrees.
Determine the diameter of the shaft. Assume modulus of rigidity for the shaft
material as 84 GN/m2.
Answer: Let d = internal diameter of the hollow shaft
And D = external diameter of the hollow shaft
(given) d = 3/8 D = 0.375D
Power (P)= 600 kW, speed (N) =110 rpm, Shear stress( )= 63 MPa. Angle of twist ( θ
)=1.4°, Length ( ) =3m , modulus of rigidity (G) = 84GPa
2πN
We know that, (P) = T. ω = T. [T is average torque]
60
3
60 P 60 (600 10 )
or T= = 52087Nm
2πN 2 π ×110
Tmax 1.2 T 1.2 52087 =62504 Nm
First we consider that shear stress is not to exceed 63 MPa
T
From torsion equation
J R
T .R T .D
or J
2
π 4 62504 D
or D (0.375D)4
32 2 (63 106 )
or D 0.1727m 172.7mm (i )
17 1.4
Second we consider angle of twist is not exceed 1.40 radian
180

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
T Gθ
From torsion equation
J
T Gθ
or
J
62504 3
or D4 (0.375D) 4
32 π 1.5
(84 109 )
180
or D 0.1755m 175.5mm (ii)
So both the condition will satisfy if greater of the two value is adopted
so D=175.5 mm

Conventional Question ESE-1997

Question: Determine the torsional stiffness of a hollow shaft of length L and having
outside diameter equal to 1.5 times inside diameter d. The shear modulus of the
material is G.
Answer: Outside diameter (D) =1.5 d
π π 4
Polar modulus of the shaft (J) = D4 d4 d (1.54 1)
32 32
T G
We know that
J R L
π 4
G. d (1.54 1)
G J 32 0.4G d 4
or T
L L L

Conventional Question AMIE-1996

Question: The maximum normal stress and the maximum shear stress analysed for a shaft
of 150 mm diameter under combined bending and torsion, were found to be 120
MN/m2 and 80 MN/m2 respectively. Find the bending moment and torque to
which the shaft is subjected.

If the maximum shear stress be limited to 100 MN/m 2, find by how much the
torque can beincreased if the bending moment is kept constant.
Answer: Given: max = 120MN / m2 ; max = 80MN / m2 ;d = 150mm = 0.15m
Part − 1: M; T
We know that for combined bending and torsion, we have the following expressions:
16
max = M + M2 + T 2 − − − (i)
d3
16
and max = 3
M2 + T 2 − − − − (ii )
d
Substituting the given values in the above equations, we have
16
120 = M + M2 + T 2 − − − − − − (iii )
( 0.15 )
3

16
80 = M2 + T 2 − − − − − − − − − (iv )
( 0.15 )
3

( 0.15 )
3
80
or M2 + T 2 = = 0.053 − − − − − − ( v )
16

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
Substituting this values in equation (iii ) , we get
16
120 = M + 0.053
( 0.150 ) 3

M = 0.0265MNm
Substituting for M in equation ( v ) , we have

( 0.0265 )
2
+ T 2 = 0.053
or T = 0.0459MNm
Part II : [ max = 100MN / m2 ]
Increase in torque :
Bending moment (M) to be kept cons tan t = 0.0265MNm
2
( 0.15 )
3
100
(0.0265 )
2
or +T =2
= 0.004391
16

T = 0.0607 MNm
The increased torque = 0.0607 − 0.0459 = 0.0148MNm

Conventional Question ESE-1996

Question: A solid shaft is to transmit 300 kW at 120 rpm. If the shear stress is not to exceed
100 MPa, Find the diameter of the shaft, What percent saving in weight would be
obtained if this shaft were replaced by a hollow one whose internal diameter
equals 0.6 of the external diameter, the length, material and maximum allowable
shear stress being the same?
Answer: Given P= 300 kW, N = 120 rpm, =100 MPa, d H 0.6DH
Diameter of solid shaft, Ds:
2πNT 2π 120 T
We know that P= or 300= or T=23873 Nm
60 1000 60 1000
T
We know that
J R
π 4
100 106 Ds
.J 32
or, T= or, 23873 =
R Ds
2
or, Ds= 0.1067 m =106.7mm

Percentage saving in weight:

TH Ts

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 Chapter-12 Torsion S K Mondal’s
J J
R H R s
4 4
{D d } DH4 (0.6DH )4
or , H H
Ds3 or , Ds3
DH DH
Ds 106.7
or , DH 3
111.8 mm
4
3
(1 0.6 ) 1 0.64
WH AH LH H g AH
Again
WS As Ls s g As
π
AH D 2 d H2 DH2 (1 0.6 2 )
2
4 H 111.8 2
1 0.6 0.702
As π 2 Ds2 106.7
D
4 s
WH
Percentage savings in weight = 1- 100
Ws
= (1-0.702)×100 = 29.8%

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 13. Theories of Column
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
1. Introduction
• Strut: A member of structure which carries an axial compressive load.
• Column: If the strut is vertical it is known as column.
• A long, slender column becomes unstable when its axial compressive load reaches a value called
the critical buckling load.
• If a beam element is under a compressive load and its length is an order of magnitude larger
than either of its other dimensions such a beam is called a columns.
• Due to its size its axial displacement is going to be very small compared to its lateral deflection
called buckling.
• Buckling does not vary linearly with load it occurs suddenly and is therefore dangerous
• Slenderness Ratio: The ratio between the length and least radius of gyration.
• Elastic Buckling: Buckling with no permanent deformation.
• Euler buckling is only valid for long, slender objects in the elastic region.
• For short columns, a different set of equations must be used.

2. Which is the critical load?

• At this value the structure is in equilibrium regardless of the magnitude of the angle (provided
it stays small)
• Critical load is the only load for which the structure will be in equilibrium in the disturbed
position
• At this value, restoring effect of the moment in the spring matches the buckling effect of the
axial load represents the boundary between the stable and unstable conditions.
• If the axial load is less than Pcr the effect of the moment in the spring dominates and the
structure returns to the vertical position after a small disturbance – stable condition.
• If the axial load is larger than Pcr the effect of the axial force predominates and the structure
buckles – unstable condition.
• Because of the large deflection caused by buckling, the least moment of inertia I can be
expressed as, I = Ak2
• Where: A is the cross sectional area and r is the radius of gyration of the cross sectional area, i.e.

Imin
kmin =
A

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
• Note that the smallest radius of gyration of the column, i.e. the least moment of inertia I should
be taken in order to find the critical stress. l/ k is called the slenderness ratio, it is a measure of
the column's flexibility.

3. Euler’s Critical Load for Long Column

Assumptions:
(i) The column is perfectly straight and of uniform cross-section
(ii) The material is homogenous and isotropic
(iii) The material behaves elastically
(iv) The load is perfectly axial and passes through the centroid of the column section.
(v) The weight of the column is neglected.

π 2 EI
Pcr = 2
Euler’s critical load, le
Where e=Equivalent length of column (1st mode of bending)

4. Remember the following table

Case Diagram Pcr Equivalent
length(le)

Both ends hinged/pinned π 2 EI

2

Both ends fixed 4π 2 EI

2
2

One end fixed & other end free π 2 EI 2

4 2

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s

One end fixed & other end pinned

/hinged 2

5. Slenderness Ratio of Column

π 2 EI
Pcr = 2
where I=A k 2min
Le
π 2 EA
= 2
k min = least radius of gyration
e
kmin
e
Slenderness Ratio =
kmin

6. Rankine’s Crippling Load

Rankine theory is applied to both
• Short strut /column (valid upto SR-40)
• Long Column (Valid upto SR 120)

• Slenderness ratio

π2 E Pcr
e
= (σ e = critical stress)=
k σe A

• Crippling Load , P

σc A
• P= 2

1+ K ' e
k

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
σ
where k' = Rankine constant = 2 c depends on material & end conditions
π E
σc = crushing stress

• For steel columns

1
K’ = for both ends fixed
25000
1 e
= for one end fixed & other hinged 20 100
12500 k

7. Other formulas for crippling load (P)

• Gordon’s formula,

Aσc
P= 2
b = a constant, d = least diameter or breadth of bar
1+ b e
d

• JohnsonStraight line formula,

P = σc A 1 − c e
c = a constant depending on material.
k

• Johnson parabolic formulae :

where the value of index ‘b' depends on the end conditions.

• Fiddler’s formula,

A
( σc + σe ) − ( )
2
P= σc + σe − 2cσ c σ e
C

π2 E
where, σ e = 2
e
k

8. Eccentrically Loaded Columns

• Secant formula

P ey P
σ max = 1 + 2c sec e

A k 2k EA

Where σ max =maximum compressive stress

P = load

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
A = Area of c/s
yc = Distance of the outermost fiber in compression from the NA
e = Eccentricity of the load
le = Equivalent length
I
k = Radius of gyration =
A
E = Modulus of elasticity of the material

P
M = P.e.Sec e

2k EA
Where M = Moment introduced.
• Prof. Perry’s Formula

σ max σ ey
− 1 1 − d = 1 2c
σd σe k

Where σ max = maximum compressive stress

P Load
σd = =
A c/s area
P Euler's load
σe = e =
A c / s area
π 2 EI
pe = Euler ' s load = 2
e

e ' = Versine at mid-length of column due to initial curvature

e = Eccentricity of the load
e1 = e '+ 1.2e
yc = distance of outer most fiber in compression form the NA
k = Radius of gyration
If σ max is allowed to go up to σ f (permssible stress)

e1 yc
Then, =
k2

σ f + σe (1 + ) σ f + σe (1 + )
2

σd = − − σe σf
2 2
• Perry-Robertson Formula

= 0.003 e

σ f + σ e 1 + 0.003 e
σ f + σ e (1 + 0.003 e
k k
σd = − − σeσ f
2 2

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
9. ISI’s Formula for Columns and Struts
e
• For =0 to 160
k
σy
fos
Pc =
fos pc '
1 + 0.2sec e
k 4E
Where, Pc = Permissible axial compressive stress
Pc’ = A value obtained from above Secant formula

y = Guaranteed minimum yield stress = 2600 kg/cm2 for mild steel

fos = factor of safety = 1.68

le
= Slenderness ratio
k
6 2
E = Modulus of elasticity = 2.045 10 kg / cm for mild steel

le
• For 160
k

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Strength of Column
GATE-1. The rod PQ of length L and with
flexural rigidity EI is hinged at
both ends. For what minimum
force F is it expected to buckle?
2
EI 2 2EI
(a) (b)
L2 L2
2 2
EI EI
(c) (b)
2L 2
2L2

[GATE-2008]

GATE-1a. The truss shown in the figure has four members of length l and flexural rigidity
EI, and one member of length l √2 and flexural rigidity 4EI. The truss is loaded by
a pair of forces of magnitude P, as shown in the figure. [GATE-2020]

The smallest value of P, at which any of the truss members will buckle is
𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰 √𝟐𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰 𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰 𝟐𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰
(𝒂) (𝒃) (𝒄) (𝒅)
𝒍𝟐 𝒍𝟐 𝟐𝒍𝟐 𝒍𝟐

Equivalent Length
GATE-2. The ratio of Euler's buckling loads of columns with the same parameters having
(i) both ends fixed, and (ii) both ends hinged is:
[GATE-1998; 2002; IES-2001, GATE-2012]
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8

Euler's Theory (For long column)

GATE-3. A pin-ended column of length L, modulus of elasticity E and second moment of the
cross-sectional area I is loaded centrically by a compressive load P. The critical
buckling load (Pcr) is given by: [GATE-2006]
2 2
EI EI EI EI
(a) Pcr = 2 2 (b) Pcr = (c) Pcr = 2 (d) Pcr =
L 3L2 L L2

GATE-3a. Consider a steel (Young’s modulus E = 200 GPa) column hinged on both sides. Its
height is 1.0 m and cross-section is 10 mm × 20 mm. The lowest Euler critical
buckling load (in N) is ______ [GATE-2015]

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s

GATE-3b. A vertical column has two moments of inertia I xx and Iyy. The column will tend to
buckle in the direction of the [ISRO-2015]
(a) axis of load (b) perpendicular to the axis of load
(c) maximum moment of inertia (d) minimum moment of inertia

GATE-3c. A steel column of rectangular section (15 mm x 10 mm) and length 1.5 m is simply
supported at both ends. Assuming modulus of elasticity, E = 200 GPa for steel, the
critical axial load (in kN) is ___________ (correct to two decimal places)
[GATE-2018]

GATE-3d. A column of height h with a rectangular cross-section of size a×2a has a buckling
load of P. If the cross-section is changed to 0.5a × 3a and its height changed to
1.5h, the buckling load of the redesigned column will be
(a) P/12 (b) P/4 (c) P/2 (d) 3P/4 [CE: GATE-2018]

GATE-3e. A column with one end fixed and one end free has a critical buckling load of 100 N.
For the same column, if the free end is replaced with a pinned end then the
critical buckling load will be ____ N (round off to the nearest integer). [GATE-2021]
GATE-4. The minimum axial compressive load, P required to initiate buckling for a pinned-
pinned slender column with bending stiffness EI and length L is
2 2 2 2
EI EI 3 EI 4 EI
(a) P = (b) P = (c ) P = (d ) P = [GATE-2018]
4 L2 L2 4 L2 2
L
GATE-4a. What is the expression for the crippling load for a column of length ‘l’ with one
end fixed and other end free? [IES-2006; GATE-1994]
2 2 2 2
2 EI EI 4 EI EI
P= P= P= P=
(a) l 2
(b) 4l 2 (c) l 2
(d) l 2

GATE-4b. A force 𝐹 is applied at an angle 𝜃 = 30° on an elastic column as shown in the figure.
𝐸 and 𝐼 are respectively the Young’s modulus and area moment of inertia. The
smallest magnitude of 𝐹 needed to cause buckling is [XE: GATE-2022 ]

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
GATE-5. The piston rod of diameter 20 mm and length 700 mm in a hydraulic cylinder is
subjected to a compressive force of 10 kN due to the internal pressure. The end
conditions for the rod may be assumed as guided at the piston end and hinged at
the other end. The Young’s modulus is 200 GPa. The factor of safety for the piston
rod is
(a) 0.68 (b) 2.75 (c) 5.62 (d) 11.0 [GATE-2007]

GATE-5a. A square cross-section wooden column of length 3140 mm is pinned at both ends.
For the wood, Young’s modulus of elasticity is 12 GPa and allowable compressive
stress is 12 MPa. The column needs to support an axial compressive load of 200
kN. Using a factor of safety of 2.0 in the computation of Euler’s buckling load, the
minimum cross-sectional area (in mm2) of the column is ______
[GATE-2018(PI)]

GATE-5b. Uni-axial compression test data for a solid metal bar of length 1 m is shown in the
figure. [GATE-2020]

The bar material has a linear elastic response from O to P followed by a non-linear
response. The point P represents the yield point of the material. The rod is pinned at
both the ends. The minimum diameter of the bar so that it does not buckle under
axial loading before reaching the yield point is _______ mm (round off to one decimal
place).
GATE-6. A steel column, pinned at both ends, has a buckling load of 200 kN. If the column
is restrained against lateral movement at its mid-height, its buckling load will be
[CE: GATE-2007]
(a) 200 kN (b) 283 kN (c) 400 kN (d) 800 kN

GATE-7. Two steel columns P (length L and yield strength fy = 250 MPa) and Q (length 2L
and yield strength fy = 500 MPa) have the same cross-sections and end-conditions.
The ratio of buckling load of column P to that of column Q is:
(a) 0.5 (b) 1.0 (c) 2.0 (d) 4.0 [CE: GATE-2014]

GATE-8. A long structural column (length = L) with both ends hinged is acted upon by an
axial compressive load P. The differential equation governing the bending of
column is given by:
d2 y
= −Py
EI [CE: GATE-2003]
dx 2
where y is the structural lateral deflection and EI is the flexural rigidity. The first
critical load on column responsible for its buckling is given by
2
EI 2 2 EI
(a) (b)
L2 L2
2 2
2 EI EI 4
(c) 2
(d)
L L2
GATE-8(i) A uniform light slender beam AB of section modulus EI is pinned by a frictionless
joint A to the ground and supported by a light inextensible cable CB to hang a
weight W as shown. If the maximum value of W to avoid buckling of the beam AB

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
is obtained as , where is the ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle,
then the value of is [GATE- 2022 Set-1]

(a) 0.0924 m-2

(b) 0.0713 m-2
(c) 0.1261 m-2
(d) 0.1417 m-2

GATE-9. If the following equation establishes equilibrium in slightly bent position, the
mid-span deflection of a member shown in the figure is [CE: GATE-2014]
d2y P
+ y=0
dx 2 EI

If a is amplitude constant for y, then

1 2 x 1 2 x
(a) y = 1 − a cos (b) y = 1 − a sin
P L P L
n x n x
(c) y = a sin (d ) y = a cos
L L

GATE-10. Cross-section of a column consisting of two steel strips, each of thickness t and width b is
shown in the figure below. The critical loads of the column with perfect bond and without
P
bond between the strips are P and P0 respectively. The ratio is [CE: GATE-2008]
P0

b
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
GATE-11. A rigid bar GH of length L is supported by a hinge and a spring of stiffness K as
shown in the figure below. The buckling load, Pcr , for the bar will be

P K
H

G
[CE: GATE-2008]
(a) 0.5 KL (b) 0.8 KL (c) 1.0 KL (d) 1.2 KL

GATE-11a. An initially stress-free massless elastic beam of length L and circular cross-
section with diameter d (d << L) is held fixed between two walls as shown. The
beam material has Young's modulus E and coefficient of thermal expansion α.

