Name: Mohamed Naleer Abdul Gaffor Email: muhammed_naleer@yahoo.com IP: 184.162.144.

24

MAE166A : HW3 solution Mechanics of Aircraft structures

C.T. Sun

2.16 Derive the compatibility equation for plane elasticity problems in terms of
stresses, i.e.,
2
(σ xx + σ yy ) = 0

Solution:
(a) For simplicity, we will use the following notations for differentiations with respect

∂ 2σ xx ∂ 2σ xx ∂ 2τ xy
to x and y: σ xx , xx = , σ xx , yy = , and τ xy , xy = and so on. The
∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂x∂y

same differentiation notations are applied to the strain components

(b) For 2D problems, the compatibility equation is given by

ε xx , yy + ε yy , xx = γ xy , xy

(c) The stress-strain relations for isotropic solids are

1
− 0
ε xx E E σ xx
1
ε yy = − 0 σ yy
E E
γ xy 1 σ xy
0 0
G
Substituting the strain components into the compatibility equation, we have
1 1 1
[ (σ xx − σ yy )], yy + [ ( − σ xx + σ yy )], xx = ( τ xy ), xy
E E G
1 1 1 2(1 + )
=> (σ xx , yy − σ yy , yy ) + (− σ xx , xx + σ yy , xx ) = τ xy , xy = τ xy , xy --- (1)
E E G E
(d) Now we consider the equilibrium equations:

σ xx, x + τ xy , y = 0
τ xy , x + σ yy , y = 0

Differentiating the first equation by x and the second one by y, we have

σ xx, xx + τ xy , xy = 0
--- (2)
τ xy , xy + σ yy , yy = 0

Adding the above two equations in (2) we obtain

1
τ xy , xy = − (σ xx , xx + σ yy , yy ) --- (3)
2
(e) Now substituting equation (3) into equation (1), we have

2.16.1

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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1
(σ xx , yy − σ yy , yy ) + ( − σ xx , xx + σ yy , xx ) = 2(1 + )[− (σ xx , xx + σ yy , yy )]
2

=> σ xx , yy + σ yy , xx = −(σ xx , xx + σ yy , yy )

=> σ xx , yy + σ yy , xx + σ xx , xx + σ yy , yy = 0

=> 2
(σ xx + σ yy ) = 0

∂2 ∂2
where 2
= +
∂x 2 ∂y 2
--- ANS

2.16.2

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Name: Mohamed Naleer Abdul Gaffor Email: muhammed_naleer@yahoo.com IP: 184.162.144.24

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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2.17 Consider a thin rectangular panel loaded as shown in Fig. 2.20. Show that the
Airy stress function

φ = c1 x 2 + c 2 xy + c3 y 2

solves the problem. Find the constants c1, c2, c3.

y

σ0 σ0
b x

Figure 2.20 Thin rectangular panel subjected to uniform tension

Solution:

(a) Since φ = c1 x 2 + c 2 xy + c3 y 2 is a second order equation in x and y it

automatically satisfies the compatibility equation, 2 2

φ = 0 . So the given Airy
stress function can be used to solve the problem if we can find c1, c2, c3 that
satisfies the boundary conditions.
(b) Stress matrix:
∂ 2φ
σ xx = , => σ xx = 2c3 ,
∂y 2
∂ 2φ
σ yy = , => σ yy = 2c1 ,
∂x 2
∂ 2φ
τ xy =− => τ xy = −c 2
∂x∂y
So we have,

2c3 − c2
[σ ] =
− c2 2c1

(c) Applying boundary conditions:

a
(i) at x = , => n x = 1 , n y = 0 , t x = σ 0 , t y = 0
2
we have [σ ]{n} = {t}

2.17.1

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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2c3 − c2 1 σ0 σ0
= c3 =
=> => 2
− c2 2c1 0 0 c2 = 0
b
(ii) at y = , => n x = 0 , n y = 1 , t x = 0 , t y = 0
2
we have [σ ]{n} = {t}

