2001, W. E.

Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars (Chapter 11)

y

u (x)
x
A

w
h

cross section (A)

may be any shape

z
L

L is large
compared to h and w

The 4 governing equations that must be satisfied are:

xx
Static Equilibrium (from COLM):
=0
x

u x
Stress-Strain: xx = E xx
Kinematics: xx =
x
Boundary Conditions: Depends on the problem

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Example 1. Consider an elastic axial bar as follows:

Axial force F applied to cross-section at right end (x=L)
Left end fixed so displacement B.C. of ux(x= 0)= 0
Beam is prismatic (constant cross-sectional area of A)
y

fixed from
motion at
x=0

ux(x)
x

A
F

Determine: ux(x), xx ( x) and ux(x=L).

F
Equilibrium at x: xx =
; Displace B.C.: ux(x= 0)= 0
A
u x
Kinematics Relation (strain-displacement): xx =
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Constitutive Relation: xx = E xx
Combine last three equations to obtain:
F
u x
= =
E ( )/ E
xx xx /=
A
x
u x
F
Thus
= ( ) / E or dux =[( F )/ E]dx .
A
x
A
Integrate from 0 to x' to obtain the axial displacement:
u x ( x ')

F
F x'
=
dx
dx
0=

EA 0
AE
x'

F
( ) x '+ C
EA

Apply the boundary condition: ux(x= 0)= 0

=>

C=0

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

F
Solution for axial bar in tension: u x ( x) = ( ) x
EA
u x F
Strain is given by: =
=
xx
x EA
F
Stress is given by: =
xx E=
xx
A
and displacement at end, end= u x (=
x L=
) FL
EA
Note that end is the elongation of a bar of length L with
cross-sectional area A and Youngs modulus E and
subjected to a tensile force of F as shown below.
F
L

L +

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Consider a truss structure as done

in
ENGR 211. By the method of
joints,
the force in bar EF is
FAE = 2.628kips . If the bar has a cross-sectional area of 2
sq. in., then the stress is given by xx

F
=
= 1,314 psi .
A

Suppose the truss is made of steel. The elongation of the

truss memeber is then
(2,268lb)(11.314 ft 12ftin )
= FL =
= 0.00531 in . In this
6
2
EA
29 x10 psi (2in )
case, the bar is in compression and the negative indicates
that the member has shortened.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Example 2: Elastic bar constructed of two different bars, fixed

between two walls and loaded with a force P applied at point B:

Determine: axial force and stress in each bar, axial displacement

at point B.

For this problem, we have 4 relationships to satisfy:

1. Equilibrium of horizontal forces at any point
2. Kinematics (strain/displacements in horizontal direction)
3. Stress-Strain (material properties)
4. Boundary Conditions

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Use a free-body diagram to determine equilibrium of the

forces acting on a segment of the bar. Assume forces in the
bars are P1 and P2 (positive). Take a free-body of the beam
cross-section at point B (where the axial load P is applied):

xx

(applied load)

xx

(stress in bar 2)

P1

P2

(force in bar 2)

Each stress can be written in terms of an equivalent force over an area

so that: P1
=

xx dA
=
A
1

xx1 A=
1 and P2

xx dA
=
A
2

xx2 A2

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Equilibrium of the free body at B in terms of forces requires that

Fhorizontal =0 =P + P2 P1

or P= P1 P2

(1)

NOTE:
Any problem which can not be solved for the internal forces
by force equilibrium alone requires additional equations
(defining displacements) in order to complete the solution.
Such a problem is called statically indeterminate.
The above problem is thus statically indeterminate!
We know from boundary conditions that the bars total
elongation between the two fixed walls is zero. First,
calculate the deformation (elongation) of bars 1 and 2:

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

A1

A2
P
P2 = for ce in
bar 2

P1

B
Free Body #2

#1 and 3 are not really free-body diagrams!!!

