ECV3221:

Mechanics of Materials
Nabilah Abu Bakar, March 2023
Lets recap…
06
Stress Transformation
(part 1)
At the end of this lecture,
you should be able to…
● Perform stress transformation at different
planes
● Determine the principal stresses at a point
Topic covers:
● Concept of plane stress
● Stress transformation
● Principal stress using:
o Equations
o Mohr circle (part 2)
Stress at a general point

• Stress element: represent state of stress at a point

• 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 : normal stress, act on face of element
• 𝜏𝑥𝑦 , 𝜏𝑥𝑧 , 𝜏𝑦𝑥 , 𝜏𝑦𝑧 , 𝜏𝑧𝑥 , 𝜏𝑧𝑦 : shear stress
Sign convention:
• Normal stress: +ve in outward normal direction
• Shear stress +ve when: +ve coordinate direction on
+ve face. Also -ve coordinate direction on -ve face.
Equilibrium of stress element
• 2D projection of stress
• We know 𝜎𝑥 and 𝜎𝑦 acting on opposite faces
must have same magnitude and acting in
pairs
• Hence, the two pair stresses produce forces
that will be in equilibrium Σ𝐹 = 0; Σ𝑀 = 0
Equilibrium of stress element
• Consider only the shear stresses acting on x
& y faces of element.
• Equilibrium of forces about point O
dz
Σ𝑀𝑜 = 𝑉𝑦𝑥 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑉𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 = 0

𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦 − 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑥 = 0

Thus, 𝜏𝑦𝑥 = 𝜏𝑥𝑦

dz = out of plane • Using the same concept,

thickness
𝜏𝑦𝑥 = 𝜏𝑥𝑦 , 𝜏𝑦𝑧 = 𝜏𝑧𝑦 , 𝜏𝑥𝑧 = 𝜏𝑧𝑥
Plane stress

• When 2 parallel faces of stress element (+z and –z)

are assumed to be free of stress
• Thus, 𝜎𝑧 = 𝜏𝑧𝑥 = 𝜏𝑧𝑦 = 0
• It is also implied that 𝜏𝑥𝑧 = 𝜏𝑦𝑧 = 0
• This condition is known as plane stress
Plane stress
• 𝜎𝑧 = 𝜏𝑧𝑥 = 𝜏𝑧𝑦 = 𝜏𝑥𝑧 = 𝜏𝑦𝑧 = 0
• Many components found in engineering design
are subjected to plane stress
 Generating stress element
This is from Example 6 of combined stress topic.

A vertical pipe column with

outside diameter D = 114 mm
and inside diameter d = 102 mm
supports the loads shown.
Determine the normal and
shear stresses acting at point H,
and show these stresses on a
stress element.
Cross-section dimension
Answer:

Summary of stresses:
Plane stress transformation
• State of stress at a point subjected to plane stress is defined by 3
stress components : 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜏𝑥𝑦
• State of stress can have different representation depending on
the orientation of axes used which rotate with respect to the x
and y planes
• The process of changing stresses from one set of coordinate axes
to another is termed stress transformation
Plane stress transformation

Stress transformed to
Stress at given coordinate system
another coordinate
Example 1
At a given point in a machine
component, the following stresses
were determined:
150 MPa (T) on a vertical plane,
30 MPa (C) on a horizontal plane and
zero shear stress. Determine the
stresses on another plane shown in
figure.
y

30 MPa

150 MPa Tips:

4 x • Draw FBD of a wedge-shaped portion
3 • Forces acting on vertical and horizontal
planes: derived from the given stresses
and areas of the faces
• Forces acting on the vertical and
horizontal faces: resolved into
n components acting in the n direction
t (direction normal to inclined plane) &
t direction (direction parallel or tangential
to inclined plane)
Answer:

34.8 MPa

θ = 53.130
150 MPa -86.4 MPa

Area = dA

30 MPa
General equations of plane stress
transformation
• Failure of the material will occur in response to the largest stresses that
are developed in the object, regardless of the orientation at which
those critical stresses are acting
• To find the critical stresses at a point in a material object, methods must
be developed so that stresses acting at all possible orientations can be
investigated
• The process of changing stresses orientation from one set of coordinate
axes (x, y and z) to another set of axes is termed stress transformation.
General equations of plane stress
transformation

Vertical area = dA cos  (x-plane)