2c3 − c2 0 0 c2 = 0
=> = =>
− c2 2c1 1 0 c1 = 0

(d) The given Airy stress function is the solution to the problem and the values of the
σo
constants are c1 = 0 , c2 = 0 and c3 = .
2
--- ANS
strain displacement relation

u (2xdx f(y)
2
Ex =
+
= +

Ey = 2 -
v
=

(2ydy +
g(x)
= Hocke's law

Ex =
Ex-vy =

2150-0)
=

⑳
E Vox) 200
v
=

E(0
-

(
- -
=
=

Displacement field becomes

u =

fodx + +(y) =

diy
v =
J -

Vody +
g(y)
=
-

voy + g(x)
E

displacement at ref (e g
assume zero a
. .

origin
fly -
500 ty)
u = 0 = -
+

va
0
g(x) g(x)
= 0 = -
=
+

Hence
U = Gol
E

v =
vdoY
E

2.17.2

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Name: Mohamed Naleer Abdul Gaffor Email: muhammed_naleer@yahoo.com IP: 184.162.144.24

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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2.18 Consider the a b rectangular panel shown in Fig. 2.20. Find the problem
that the Airy’s stress function φ = xy 3 solves. That is, find the tractions at the
boundary of the panel.

b x

Figure 2.20 Thin rectangular panel subjected to uniform tension

Solution:
(a) It is easy to verify that the stress function φ = xy 3 satisfies the compatibility
equation, 2 2φ = 0 .
(b) The stresses are obtained from the stress function as
∂ 2φ
σ xx = , => σ xx = 6 xy ,
∂y 2
∂ 2φ
σ yy = 2 , => σ yy = 0 ,
∂x
∂ 2φ
τ xy = − => τ xy = −3y 2
∂x∂y
So we have,

6xy − 3y 2
[σ ] =
− 3y 2 0

(c) The tractions at the boundary

a
(i) On the vertical face at x = , => n x = 1 , n y = 0 ,
2
we have {t} = [σ ]{n}

tx 6 xy − 3y 2 1 6 xy 3ay
=> = = =
ty − 3y 2 0 0 − 3y 2
− 3y 2

--- ANS

2.18.1

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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a
(ii) On the vertical face at x = − , => n x = −1 , n y = 0 ,
2
we have {t} = [σ ]{n}

tx 6 xy − 3y 2 −1 − 6 xy 3ay
=> = = 2
=
ty − 3y 2 0 0 3y 3y 2

--- ANS
b
(iii) On the top face at y = , => n x = 0 , n y = 1 ,
2
we have {t} = [σ ]{n}

tx 6 xy − 3y 2 0 − 3y 2 3
− b2
=> = = = 4
ty − 3y 2 0 1 0 0
--- ANS
b
(iv) On the bottom face at y = − , => n x = 0 , n y = −1 ,
2
we have {t} = [σ ]{n}

tx 6 xy − 3y 2 0 3y 2 3 2
b
=> = = = 4
ty − 3y 2 0 −1 0 0
--- ANS

Note: The tractions on the edges can also be found directly from the stress
components at the same locations.

2.18.2

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Name: Mohamed Naleer Abdul Gaffor Email: muhammed_naleer@yahoo.com IP: 184.162.144.24

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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3.1 Show that there is no warping in a bar of circular cross-section.

Solution:
(a) Saint-Venant assumed that as the shaft twists the plane cross-sections are warped
but the projections on the x-y plane rotate as a rigid body, then,
u = −θzy
v = θzx (3.1.1)
w = θψ ( x, y )
where ψ ( x, y ) is some function of x and y, called warping function, and θ is
the angle of twist per unit length of the shaft and is assumed to be very small.
(b) From the displacement field above, it is easy to obtain that