P1L1
P2 L2
elongation of bar 1 = 1 =
; elongation of bar 2 = 2 =
A1E1
A2 E2
Displacement B.C.
total elongation = 0 = +

P1L1 P2 L2
=
0
+
A1E1 A2 E2

We now have two equations to solve for P1 and P2 :

(2)

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

1
L
1
A1E1

10

1
P1 P

L2 =
P2 0
A2 E2

Solution of the equations for P1 and P2 gives:

P
P1 =
A2 E2 L1
1+
A E L
1 1 2

and

P
P2 =
A1E1L2
1+
A E L
2 2 1

Stresses are:

P2
xx =
2
A2

P1
xx =
1
A1

Note: for P to right, xx is tensile (+) and xx is compressive (-).

1

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

11

Displacement at point B is

P1L1
P ( L1L2 )
B
= =
=
1
A1E1 A1E1L2 + A2 E2 L1
Note that for P to the right (positive P) , B is positive (to the
right) as expected.
Special Cases: L=
1 L=
2 L
1. A1 = A2 , E1 = E2 : P1 = P / 2 (tension), P2 = P / 2 (comp)
2. A1= A= 2 A2 (bar 1 has larger area), E1 = E2 :
P1 = (2 / 3) P , P2 = (1/ 3) P (bar 1 carries more load)
xx = (2 / 3) P / A, xx = (2 / 3) P / A (same!)
1

3. A1 = A2 , E1 = 2 E2 (bar 1 has higher E, i.e., is "stiffer"):

P1 = (2 / 3) P , P1 = (1/ 3) P (bar 1 carries more load)

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

12

General Solution Procedure for Bars

1. Determine number of free-body diagrams required.
Generally need a cut in each bar. However, if applied load or
bar properties (E, A, etc.) change along the bar, then you
need a cut on either side of where the change occurs.
2. Draw free-body diagrams labeling all unknown forces, Pi .
Must be consistent by assuming + directions; must be
consistent with equal and opposite forces on adjacent freebody diagrams where a cut was made).
3. Write appropriate COLM and COAM equations.
4. Determine if problem is statically determinate or
indeterminate.
5. If indeterminate, determine appropriate displacement
kinematic boundary conditions for the problem

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

13

(elongations sum to zero, elongations opposite, one

elongation multiple of another, etc.).
6. Determine elongations i in terms of unknown (assumed)
internal forces. Remember positive direction of elongation is
in same direction as assumed member force Pi .
7. Evaluate kinematic B.C. in terms of displacements (now in
terms of unknown internal forces).
8. Solve equations obtained in steps 3 and 7 for the unknown
internal forces.
9. If appropriate, plot member force for all bars, i.e., the
structure (particularly when bars in series; will help you
understand what is going on).
Evaluate elongations, strains and stresses in each bar (by
substituting the internal forces). If you followed the "+"=tension
sign convention rigorously, then + elongation means stretching
and - means compression, + stress means tension, etc.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

14

Example 3: Two elastic bars in parallel.

Determine: force, stress and deflection in each vertical bar.

As before, we have four governing equations: Equilibrium,
Stress/strain, Kinematics and Boundary Conditions.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

15

Use a free-body diagram to determine equilibrium of the

forces acting in each bar. Assume force in the bars are P1
and P2 (positive). Take a free-body by cutting each bar
below its fixed point:

2001, W. E. Haisler

16

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Equilibrium of the free body in terms of forces requires that

Fvertical =0 =P1 + P2 P

or

P= P1 + P2

(1)

Elongation of each bar is:

P1L1
elongation of bar 1 = 1 =
A1E1
P2 L2
elongation of bar 2 = 2 =
A2 E2
Displacement B.C.:

=
1

or

P1L1 P2 L2
=
A1E1 A2 E2

(2)

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

17

We now have two equations and two unknowns (P1 and P2).
Writing the two equations in matrix notation:
1
L
1
A1E1

1
P1 P

L2 =
P2 0

A2 E2

Note: for simple problems, you can use Cramers rule of

determinants to solve the system of equations. Otherwise,
you Maple, EES, calculator, etc..
Solve for P1 and P2 gives:

