CHAPTER 2: STRAIN The figure shows a bar of length L and

INTRODUCTION: constant cross-sectional area A that is loaded by an

In general terms, strain is a geometric quantity that measures the deformation of a axial tensile force P. We assume that the stress
body. Stress and strain are two fundamental concepts of mechanics of materials. caused by P is below the proportional limit, so that
Although our emphasis in this chapter will be on axially loaded bars, the principles Hooke’s law  = EЄ is applicable.
and methods developed here apply equally well to more complex cases of loading discussed Because the bar deforms uniformly, the
later. We will learn how to use force-deformation relationships in conjunction with equilibrium axial strain is Є = /L, which upon substitution into
analysis to solve statically indeterminate problems. Hooke’s law yields  = E(/L). Therefore, the elongation of the bar is

NORMAL (AXIAL) STRAIN

The normal strain Є (lowercase Greek epsilon) is defined as the elongation per unit
length. Therefore, the normal strain in the bar in the axial direction, also known as the axial Sample Problem #1:
strain, is The steel propeller shaft ABCD carries the axial loads shown in Fig. (a). Determine the change
in the length of the shaft caused by these loads. Use E = 29 x 106 psi for steel.
STRESS-STRAIN DIAGRAM
As seen in the figure, the stress-
strain diagram is a straight line from
the origin O to a point called the
proportional limit. This plot is a
manifestation of Hooke’s law: Stress
is proportional to strain; that is,

where E is a material property

known as the modulus of elasticity
or Young’s modulus.

Elastic Limit A material is said to be elastic if, after being loaded, the material returns to its
original shape when the load is removed. The elastic limit is, as its name implies, the stress
beyond which the material is no longer elastic. The permanent deformation that remains after
the removal of the load is called the permanent set.
Yield Point The point where the stress-strain diagram becomes almost horizontal is called the Sample problem #2:
yield point, and the corresponding stress is known as the yield stress or yield strength. Beyond The rigid bar AB, attached to aluminum and steel rods, is horizontal before the load P is
the yield point there is an appreciable elongation, or yielding, of the material without a applied. Find the vertical displacement of point C caused by the load P = 50 kN. Neglect all
corresponding increase in load. weights.
Ultimate Stress The ultimate stress or ultimate strength, as it is often called, is the highest
stress on the stress-strain curve.
Rupture Stress The rupture stress or rupture strength is the stress at which failure occurs.

AXIALLY LOADED BARS

Sample problem #3:
The length of the 3/32-in.-diameter steel wire CD has
been adjusted so that with no load applied, a gap of
1/16 in. exists between the end B of the rigid beam Sample Problem #5:
ACB and a contact point E. Knowing that E = 29 x The rigid, homogeneous slab weighing 600 kN is supported
106 psi, determine where a 50-lb block should be by three rods of identical material and cross section. Before
placed on the beam in order to cause contact between the slab was attached, the lower ends of the rods were at the
B and E. same level. Compute the axial force in each rod.

STATICALLY INDETERMINATE PROBLEMS

If the number of unknown forces exceeds the number of independent equilibrium
equations, the problem is said to be statically indeterminate.

Sample problem #4:

The rigid beam of negligible weight is supported by a pin at O and two vertical rods. Find the
vertical displacement of the 50-kip weight. THERMAL STRESSES
It is well known that changes in temperature cause dimensional changes in a body: An
increase in temperature results in expansion, whereas a temperature decrease produces
contraction.
The associated strain, called thermal strain, is
where the constant  is a material property known as the coefficient of thermal expansion, and
T is the temperature change. If the temperature change is uniform throughout the body, the
thermal strain is also uniform. Consequently, the change in any dimension L of the body is
given by

Sample problem #6:

The horizontal steel rod, 2.5 m long and 1200 mm 2 in cross-sectional area, is secured between
two walls as shown in the figure. If the rod is stress-free at 20C, compute the stress when the
temperature has dropped to -20C. Assume that (1) the walls do not move and (2) the walls
move together a distance  = 0.5 mm. Use  = 11.7 x 10-6/C and E = 200 GPa.

ASSIGNMENT:

Prob.1
A steel rod with a cross-sectional area of 0.25 in. 2 is stretched between two fixed points. The
tensile force in the rod at 70F is 1200 lb. (a) What will be the stress at 0F? (b) At what
temperature will the stress be zero? Use  = 6.5 x 10-6/F and E = 29 x 106 psi.

Prob.2
The bronze bar 3 m long with a cross-sectional area of 350 mm 2 is placed between two rigid
walls. At a temperature of 20C, there is a gap  = 2.2 mm, as shown in the figure. Find the
temperature at which the compressive stress in the bar will be 30 MPa. Use  = 18.0 x 10-6/C
and E = 80 GPa.

Sample Problem #7:

The rigid bar of negligible weight is supported as shown Prob.3
in the figure. If W = 80 kN, compute the temperature The three steel rods, each of cross-sectional area 250 mm 2,
change of the assembly that will cause a tensile stress of jointly support the 7.5-kN load. Assuming that there was
50 MPa in the steel rod. Use the following data: no slack or stress in the rods before the load was applied,
find the force in each rod. Use E = 200 GPa for steel.
Prob.4
Links BC and DE are both made of steel (E =
29 x 106 psi) and are 12 in. wide and 14 in.
thick. Determine (a) the force in each link when
a 600-lb force P is applied to the rigid member
AF shown, (b) the corresponding deflection of
point A.