If the beam is slowly and uniformly heated, the temperature rise required to cause
the beam to buckle is proportional to [GATE-2017]
(a) d (b) d2 (c) d3 (d) d4

GATE-11b. Consider a prismatic straight beam of length L = π m, pinned at the two ends
as shown in the figure. The beam has a square cross-section of side p = 6 mm. The
Young’s modulus E = 200 GPa, and the coefficient of thermal expansion α = 3 × 10–6 K–1.
The minimum temperature rise required to cause Euler buckling of the beam is
_____K. [GATE-2019]

GATE-12. This sketch shows a column with a pin at the base and rollers at the top. It is
subjected to an axial force P and a moment M at mid height. The reaction(s) at R
is/are
O

h
2 P

h
2

[CE: GATE-2012]

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
P
(a) a-vertical force equal to P (b) a vertical force equal to
2
M
(c) a vertical force equal to P and a horizontal force equal to
h
P M
(d) a vertical force equal to and a horizontal force equal to
2 h

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Classification of Column
IES-1. A structural member subjected to an axial compressive force is called
[IES-2008]
(a) Beam (b) Column (c) Frame (d) Strut

IES-2. Which one of the following loadings is considered for design of axles?
(a) Bending moment only [IES-1995]
(b) Twisting moment only
(c) Combined bending moment and torsion
(d) Combined action of bending moment, twisting moment and axial thrust.

IES-2a An axle is a machine part that is subjected to: [IES-2011]

(a) Transverse loads and bending moment (b) Twisting moment only
(c) Twisting moment an axial load (d) Bending moment and axial load

IES-3. The curve ABC is the Euler's

curve for stability of column. The
horizontal line DEF is the
strength limit. With reference to
this figure Match List-I with List-
II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the
lists:
List-I List-II
(Regions) (Column specification)
A. R1 1. Long, stable
B. R2 2. Short
C. R3 3. Medium

D. R4 4. Long, unstable [IES-1997]

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 4 3 1 (b) 2 3 1 4
(c) 1 2 4 3 (d) 2 1 3 4

IES-4. Mach List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the lists: [IAS-1999]
List-I List-II
A. Polar moment of inertia of section 1. Thin cylindrical shell
B. Buckling 2. Torsion of shafts
C. Neutral axis 3. Columns
D. Hoop stress 4. Bending of beams
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 2 1 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 3 2 4 1 (d) 2 3 1 4

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
Strength of Column
IES-5. Slenderness ratio of a column is defined as the ratio of its length to its
(a) Least radius of gyration (b) Least lateral dimension [IES-2003]
(c) Maximum lateral dimension (d) Maximum radius of gyration

IES-5(i) What is the slenderness ratio of a 4 m column with fixed ends if its cross section is
square of side 40 mm? [IES-2014]
(a) 100 (b) 50 (c) 160 (d) 173

IES-6. Assertion (A): A long column of square cross section has greater buckling stability
than a similar column of circular cross-section of same length, same material and
same area of cross-section with same end conditions.
Reason (R): A circular cross-section has a smaller second moment of area than a
square cross-section of same area. [IES-1999; IES-1996]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Equivalent Length
IES-6(i). The end conditions of a column for which length of column is equal to the
equivalent length are [IES-2013]
(a) Both the ends are hinged (b) Both the ends are fixed
(c) One end fixed and other end free (d) One end fixed and other end hinged

IES-7. Four columns of same material and same length are of rectangular cross-section
of same breadth b. The depth of the cross-section and the end conditions are,
however different are given as follows: [IES-2004]
Column Depth End conditions
1 0.6 b Fixed-Fixed
2 0.8 b Fixed-hinged
3 1.0 b Hinged-Hinged
4 2.6 b Fixed-Free
Which of the above columns Euler buckling load maximum?
(a) Column 1 (b) Column 2 (c) Column 3 (d) Column 4

IES-8. Match List-I (End conditions of columns) with List-II (Equivalent length in terms
of length of hinged-hinged column) and select the correct answer using the codes
given below the Lists: [IES-2000]
List-I List-II
A. Both ends hinged 1. L
B. One end fixed and other end free 2. L/ 2
C. One end fixed and the other pin-pointed 3. 2L
D. Both ends fixed 4. L/2
Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 4 2 (b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 3 1 4 2

IES-9. The ratio of Euler's buckling loads of columns with the same parameters having
(i) both ends fixed, and (ii) both ends hinged is:
[GATE-1998; 2002; IES-2001]
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8

Euler's Theory (For long column)

IES-10. What is the expression for the crippling load for a column of length ‘l’ with one
end fixed and other end free? [IES-2006; GATE-1994]

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
2 2 2 2
2 EI EI 4 EI EI
(a) P = (b) P = (c) P = (d) P =
l 2
4l 2 l 2
l 2

IES-10(i). The buckling load for a column hinged at both ends is 10 kN. If the ends are fixed,
the buckling load changes to [IES-2012]
(a) 40 kN (b) 2.5 kN (c) 5 kN (d) 20 kN

IES-10(ii). For the case of a slender column of length L and flexural rigidity EI built in at its
base and free at the top, the Euler’s critical buckling load is [IES-2012]
4𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 2𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼
(𝑎) (𝑏) (𝑐) (𝑑)
𝐿2 𝐿2 𝐿2 4𝐿2

IES-11. A 4 m long solid round bar is used as a column having one end fixed and the other
end free. If Euler’s critical load on this column is found as 10 kN and E = 210 GPa
for the material of the bar, the diameter of the bar [IES-2014]
(a) 50 mm (b) 40 mm (c) 60 mm (d) 45 mm

IES-11(i). Euler's formula gives 5 to 10% error in crippling load as compared to experimental
results in practice because: [IES-1998]
(a) Effect of direct stress is neglected
(b) Pin joints are not free from friction
(c) The assumptions made in using the formula are not met in practice
(d) The material does not behave in an ideal elastic way in tension and compression

IES-12. Euler's formula can be used for obtaining crippling load for a M.S. column with
hinged ends.
l
Which one of the following conditions for the slenderness ratio is to be
k
satisfied? [IES-2000]
l l l l
(a) 5 8 (b) 9 18 (c) 19 40 (d) 80
k k k k

IES-13. If one end of a hinged column is made fixed and the other free, how much is the
critical load compared to the original value? [IES-2008]
(a) ¼ (b) ½ (c) Twice (d) Four times

IES-14. If one end of a hinged column is made fixed and the other free, how much is the
critical load compared to the original value? [IES-2008]
(a) ¼ (b) ½ (c) Twice (d) Four times

IES-14a. A long column hinged at both the ends has certain critical Euler’s buckling load-
carrying capacity. If the same column be fixed at both the ends (in place of hinged
ends), the load-carrying capacity then increases to [IES-2016]
(a) 4 times (b) 3 times (c) 2 times (d) Nil

IES-15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the Lists: [IES-1995; 2007; IAS-1997]
List-I(Long Column) List-II(Critical Load)
A. Both ends hinged 1. 2EI/4l2
B. One end fixed, and other end free 2. 4 2EI/ l2
C. Both ends fixed 3. 2 2EI/ l2
D. One end fixed, and other end hinged 4. 2EI/ l2
Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 4 3 2 1
IES-16. The ratio of the compressive critical load for a long column fixed at both the ends
and a column with one end fixed and the other end free is: [IES-1997]
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1: 4 (c) 1: 8 (d) 1: 16

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
IES-17. The buckling load will be maximum for a column, if [IES-1993]
(a) One end of the column is clamped and the other end is free
(b) Both ends of the column are clamped
(c) Both ends of the column are hinged
(d) One end of the column is hinged and the other end is free

IES-18. If diameter of a long column is reduced by 20%, the percentage of reduction in

Euler buckling load is: [IES-2001, 2012]
(a) 4 (b) 36 (c) 49 (d) 59

IES-19. A long slender bar having uniform rectangular cross-section 'B x H' is acted upon
by an axial compressive force. The sides B and H are parallel to x- and y-axes
respectively. The ends of the bar are fixed such that they behave as pin-jointed
when the bar buckles in a plane normal to x-axis, and they behave as built-in
when the bar buckles in a plane normal to y-axis. If load capacity in either mode
of buckling is same, then the value of H/B will be: [IES-2000]
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 8 (d) 16

IES-20. The Euler's crippling load for a 2 m long slender steel rod of uniform cross-section
hinged at both the ends is 1 kN. The Euler's crippling load for 1 m long steel rod of
the same cross-section and hinged at both ends will be: [IES-1998]
(a) 0.25 kN (b) 0.5 kN (c) 2 kN (d) 4 kN

IES-20(i). Determine the ratio of the buckling strength of a solid steel column to that of a
hollow column of the same material having the same area of cross section. The
internal diameter of the hollow column is half of the external diameter. Both
column are of identical length and are pinned or hinged at the ends: [IES-2013]
P 2 P 3 P 4 P
(a) s = (b) s = (c) s = (d) s = 1
Ph 5 Ph 5 Ph 5 Ph

IES-21. If σc and E denote the crushing stress and Young's modulus for the material of a
column, then the Euler formula can be applied for determination of cripping load
of a column made of this material only, if its slenderness ratio is:
(a) More than E/ c (b) Less than E/ c [IES-2005]

2 E 2 E
(c) More than (d) Less than
c c

IES-22. Four vertical columns of same material, height and weight have the same end
conditions. Which cross-section will carry the maximum load? [IES-2009]
(a) Solid circular section (b) Thin hollow circular section
(c) Solid square section (d) I-section

Rankine's Hypothesis for Struts/Columns

IES-23. Rankine Gordon formula for buckling is valid for [IES-1994]
(a) Long column (b) Short column
(c) Short and long column (d) Very long column

Prof. Perry's formula

IES-24. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the lists: [IES-2008]
List-I (Formula/theorem/ method) List-II (Deals with topic)
A. Clapeyron's theorem 1. Deflection of beam
B. Maculay's method 2. Eccentrically loaded column
C. Perry's formula 3. Riveted joints
4. Continuous beam

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
Code: A B C A B C
(a) 3 2 1 (b) 4 1 2
(c) 4 1 3 (d) 2 4 3

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Classification of Column
IAS-1. Mach List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the lists: [IAS-1999]
List-I List-II
A. Polar moment of inertia of section 1. Thin cylindrical shell
B. Buckling 2. Torsion of shafts
C. Neutral axis 3. Columns
D. Hoop stress 4. Bending of beams
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 2 1 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 3 2 4 1 (d) 2 3 1 4

Strength of Column
IAS-2. Assertion (A): A long column of square cross-section has greater buckling stability
than that of a column of circular cross-section of same length, same material,
same end conditions and same area of cross-section. [IAS-1998]
Reason (R): The second moment of area of a column of circular cross-section is
smaller than that of a column of square cross section having the same area.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-3. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? [IAS-2003]
(a) Slenderness ratio : The ratio of length of the column to the least radius of gyration
(b) Buckling factor : The ratio of maximum load to the permissible axial load on the
column
(c) Short column : A column for which slenderness ratio < 32
(d) Strut : A member of a structure in any position and carrying an axial
compressive load

Equivalent Length
IAS-4. A column of length 'ℓ' is fixed at its both ends. The equivalent length of the column
is: [IAS-1995]
(a) 2 l (b) 0.5 l (c) 2 l (d) l

IAS-5. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IAS-2000]

(a) Euler's formula holds good only for short columns
(b) A short column is one which has the ratio of its length to least radius of gyration
greater than 100
(c) A column with both ends fixed has minimum equivalent or effective length
(d) The equivalent length of a column with one end fixed and other end hinged is half of
its actual length

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
Euler's Theory (For long column)
2
4 EI
IAS-6. For which one of the following columns, Euler buckling load = 2
?
l
(a) Column with both hinged ends [IAS-1999; 2004]
(b) Column with one end fixed and other end free
(c) Column with both ends fixed
(d) Column with one end fixed and other hinged

IAS-7. Assertion (A): Buckling of long columns causes plastic deformation. [IAS-2001]
Reason (R): In a buckled column, the stresses do not exceed the yield stress.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-8. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the Lists: [IES-1995; 2007; IAS-1997]
List-I(Long Column) List-II(Critical Load)
A. Both ends hinged 1. 2EI/4l2
B. One end fixed, and other end free 2. 4 2EI/ l2

C. Both ends fixed 3. 2 2EI/ l2

D. One end fixed, and other end hinged 4. 2EI/ l2
Code: A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 4 3 2 1

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1.Ans. (c) Axial component of the force FPQ cos 450 = F
2
EI
We know for both end fixed column buckling load (P) =
L2
2
EI
An F = P cos 450 or F=
2L2
GATE-1a. Ans. (d)

𝝅𝟐 (𝟒𝑬𝒕) 𝟐𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝒕
𝑷= 𝟐 =
(√𝟐𝒕) 𝒕𝟐

GATE-2. Ans. (b)Euler’s buckling loads of columns

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
2
4 EI
(1) both ends fixed =
l2
2
EI
( 2 ) both ends hinged = 2
l
GATE-3. Ans. (d)
GATE-3a. Ans. 3289.96
2 2
EI 200 109 0.02 0.013
Euler's critical load = = = 3289.96 N
l2 12
GATE-3b. Ans. (d) Area MOI means resistance to bending.
GATE-3c. Ans. (1.097)