ε xx = ε yy = ε zz = γ xy = 0

So from the stress-strain relationship, we have

σ xx = σ yy = σ zz = τ xy = 0

Therefore the equilibrium equations reduce to

∂τ xz ∂τ yz
+ =0
∂x ∂y
This equation is identically satisfied if the stresses are derived from a stress
function φ ( x, y ) , so that
∂φ ∂φ
τ xz = , τ yz = − (3.1.2)
∂y ∂x
(c) From the displacement field and stress-strain relationship, we can obtain
∂w ∂u ∂w
γ xz = + = − θy (3.1.3)
∂x ∂z ∂x
∂w ∂v ∂w
γ yz = + = + θx (3.1.4)
∂y ∂z ∂y
∂γ yz ∂γ xz
So it forms the compatibility equation − = 2θ ,
∂x ∂y
∂ 2φ ∂ 2φ
or in terms of Prandtl stress function + = −2Gθ (3.1.5)
∂x 2 ∂y 2
(d) Boundary conditions,
dφ
= 0 , or φ = const . But for a solid sections with a single contour boundary,
ds
this constant can be chosen to be zero. Then we have the boundary condition
φ = 0 on the lateral surface of the bar.
(e) For a bar with circular cross-section, assume the Prandtl stress function as

3.1.1

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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x2 y2
φ = C( + − 1) which satisfies the boundary conditions stated above.
a2 a2
1
Substitute φ into (3.1.5), we obtain C = − a 2 Gθ
2
Gθ 2
Then φ = − (x + y 2 − a 2 )
2
Using (3.1.2), we have
1 ∂φ 1 ∂φ
γ xz = = −θy , and γ yz = − = θx
G ∂y G ∂x
Comparing with (3.1.3) and (3.1.4), we have
∂w ∂w
γ xz = − θy = −θy => = 0 . Thus, w = f ( y )
∂x ∂x
∂w ∂w
γ yz = + θx = θx => = 0 , Thus, w = g (x )
∂y ∂y
Hence we conclude w = const . This means that the cross-section remains plane
after torsion. In other words, there is no warping.

Therefore w( x, y ) = 0 can be verified, and it successfully expresses the

statement.
--- ANS

3.1.2

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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3.2 Show that the Prandtl stress function for bars of circular solid sections is also
valid for bars of hollow circular sections as shown in Fig. 3.34. Find the torsion
constant J in terms of the inner radius ai and outer radius a 0 , and compare
with the torsion constant obtained using (3.59) for thin-walled sections. What is
the condition on the wall thickness for the approximate J to be within 1
percent of the exact J ?

a0

ai

Figure 3.34 Bar of a hollow circular section

Solution:
Recall:
(a) Saint-Venant assumed that as the shaft twists the plane cross-sections are warped
but the projections on the x-y plane rotate as a rigid body, then,
u = −θzy
v = θzx (3.2.1)
w = θψ ( x, y )
where ψ ( x, y ) is a function of x and y, called warping function, and θ is the
angle of twist per unit length of the shaft and is assumed to be very small.
(b) From the displacement field above, it is easy to obtain that

ε xx = ε yy = ε zz = γ xy = 0

So from the stress-strain relationship, we have

σ xx = σ yy = σ zz = τ xy = 0

Therefore the equilibrium equations reduce to

∂τ xz ∂τ yz
+ =0
∂x ∂y
This equation is identically satisfied if the stresses are derived from a stress
function φ ( x, y ) , so that

3.2.1

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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∂φ ∂φ
τ xz = , τ yz = − (3.2.2)
∂y ∂x
(c) From the displacement field and stress-strain relationship, we can obtain
∂w ∂u ∂w
γ xz = + = − θy (3.2.3)
∂x ∂z ∂x
∂w ∂v ∂w
γ yz = + = + θx (3.2.4)
∂y ∂z ∂y
∂γ yz ∂γ xz
So it forms the compatibility equation − = 2θ ,
∂x ∂y
∂ φ ∂ 2φ
2
or in terms of Prandtl stress function + = −2Gθ (3.2.5)
∂x 2 ∂y 2
(d) Boundary conditions,
dφ
= 0 , or φ = const .
ds

---

1. To show that the Prandtl stress function for bars of circular solid sections is also
valid for bars of hollow circular sections, we have to show that the Prandtl stress
function for hollow circular sections satifies equilibrium equations, compatibility
equations as well as traction boundary conditions.
(1) Equilibrium equations
Prandtl stress functions by their definition must satify equilibrium
equations..
(2) Compatibility equations
Use the Prandtl stress function as it stated for bars of circular solid sections

x2 y2 x2 y2
φ = C( 2
+ 2
− 1) (here we use a 0 . Assuming φ = C ( 2
+ 2
− 1)
a0 a0 ai ai

would be fine too).

