Mechanics

Module V: Concept of Stress and Strain

Lesson 26: Analysis of Axially Loaded Members - III

The analysis of deformation (stretching or contraction) of singly-supported
axially loaded bars can be performed easily once the axial force distribution
is determined by calculating the reaction force using the equation of (axial)
equilibrium. However, in bars with more than one support, the support
reaction forces cannot be uniquely determined from the single equation of
axial equilibrium. Such problems, as the one shown in Fig. 1, are known as
statically indeterminate.

Figure 1:

In such problems, the force equilibrium analysis and deformation analysis

cannot be performed separately in that sequence. The deformation analysis
actually presents a constraint. In the example shown in Fig. 1, this constraint
is the constancy of the total length of the bar. This constraint translates
to a constraint equation involving the unknown support forces. The force

Figure 2:

equilibrium equation along with the constraint equation can now be solved
simultaneously to determine the unknown forces, and hence also determine
the axial displacement field.
Problem 1
A stepped bar is fixed firmly at the two ends and loaded, as shown in Fig. 2.
Determine the wall reaction force, and the displacement at the mid-span of
the bar.
Solution
The FBD of the bar and the schematic representation of the axial force
diagram is shown in Fig. 3. From force equilibrium of the complete bar
X

Fx = 0 F1 + F3 P + P = 0 F1 + F3 = 0

(1)

Taking a section between the two forces, as shown in Fig. 4, we have

X

Fx = 0 F1 + F2 P = 0 F1 + F2 = P

(2)

Figure 3:

Figure 4:

The total elongation of the bar must vanish, i.e.,

L =

F2 (L/2) F3 (L/2)
F1 L

+
=0
E(2A)
EA
EA

F1 F2 + F3 = 0

(3)

Solving (1)-(3) simultaneously, we have F1 = P/3 and F3 = P/3. The

displacement at mid-span of the bar is obtained as
u(L) =
.
3

P L
6AE

Figure 5:

Problem 2
A light rigid bar is hinged at A and supported at the point B and C by two
uniform vertical strings, as shown in Fig. 5. The arrangement is loaded by a
vertical force P = 7 kN at point D. Determine the forces supported at the
pin A and the strings. Also determine the angular defection of the bar. Take
E = 200 GPa.
Solution
The FBD of the bar is shown in Fig. 6. From force and moment equilibrium
equations, we have
X

Fx = 0 RA + RB + RC = P

(1)

MA = 0 0.5RB + RC = 1.5P

(2)

Let the angular defection of the bar upon loading be , as shown in Fig. 7.

Figure 6:

Then, the stretching of the strings are given by

d = RB |EB|
EB = BB EB
EAEB

RC |F C|
d
F C = CC F
C=
EAF C

(3)
(4)

d=F
d
Here, EB
C = j, and

BB = |AB|( sin i cos j)

CC = |AC|( sin i cos j)

Substituting these expressions in (3) and (4), and simplifying

RB
E
=
,
AEB
tan

RC
E
=
AF C
tan

(5)

Using these expressions in (2) yields = 2.5 104 rad. Hence, from (5)
and (1), we have RA = 6.5 kN, RB = 6 kN, and RC = 7.5 kN.
Problem 3
A uniform bar is fixed firmly at the end to a rigid wall, while the connection
5

Figure 7:

Figure 8:

at the right end has a stiffness k, as shown in Fig. 8. Determine the reaction
force at the ends of the bar under the indicated loading.
Solution
The FBD and the axial force diagram of the bar are shown in Fig. 9. From
force equilibrium
X

Fx = 0 R1 + R2 = P

(1)

Figure 9:

Deflection at the right end

u(L) =

R1 (2L/3) R1 (L/3)

EA
EA

(2)

Now, R2 = ku(L). Using this relation and (1) in (2), we have

kL
kL
R1
P
EA
3EA




kL
2P
P 3EA + kL
,
R2 =
.
R1 =
3 EA + kL
3 EA + kL
P R1 =