2 15 103
2 200 103
EI min 12 = 1096.62 N
Buckling Load = = 1.097 kN
L2 15002
GATE-3d. Ans. (a)
2
EI min I min
Pcr = or Pcr
L2eq L2eq
( 0.5a )
3
3a
2
Pcr 2 I min 2 L2eq1 12 h 1
or = = =
P I min1 L 2
eq 2 2a a 3 1.5h 12
12
P
or Pcr 2 =
12
GATE-3e. Ans. 800 (Range given by IIT 800 to 840)
You have to remember this Table
Case Diagram Pcr Equivalent
length(le)

Both ends π 2 EI
hinged/pinned 2

Both ends fixed 4π 2 EI

2
2

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s

One end fixed & other π 2 EI 2

end free 4 2

One end fixed & other

end pinned /hinged 2

𝟐𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰
𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰 𝟐𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰 𝑥 𝟐
Given, 100 = and Let x = Therefore, = 𝝅𝟐𝑬𝑰
𝑳
=8 ∴ 𝑥 = 800 𝑁
𝟒𝑳𝟐 𝑳𝟐 100
𝟒𝑳𝟐

GATE-4. Ans. (b)

GATE-4a. Ans. (b)
GATE-4b. Ans. (a)
GATE-5. Ans. (c) Assuming guided end to be fixed and other end given as hinged.
The Euler Critical load
2
2 EI
( 20 )
4
Pcr = 2
, I= mm 4 = 7853.9 mm 4
L 64
2
2 200 103 7853.9
Pcr = = 63.27 KN
7002
63.27
FOS = = 6.32
10
GATE-5a. Ans. 20000
2
EI
Pcr 2
Pallowable = = L
fos fos
a4
2
(12 103 ) 12
200 103 = 31402
2
area, a 2 = 20000
GATE-5b. Ans. 56.94
Given, L = 1 m,
Let d = diameter of bar (in mm), Lc = L = 1000 mm
For both end pin,
𝜋𝑑4 𝜋 𝑑2 𝑝2 𝐸𝐴𝑑2
𝜋2 𝐸𝐼 𝜋2 𝜋2 𝐸( 4 𝑑 2 ) 16 𝑃 𝜋2 𝑑 2 𝜋2 𝑑 2
𝑃= = 64
= = 16
or = or 𝜀𝑦 = = 0.02 [𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑃]
𝐿2 𝐿2 𝐿2 𝐿2 𝐴𝐸 16𝐿2 16𝐿2
16𝐿2𝜀𝑦 16×10002 ×0.002
𝑑=√ = √ = 56.94 mm
𝜋2 𝜋2
GATE-6. Ans. (d)
2
EI
GATE-7. Ans. (d) Use formula It is independent of yield strength.
L2
GATE-8. Ans. (a)

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
2 2
n EI
The critical load, Pc =
L2
For first critical load, n=1
2
EI
Pc1 =
L2
GATE-8(i) Ans: (a)
GATE-9. Ans. (c)
GATE-10. Ans. (b)
We know that critical load for a column is proportional to moment of inertia irrespective of
end conditions of the column i.e.
Pcr I
When the steel strips are perfectly bonded, then
b (2t )3 8 bt3
Ppb = =
12 12
When the steel strips are not bonded, then
bt3 2bt3
Iwb = 2 =
12 12
3
8bt
P
= 12
P0 2bt 3
12
P
=4
P0
GATE-11. Ans. (c)
Let the deflection in the spring be and force in the spring be F.
Taking moments about G, we get
Pcr =F L [But F = K ]
K L
Pcr =

Pcr = KL

P cr
Pcr

GATE-11a. Ans. (b)

GATE-11b. Ans. 1
GATE-12. Ans. (c)

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
Q

h
2 P

h
2
R
FH

FV
FY = 0
FV − P = 0
FV = P
MQ = 0
FH . h − M = 0
M
FH =
h

IES
IES-1. Ans. (d)A machine part subjected to an axial compressive force is called a strut. A strut may be
horizontal, inclined or even vertical. But a vertical strut is known as a column, pillar or
stanchion.
The term column is applied to all such members except those in which failure would be by
simple or pure compression. Columns can be categorized then as:
1. Long column with central loading
2. Intermediate-length columns with central loading
3. Columns with eccentric loading
4. Struts or short columns with eccentric loading
IES-2. Ans. (a) Axle is a non-rotating member used for supporting rotating wheels etc. and do not
transmit any torque. Axle must resist forces applied laterally or transversely to their axes.
Such members are called beams.
IES-2a Ans. (a)Axle is a non-rotating member used for supporting rotating wheels etc. and do
not transmit any torque. Axle must resist forces applied laterally or transversely to their
axes. Such members are called beams.
IES-3. Ans. (b)
IES-4. Ans. (b)
IES-5. Ans. (a)
IES-5(i). Ans. (d)
IES-6. Ans. (a)
IES-6(i). Ans. (a)
IES-7. Ans. (b)
IES-8. Ans. (b)
IES-9. Ans. (b)Euler’s buckling loads of columns
4 2EI
(1) both ends fixed = 2
l
2
EI
( 2 ) both ends hinged = 2
l

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
IES-10. Ans. (b)
IES-10(i). Ans. (a)
IES-10(ii). Ans. (d)
IES-11. Ans. (a)
For one end fixed and other end free;
2 2
EI 210 109 ( / 64) d 4
Pcr = or 10 103 = or d 50mm
4l 2 4 42
IES-11(i). Ans. (c)
IES-12. Ans. (d)
IES-13. Ans. (a)Critical Load for both ends hinged = 2EI/ l 2
And Critical Load for one end fixed, and other end free = 2EI/4l2

2
EI
IES-14. Ans. (a)Original load = 2
I
When one end of hinged column is fixed and other free. New Le = 2L
2 2
EI EI 1
New load = = = Original value
( 2L ) 2
4L 2
4
IES-14a. Ans. (a)
IES-15. Ans. (b)
IES-16. Ans. (d) Critical Load for one end fixed, and other end free is 2EI/4l2 and both ends fixed is 4
2EI/ l2

IES-17. Ans. (b)Buckling load of a column will be maximum when both ends are fixed

p − p d − (d )
2 4 4 4
EI 0.8d
IES-18. Ans. (d) P = 2
P I or P d4 or = 4
= 1− = 0.59
L p d d
2
EI 4 2 EI BH3 HB3 H
IES-19. Ans. (a) Pxx = 2
and Pyy = 2
as Pxx = P yy then I = 4I or = 4 or = 2
L L 12 12 B
2
EI
IES-20. Ans. (d)For column with both ends hinged, P = 2
. If ‘l’ is halved, P will be 4 times.
l
IES-20(i). Ans. (b)
IES-21. Ans. (a)For long column PEuler < Pcrushing
2 2 2
EI EAK 2 le 2
E le
or 2 cA or cA or or E/ c
le le 2 k c k
IES-22. Ans. (b)
IES-23. Ans. (c)
IES-24. Ans. (b)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (b)
IAS-2. Ans. (a)
IAS-3. Ans. (b) Buckling factor: The ratio of equivalent length of the column to the least radius of
gyration.
IAS-4. Ans. (b)
IAS-5. Ans. (c) A column with both ends fixed has minimum equivalent effective length (l/2)
IAS-6. Ans. (c)
IAS-7. Ans. (d)And Critical Load for one end fixed, and other end free = 2EI/4l2
IAS-8. Ans. (b)

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question ESE-2001, ESE 2000
Question: Differentiate between strut and column. What is the general expression used for
determining of their critical load?
Answer: Strut: A member of structure which carries an axial compressive load.
Column: If the strut is vertical it is known as column.
Compressive force
For strut failure due to compression or c
Area
If c yc it fails.

π 2 EI
Euler's formula for column PC 2
e

Conventional Question ESE-2009

Q. Two long columns are made of identical lengths ‘l’ and flexural rigidities ‘EI’.
Column 1 is hinged at both ends whereas for column 2 one end is fixed and the
other end is free.
(i) Write the expression for Euler’s buckling load for column 1.
(ii) What is the ratio of Euler’s buckling load of column 1 to that column 2? [ 2 Marks]

Ans. (i) 2 2
EI EI
P1 = 2
( right )
; P2 =
L 4L2
For column l, both endhinged l e = L
P1
(ii) =4
P2

Conventional Question ESE-2010

Q. The piston rod of diameter 20 mm and length 700 mm in a hydraulic cylinder is
subjected to a compressive force of 10 kN due to internal pressure. The piston end of
the rod is guided along the cylinder and the other end of the rod is hinged at the
cross-head. The modulus of elasticity for piston rod material is 200 GPa. Estimate the
factor of safety taken for the piston rod design. [2 Marks]
Ans.

P 20mm P

2
P PL EI
σ= ; δ= ; e = ; Pe = 2
(considering one end of the column is fixed and
A AE 2 e
other end is hinged)
Pe = Euler Crippling load
Compressive load, Pc = σc Area = 10 kN

Euler’s load, Pe =
2 2
(200 109 ) ( 0.0204 / 64 ) = 63.278 kN
2
(0.7)
Euler 's load
F.S =
Compressiveload
63.278
F.S = = 6.3
10

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s

Conventional Question ESE-1999

Question: State the limitation of Euler's formula for calculating critical load on columns
Answer: Assumptions:
(i) The column is perfectly straight and of uniform cross-section
(ii) The material is homogenous and isotropic
(iii) The material behaves elastically
(iv) The load is perfectly axial and passes through the centroid of the column section.
(v) The weight of the column is neglected.

Conventional Question ESE-2007

Question: What is the value of Euler's buckling load for an axially loaded pin-ended
(hinged at both ends) strut of length 'l' and flexural rigidity 'EI'? What would be
order of Euler's buckling load carrying capacity of a similar strut but fixed at
both ends in terms of the load carrying capacity of the earlier one?
Answer: From Euler's buckling load formula,
π 2EI
Critical load (PC ) 2
e

Equivalent length ( e ) for both end hinged = for both end fixed.
2
π 2EI
So for both end hinged (Pc )beh 2

π 2EI 4 π 2EI
and for both fixed (Pc )bef 2 2

Conventional Question ESE-1996

Question: Euler's critical load for a column with both ends hinged is found as 40 kN. What
would be the change in the critical load if both ends are fixed?
Answer: We know that Euler's critical laod,
π 2 EI
PEuler = 2
[Where E = modulus of elasticity, I = least moment of inertia
e

e equivalent length ]
For both end hinged ( e) =
And For both end fixed ( e) = /2
π 2EI
(PEuler )b.e.h. 2
=40kN(Given)

π 2EI π 2EI
and (PEuler )b.e.F . = 4 4 40 160 kN
( / 2)2 2

Conventional Question ESE-1999

Question: A hollow cast iron column of 300 mm external diameter and 220 mm internal
diameter is used as a column 4 m long with both ends hinged. Determine the safe
compressive load the column can carry without buckling using Euler's formula
and Rankine's formula
E = 0.7×105 N/mm2, FOS = 4, Rankine constant (a) = 1/1600
Crushing Stress ( σ c ) =567 N/mm2
Answer: Given outer diameter of column (D) = 300 mm = 0.3 m.
Inner diameter of the column (d) = 220 mm = 0.22 m.
Length of the column ( ) = 4 m
End conditions is both ends hinged. Therefore equivalent length ( e )= = 4 m.
Yield crushing stress ( σ c ) = 567 MPa = 567×106 N/m2
Rankine constant (a) = 1/ 1600 and E = 0.7×105 N/mm2 = 70 x 109 N/m2

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
π π
Moment of Inertia(I) (D 4 d 4 ) 0.3 4 0.22 4 2.826 10 4 m 4
64 64
π
D4 d 4
I 64 D2 d 2 0.32 0.222
0.093m
A π 2 2 16 16
(D d )
4
π 2 π
Area(A) (D d2) (0.32 0.222 ) 0.03267 m 2
4 4
(i) Euler's buckling load, PEuler
π 2EI π2 (70 109 ) (2.826 10 4 )
PEuler 2
12.2MN
e 42
PEuler 12.2
Safe load = 3.05 MN
fos 4
(ii)Rankine's buckling load, PRankine
σ c .A 567×106 0.03267
PRankine 2
= 2
= 8.59 MN
e 1 4
1 a. 1+
k 1600 0.093
PRankine 8.59
Safe load = 2.148 MN
fos 4

Conventional Question ESE-2008

Question: A both ends hinged cast iron hollow cylindrical column 3 m in length has a
critical buckling load of P kN. When the column is fixed at both the ends, its
critical buckling load raise by 300 kN more. If ratio of external diameter to
internal diameter is 1.25 and E = 100 GPa determine the external diameter of
column.
2
EI
Answer: Pc =
I e2
For both end hinged column
2
EI
P= 2
(i )
L
For both end fixed column
2
EI 4 2EI
P+300= 2
( ii )
L L2
2
Dividing (ii) by (i) we get
P+300
4 or P=100kN
P
Moment of inertia of a hollow cylinder c/s is
PL2
I D4 d4 2
64 E
3 2
64 100 10 3
orD 4 d4 2
1.8577 10 5

100 109

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
D D
given 1.25 or d =
d 1.25-5
4
4 1 5
or D 1 1.8577 10
1.25
or D=0.0749 m = 74.9 mm

Conventional Question AMIE-1996

Question: A piston rod of steam engine 80 cm long in subjected to a maximum load of 60
kN. Determine the diameter of the rod using Rankine's formula with permissible
1
compressive stress of 100 N/mm2. Take constant in Rankine's formula as
7500
for hinged ends. The rod may be assumed partially fixed with length coefficient
of 0·6.
Given: l = 80 cm = 800mm ;P = 60kN = 60 10 N, c = 100N / mm ;
3 2
Answer:
1
a= for hinged ends; length coefficient = 0.6
7500
To find diameter of the rod, d:
Use Rankine’s formula
A
P= c
2
le
1+ a
k
Here le = 0.6l = 0.6 800 = 480 mm [ length coefficient = 0.6]

d4
I 64 d
k= = =
A d2 4
4

100 d2
4
60 103 = 2
1 480
1+
7500 d / 4
Solving the above equation we get the value of ‘d’
Note: Unit of d comes out from the equation will be mm as we put the equivalent length in
mm.
or d = 33.23mm

Conventional Question ESE-2005

Question: A hollow cylinder CI column, 3 m long its internal and external diameters as 80
mm and 100 mm respectively. Calculate the safe load using Rankine formula: if
(i) Both ends are hinged and
(ii) Both ends are fixed.
2
Take crushing strength of material as 600 N / mm , Rankine constant 1/1600 and
factor of safety = 3.
π
Answer: Moment of Inertia (I)= (0.14 0.084 ) m4 2.898 10 6 m4
64

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
π
Area( A) 0.12 0.082 2.8274 10 3 m 2
4
I 2.898 10 6
Radius of gyration (k) = 0.032 m
A 2.8274 10 3
σ c .A
PRankine = 2
; [ e = equivalent length]
e
1 a
k
600 106 2.8274 10 3

(i) = 2
; [ e = l = 3 m for both end hinged]
1 3
1
1600 0.032
=261.026kN
P 26126
Safe load (P)= Rankine 87.09 kN
FOS 3
(ii) For both end fixed, e 1.5 m
2
600 106 (2.8274 10 3 )
PRankine 2
714.8 kN
1 1.5
1
1600 0.032
P 714.8
Safe load (P)= Rankine 238.27 kN
FOS 3

Conventional Question AMIE-1997

Question: A slender column is built-in at one end and an eccentric load is applied at the
free end. Working from the first principles find the expression for the maximum
length of column such that the deflection of the free end does not exceed the
eccentricity of loading.