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

1
L2
0
A2 E2
=
1
1
P

P1

L1
A1E1

P2

L2
A2 E2

PL2
P
A2 E2
=
L2
L1
A2 E2 L1
+
1+
A2 E2 A1E1
A1E1L2

1
P
L1
0
A1E1
P
=
A1E1L2
1
1
1+
A2 E2 L1
L1
L2
A1E1 A2 E2

18

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

19

Stress in each bar is

P1
P / A1
xx= =
1
A1 1 + A2 E2 L1
A1E1L2

P2
P / A2
xx= =
2
A2 1 + A1E1L2
A2 E2 L1

P1L1
1 =
and the deflection is: =
A1E1

PL1
= 2

A2 E2 L1
A1E1 1 +

A1E1L2

Special Cases:
L=
1 L=
2 L for all cases below!

2001, W. E. Haisler

20

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

1. A1 = A2 , E1 = E2 : P1 = P / 2 (tension), P2 = P / 2 (tension)
2. A1= A= 2 A2 (bar 1 has larger area), E1= E= E2 :
P1 = (2 / 3) P , P2 = (1/ 3) P (bar 1 carries more load)
xx = (2 / 3) P / A, xx = (2 / 3) P / A (stresses same!)
1

P1 is twice P2 , but A1is 1/2 of A2 , so stress is same

3. A1= A= A2 , E1= E= 2 E2 (bar 1 has higher E, i.e., "stiffer"):
P1 = (2 / 3) P , P2 = (1/ 3) P (bar 1 carries more load)
xx = (2 / 3) P / A, xx = (1/ 3) P / A (stress not same)
1

Since 1 = 2 (kinematic BC) and L1 = L2 , strain is same

in each bar; but E1 is twice E2 , so xx is twice xx .
1

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

21

Class Exercise: The horizontal bar is rigid and pinned at it's left
end. The horizontal bar rests on two vertical bars as shown and
has a 1 Kip load at its right end. For each vertical bar,
determine: 1) force, 2) stress, 3) displacement at it's top and 4)
axial strain.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

22

You can assume that motion is "small" so that the vertical bars
remain vertical when loaded; also ends are rounded so they carry
only axial forces.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

23

Example 4: Uniaxial elastic bar subjected to a uniform

temperature increase of T:

The bar is fixed between two walls and has a constant crosssection A.
Determine: axial strain and stress in the bar and the force on the
wall.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

24

For this problem, we have 4 governing equations to satisfy:

xx
1. Equilibrium:
=0
x
elastic
2. Stress-Strain: xx = E xx
total
elastic
thermal
thermal
3. Kinematics: =
, xx
xx
xx
+ xx
= T ,
total u x
= axial strain measured/observed
xx =
x
(e.g., by a strain gage)

4. Boundary Conditions: u ( =
x L=
) 0
x 0)= 0 & u (=
total u x
or xx= = 0
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

25

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Solution

u
x =0 (zero because of B.C.)
total =
1) xx
x
2) Combine stress-strain, kinematics, and boundary
condition to obtain
0
elastic
total
thermal
total
xx = E xx
= E ( xx
xx
) = E ( xx

3) xx = P / A

T ) = ET

P=
( ET ) A =
xx A =
ETA
(bar is in compression)

P is the force in the bar; hence force on wall is also P.

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

26

Suppose we have an aluminum bar of area A=0.1 in2 with

E=10x106 psi and =6x10-6 (in/in)/F
and thermal loading of T=250F (250F temperature rise
above the reference temperature)
Then
xx = ET =(10 x106 psi )(6 x106 in / in / F )(250 F ) =15,000 psi
and
P=
xx A =
15,000 psi (0.1in 2 ) =
1,500lbf (compression)

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

27

Bar with Distributed Axial Load

Consider a bar with a distributed axial load p x ( x) [units of
force/length].

Determine the differential equation relating the internal

force, P, to the applied distributed load, p x ( x) . Note that the
internal force P will be a function of x. First, consider a
free-body of a differential section at any point x:

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

P( x)

px ( x)

dx

28

P ( x + dx)

x + dx

For equilibrium in x direction:

P(x + dx) P(x) + pxdx =
0.