1 2
Then substitute φ into (3.2.5), we have C = − a 0 Gθ . Thus we have
2

Gθa 0 x 2
2
y2
φ=− ( 2 + 2 − 1) . (3.2.6)
2 a0 a0

Therefore we have a stress function for bars of hollow circular sections

satisfying the compatibility equation
(3) Traction boundary conditions

3.2.2

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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dφ
To satisfy the traction boundary conditions we must show = 0 on the
ds
traction free surfaces.

Gθa0 ai
2 2
dφ
φ (r = ai ) = − ( 2 − 1) = const. that is | r = ai = 0
2 a0 ds

Gθa 0 a0
2 2
dφ
φ (r = a0 ) = − ( 2 − 1) = 0. that is | r = a0 = 0
2 a0 ds

It shows that the B.C.’s have been satisfied.

(4) Since equilibrium equations, compatibility equations and traction boundary
conditions are all satisfied, the Prandtl stress function for bars of circular
solid sections is also valid for bars of hollow circular sections.
--- ANS
2. Compare torsion constant
(1) The torque produced by the stresses is
∂φ ∂φ
T = ∫∫ (− x − y )dA (3.2.7)
A
∂x ∂y
Substituting (3.2.6) into (3.2.7) and use polar coordinates to perform
integration, we have,
1 π
T = Gθ ∫∫ ( x 2 + y 2 ) dA =Gθ ∫∫ (r 2 )rdrdθ =Gθ ( 2π )( r 4 ) | aai0 = Gθ [ (a 0 − ai )]
4 4

A A
4 2
π
Comparing with T = GθJ , we have the torsion constant J =
4 4
(a 0 − ai )
2
(2) Using (3.59) in the textbook for thin-walled sections, we have the
2
4A
approximate torsion constant J app =
∫ ds / t
where A is the area enclosed by the centerline of the wall section.
a + ai 2 π
A = π( 0 ) = (a 0 + ai ) 2 , and t = a0 − ai
2 4
π2
2 (a0 + ai ) 4
4A π
Therefore J app = = 4 = (a 0 + ai ) 3 (a 0 − ai )
π (a 0 + ai )
∫ ds / t 4
a 0 − ai
3. In order to have the approximate J to be within 1 percent of the exact J , one

J app − J
must have ≤ 0.01
J

3.2.3

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Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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Substituting J app and J into the above error equation, we have

π π 4 4
J app − J ((a 0 + ai ) 3 (a 0 − ai ) − (a 0 − ai )
− (a 0 − ai ) 2
= 4 2 = ≤ 0.01
J π 4 4
2
2(a 0 + ai )
2
(a 0 − ai )
2
Because ai and a 0 are positive real number, we have

(a0 − ai ) 2 ai 2 a
2 2
≤ 0.01 => ( ) − 2.040816( i ) + 1 ≤ 0
2( a 0 + a i ) a0 a0

We can obtain the solution of the above equation as

a
0.8174 ≤ i ≤ 1.2235
a0
ai
Since a0 > ai we have the solution ≥ 0.8174
a0
Therefore the condition on the wall thickness t is
t = a 0 − ai ≤ a 0 − 0.8174a 0 = 0.1826a0
1
(OR t = a 0 − ai ≤ ai − ai = 0.2235a i )
0.8174
--- ANS

3.2.4

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Find and sketch the stresses generated by the following Airy Stress Functions (assume a
rectangular 2D solid)

1. 𝜙=𝐴𝑦2

2. 𝜙=B𝑥𝑦

3. 𝜙=𝐴𝑦2+𝐵𝑥𝑦

2A-2A

T
2112