Horizontal area = dA sin  (y-plane)
 t

t
n
nt

n
𝜏𝑛𝑡
t
Since xy = yx, the equations for normal stress acting on
the n face and shear stress acting on the t direction on
the n face of the wedge element are:
𝜎𝑛 = 𝜎𝑥 cos2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 sin2 𝜃 + 2𝜏𝑥𝑦 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

𝜏𝑛𝑡 = − 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 + 𝜏𝑥𝑦 cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃

Using double angle identities from trigonometry

above equations can be written as:

𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦
𝜎𝑛 = + cos 2𝜃 + 𝜏𝑥𝑦 sin 2𝜃
2 2

𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦
𝜏𝑛𝑡 = − sin 2𝜃 + 𝜏𝑥𝑦 cos 2𝜃
2
Stress Invariance
• Normal stress acting on t face can be
obtained by using equation of 𝜎𝑛 , but
substituting 𝜃 with 𝜃+90°
𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦
𝜎𝑡 = − cos 2𝜃 − 𝜏𝑥𝑦 sin 2𝜃
2 2

• If 𝜎𝑛 and 𝜎𝑡 are added, the following is obtained:

𝜎𝑛 + 𝜎𝑡 = 𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦
• The sum of normal stresses acting on any 2 orthogonal faces of a
plane stress element is a constant value, independent of the angle θ.
This characteristic is known as stress invariance.
Stress Invariance
• The n-t components of stress is different from
x-y component, even though both represent
the same stress state.
• However, certain function of stress
components are not dependent on the
orientation of coordinate system,.
• This function, called stress invariants, have the same value regardless
of which coordinate system used. They are:
𝐼1 = 𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 (or 𝐼1 = 𝜎𝑛 + 𝜎𝑡 )
2
𝐼2 = 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 − 𝜏𝑥𝑦 (or 𝐼2 = 𝜎𝑛 𝜎𝑡 − 𝜏𝑛𝑡
2
)
Sign Conversions
The sign conversions used in stress transformation equations can be
summarized as follows:
1. Tension normal stresses are positive, compression normal stresses
are negative.
2. A shear stress is positive if it
● Acts in positive coordinate direction on a positive face of the
stress element or
● Acts in negative coordinate direction on a negative face of the
stress element
3. An angle measured counterclockwise from the reference x-axis is
positive. Conversely, angles measured clockwise from the reference
x-axis are negative.
4. The n-t-z axes have the same order s x-y-z axes. Both sets of axes
form a right-handed coordinate system.
Example 2
At a point on a structural member
subjected to plane stress, normal 42 MPa
and shear stresses exist on
horizontal and vertical planes
through the point as shown in figure.
Use the stress transformation 8
16 MPa
equations to determine the normal 5

and shear stresses on the inclined

plane surface.
50 MPa

𝜎𝑛 = −10.3 MPa = 10.3 MPa (C)

Answer:
𝜏𝑛𝑡 = 33.6 MPa
Exercise Determine the normal and shear stresses on the inclined
plane surface.

90 MPa
210 MPa
115 MPa
42 MPa

75 MPa 750

245 MPa
500 650
Principal stress
• For a given state of plane stress, the stress components 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 and 𝜏𝑥𝑦 are
constant.
• The dependent variables 𝜎𝑛 and 𝜏𝑛𝑡 are actually functions of only one
independent variable, 𝜃.
• Plane free of shear stress are known as principal plane. This plane occurs
when
𝜏𝑥𝑦
tan 2𝜃𝑝 =
𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 /2
• The normal stresses acting on these planes – the maximum and minimum
normal (𝜎𝑝1 and 𝜎𝑝2 ) stresses known as principal stresses
• If tan 2𝜃𝑝 is positive, 𝜃𝑝 is positive and principal plane defined by 𝜃𝑝 is
rotated in a counterclockwise sense from the reference x-axis.
Magnitude of principal stress
• The normal stresses acting on the principal planes at a point in a stressed
body are called principal stresses (𝜎𝑝1 and 𝜎𝑝2 )

𝜎𝑝1 = the maximum normal stress (the most

positive value algebraically) acting at a point

𝜎𝑝2 = the minimum normal stress (the most

negative value algebraically) acting at a point
● Principal stresses can be calculated using equations below:

𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 2
2
𝜎𝑝1 = + + 𝜏𝑥𝑦
2 2

𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 2
2
𝜎𝑝2 = − + 𝜏𝑥𝑦
2 2

● These two equations can then be combined into a single

equation for the 2 in-plane principal stresses

𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 2
2
𝜎𝑝1,𝑝2 = ± + 𝜏𝑥𝑦
2 2
Angle of principal stress
• The normal stresses acting on the principal planes at a point in a stressed
body are called principal stresses (𝜎𝑝1 and 𝜎𝑝2 )
• The principal stress associated with this value of 𝜃𝑝 can be determined
from the following two-part rules:
• If the term 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 is positive, 𝜃𝑝 indicates the orientation of 𝜎𝑝1
• If the term 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 is negative, 𝜃𝑝 indicates the orientation of 𝜎𝑝2
Maximum shear stress
• The maximum shear stress, 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 occurs at 𝜃𝑠 which is obtained by:

𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 /2
tan 2𝜃𝑠 = −
𝜏𝑥𝑦

• 𝜃𝑝 and 𝜃𝑠 are 45° apart

• This means that the planes on which the maximum shear stresses occur
are rotated 45° from the principal
Maximum shear stress
• 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 obtained by using the equation below:

𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 2
2
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ± + 𝜏𝑥𝑦
2

• A useful relation between the principal stress and maximum shear stress is

𝜎𝑝1 − 𝜎𝑝2
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
2
Normal stresses on plane 𝝉𝒎𝒂𝒙

• Planes subjected to τmax usually have normal stresses.

• The normal stresses is:

𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦
𝜎𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
2
Important notes:
● Principal stresses represent the maximum & minimum normal stresses
at a point
● When state of stress is represented by principal stresses, NO SHEAR
STRESS will act on element
● State of stress at a point can also be represented in terms of maximum
in-plane shear stress. An average normal stress will also act on the
element.
● Element representing the maximum in-plane shear stress with
associated average normal stresses is oriented 45° from element
represented by principal stresses
Example 3
Consider a point in a structural member 54 MPa
that is subjected to plane stress. Normal
and shear stresses acting on horizontal and
vertical planes at the point are shown.
a) Determine the principal stresses and 86 MPa
the maximum shear stress acting at the
point
b) Show the stresses in an appropriate
42 MPa
sketch
c) Determine the absolute maximum
shear stress at the point
b) Show the stresses in an appropriate sketch
How to know whether shear is
positive or negative:
Use formula
𝜏𝑛𝑡 = − 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
+𝜏𝑥𝑦 cos 2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 = −81.6 MPa

𝜃𝑠 = 29.5°
𝜃𝑝
= 15.5° If the term 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 is positive, 𝜃𝑝
indicates the orientation of 𝜎𝑝1
No shear stress on
principal plane
c) Determine the absolute maximum shear stress at the point
This consider stresses at all possible points.
As 𝜏𝑧𝑥 = 0, 𝜏𝑧𝑥 = 0 and 𝜎𝑧 = 0. Subsequently, 𝜎𝑝3 = 𝜎𝑧 = 0.
Thus, need to compare the 3 principal stresses for max and
minimum stresses:
𝜎𝑝1 = 97.6 MPa; 𝜎𝑝2 = −65.6 MPa and 𝜎𝑝3 = 0.
Thus;
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜎𝑝1 = 97.6 MPa (max algebraically) 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝜎𝑝2 = −65.6 MPa (min algebraically) 𝜏𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
2
 𝜏𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 81.6 MPa
Example 4
Consider a point in a structural member
that is subjected to plane stress. Normal 150 MPa

and shear stresses acting on horizontal and

vertical planes at the point are shown.
a) Determine the principal stresses and 70 MPa
the maximum shear stress acting at the
point
b) Show the stresses in an appropriate
55 MPa
sketch
c) Determine the absolute maximum
shear stress at the point
Sketch the stresses

𝜃𝑝 = 27°
𝜃𝑠 = 18°
c) Determine the absolute maximum shear stress at the
point.
Consider the three principal stresses:
𝜎𝑝1 = 178 MPa, 𝜎𝑝2 = 42 MPa, 𝜎𝑝3 = 0

Thus;
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜎𝑝1 = 178 MPa
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝜎𝑝3 = 0 MPa 𝜏𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
2
 𝜏𝑎𝑏𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 89 MPa

The absolute max shear stress acts on a plane whose

normal does not lie in x-y plane
Can you…

● Describe the concept of plane stress

● Perform stress transformation at different
planes
● Determine the principal stresses at a point

?
Questions?