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MCEN1233 Strength of Materials

Mohr’s Circle – Pure Axial and Torsional Loading

Case 1 - Pure Axial Loading

FBD of Member Initial Stress Element

F F
σx σx

Mohr’s Circle

Note that σx = σ1, i.e. the normal stress is

the maximum principal stress, thus the initial
stress element is the principal stress
element.

Both the circle center and the maximum

shear stress are both equal in magnitude to
½ σx.

Under pure axial tension the member “sees”

a maximum shear stress equal in magnitude
to ½ σX and acting at an angle of 45º to the
member’s x-axis.

Yielding in shear at 45º off-axis is the Yielding in tension perpendicular to the

predominant failure mode for ductile member’s long axis is the predominant failure
materials in tension. mode for brittle materials in tension.
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MCEN1233 Strength of Materials

Mohr’s Circle – Pure Axial and Torsional Loading

Case 2 - Pure Torsional Loading

FBD of Member Initial Stress Element

T T

Mohr’s Circle

Note that τxy = τmax, i.e. the shear stress is

the maximum shear stress, thus the initial
stress element is the maximum shear stress
element.

Both the principal stresses and the

maximum shear stress are equal in
magnitude to τxy.

Under pure torsion the member “sees” a

maximum normal stress equal in magnitude
to τxy and acting at an angle of 45º to the
member’s x-axis.

Yielding in shear perpendicular to the Yielding in tension at 45º off-axis is the

member’s long axis is the predominant failure predominant failure mode for brittle materials
mode for ductile materials in torsion. in torsion.