Answer: Above figure shows a slender column of length ‘I’. The column is built in at one end B and
eccentric load P is applied at the free end A.
Let y be the deflection at any section XX distant x from the fixed end B. Let be the
deflection at A.
The bending moment at the section XX is given by

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
2
dy
EI = P ( + e − y) − − − − (i)
dx 2
d2 y d2 y P P
EI 2 + Py = P ( + e ) or 2
+ y = ( + e)
dx dx EI EI
The solution to the above differential equation is
P P
y = C1 cos x + C2 sin x + ( + e) − − − (ii )
EI EI
Where C1 and C2 are the cons tan ts.
At the end B, x = 0 and y = 0
0 = C1 cos 0 + C2 sin 0 + ( + e )
or C1 = − ( + e )
Differentiating equation (ii ) we get
dy P P P P
= −C1 sin x + C2 cos x
dx EI EI EI EI
Again,at the fixed end B,
dy
When x = 0, =0
dx
P P
0 = ( + e) 0 + C2 cos 0
EI EI
or C2 = 0
At the free end A,x = ,y =
Substituting for x and y in equation (ii ) ,we have
P
= − ( + e ) cos = ( + e)
EI

P e
cos = − − − (iii )
EI +e
It is mentioned in the problem that the deflection of the free end does not exceed the
eccentricity. It means that = e
Substituting this value in equation (iii), we have
P e 1
cos = =
EI +e 2
P 1
= cos −1 =
EI 2 3
EI
=
3 P

Conventional Question ESE-2005

Question: A long strut AB of length ' ' is of uniform section throughout. A thrust P is
applied at the ends eccentrically on the same side of the centre line with
eccentricity at the end B twice than that at the end A. Show that the maximum
bending moment occurs at a distance x from the end A,
2 cos k P
Where,tan(kx)= and k=
sin k EI

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
Answer: Let at a distance 'x' from end A deflection of the
beam is y
d 2y
EI P.y
dx 2
d 2y P
or 2
y 0
dx EI
d 2y P
or k 2y 0 k given
dx 2 EI
C.F of this differential equation
y = A cos kx + B sin kx, Where A & B constant.
It is clear at x = 0, y = e
And at x = , y= 2e

e A.................(i )
2e e cos k
2e A cos k B sin k or B
sin k
2e
e cos k
y e cos kx sin kx
sin k
Where bending moment is maximum,
dy
the deflection will be maximum so 0
dx
dy 2e e cos k
ek sin kx k . cos kx 0
dx sin k
2 cos k
or tan kx
sin k

Conventional Question ESE-1996

Question: The link of a mechanism is subjected to axial compressive force. It has solid
circular cross-section with diameter 9 mm and length 200 mm. The two ends of
the link are hinged. It is made of steel having yield strength = 400 N/mm2 and
elastic modulus = 200 kN/mm2. Calculate the critical load that the link can carry.
Use Johnson's equation.
Answer: According to Johnson's equation
σy 2

Pcr = σ y .A 1
4n π 2 E k
πd2
Hear A=area of cross section= 63.62 mm 2
4
πd 4
I 64 d
least radius of gyration (k) = 2.25 mm
A πd 2
4
4
For both end hinged n=1
2
400 200
Pcr 400 63.62 1 =15.262kN
4 1 π (200 103 )
2
2.25

Conventional Question GATE-1995

Question: Find the shortest length of a hinged steel column having a rectangular cross-
section 600 mm × 100 mm, for which the elastic Euler formula applies. Take yield

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
strength and modulus of elasticity value for steel as 250 MPa and 200 GPa
respectively.
Answer: Given: Cross-section, (= b x d) = 600 mm x 100 mm = 0.6 m x 0.1 m = 0.06 m 2;
P
Yield strength = 250MPa 250MN / m 2 ; E 200 GPa 200 1012 N / m 2
A
Length of the column, L :
bd 3 0.6 0.13
Least areamoment of Inertia, I 5 10 5 m4
12 12
I 5 10 5
Also, k2 8.333 10 4 m 2
A 0.6 0.1
[ I AK 2 where A area of cross-section, k radius of gyration ]
From Euler's formula for column, we have
2 2
EI EI
Crushing load , Pcr
L2e L2
For both endhinged type of column, Le = L
2
EAk 2
or Pcr
L2
2
P EI
or Yield stress cr
A L2
2
Ek 2
or L2
Pcr / A
Substituting the value,we get
2
200 109 0.0008333
L2 6.58
250 106
L 2.565 m

Conventional Question GATE-1993

Question: Determine the temperature rise necessary to induce buckling in a lm long
circular rod of diameter 40 mm shown in the Figure below. Assume the rod to be
6 0
pinned at its ends and the coefficient of thermal expansion as 20 10 / C .
Assume uniform heating of the bar.

Answer: Let us assume the buckling load be'P'.

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 Chapter-13 Theories of Column S K Mondal’s
L L.
. t , Where t is the temperature rise.
L
or t
L.
PL L.AE
Also, L or P
AE L
2
EI
Pcr where L e =equivalent length
L2e
2
EI L.A.E
or QL e =L For both endhinged
L2 L
2
I
or L
LA
2 2
I L I
t
L. LA.L. L2 A.
Substituting the values, we get
2 4
0.040
Temperature rise t 64 49.350 C
2 2 6
1 0.040 20 10
4
So the rod will buckle when the temperature rises more than 49.35°C.

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 14. Spring
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
1. A spring is a mechanical device which is used for the efficient storage and
release of energy.

2. Helical spring – stress equation

Let us a close-coiled helical spring has coil diameter D, wire diameter d and number of turn n. The
D
spring material has a shearing modulus G. The spring index, C = . If a force ‘P’ is exerted in both ends
d
as shown.

The work done by the axial

force 'P' is converted into
strain energy and stored in
the spring.

U= average torque
× angular displacement
T
= ×θ
2

TL
From the figure we get, θ =
GJ
PD
Torque (T)=
2

length of wire (L)=πDn

πd4
Polar moment of Inertia(J)=
32
4P2D3n
Therefore U=
Gd4
According to Castigliano's theorem, the displacement corresponding to force P is obtained by partially
differentiating strain energy with respect to that force.

U 4 p 2 D3n 8PD3n
Therefore =
P P Gd 4 Gd 4
Axial deflection

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s

3
8 PD n
= 4
Gd
Spring stiffness or spring constant

P Gd 4
k = 3
8D n
Compliance
The inverse of the spring constant K is called the compliance, C = 1/K

Stress in Spring
16T 16 ( PD / 2 ) 8PD
The torsional shear stress in the bar, 1 = = =
d3 d3 d3
P 4P 8PD 0.5d
The direct shear stress in the bar, 2 = = =
d2 d2 d3 D
4

8PD 0.5d 8PD

Therefore the total shear stress, = 1 + 2 = 3
1+ = Ks
d D d3

8PD
= Ks
d3
0.5d
Where K s = 1 + is correction factor for direct shear stress.
D

3. Wahl’s stress correction factor

8PD
=K
d3

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
4C − 1 0.615
K= + is known as Wahl’s stress correction factor
Where
4C − 4 C
Here K = KsKc; Where Ks is correction factor for direct shear stress and K c is correction factor

for stress concentration due to curvature.

Note: When the spring is subjected to a static force, the effect of stress concentration is neglected due to
8PD
localized yielding. So we will use, = Ks
d3
4. Equivalent stiffness (keq)
Spring in series (δe = δ1 + δ 2 ) Spring in Parallel (δe = δ1 = δ 2 )

1 1 1 K1 K 2 K eq = K1 + K 2
= + or K eq =
K eq K1 K 2 K1 + K 2

Shaft in series ( = 1 + 2
) Shaft in Parallel ( eq = 1 = 2 )

1 1 1 K1 K 2 K eq = K1 + K 2
= + or K eq =
K eq K1 K 2 K1 + K 2

5. Important note
• If a spring is cut into ‘n’ equal lengths then spring constant of each new spring = nk
64 MDnc
• When a closed coiled spring is subjected to an axial couple M then the rotation, =
Ed 4

6. Laminated Leaf or Carriage Springs

3PL3
• Central deflection, δ =
8 Enbt 3
3PL
• Maximum bending stress, σ max =
2nbt 2
Where P = load on spring
b = width of each plate
n = no of plates
L= total length between 2 points
t = thickness of one plate.

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s

7. Belleville Springs
4Eδ δ
Load, P = (h − δ) h − t + t 3
(1 − μ )k f D0
2 2
2
Where, E = Modulus of elasticity
δ = Linear deflection
μ = Poisson’s Ratio
kf = factor for Belleville spring
Do = outside diameter
h = Deflection required to flatten Belleville spring
t = thickness
Note:
• Total stiffness of the springs kror = stiffness per spring × No of springs
• In a leaf spring ratio of stress between full length and graduated leaves = 1.5
• Conical spring- For application requiring variable stiffness
• Belleville Springs -For application requiring high capacity springs into small space

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Helical spring
GATE-1. If the wire diameter of a closed coil helical spring subjected to compressive load is
increased from 1 cm to 2 cm, other parameters remaining same, then deflection
will decrease by a factor of: [GATE-2002]
(a) 16 (b) 8 (c) 4 (d) 2

GATE-2. A compression spring is made of music wire of 2 mm diameter having a shear

strength and shear modulus of 800 MPa and 80 GPa respectively. The mean coil
diameter is 20 mm, free length is 40 mm and the number of active coils is 10. If the
mean coil diameter is reduced to 10 mm, the stiffness of the spring is
approximately [GATE-2008]
(a) Decreased by 8 times (b) Decreased by 2 times
(c) Increased by 2 times (d) Increased by 8 times

GATE-2a. A helical spring has spring constant k. If the wire diameter, spring diameter and
the number of coils are all doubled then the spring constant of the new spring
becomes [GATE-2020
(a) 8k (b) 16k (c) k (d) k/2

GATE-2b. If the wire diameter of a compressive helical spring is increased by 2%, the change
in spring stiffness (in %) is (correct to two decimal places.) [GATE-2018]

GATE-2c.The spring constant of a helical compression spring DOES NOT depends on

(a) Coil diameter (b) Material strength [GATE-2016]
(c) Number of active turns (d) Wire diameter

GATE-3. Two helical tensile springs of the same material and also having identical mean
coil diameter and weight, have wire diameters d and d/2. The ratio of their
stiffness is: [GATE-2001]
(a) 1 (b) 4 (c) 64 (d) 128

GATE-4. A uniform stiff rod of length 300 mm

and having a weight of 300 N is
pivoted at one end and connected to
a spring at the other end. For
keeping the rod vertical in a stable
position the minimum value of
spring constant K needed is:
(a) 300 N/m (b) 400N/m
(c) 500N/m (d) 1000 N/m

[GATE-2004]

GATE-5. A weighing machine consists of a 2 kg pan resting on spring. In this condition,

with the pan resting on the spring, the length of the spring is 200 mm. When a
mass of 20 kg is placed on the pan, the length of the spring becomes 100 mm. For
the spring, the un-deformed length lo and the spring constant k (stiffness) are:
[GATE-2005]
(a) lo = 220 mm, k = 1862 N/m (b) lo = 210 mm, k = 1960 N/m
(c) lo = 200 mm, k = 1960 N/m (d) lo = 200 mm, k = 2156 N/m

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
Springs in Series
GATE-6. The deflection of a spring with 20 active turns under a load of 1000 N is 10 mm.
The spring is made into two pieces each of 10 active coils and placed in parallel
under the same load. The deflection of this system is: [GATE-1995]
(a) 20 mm (b) 10 mm (c) 5 mm (d) 2.5 mm

Stresses in Spring
GATE-7. A helical compression spring made of a wire of circular cross-section is subjected
to a compressive load. The maximum shear stress induced in the cross-section of
the wire is 24 MPa. For the same compressive load, if both the wire diameter and
the mean coil diameter are doubled, the maximum shear stress (in MPa) induced
in the cross-section of the wire is ___________. [GATE-2017]

GATE-8. Shear stress distribution on the cross-section of the coil wire in a helical
compression spring is shown in the figure. This shear stress distribution
represents

[GATE-2021]
(a) Combined direct shear and torsional shear stress in the coil wire cross-section.
(b) Combined direct shear and torsional shear stress along with the effect of stress
concentration at inside edge of the coil wire cross-section.
(c) Torsional shear stress in the coil wire cross-section.
(d) Direct shear stress in the coil wire cross-section.

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Helical spring
IES-1. A helical coil spring with wire diameter ’d’ and coil diameter 'D' is subjected to
external load. A constant ratio of d and D has to be maintained, such that the
extension of spring is independent of d and D. What is this ratio? [IES-2008]
4/3 4/3
D d
(a)D3 / d4 (b)d3 / D4 (c) 3 (d) 3
d D

IES-1(i). If both the mean coil diameter and wire diameter of a helical compression or
tension spring be doubled, then the deflection of the spring close coiled under
same applied load will [IES-2012]
(a) be doubled (b) be halved
(c) increase four times (d) get reduced to one – fourth

IES-2. Assertion (A): Concentric cylindrical helical springs are used to have greater
spring force in a limited space. [IES-2006]

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
Reason (R): Concentric helical springs are wound in opposite directions to
prevent locking of coils under heavy dynamic loading.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-3. Assertion (A): Two concentric helical springs used to provide greater spring force
are wound in opposite directions. [IES-1995; IAS-2004]
Reason (R): The winding in opposite directions in the case of helical springs
prevents buckling.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IES-4. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES-1996; 2007; IAS-1997]
If a helical spring is halved in length, its spring stiffness
(a) Remains same (b) Halves (c) Doubles (d) Triples

IES-4(i). A helical compression spring of stiffness k is cut into two pieces, each having
equal number of turns and kept side by side under compression. The equivalent
spring stiffness of this new arrangement is equal to [IES-2015, 2016]
(a) 4k (b) 2k (c) k (d) 0.5k

IES-4(ii). A closely coiled spring of 20 cm mean diameter is having 25 coils of 2 cm diameter.