P
Divide by dx and take limit to obtain
+ px =
0
x
ux
Recall
. Substitute P into
=
=
P =
) A EA
xx A ( E xx
x

ux
equilibrium to obtain the governing ODE
( EA
) + px =
0.
x
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

29

Note that in obtained the last solution, we have combined

the required governing equations:
xx
1. Static Equilibrium (from COLM):
0
+ gx =
x
2. Constitutive (Stress-Strain): xx = E xx
u x
3. Kinematics (Strain-Displacement): xx =
x
and obtained a single second-order ODE

ux
( EA
) + px =
0
x
x
In solving this ODE, we will need two boundary conditions;
one for the axial displacement (u x ), and one for internal force
(P, or stress xx ).

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Two similar, but different, examples of axial loading:

Case 1:

F
20,000lb
3
=
=
u=
(
x
)
x
10
x
x
7
2
EA
10 psi (2in )

u x (100") = 0.1"

F 20,000lb
xx= =
= 10,000 psi
2
A
2in
u x
=
xx E=
xx E = 107 psi (103 in=
/ in) 10,000 psi
or,
x

Note: stress is constant (not a function of x)!

30

2001, W. E. Haisler

31

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Case 2:
Note: total load on beam is (200lb / in)(100in) = 20,000lb
(same as case 1, but now distributed over length).
ux

Governing ODE:
px =
200lb / in
( EA
)=
x
x
du x
du x
d ( EA
) = 200dx integrate EA
=
200 x + C1
dx
dx
Need to apply a boundary condition to obtain C1. Recall that
internal axial force P
du x
=
xx =
P =
A
xx A E=
xx A E
A
A
dx
p x = 200lb / in
P(x)
B.C. for P (internal axial force):
x

100 - x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Do a free body of the bar at any x:

0=
P ( x) + 200(100 x) P ( x) =
200lb / in(100" x)
Fx =
For x=100", P(100")=0
du x
Applying B.C. for P (note:
):
=
P =
xx A EA
dx

du x
P( x =
EA
100") =
0=
=
200(100") + C1
dx x =100"
C1 =
20,000lb
Substituting C1 into the reduced ODE:

32

2001, W. E. Haisler

EA

du x
dx

33

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

=
200 x + 20,000

du x

1
= ( 200 x + 20,000 )
dx EA

1
Integrate above to obtain: u x = 100 x 2 + 20,000 x + C2
EA
B.C. for u x : bar is fixed at left end, so u x ( =
x 0)
= 0

1
u x ( x =0) =0 = 100(0) 2 + 20,000(0) + C2 C2 =0
EA
Hence,

2001, W. E. Haisler

34

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

1
u x = 100 x 2 + 20,000 x
EA

Substituting EA values gives final displacement solution:

3
5 2
u=
(
x
)
10
x

0.5(10
)x
x

Axial displacement at x=100" (end):

u x ( x =100") = 0.1" .05" = 0.05in

Stress is given by:
u x
xx E=
xx E = 107 psi (103 105 x)
=
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

xx ( =
x 0)= 10,000 psi
xx=
= 5,000 psi
( x 50)
= 0
xx=
( x 100)

35

Axial stress varies with x!!

Note on these similar but very different cases:

1. Concentrated load of 20,000 lb at end
2. Distributed load of 200 lb/in (but total load of 20,000 lb)
Displacements completely different:
Case 1: displacement varies linearly with x (0.1" at end)
Case 2: displacement varies quadraticly with x (0.05" at
end).
Stresses are completely different:
Case 1: stress is constant (10,000 psi)

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Case 2: stress varies linearly with x (10,000 psi at left

end, to 0 at right end)

36

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

37

An Alternate Approach for Bars with Axial Distributed Load

The 4 governing equations that must be satisfied for 1-D are:

xx
1. Static Equilibrium (from COLM):
0
+ gx =
x
2. Constitutive (Stress-Strain): xx = E xx
u x
3. Kinematics (Strain-Displacement): xx =
x
4. Boundary Conditions: Depends on the problem
In COLM, recall that g x is the body force per unit volume
applied to the system. Consider a prismatic bar with crossapplied force
section area, A, and length, L. Then g x =
. If
AL

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

38

we multiply by A, then we can define the applied force per

unit length of the bar as p x g x A. Note that p x = p x ( x) .