Modulus of rigidity of the material is 10 N/ cm2 . Stiffness of spring is:
(a) 50 N/cm (b) 250 N/cm (c) 100 N/cm (d) 500 N/cm [IES-2013]

IES-5. A body having weight of 1000 N is dropped from a height of 10 cm over a close-
coiled helical spring of stiffness 200 N/cm. The resulting deflection of spring is
nearly [IES-2001]
(a) 5 cm (b) 16 cm (c) 35 cm (d) 100 cm

IES-5(i). A closed coil helical spring having 10 active turns is made of 8 mm diameter steel
wire. The mean coil diameter is 10 cm. If G = 80 GPa for the material of the spring,
the extension of the spring under the tensile load of 200 N will be
(a) 40 mm (b) 45 mm (c) 49 mm (d) 53 mm [IES-2014]

IES-6. A close-coiled helical spring is made of 5 mm diameter wire coiled to 50 mm mean

diameter. Maximum shear stress in the spring under the action of an axial force is
20 N/mm2. The maximum shear stress in a spring made of 3 mm diameter wire
coiled to 30 mm mean diameter, under the action of the same force will be nearly
[IES-2001]
(a) 20 N/mm2 (b) 33.3 N/mm2 (c) 55.6 N/mm2 (d) 92.6 N/mm2

IES-6a. A closely-coiled helical spring is made of 10 mm diameter steel wire, with the coil
consisting of 10 turns with a mean diameter 120 mm. The spring carries an axial
pull of 200 N. What is the value of shear stress induced in the spring neglecting
the effect of stress concentration and of deflection in the spring, when the
modulus of rigidity is 80 kN/mm2? [IES-2016]
(a) 63.5 N/mm2 and 34.6 mm (b) 54.2 N/mm2 and 34.6 mm
(c) 63.5 N/mm2 and 42.6 mm (d) 54.2 N/mm2 and 42.6 mm

IES-7. A closely-coiled helical spring is acted upon by an axial force. The maximum shear
stress developed in the spring is . Half of the length of the spring is cut off and
the remaining spring is acted upon by the same axial force. The maximum shear
stress in the spring the new condition will be: [IES-1995]
(a) ½ (b) (c) 2 (d) 4

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
IES-8. The maximum shear stress occurs on the outermost fibers of a circular shaft
under torsion. In a close coiled helical spring, the maximum shear stress occurs
on the [IES-1999]
(a) Outermost fibres (b) Fibres at mean diameter (c) Innermost fibres (d) End coils

IES-9. A helical spring has N turns of coil of diameter D, and a second spring, made of
same wire diameter and of same material, has N/2 turns of coil of diameter 2D. If
the stiffness of the first spring is k, then the stiffness of the second spring will be:
[IES-1999]
(a) k/4 (b) k/2 (c) 2k (d) 4k

IES-10. A closed-coil helical spring is subjected to a torque about its axis. The spring wire
would experience a [IES-1996; 1998]
(a) Bending stress
(b) Direct tensile stress of uniform intensity at its cross-section
(c) Direct shear stress
(d) Torsional shearing stress

IES-11. Given that: [IES-1996]

d = diameter of spring, R = mean radius of coils,n = number of coils and G
=modulus of rigidity, the stiffness of the close-coiled helical spring subject to an
axial load W is equal to
Gd 4 Gd 3 Gd 4 Gd 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
64 R 3 n 64 R 3 n 32 R 3 n 64 R 2 n

IES-12. A closely coiled helical spring of 20 cm mean diameter is having 25 coils of 2 cm

diameter rod. The modulus of rigidity of the material if 10 7 N/cm2. What is the
stiffness for the spring in N/cm? [IES-2004]
(a) 50 (b) 100 (c) 250 (d) 500

IES-13. Which one of the following expresses the stress factor K used for design of closed
coiled helical spring? [IES-2008]
4C − 4 4C − 1 0.615 4C − 4 0.615 4C − 1
(a) (b) + (c) + (d)
4C − 1 4C − 4 C 4C − 1 C 4C − 4
Where C = spring index

IES-14. In the calculation of induced shear stress in helical springs, the Wahl's correction
factor is used to take care of [IES-1995; 1997]
(a) Combined effect of transverse shear stress and bending stresses in the wire.
(b) Combined effect of bending stress and curvature of the wire.
(c) Combined effect of transverse shear stress and curvature of the wire.
(d) Combined effect of torsional shear stress and transverse shear stress in the wire.

IES-15. While calculating the stress induced in a closed coil helical spring, Wahl's factor
must be considered to account for [IES-2002]
(a) The curvature and stress concentration effect (b) Shock loading
(c) Poor service conditions (d) Fatigue loading

IES-16. Cracks in helical springs used in Railway carriages usually start on the inner side
of the coil because of the fact that [IES-1994]
(a) It is subjected to the higher stress than the outer side.
(b) It is subjected to a higher cyclic loading than the outer side.
(c) It is more stretched than the outer side during the manufacturing process.
(d) It has a lower curvature than the outer side.

IES-17. Two helical springs of the same material and of equal circular cross-section and
length and number of turns, but having radii 20 mm and 40 mm, kept
concentrically (smaller radius spring within the larger radius spring), are
compressed between two parallel planes with a load P. The inner spring will carry
a load equal to [IES-1994]
(a) P/2 (b) 2P/3 (c) P/9 (d) 8P/9

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s

IES-18. A length of 10 mm diameter steel wire is coiled to a close coiled helical spring
having 8 coils of 75 mm mean diameter, and the spring has a stiffness K. If the
same length of wire is coiled to 10 coils of 60 mm mean diameter, then the spring
stiffness will be: [IES-1993]
(a) K (b) 1.25 K (c) 1.56 K (d) 1.95 K

IES-18a. Two equal lengths of steel wires of the same diameter are made into two springs
S1 andS2 of mean diameters 75 mm and 60 mm respectively. The stiffness ratio of
S1 to S2 is [IES-2011]
2 3 2 3
60 60 75 75
(a) (b) (c ) (d )
75 75 60 60

IES-19. A spring with 25 active coils cannot be accommodated within a given space. Hence
5 coils of the spring are cut. What is the stiffness of the new spring?
(a) Same as the original spring(b) 1.25 times the original spring [IES-2004, 2012]
(c) 0.8 times the original spring(d) 0.5 times the original spring

IES-20. Wire diameter, mean coil diameter and number of turns of a closely-coiled steel
spring are d, D and N respectively and stiffness of the spring is K. A second spring
is made of same steel but with wire diameter, mean coil diameter and number of
turns 2d, 2D and 2N respectively. The stiffness of the new spring is:
[IES-1998; 2001]
(a) K (b) 2K (c) 4K (d) 8K

IES-21. When two springs of equal lengths are arranged to form cluster springs which of
the following statements are the: [IES-1992]
1. Angle of twist in both the springs will be equal
2. Deflection of both the springs will be equal
3. Load taken by each spring will be half the total load
4. Shear stress in each spring will be equal
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

IES-22. Consider the following statements: [IES-2009]

When two springs of equal lengths are arranged to form a cluster spring
1. Angle of twist in both the springs will be equal
2. Deflection of both the springs will be equal
3. Load taken by each spring will be half the total load
4. Shear stress in each spring will be equal
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (c)2 only (d) 4 only

IES-22(i). The compliance of the spring is the: [IES-2013]

(a) Reciprocal of the spring constant
(b) Deflection of the spring under compressive load
(c) Force required to produce a unit elongation of the spring
(d) Square of the stiffness of the spring

IES-22(ii). A bumper consisting of two helical springs of circular section brings to rest a
railway wagon of mass 1500 kg and moving at 1 m/s. While doing so, the springs
are compressed by 150 mm. Then, the maximum force on each spring (assuming
gradually increasing load) is: [IES-2013]
(a) 2500 N (b) 5000 N (c) 7500 N (d) 3000 N

Close-coiled helical spring with axial load

IES-23. Under axial load, each section of a close-coiled helical spring is subjected to
(a) Tensile stress and shear stress due to load [IES-2003]
(b) Compressive stress and shear stress due to torque

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
(c) Tensile stress and shear stress due to torque
(d) Torsional and direct shear stresses

IES-24. When a weight of 100 N falls on a spring of stiffness 1 kN/m from a height of 2 m,
the deflection caused in the first fall is: [IES-2000]
(a) Equal to 0.1 m (b) Between 0.1 and 0.2 m
(c) Equal to 0.2 m (d) More than 0.2 m

Subjected to 'Axial twist'

IES-25. A closed coil helical spring of mean coil diameter 'D' and made from a wire of
diameter 'd' is subjected to a torque 'T' about the axis of the spring. What is the
maximum stress developed in the spring wire? [IES-2008]
8T 16T 32T 64T
(a) 3 (b) 3 (c) 3 (d) 3
d d d d

Springs in Series
IES-26. When a helical compression spring is cut into two equal halves, the stiffness of
each of the result in springs will be: [IES-2002; IAS-2002]
(a) Unaltered (b) Double (c) One-half (d) One-fourth

IES-27. If a compression coil spring is cut into two equal parts and the parts are then used
in parallel, the ratio of the spring rate to its initial value will be: [IES-1999]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 4 (d) Indeterminable for want of sufficient data

Springs in Parallel
IES-28. The equivalent spring stiffness for the
system shown in the given figure (S is
the spring stiffness of each of the three
springs) is:
(a) S/2 (b) S/3
(c) 2S/3 (d) S

[IES-1997; IAS-2001]
IES-29. Two coiled springs, each having stiffness K, are placed in parallel. The stiffness of
the combination will be: [IES-2000]
K K
( a ) 4K ( b ) 2K ( c) (d)
2 4

IES-30. A mass is suspended at the bottom of two springs in series having stiffness 10
N/mm and 5 N/mm. The equivalent spring stiffness of the two springs is nearly
[IES-2000]
(a) 0.3 N/mm (b) 3.3 N/mm (c) 5 N/mm (d) 15 N/mm

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
IES-31. Figure given above shows a spring-
mass system where the mass m is
fixed in between two springs of
stiffness S1 and S2. What is the
equivalent spring stiffness?
(a) S1- S2 (b) S1+ S2

(c) (S1+ S2)/ S1 S2 (d) (S1- S2)/

S1 S2

[IES-2005]
IES-32. Two identical springs
labelled as 1 and 2 are
arranged in series and
subjected to force F as
shown in the given
figure.
Assume that each spring constant is K. The strain energy stored in spring 1 is:
[IES-2001]
F2 F2 F2 F2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2K 4K 8K 16 K
IES-33. What is the equivalent stiffness (i.e. spring
constant) of the system shown in the given
figure?
(a) 24 N/mm (b) 16 N/mm
(c) 4 N/mm (d) 5.3 N/mm

[IES-1997]
IES-33a. A helical spring of 10 N/mm rating is mounted on top of another helical spring of 8
N/mm rating. The force required for a total combined deflection of 45 mm through
the two springs is [IES-2016]
(a) 100 N (b) 150 N (c) 200 N (d) 250 N

IES-34.Two concentric springs, having same number of turns and free axial length, are made
of same material. One spring has a mean coil diameter of 12 cm and its wire diameter
is of 1.0 cm. the other one has a mean coil diameter of 8 cm and its wire diameter is of
0.6 cm. If the set of spring is compressed by a load of 2000 N, the loads shared by the
springs will be, [IES-2014]
(a) 1245.5 N and 754.5 N (b) 1391.4 N and 608.6 N
(c) 1100 N and 900 N (d) 1472.8 N and 527.2 N

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Helical spring
IAS-1. Assertion (A): Concentric cylindrical helical springs which are used to have
greater spring force in a limited space is wound in opposite directions.

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
Reason (R): Winding in opposite directions prevents locking of the two coils in
case of misalignment or buckling. [IAS-1996]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-2. An open-coiled helical spring of mean diameter D, number of coils N and wire
diameter d is subjected to an axial force' P. The wire of the spring is subject to:
[IAS-1995]
(a) direct shear only (b) combined shear and bending only
(c) combined shear, bending and twisting (d) combined shear and twisting only

IAS-3. Assertion (A): Two concentric helical springs used to provide greater spring force
are wound in opposite directions. [IES-1995; IAS-2004]
Reason (R): The winding in opposite directions in the case of helical springs
prevents buckling.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

IAS-4. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES-1996; 2007; IAS-1997]
If a helical spring is halved in length, its spring stiffness
(a) Remains same (b) Halves (c) Doubles (d) Triples

IAS-5. A closed coil helical spring has 15 coils. If five coils of this spring are removed by
cutting, the stiffness of the modified spring will: [IAS-2004]
(a) Increase to 2.5 times (b) Increase to 1.5 times
(c) Reduce to 0.66 times (d) Remain unaffected

IAS-6. A close-coiled helical spring has wire diameter 10 mm and spring index 5. If the
spring contains 10 turns, then the length of the spring wire would be: [IAS-2000]
(a) 100 mm (b) 157 mm (c) 500 mm (d) 1570 mm

IAS-7. Consider the following types of stresses: [IAS-1996]

1. torsional shear 2. Transverse direct shear 3. Bending stress
The stresses, that are produced in the wire of a close-coiled helical spring
subjected to an axial load, would include
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

IAS-8. Two close-coiled springs are subjected to the same axial force. If the second spring
has four times the coil diameter, double the wire diameter and double the number
of coils of the first spring, then the ratio of deflection of the second spring to that
of the first will be: [IAS-1998]
1
(a) 8 (b) 2 (c) (d) 1/16
2
IAS-9. A block of weight 2 N falls from a height of 1m on the top of a spring· If the spring
gets compressed by 0.1 m to bring the weight momentarily to rest, then the spring
constant would be: [IAS-2000]
(a) 50 N/m (b) 100 N/m (c) 200N/m (d) 400N/m

IAS-10. The springs of a chest expander are 60 cm long when unstretched. Their stiffness
is 10 N/mm. The work done in stretching them to 100 cm is: [IAS-1996]
(a) 600 Nm (b) 800 Nm (c) 1000 Nm (d) 1600 Nm

IAS-11. A spring of stiffness 'k' is extended from a displacement x1 to a displacement x2 the

work done by the spring is: [IAS-1999]
2
1 2 1 2 1 1 x + x2
(a) k x1 − k x2 (b) k ( x1 − x2 ) (c) k ( x1 + x2 )
2 2
(d) k 1
2 2 2 2 2

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s

IAS-12. A spring of stiffness 1000 N/m is stretched initially by 10 cm from the undeformed
position. The work required to stretch it by another 10 cm is:
[IAS-1995]
(a) 5 Nm (b) 7 Nm (c) 10 Nm (d) 15 Nm.

Springs in Series
IAS-13. When a helical compression spring is cut into two equal halves, the stiffness of
each of the result in springs will be: [IES-2002; IAS-2002]
(a) Unaltered (b) Double (c) One-half (d) One-fourth

IAS-14. The length of the chest-expander spring when it is un-stretched, is 0.6 m and its
stiffness is 10 N/mm. The work done in stretching it to 1m will be: [IAS-2001]
(a) 800 J (b) 1600 J (c) 3200 J (d) 6400 J

Springs in Parallel
IAS-15. The equivalent spring stiffness for the
system shown in the given figure (S is
the spring stiffness of each of the three
springs) is:
(a) S/2 (b) S/3
(c) 2S/3 (d) S

[IES-1997; IAS-2001]

IAS-16. Two identical springs, each of stiffness K, are

assembled as shown in the given figure. The
combined stiffness of the assembly is:
(a) K2 (b) 2K
(c) K (d) (1/2)K

[IAS-1998]

Flat spiral Spring

IAS-17. Mach List-I (Type of spring) with List-II (Application) and select the correct
answer: [IAS-2000]
List-I List-II
A. Leaf/Helical springs 1. Automobiles/Railways coachers
B. Spiral springs 2. Shearing machines
C. Belleville springs 3. Watches
Codes: A B C A B C
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 1 3 2
(c) 3 1 2 (d) 2 3 1

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
Semi-elliptical spring
IAS-18. The ends of the leaves of a semi-elliptical leaf spring are made triangular in plain
in order to: [IAS 1994]
(a) Obtain variable I in each leaf
(b) Permit each leaf to act as a overhanging beam
(c) Have variable bending moment in each leaf
(d) Make Mil constant throughout the length of the leaf.

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
8PD3N
GATE-1. Ans. (a) =
G.d4
P G.d 4 1
GATE-2. Ans. (d)Spring constant (K) = = or K
8D 3 N D3
3 3
K2 D1 20
= = =8
K1 D2 10
GATE-2a. Ans. (c)
As per given data: spring constant,
𝐺𝑑 4
𝑘(𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔) =
8𝐷3 𝑛
Spring constant,
𝐺(2𝑑)4 𝐺𝑑 4
𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 = =
8(2𝐷)3 (2𝑛) 8𝐷3 𝑛
Hence, 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 = 𝑘
GATE-2b. Ans. (8.243) Stiffness of helical spring

Gd 4
k=
8D3n
4 4
k2 d k 1.02d1
= 2 or 2 =
k1 d1 k1 d1
k2 − k1
% increasein stiffness = 100% = 8.243%
k1

Gd 4
GATE-2c. Ans. (b) Spring Constant (k) =
8D 3n
G is modulus of Rigidity. It is not strength of material. It is elastic constant.
P G.d 4 d4
GATE-3. Ans. (c) Spring constant (K) = = Therefore k
8D 3 N n

GATE-4. Ans. (c)Inclined it to a very low angle, d

For equilibrium taking moment about ‘hinge’
l W 300
W d − k ( ld ) l = 0 or k = = = 500N / m
2 2l 2 0.3
GATE-5. Ans. (b) Initial length = lo m and stiffness = k N/m
2 g = k (lo − 0.2 )
2 g + 20 g = k (lo − 0.1)
Just solve the above equations.

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
GATE-6. Ans. (d) When a spring is cut into two, no. of coils gets halved.
Stiffness of each half gets doubled.
When these are connected in parallel, stiffness = 2k + 2k = 4k
Therefore deflection will be ¼ times. = 2.5 mm
GATE-7. Ans. 6
GATE-8. Ans. (a)

(a) Pure Torsional Stress

(b) Direct Shear Stress
(c) Combined Direct and Torsional Shear Stress
(d) Combined direct shear and torsional shear stress along with the effect of stress
concentration at the coil wire cross-section.

IES
8PD3N
IES-1. Ans. (a) =
Gd4
D 1
T=F ; U= T
2 2
FD TL
Τ= ; =
2 GJ
L = DN
2
1 FD L 4F2D3N
U= =
2 2 GJ Gd4
U 8FD3N
= =
F Gd4
IES-1(i). Ans. (b)
8𝑃𝐷3 𝑁
𝛿=
𝐺𝑑 4
IES-2. Ans. (b)
IES-3. Ans. (c) It is for preventing locking not for buckling.
Gd4 1
IES-4. Ans. (c) Stiffness of sprin ( k ) = 3
so k andn wiil behalf
8D n n

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
IES-4(i). Ans. (a)
IES-4(ii). Ans. (c)
1 2
IES-5. Ans. (b) mg(h + x) = kx
2
IES-5(i) Ans. (c) D=10cm,d=8mm,n=10
8PD3n 8 200 103 10−6 10
= = = 48.82 49mm
Gd 4 80 109 84 10−12
8PD
IES-6. Ans. (c) Use = k s
d3
IES-6a. Ans. (a)
8PD
IES-7. Ans. (b) Use = k s it is independent of number of turn
d3
IES-8. Ans. (c)
Gd 4 Gd 4 k
IES-9. Ans. (a) Stiffness (k) = 3
; Second spring,stiffness (k 2 ) = =
N 4
64 R N 64 ( 2 R )
3

2
IES-10. Ans. (a)
IES-11. Ans. (a)

IES-12. Ans. (b) Stiffness of sprin (k ) =

7
Gd4 10 N / cm
=
2
( 24 cm4 )
= 100N / cm
( )
8D3n 8 203 cm3 25 ( )
IES-13. Ans. (b)
IES-14. Ans. (c)
IES-15. Ans. (a)
IES-16. Ans. (a)
3
Wo Ri3 20 1 W W 8
IES-17. Ans. (d) = 3= = ; Wo = i So Wi + i = P or Wi = P
Wi Ro 40 8 8 8 9
Gd 4
IES-18. Ans. (c) Stiffness of spring (k) = Where G and d is same
64 R 3 n
k 1 1 1
Therefore = 3
= 3
=
k2 R n 75 8 1.56
R2 n2 60 10
IES-18a. Ans. (a) But most of the students think answer will be (b). If your calculated answer is also
(b) then read the question again and see “Two equal lengths of steel wires” is written
n2 D1 75
that means number of turns are different. And L = D1n1 = D2 n2 = =
n1 D2 60
Gd 4
Stiffness of spring (S) = Where G and d is same
64 R3 n
3 3 3 2
S R n2 D2 n2 60 75 60
Therefore 1 = 2 = = =
S2 R1 n1 D1 n1 75 60 75
Gd4 1 k 2 n1 25
IES-19. Ans. (b) Stiffness of spring (k ) = k or = = = 1.25
8D3n n k1 n2 20
Gd4
IES-20. Ans. (a) Stiffness of spring (k ) =
8D3n
IES-21. Ans. (a)
IES-22. Ans. (a) Same as [IES-1992]

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s

IES-22(i). Ans. (a)

IES-22(ii). Ans. (b)
IES-23. Ans. (d)
1 2
IES-24. Ans. (d) use mg (h + x ) = kx
2
IES-25. Ans. (c)
IES-26. Ans. (b)
IES-27. Ans. (c) When a spring is cut into two, no. of coils gets halved.
Stiffness of each half gets doubled.
When these are connected in parallel, stiffness = 2k + 2k = 4k

1 1 1 2
IES-28. Ans. (c) = + or Se = S
Se 2 S S 3

IES-29. Ans. (b) W = k = k1 + k2

1 1 1 10
IES-30. Ans. (b) = + or Se =
Se 10 5 3

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
IES-31. Ans. (b)
2
1 2 1 F
IES-32. Ans. (c)The strain energy stored per spring = k .x / 2 = keq / 2 and here total
2 2 keq
force ‘F’ is supported by both the spring 1 and 2 therefore k eq = k + k =2k
IES-33. Ans. (a) Stiffness K1 of 10 coils spring = 8 N/mm
Stiffness K2 of 5 coils spring = 16 N/mm
Though it looks like in series but they are in parallel combination. They are not subjected to
same force. Equivalent stiffness (k) = k1 + k2 = 24 N/mm
IES-33a. Ans. (c)

1 1 1 10×8 𝐹
= + or 𝑘𝑒𝑞 = = 4.94 N/mm Now 𝛿= or F = 200 N
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘1 𝑘2 10+8 𝑘𝑒𝑞
IES-34. Ans. (b)

IAS
IAS-1. Ans. (a)
IAS-2. Ans. (d)
IAS-3. Ans. (c) It is for preventing locking not for buckling.
Gd4 1
IAS-4. Ans. (c) Stiffness of sprin ( k ) = 3
so k andn wiil behalf
8D n n
Gd 4 1 K N 15
IAS-5. Ans. (b)K= or K or 2 = 1 = = 1.5
8D3 N N K1 N 2 10
IAS-6. Ans. (d) l = Dn = ( cd ) n = (5 10) 10 = 1570 mm
IAS-7. Ans. (b)
D2 N2
3
8PD N D1 N1 43 2
IAS-8. Ans. (a) = or 2
= = =8
Gd4 1 d2
4
24
d1
IAS-9. Ans. (d) Kinetic energy of block = potential energy of spring
1 2 2Wh 2 2 1
or W h= k.x or k = 2 = N / m = 400 N / m
2 x 0.12

1 2 1 10N 2
IAS-10. Ans. (b) E = kx = 1 − 0.6 m2 = 800Nm
2 2 1
m
1000
1 2 1 2
IAS-11. Ans. (a) Work done by the spring is = k x1 − k x2
2 2
IAS-12. Ans.(d) E =
1
2
(
k x22 − x12 =
1
2
)
1000 0.202 − 0.102 = 15Nm
IAS-13. Ans. (b)
IAS-14. Ans. (a)

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
1 1 10N 1 10 N
k.x 2 = (1 − 0.6 ) m2 = 0.42 m2 = 800 J
2
Work done =
2 2 1mm 2 1
m
1000
1 1 1 2
IAS-15. Ans. (c) = + or Se = S
Se 2 S S 3

IAS-16. Ans. (b) Effective stiffness = 2K. Due to applied force one spring will be under tension and
another one under compression so total resistance force will double.
IAS-17. Ans. (b)
IAS-18. Ans. (d)The ends of the leaves of a semi-elliptical leaf spring are made rectangular in plan in
order to make M/I constant throughout the length of the leaf.

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question ESE-2008
Question: A close-coiled helical spring has coil diameter D, wire diameter d and number of
turn n. The spring material has a shearing modulus G. Derive an expression for
the stiffness k of the spring.
Answer: The work done by the
axial force 'P' is
converted into strain
energy and stored in
the spring.
U= average torque
× angular displacement
T
= ×θ
2
TL
From the figure we get, θ =
GJ
PD
Torque (T)=
2
length of wire (L)=πDn
πd4
Polar moment of Inertia(J)=
32
4P2D3n
Therefore U=
Gd4
According to Castigliano's theorem, the displacement corresponding to force P is obtained
by partially differentiating strain energy with respect to that force.

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
2 3 3
U 4p D n 8PD n
Therefore =
P P Gd 4 Gd 4
P Gd 4
So Spring stiffness, k =
8D3n

Conventional Question ESE-2010

Q. A stiff bar of negligible weight transfers a load P to a combination of three helical
springs arranged in parallel as shown in the above figure. The springs are made
up of the same material and out of rods of equal diameters. They are of same free
length before loading. The number of coils in those three springs are 10, 12 and 15
respectively, while the mean coil diameters are in ratio of 1 : 1.2 : 1.4 respectively.
Find the distance ‘x’ as shown in figure, such that the stiff bar remains horizontal
after the application of load P. [10 Marks]
P
x

l l
Ans. Same free length of spring before loading
The number of coils in the spring 1,2 and 3 is 10, 12 and 15 mean diameter of spring 1,2 and
3 in the ratio of 1 : 1.2 : 1.4 Find out distance x so that rod remains horizontal after
loading.
Since the rod is rigid and remains horizontal after the load p is applied therefore the
deflection of each spring will be same
1 = 2 = 3 = (say)
Spring are made of same material and out of the rods of equal diameter
G1 = G2 = G3 = G and d1 = d2 = d3 = d
Load in spring 1
Gd4 Gd4 Gd4
P1 = = = .....(1)
64R13n1 64R13 10 640R13
Load in spring 2
Gd4 Gd4 Gd4
P2 = = = .....(2)
64 R32n2 64 (1.2)3 12R13 1327.10R13
Load in spring 3
Gd4 Gd4 Gd4
P3 = = = .....(3)
64R33n3 64 (1.4)3 15R13 2634.2R13
From eqn (1) & (2)
640
P2 = P1
1327.1
P2 = 0.482 P1

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
n
from eq (1) & (3)
640
P3 = P = 0.2430 P1
2634.2 1
Taking moment about the line of action P1
P2 L + P3 2L = P.x
0.4823 P1L + 0.2430 P1 2L = P.x.

x=
( 0.4823 + 0.486 ) P1L ........(4)
P
total load in the rod is
P=P1 +P2 +P3
P = P1 + .4823P1 + 0.2430P1
P = 1.725 P1 ......(5)
Equation (4) & (5)
0.9683L 0.9683L
x= = = 0.5613L
1.725 P1 / P1 1.725
x = 0.5613 L

Conventional Question ESE-2008

Question: A close-coiled helical spring has coil diameter to wire diameter ratio of 6. The
spring deflects 3 cm under an axial load of 500N and the maximum shear stress
is not to exceed 300 MPa. Find the diameter and the length of the spring wire
required. Shearing modulus of wire material = 80 GPa.
P Gd 4
Answer: Stiffness, K
δ 8D3 n

500 80 109 d D
or , 3
[given c= 6]
0.03 8 6 n d
or , d 3.6 10 4 n (i )
For static loading correcting factor(k)
0.5 0.5
k= 1+ 1 1.0833
c 6
8PD
We know that =k
πd3
8kPC D
d2 C 6
π d
1.0833 8 500 6
d 6
5.252 10 3 m 5.252 mm
300 10
So D=cd=6×5.252mm=31.513mm
From, equation (i) n=14.59 15
Now length of spring wire(L) = Dn = 31.513×15 mm =1.485 m

Conventional Question ESE-2007

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
Question: A coil spring of stiffness 'k' is cut to two halves and these two springs are
assembled in parallel to support a heavy machine. What is the combined
stiffness provided by these two springs in the modified arrangement?
Answer: When it cut to two halves stiffness of
each half will be 2k. Springs in parallel.
Total load will be shared so
Total load = W+W
or δ.Keq δ.(2k ) δ.(2k )
or Keq 4k.

Conventional Question ESE-2001

Question: A helical spring B is placed inside the coils of a second helical spring A , having
the same number of coils and free axial length and of same material. The two
springs are compressed by an axial load of 210 N which is shared between them.
The mean coil diameters of A and B are 90 mm and 60 mm and the wire
diameters are 12 mm and 7 mm respectively. Calculate the load shared by
individual springs and the maximum stress in each spring.
Gd4
Answer: The stiffness of the spring (k) =
8D3N
Here load shared the springs are arranged in parallel
Equivalent stiffness(k e )=k A +k B
4 3 4 3
K d DB 12 60
Hear A = A [As NA NN ] 2.559
K B dB DA 7 90
Total load 210 N
Let total deflection is 'x' m x
Equivalet stiffness K A KB
210 210
Load shared by spring 'A'(FA ) KA x =151N
kB 1
1 1
kA 2.559
Load shared by spring 'A'(FB ) KB x 210 151 59 N
0.5 8PD
For static load: = 1+
C πd 3

0.5 8 151 0.090

A max 1 21.362 MPa
π 0.012
3
90
12

0.5 8 59 0.060
B max 1 27.816 MPa
60 π 0.007 3
7

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 Chapter-14 Spring S K Mondal’s
Conventional Question AMIE-1997
Question: A close-coiled spring has mean diameter of 75 mm and spring constant of 90
kN/m. It has 8 coils. What is the suitable diameter of the spring wire if maximum
shear stress is not to exceed 250 MN/m 2? Modulus of rigidity of the spring wire
material is 80 GN/m2. What is the maximum axial load the spring can carry?
Answer: Given D = 75mm; k = 80kN / m; n = 8
= 250MN / m2 ; G = 80GN / m2 = 80 109 N / m2
Diameter of the spring wire, d:

T= d3 ( where T = P R)
16

We know, P 0.0375 = 250 106 ( ) 16

d3 − − − (i )

Also P=k
or P = 80 103 − − − ( ii )
Using the relation:
8PD3n 8P ( 0.075 ) 8
3
P
= 4
= 9 4
= 33.75 10−14
Gd 80 10 d d4
Substituting for in equation(ii), we get
P
P = 80 103 33.75 10−14 or d = 0.0128m or 12.8mm
d4
Maximum axial load the spring can carry P:
From equation (i), we get

(
P 0.0375 = 250 106 ) 16
( 0.0128 )
3
; P = 2745.2N = 2.7452kN

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 15. Thick Cylinder
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
1. Thick cylinder
Inner dia of the cylinder (di )
15 or 20
wall thickness (t)

2. General Expression

3. Difference between the analysis of stresses in thin & thick cylinders

• In thin cylinders, it is assumed that the tangential stress t is uniformly distributed over the

cylinder wall thickness.

In thick cylinder, the tangential stress t has the highest magnitude at the inner surface of the

cylinder & gradually decreases towards the outer surface.

• The radial stress r is neglected in thin cylinders while it is of significant magnitude in case of

thick cylinders.