Now take COLM and multiply g x by A/A:

xx
xx
+ ( g x A) / A =
0
+ px / A =
0
x
x
COLM can now be written as:

xx
1a. Static Equilibrium (from COLM):
+ px / A =
0
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

39

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Consider the problem where p x and A are both constant (not

function of x). Let p x p

xx
1. Apply COLM:
+ p/ A=
0.
x
Integrate wrt to x to obtain: xx =
( p / A) x + C1.
Need B.C. for xx . At x=L, xx (=
x L=
) 0 . Get this from
p
free body: 0 =
F
=

A
+
p
(
L

x
)
( x)
x
xx
xx

L-x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

Thus: xx =
p ( L x) / A xx ( L) =
0
Apply B.C. to stress solution:
xx ( x =
L) ==
0 ( p / A) L + C1 C1 =
( p / A) L
Solution for stress becomes:

xx =
( p / A) x + ( p / A) L

or

p
( x)
( L x)
xx=
A

2. Apply Constitutive Equation: xx = E xx

p
=
xx
( L x)
xx E=
A

p
xx
( L x)
or =
AE

u x
3. Apply Kinematics: xx =
x

40

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

41

u x
p
=
( L x) . Integrate wrt to x to obtain:
xx =
x AE
p
( Lx x 2 / 2) + C2
u x ( x) =
AE

Need B.C. for u x ( x) . Bar is fixed at x=0, thus u x ( =

x 0)= 0 .
Applying the B.C. to displacement solution:
p
u x ( x =0) =0 = [ L(0) (0) 2 / 2] + C2 C2 =0
AE

Hence, solution for axial displacement is

p
=
u x ( x)
( Lx x 2 / 2)
AE

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

42

Recall, the above solution for stress, strain and displacement

is only valid for p x =constant= p . If p x or A is a function of
x, then in Step 1/1a (solution of COLM equation), use
p x = p x ( x) and A = A( x) .
Note that this alternate approach to solving problems with a
distributed axial load is really no different then the first
approach. In the alternate approach, we solve the governing
equations in succession:
xx
1. Static Equilibrium (from COLM):
0
+ px / A =
x
2. Constitutive (Stress-Strain): xx = E xx
u x
3. Kinematics (Strain-Displacement): xx =
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

In the first approach, we combined all equations to get a

u

second order ODE to solve:

( EA x ) + p x =
0.

x
x

43

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

44

Class Exercise: Distributed load of 200 lb/in over length of bar

and 10,000 lb point force at end:

Determine:
a) u x ( x), and u x (50"), u x (100")
b) xx ( x), and xx (0), xx (50"), xx (100")

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

45

Other Cases

1. Assume a long bar which is slightly tapered with an end

load F, and whose cross-sectional area is a function of x:
A=A(x).

Stress-Strain: xx = xx / E
F
Equilibrium at x: xx ( x) =
A( x)
Displacement B.C.: ux(x= 0)= 0

u
Kinematics: xx = x
x

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

46

Combine all constitutive and kinematics equations to obtain

ux

F
= =
/ E ( )/ E
xx xx =
x
A

or

F
du x =
dx
AE

Integrate from 0 to x':

F
F x' 1
u x ( x ') u x (0) =
0 AE dx = E 0 A dx
x'

Displace B.C.: ux(0) = 0

so

F x' 1
u x ( x ') =
dx
E 0 A

In order to complete the solution, must have a specific case

for A=A(x).

2001, W. E. Haisler

Chapter 11: Axial Deformation and Stress of Bars

2. Non-constant, axial force at any cross-section, F=F(x).

Same as above except leave F inside of the integral.

u x ( x ') =

x'

F
1 x' F
dx =
dx
E 0 A
AE

F can be a function of x if gravity acts in the x direction.

47