4. Strain
du
• Radial strain, r = .
dr
u
• Circumferential /Tangential strain t =
r

• Axial strain, z = z
− r
+ t

E E E

5. Stress

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
pi ri 2
• Axial stress, =
r02 − ri 2
z

B
• Radial stress, r = A−
r2
B
• Circumferential /Tangential stress, t = A+
r2
[Note: Radial stress always compressive so its magnitude always –ive. But in some books they
B
assume that compressive radial stress is positive and they use, r = − A]
r2
6. Boundary Conditions
At r = ri , r = − pi

At r = ro r = − po

pi ri 2 − po ro2 ri 2 ro2
7. A = and B = ( pi − po )
ro2 − ri 2 (ro2 − ri 2 )

8. Cylinders with internal pressure (pi) i.e. po = 0

pi ri 2
• =
r02 − ri 2
z

pi ri 2 r02
• = − 2 2 2 −1 [ -ive means compressive stress]
r0 − ri r
r

pi ri 2 r02
• = + 2 2 2 +1
r0 − ri r
t

(a) At the inner surface of the cylinder

(i) r = ri
(ii ) r = − pi
pi (ro2 + ri 2 )
(iii ) =+
ro2 − ri 2
t

ro2
(iv) = . pi
ro2 − ri 2
max

(b) At the outer surface of the cylinder

(i ) r = ro
(ii ) r =0
2pi ri2
(iii ) = 2 2
ro − ri
t

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
(c) Radial and circumferential stress distribution within the cylinder wall when only
internal pressure acts.

9. Cylinders with External Pressure (po) i.e. pi = 0

po ro2 ri 2
• = − 2 2 1− 2
ro − ri
r
r

po ro2 ri 2
• =− 1 +
ro2 − ri 2
t
r2
(a) At the inner surface of the cylinder

(i) r = ri

(ii) r =o
2 po ro2
(iii) =− 2 2
ro − ri
t

(b) At the outer surface of the cylinder

(i) r = ro

(ii) r = − po

po (ro2 + ri 2 )
(iii) =−
ro2 − ri 2
t

(c) Distribution of radial and circumferential stresses within the cylinder wall when only
external pressure acts

10. Lame's Equation[for Brittle Material, open or closed end]

There is a no of equations for the design of thick cylinders. The choice of equation depends upon two
parameters.

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
• Cylinder Material (Whether brittle or ductile)
• Condition of Cylinder ends (open or closed)

When the material of the cylinder is brittle, such as cast iron or cast steel, Lame's Equation is used to
determine the wall thickness. Condition of cylinder ends may open or closed.

It is based on maximum principal stress theory of failure.

There principal stresses at the inner surface of the cylinder are as follows: (i) (ii) & (iii)

(i ) r = − pi

pi (r02 + ri 2 )
(ii ) =+
r02 − ri 2
t

pi ri 2
(iii ) =+
ro2 − ri 2
z

• t z r

ro + pi
• is the criterion of design = t

− pi
t
ri t

• For ro = ri + t

+ pi
• t = ri t
− 1 ( Lame ' s Equation)
t − pi

• t = ult

fos
11. Clavarino's Equation[for cylinders with closed end & made of ductile material]
When the material of a cylinder is ductile, such as mild steel or alloy steel, maximum strain theory of
failure is used (St. Venant's theory) is used.

Three principal stresses at the inner surface of the cylinder are as follows (i) (ii) & (iii)

(i ) r = − pi
pi (ro2 + ri 2 )
(ii ) =+
(ro2 − ri 2 )
t

pi ri 2
(iii ) =+
(ro2 − ri 2 )
z

−( )
1
• t = t r + z
E
/ fos
t = = yld
•
E E

• Or = t − ( r + z ). Where = yld

fos
• is the criterion of design

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

ro + (1 − 2 ) pi
=
ri − (1 + ) pi

• For ro = ri + t

+ (1 − 2 ) pi
t = ri
− (1 + ) pi
−1 ( Clavarion's Equation )

12. Birne's Equation [for cylinders with open end & made of ductile material]
When the material of a cylinder is ductile, such as mild steel or alloy steel, maximum strain theory of
failure is used (St. Venant's theory) is used.

Three principal stresses at the inner surface of the cylinder are as follows (i) (ii) & (iii)

(i ) r = − pi
pi (ro2 + ri 2 )
(ii ) =+
(ro2 − ri 2 )
t

(iii ) z =0

• = t − r where = yld

fos
• is the criterion of design

ro + (1 − ) pi
=
ri − (1 + ) pi
• For ro = ri + t

+ (1 − ) pi
t = ri − 1 (Birnie's Equation)
− (1 + ) pi

13. Barlow’s equation: [for high pressure gas pipe brittle or ductile material]
pi
t = ro [GAIL exam 2004]
t

=
y
Where t for ductile material
fos

= ult
for brittle material
fos
14. Compound Cylinder(A cylinder & A Jacket)
• When two cylindrical parts are assembled by shrinking or press-fitting, a contact pressure is
created between the two parts. If the radii of the inner cylinder are a and c and that of the outer
cylinder are (c- ) and b, being the radial interference the contact pressure is given by:

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

E b2 c 2 (c 2 a2 )
P Where E is the Young's modulus of the material
c 2c 2 (b2 a2 )

• The inner diameter of the jacket is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of cylinder
• When the jacket is heated, it expands sufficiently to move over the cylinder
• As the jacket cools, it tends to contract onto the inner cylinder, which induces residual
compressive stress.
• There is a shrinkage pressure 'P' between the cylinder and the jacket.
• The pressure 'P' tends to contract the cylinder and expand the jacket
• The shrinkage pressure 'P' can be evaluated from the above equation for a given amount of
interference
• The resultant stresses in a compound cylinder are found by supervision losing the 2- stresses
▪ stresses due to shrink fit
▪ stresses due to internal pressure
Derivation:

Due to interference let us assume δ j increase in inner diameter

of jacket and δc decrease in outer diameter of cylinder.
so δ= δ j + δc i.e. without sign.

Now δ j j c j tangential strain

1
= σt µσ r c
E
σ t =circumferential stress
cP b2 c2 p(b2 +c 2 )
= µ (i ) +
E b2 c2 b2 -c 2
σr =-p radial stress

p(c 2 a 2 )
1 σt
And in similar way δc c c = σt µσ r c c 2 a2
E
σr p
2 2
cP c a
=- -µ ( ii ) Here -ive signrepresents contraction
E c2 a2

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Adding (i ) & (ii )
Pc 2c 2 (b2 a2 ) E δ (b2 c 2 )(c 2 a 2 )
δ δj δc or P
E (b2 c 2 )(c 2 a2 ) c 2c 2 (b2 a2 )

15. Autofrettage
Autofrettage is a process of pre-stressing the cylinder before using it in operation.

We know that when the cylinder is subjected to internal pressure, the circumferential stress at the
inner surface limits the pressure carrying capacity of the cylinder.

In autofrettage pre-stressing develops a residual compressive stresses at the inner surface. When the
cylinder is actually loaded in operation, the residual compressive stresses at the inner surface begin to
decrease, become zero and finally become tensile as the pressure is gradually increased. Thus
autofrettage increases the pressure carrying capacity of the cylinder.

16. Rotating Disc

The radial & circumferential (tangential) stresses in a rotating disc of uniform thickness are given by

2
R02 Ri2
r = (3 + ) R02 + Ri2 − − r2
8 r2
2
R02 Ri2 1 + 3 2
= (3 + ) R02 + Ri2 + − .r
3+
t
8 r2
Where Ri = Internal radius
Ro = External radius
= Density of the disc material

= Angular speed
= Poisson's ratio.

3+ μ 1− μ
Or, Hoop’s stress, σt = . 2
. R02 + Ri 2
4 3+μ

3+
Radial stress, r = . 2
R02 − Ri 2
8

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 30-Years’ GATE Questions

Lame's theory
GATE-1. A thick cylinder is subjected to an internal pressure of 60 MPa. If the hoop stress
on the outer surface is 150 MPa, then the hoop stress on the internal surface is:
[GATE-1996; IES-2001]
(a) 105 MPa (b) 180 MPa (c) 210 MPa (d) 135 MPa

GATE-2. Consider two concentric circular cylinders of different materials M and N in

contact with each other at r = b, as shown below. The interface at r = b is
frictionless. The composite cylinder system is subjected to internal pressure P. Let
(u M
r , u M ) and (
) denote the radial and tangential displacement and stress
M
rr , M

components, respectively, in material M. Similarly, ( u , u ) and ( ) denoteN N N N

, r rr

the radial and tangential displacement and stress components, respectively, in

material N. The boundary conditions that need to be satisfied at the frictionless
interface between the two cylinders are:
(a) u M = u N and M
= N
only
(b) urM = urN and M
rr = N
rr only
(c ) M
rr = N
rr and M
= N
only
(d ) urM = urN and M
rr = N
rr

and u M = u N and M
= N

Previous 30-Years’ IES Questions

Thick cylinder
IES-1. If a thick cylindrical shell is subjected to internal pressure, then hoop stress,
radial stress and longitudinal stress at a point in the thickness will be:
(a) Tensile, compressive and compressive respectively [IES-1999]
(b) All compressive
(c) All tensile
(d) Tensile, compressive and tensile respectively

IES-2. Where does the maximum hoop stress in a thick cylinder under external pressure
occur? [IES-2008]
(a) At the outer surface (b) At the inner surface
(c) At the mid-thickness (d) At the 2/3rd outer radius

IES-3. In a thick cylinder pressurized from inside, the hoop stress is maximum at
(a) The centre of the wall thickness (b) The outer radius [IES-1998]
(c) The inner radius (d) Both the inner and the outer radii

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
IES-3a. Consider the following statements for a thick-walled cylinder, subjected to an
internal pressure: [IES-2016]
1. Hoop stress is maximum at the inside radius.
2. Hoop stress is zero at the outside radius.
3. Shear stress is maximum at the inside radius.
4. Radial stress is uniform throughout the thickness of the wall.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4

IES-4. Consider the following statements:

1. In case of a thin spherical shell of diameter d and thickness t, subjected to internal

𝑝𝑑
pressure p, the principal stresses at any point equal . [IES-2018]
4𝑡
2. In case of thin cylinders, the hoop stress is determined assuming it to be uniform across
the thickness of the cylinder.
3. In thick cylinders, the hoop stress is not uniform across the thickness but it varies from a
maximum value at the inner circumference to a minimum value at the outer circumference.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

IES-4a. Which of the following statements regarding thin and thick cylinders, subjected to
internal pressure only, is/are correct?
1. A cylinder is considered thin when the ratio of its inner diameter to the wall
thickness is less than 15.
2. In thick cylinders, tangential stress has highest magnitude at the inner surface
of the cylinder and gradually decreases towards the outer surface.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 [IES-2020 Prelims]

IES-5. A thick-walled hollow cylinder having outside and inside radii of 90 mm and 40
mm respectively is subjected to an external pressure of 800 MN/m 2. The maximum
circumferential stress in the cylinder will occur at a radius of
[IES-1998]
(a) 40 mm (b) 60 mm (c) 65 mm (d) 90 mm

IES-6. In a thick cylinder, subjected to internal and external pressures, let r1 and r2 be
the internal and external radii respectively. Let u be the radial displacement of a
material element at radius r, r2 r r1 . Identifying the cylinder axis as z axis, the
radial strain component rr is: [IES-1996]
(a) u/r (b) u/ (c) du/dr (d) du/dθ

Lame's theory
IES-7. A thick cylinder is subjected to an internal pressure of 60 MPa. If the hoop stress
on the outer surface is 150 MPa, then the hoop stress on the internal surface is:
[GATE-1996; IES-2001]
(a) 105 MPa (b) 180 MPa (c) 210 MPa (d) 135 MPa

IES-8. A hollow pressure vessel is subject to internal pressure. [IES-2005]

Consider the following statements:
1. Radial stress at inner radius is always zero.
2. Radial stress at outer radius is always zero.
3. The tangential stress is always higher than other stresses.
4. The tangential stress is always lower than other stresses.

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4

IES-9. A thick open ended cylinder as shown in the

figure is made of a material with permissible
normal and shear stresses 200 MPa and 100 MPa
respectively. The ratio of permissible pressure
based on the normal and shear stress is:
[di = 10 cm; do = 20 cm]
(a) 9/5 (b) 8/5
(c) 7/5 (d) 4/5
[IES-2002]

Longitudinal and shear stress

IES-10. A thick cylinder of internal radius and external radius a and b is subjected to
internal pressure p as well as external pressure p. Which one of the following
statements is correct? [IES-2004]
The magnitude of circumferential stress developed is:
(a) Maximum at radius r = a (b) Maximum at radius r = b
(c) Maximum at radius r = ab (d) Constant

IES-11. Consider the following statements: [IES-2007]

In a thick walled cylindrical pressure vessel subjected to internal pressure, the
Tangential and radial stresses are:
1. Minimum at outer side
2. Minimum at inner side
3. Maximum at inner side and both reduce to zero at outer wall
4. Maximum at inner wall but the radial stress reduces to zero at outer wall
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 4 only

IES-12. Consider the following statements at given point in the case of thick cylinder
subjected to fluid pressure: [IES-2006]
1. Radial stress is compressive
2. Hoop stress is tensile
3. Hoop stress is compressive
4. Longitudinal stress is tensile and it varies along the length
5. Longitudinal stress is tensile and remains constant along the length of the
cylinder
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only 1, 2 and 4 (b) Only 3 and 4 (c) Only 1,2 and 5 (d) Only 1,3 and 5

IES-13. A thick cylinder with internal diameter d and outside diameter 2d is subjected to
internal pressure p. Then the maximum hoop stress developed in the cylinder is:
[IES-2003]
2 5
(a) p (b) p (c) p (d) 2p
3 3
IES-13a. The inner diameter of a cylindrical tank for liquefied gas is 250 mm. The gas
pressure is limited to 15 MPa. The tank is made of plain carbon steel with ultimate
tensile strength of 340 N/mm2, Poisson's ratio of 0.27 and the factor of safety of 5.
The thickness of the cylinder wall will be [IES-2019 Pre.]
(a) 60 mm (b) 50 mm (c) 40 mm (d) 30 mm

Compound or shrunk cylinder

IES-14. Autofrettage is a method of: [IES-1996; 2005; 2006]
(a) Joining thick cylinders (b) Relieving stresses from thick cylinders
(c) Pre-stressing thick cylinders (d) Increasing the life of thick cylinders

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

IES-15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the Lists: [IES-2004]
List-I List-II
A. Wire winding 1. Hydrostatic stress
B. Lame's theory 2. Strengthening of thin cylindrical shell
C. Solid sphere subjected to uniform 3. Strengthening of thick cylindrical shell
pressure on the surface
D. Autofrettage 4. Thick cylinders
Coeds: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 2 4 1 3

IES-16. If the total radial interference between two cylinders forming a compound
cylinder is δ and Young's modulus of the materials of the cylinders is E, then the
interface pressure developed at the interface between two cylinders of the same
material and same length is: [IES-2005]
(a) Directly proportional of E x δ (b) Inversely proportional of E/ δ
(c) Directly proportional of E/ δ (d) Inversely proportional of E / δ

IES-17. A compound cylinder with inner radius 5 cm and outer radius 7 cm is made by
shrinking one cylinder on to the other cylinder. The junction radius is 6 cm and
the junction pressure is 11 kgf/cm2. The maximum hoop stress developed in the
inner cylinder is: [IES-1994]
(a) 36 kgf/cm2 compression (b) 36 kgf/cm2 tension
(c) 72 kgf/cm2 compression (d) 72 kgf/cm2 tension.

IES-17a. A steel hub of 100 mm internal diameter and uniform thickness of 10 mm was
heated to a temperature of 300°C to shrink fit it on a shaft. On cooling, a crack
developed parallel to the direction of the length of the hub. The cause of the
failure is attributable to [IES-2016]
(a) tensile hoop stress (b) tensile radial stress
(c) compressive hoop stress (d) compressive radial stress

Thick Spherical Shell

IES-18. The hemispherical end of a pressure vessel is fastened to the cylindrical portion of
the pressure vessel with the help of gasket, bolts and lock nuts. The bolts are
subjected to: [IES-2003]
(a) Tensile stress (b) Compressive stress (c) Shear stress (d) Bearing stress

Previous Years’ IAS Questions

Longitudinal and shear stress

IAS-1. A solid thick cylinder is subjected to an external hydrostatic pressure p. The state
of stress in the material of the cylinder is represented as: [IAS-1995]

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
GATE-1. Ans. (c) If internal pressure = pi; External pressure = zero
p r2 r2
Circumferential or hoop stress (σc) = 2 i i 2 o2 + 1
ro − ri r
At pi = 60MPa, c = 150MPa and r = ro
2
ri2 ro2 r2 ri2 150 5 ro 9
150 = 60 + 1 = 120 2 i 2 or = = or =
ro − ri ro
2 2 2
ro − ri ro − ri2 120 4
2
ri 5
at r = ri
ri2 ro2 5 9
= 60 + 1 = 60 + 1 = 210 MPa
r − ri ri
c 2 2 2
o 4 5
GATE-2. Ans. (b) For the two concentric circular cylinders with frictionless interface, radial stresses
M N M
rr and rr must be equal to maintain the equilibrium. Also the radial displacements, u rr
N
and u rr must be equal to maintain the contact. This two boundary conditions must be
satisfied. As surface is frictionless, there may be slipping tangentially, therefore we cant say
anything about tangential stresses and displacements.
IES-1. Ans. (d)Hoop stress – tensile, radial stress – compressive and longitudinal stress – tensile.

Radial and circumferential stress Distribution of radial and circumferential

distribution within the cylinder wall stresses within the cylinder wall when only
when only internal pressure acts. external pressure acts.
IES-2. Ans. (b)
Circumferential or hoop stress= t

IES-3. Ans. (c)

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
IES-3a.Ans. (b)

IES-4.Ans. (d)
IES-4a. Ans.(b)
IES-5. Ans. (a)
IES-6. Ans. (c) The strains εr and εθmay be given by
ur 1
r = = r −v since z = 0
r E

=
( r + ur ) − r = ur = 1 −v r
r r E

Representation of radial and

circumferential strain.
IES-7. Ans. (c)If internal pressure = pi; External pressure = zero
p r2 r2
Circumferential or hoop stress (σc) = 2 i i 2 o2 + 1
ro − ri r
At pi = 60MPa, c = 150MPa and r = ro
2
r2 r2 r2 r2 150 5 r 9
150 = 60 2 i 2 o2 + 1 = 120 2 i 2 or 2 i 2 = = or o =
ro − ri ro ro − ri ro − ri 120 4 ri 5
at r = ri
ri2 ro2 5 9
= 60 + 1 = 60 + 1 = 210 MPa
ro2 − ri2 ri2
c
4 5
IES-8. Ans. (c)
IES-9. Ans. (b)
IES-10. Ans. (d)
B Pri i2 − Poro2 Pa2 − Pb2
=A+ A= = = −P
ro2 − ri2 b2 − a2
c
r2
(Pi − Po ) ro2ri2
= −P B= =o
ro2 − ri2
c

IES-11. Ans. (c)

IES-12.Ans.(c)3.For internal fluid pressure Hoop or circumferential stress is tensile.
4. Longitudinal stress is tensile and remains constant along the length of the cylinder.
IES-13. Ans. (c) In thick cylinder, maximum hoop stress
2
d
d2 +
r +r
2 2
2 5
= p 22 12 = p = p
r2 − r1
hoop 2
d 3
d2 −
2

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
IES-13a. Ans. (d)
Clavarino's Equation for cylinders with closed end & made of ductile material. When the
material of a cylinder is ductile, such as mild steel or alloy steel, maximum strain theory of
failure is used (St. Venant's theory) is used.
Clavarino ' s Equation
+ (1 − 2 ) pi 68 + (1 − 2 0.27) 15
t = ri − 1 =125 − 1 = 29.62 mm 30 mm
− (1 + ) pi 68 − (1 + 0.27) 15
340
Where, = ult
= = 68 MPa
FOS 5
IES-14. Ans. (c)
IES-15. Ans. (d)
IES-16. Ans. (a)
=
PD2 (
2D22 D32 − D12 )
E (D2
3 −D 2
2 )(D 2
2 − D12 )
P E.

Alternatively : if E then P
and if then P so P E

IES-17. Ans.(c)
IES-17a.Ans. (a)

IES-18. Ans. (a)

IAS-1. Ans. (c)

Distribution of radial and circumferential stresses within the cylinder wall when only
external pressure acts.

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-1997
Question: The pressure within the cylinder of a hydraulic press is 9 MPa. The inside
diameter of the cylinder is 25 mm. Determine the thickness of the cylinder wall,
if the permissible tensile stress is 18 N/mm2
Answer: Given: P = 9 MPa = 9 N/mm2, Inside radius, r1 = 12.5 mm;
t = 18 N/mm
2

Thickness of the cylinder:

r22 + r12
Usin g the equation; =p , we have
r22 − r12
t

r22 + 12.52
18 = 9
r22 − 12.52
or r2 = 21.65mm
Thickness of the cylinder = r2 − r1 = 21.65 − 12.5 = 9.15mm

Conventional Question IES-2010

Q. A spherical shell of 150 mm internal diameter has to withstand an internal
pressure of 30 MN/m2. Calculate the thickness of the shell if the allowable stress is
80 MN/m2.
Assume the stress distribution in the shell to follow the law
2b b
r =a− and =a+ [10 Marks]
r3 r3
Ans. A spherical shell of 150 mm internal diameter internal pressure = 30 MPa.
Allowable stress = 80 MN/m2
2b
Assume radial stress = r =a−
r3
b
Circumference stress = =a+ 3
r
At internal diameter (r)

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

r
= −30N / mm2
= 80N / mm2
2b
−30 = a − ..............(i)
(75)3
b
80 = a + .................(ii)
(75)3
Soluing eq n (i)&(ii)
110 753 130
b= a=
3 3
At outer Radius (R) radial stress should be zero
2b
o=a− 3
R
2b 2 110 753
R3 = = = 713942.3077
a 130
3
3
R = 89.376mm
There fore thickness of cylinder = (R − r)
= 89.376 − 75 = 14.376mm

Conventional Question IES-1993

Question: A thick spherical vessel of inner 'radius 150 mm is subjected to an internal
pressure of 80 MPa. Calculate its wall thickness based upon the
(i) Maximum principal stress theory, and
(ii) Total strain energy theory.
Poisson's ratio = 0.30, yield strength = 300 MPa
Answer: Given:
1
r1 = 150mm; p ( r ) = 80MPa = 80 106 N / m2 ; = = 0.30;
m
= 300MPa = 300 106 N / m2
Wall thickness t :
(i) Maximum principal stress theory :
K2 + 1 r2
We know that, Where K =
K2 − 1
r
r1
K2 + 1
or 80 106 300 106
K2 − 1
or K 1.314
or K = 1.314
r2
i.e. = 1.314 or r2 = r1 1.314 = 150 1.314 = 197.1mm
r1
Metal thickness, t = r2 − r1 = 197.1 − 150 = 47.1 mm
(ii) Total strain energy theory:

Use 2
1 + 2
2 − 1 2
2
y

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s

2
2 2
r K 4 (1 + ) + (1 − )
(K )
2
2
−1

( 80 ) K 4 (1 + 03 ) + (1 − 0.3 )
2
2 106
( 300 )
2
6
10
(K )
2
2
−1

( ) ( + 0.7 )
2
or 3002 K 2 − 1 = 2 80 2 1.3K 4
gives K = 1.86 or 0.59
It is clear that K 1
K = 1.364
r2
or = 1.364 or r2 = 150 1.364 = 204.6 mm
r1
t = r2 − r1 = 204.6 − 150 = 54.6 mm

Conventional Question ESE-2002

Question: What is the difference in the analysis of think tubes compared to that for thin
tubes? State the basic equations describing stress distribution in a thick tube.
Answer: The difference in the analysis of stresses in thin and thick cylinder:
(i) In thin cylinder, it is assumed that the tangential stress is uniformly distributed over
the cylinder wall thickness. In thick cylinder, the tangential stress has highest
magnitude at the inner surface of the cylinder and gradually decreases towards the
outer surface.
(ii) The radial stress is neglected in thin cylinders, while it is of significant magnitude in
case of thick cylinders.
Basic equation for describing stress distribution in thick tube is Lame's equation.
B B
r A and t A
r2 r2

Conventional Question ESE-2006

Question: What is autofrettage?
How does it help in increasing the pressure carrying capacity of a thick
cylinder?
Answer: Autofrettage is a process of pre-stressing the cylinder before using it in operation.
We know that when the cylinder is subjected to internal pressure, the circumferential
stress at the inner surface limits the pressure carrying capacity of the cylinder.
In autofrettage pre-stressing develops a residual compressive stresses at the inner surface.
When the cylinder is actually loaded in operation, the residual compressive stresses at the
inner surface begin to decrease, become zero and finally become tensile as the pressure is
gradually increased. Thus autofrettage increases the pressure carrying capacity of the
cylinder.

Conventional Question ESE-2001

Question: When two cylindrical parts are assembled by shrinking or press-fitting, a
contact pressure is created between the two parts. If the radii of the inner
cylinder are a and c and that of the outer cylinder are (c- ) and b, being the
radial interference the contact pressure is given by:

E b2 c 2 (c 2 a2 )
P
c 2c 2 (b2 a2 )
Where E is the Young's modulus of the material, Can you outline the steps
involved in developing this important design equation?

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Answer:

Due to interference let us assume δ j increase in inner diameter

of jacket and δc decrease in outer diameter of cylinder.
so δ= δ j + δc i.e. without sign.
Now δ j j c j tangential strain
1
= σt µσ r c
E
σ t =circumferential stress
2 2
cP b c p(b2 +c 2 )
= µ (i ) +
E b2 c2 b2 -c 2
σr =-p radial stress
And in similar way δc c c
p(c 2 a 2 )
1 σt
= σt µσ r c c 2 a2
E
σr p
cP c 2 a2
=- -µ ( ii ) Here -ive signrepresents contraction
E c2 a2

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
Adding (i ) & (ii )
Pc 2c 2 (b 2 a 2 )
δ δj δc
E (b 2 c 2 )(c 2 a 2 )
E δ (b 2 c 2 )(c 2 a 2 )
or P Proved.
c 2c 2 (b 2 a 2 )

Conventional Question ESE-2003

Question: A steel rod of diameter 50 mm is forced into a bronze casing of outside diameter
90 mm, producing a tensile hoop stress of 30 MPa at the outside diameter of the
casing.
Find (i) The radial pressure between the rod and the casing
(ii) The shrinkage allowance and
(iii) The rise in temperature which would just eliminate the force fit.
Assume the following material properties:
Es = 2×105 MPa, S 0.25 , s 1.2 10 5 / o C
5
Eb = 1×105 MPa , b 0.3, b 1.9 10 /o C
Answer:

There is a shrinkage pressure P between the steel rod and the bronze casing. The pressure
P tends to contract the steel rod and expand the bronze casing.
(i) Consider Bronze casing, According to Lames theory
B Pi ri 2 P0 r02
σt A Where A =
r2 r02 ri 2
(Pi P0 )r02 ri 2
and B =
r02 ri 2
Pi P, P0 0 and
Pri2 Pr02 ri 2 2Pri2
A= 2 , B= 2
r0 ri 2 r0 ri 2 r02 ri 2
B Pri2 Pri2 2Pri2
30 A
ro2 r02 ri 2 r02 ri 2 r02 ri 2
2
30(r02 ri 2 ) r02 90
or , P= 15 1 15 1 MPa=33.6MPa
2ri 2 ri 2 50
Therefore the radial pressure between the rod and the casing is P= 33.6 MPa.
(ii) The shrinkage allowance:
Let j = increase in inert diameter of bronze casing
C= decrease in outer diameter of steel rod
1st consider bronze casing:

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
B
Tangential stress at the inner surface(σ t ) j A
ri 2
2
90
1
Pr02 Pri2 P (r02 r12 ) 50
= 33.6 = 63.6MPa
r02 ri 2 r02 ri 2 r02 ri 2 90
2

1
50

and radial stress(σr ) j P 33.6MPa

longitudial stress(σ ) j 0

1
Therefore tangential strain ( t ) j σt j
µ(σr ) j
E
1
=
5
[63.6 0.3 33.6] =7.368×10-4
1×10
δj ( t )j di 7.368 10 4 0.050 0.03684mm

2nd Consider steel rod:

Circumferential stress (σ t )s P
and radial stress (σr )s P
1
δc ( t )s di σt S
µ(σ r )s di
Es
Pd i 33.6 0.050
(1 µ) 1 0.25 0.0063mm [reduction]
Es 2 105
Total shrinkage = δ j + δc =0.04mm[it is diametral] = 0.02mm [radial]

(iii) Let us temperature rise is ( t)

As b s due to same temperature rise steel not will expand less than bronze
casing. When their difference of expansion will be equal to the shrinkage then force
fit will eliminate.
di b t di s t 0.04272
0.04272 0.04272
or t 122o C
di b s 50 1.9 10 5 1.2 10 5

Conventional Question AMIE-1998

1
Question: A thick walled closed-end cylinder is made of an AI-alloy (E = 72 GPa, = 0.33),
m
has inside diameter of 200 mm and outside diameter of 800 mm. The cylinder is
subjected to internal fluid pressure of 150 MPa. Determine the principal stresses
and maximum shear stress at a point on the inside surface of the cylinder. Also
determine the increase in inside diameter due to fluid pressure.
200 800
Answer: Given: r1 = = 100mm = 0.1m;r2 = = 400mm = 0.4;p = 150MPa = 150MN / m2 ;
2 2
1
E = 72GPa = 72 109 N / m2 ; = 0.33 =
m
Principal stress and maximum shear stress:
Using the condition in Lame’s equation:

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 Chapter-15 Thick Cylinder S K Mondal’s
b
r =
−a
r2
At r = 0.1m, 2 = +p = 150MN / m 2
r = 0.4m, 2 =0
Substituting the values in the above equation we have
b
150 = −a − − − − (i )
( 0.1)
2

b
0= −a − − − − ( ii )
( 0.4 )
2

From ( i ) and (ii ) , we get

a = 10 and b = 1.6

The circumferential ( or hoop ) stress by Lame ' s equation,is given by

b
c = +a
r2
1.6
( c )max ,at r ( = r1 ) = 0.1m = 2
+ 10 = 170MN / m2 ( tensile ) , and
0.1
1.6
( c )min ,at r ( = r2 ) = 0.4m = + 10 = 20MN / m2 ( tensile ) .
0.42
Pr incipal stresses are 170 MN / m2 and 20MN / m2

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