STRESS

• Normal Stress
• Shearing Stress
• Bearing Stress
 Normal Stress

 Normal stress develops when a force

is applied perpendicular to the cross-
sectional area of the material.

𝑭
σ=𝑨

If the force is going to pull the material,

the stress is said to be Tensile stress.

Compressive stress develops when the

material is being compressed by two
opposing forces.
Example 1
Example 2
 A hollow steel tube with an inside diameter of 100 mm must
carry a tensile load of 400 kN. Determine the outside
diameter of the tube if the stress is limited to 120 𝑀𝑁Τ𝑚2.

Answer
Example 3
Answer
Example 4

 A 12-inches square steel bearing plate lies between an 8-inches

diameter wooden post and a concrete footing as shown in Fig. P-110.
Determine the maximum value of the load P if the stress in wood is
limited to 1800 psi and that in concrete to 650 psi.
For Wood:

𝑃𝑤 = σ𝑤 𝐴𝑤
1
= 1800[4 𝜋(82 )]

𝑃𝑤 = 90 477.9 lb
From FBD of Wood:
P = 𝑃𝑤 = 90 477.9 lb

For Concrete:

𝑃𝑐 = σ𝑐 𝐴𝑐
= 650(122 )
𝑃𝑐 = 93 478 lb
From FBD of Concrete
P = 𝑃𝑐 = 93 478 lb Safe Load P = 90 477.9 lb Answer
 Shear Stress
 Shear Stress by definition, normal
stress acting on an interior plane is
directed perpendicular to that
plane. Shear stress, on the other
hand, is tangent to the plane on
which it acts. Shear stress arises
whenever the applied loads cause
one section of a body to slide past its
adjacent section.
 As seen in the FBD, the rivet must
carry the shear force V=P. Because
only one cross section of the rivet
resists the shear, the rivet is said to be
in single shear.
 Average Shear stress has been defined
as the stress component that acts in the
plane of the sectioned area.
 consider the effect of applying a force F
to the bar. If the supports are considered
rigid, and F is large enough, it will cause
the material of the bar to deform and
fail along the planes identified by AB
and CD. A free-body diagram of the
unsupported center segment of the bar,
indicates that the shear force must be
applied at each section to hold the
segment in equilibrium. The average
shear stress distributed over each
sectioned area that develops this shear
force is defined by
Example 1
 What force is required to punch a 20 mm diameter hole in a plate that is 25
mm thick? The shear strength is 350 𝑀𝑁Τ𝑚2.

The Resisting area is the shaded area along the

perimeter and shear force V is equal to the punching
force P.

𝑉 = 𝑡𝐴
𝑃 = 350 π 20 25
= 549 778.7 𝑁
𝑷 = 𝟓𝟒𝟗. 𝟖 𝒌𝑵 Answer
Example 2
 Find the smallest diameter bolt that can be used in the clevis in Fig. if P = 400
kN. The working shear stress for the bolt is 300 MPa.
FBD

𝑃
𝑡𝑤 =
2𝐴

𝑃
𝑡𝑤 𝐴 =
2

𝜋𝑑 2 400𝑥103
300𝑥106 =
4 2

𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟗𝟏 𝒎 or 𝟐. 𝟗𝟏 𝒎𝒎
Answer
 Bearing Stress
 If two bodies are pressed against each
other, compressive forces are developed
on the area of contact. The pressure
caused by these surface loads is called
bearing stress.
 assuming that the bearing stress σ𝒃 is
uniformly distributed over a reduced area.
The reduced area A𝒃 is taken to be the
projected area of the rivet:
A𝒃 = td

where t is the thickness of the plate and d

represents the diameter of the rivet, From this
FBD we see that the bearing force P𝒃 equals
the applied load P (the bearing load
will be reduced if there is friction between the
plates), so that the bearing stress becomes
Example 1
 The lap joint shown in Fig. is fastened by four rivets of 3/4-in diameter. Find the
maximum load P that can be applied if the working stresses are 14 ksi for shear
in the rivet and 18 ksi for bearing in the plate. Assume that the applied load is
distributed evenly among the four rivets, and neglect friction between the
plates.
Based on FBD:
𝑃
𝑃 = 4𝑉 𝑉=
4

Shear Stress in Rivets:

𝑉 = 𝑡𝐴
Comparing the above
𝑃 𝜋(3Τ4)2 solutions, we conclude
= 14 𝑥103
[ ] that the maximum safe
4 4
load P that can
𝑃 = 24 740 𝑙𝑏 be applied to the lap
joint is
Bearing Stress in Plate

𝑃𝑏 𝑷 = 𝟐𝟒 𝟕𝟒𝟎 𝒍𝒃 Answer
𝜎𝑏 = 𝑃𝑏 = 𝜎𝑏 𝑡𝑑
𝑡𝑑

𝑃
= 18𝑥103 7Τ
8 (3Τ4)
4

𝑃 = 47 250 𝑙𝑏
Example 2
 In Fig. 1-12, assume that a 20-mm-diameter rivet joins the plates that are each
110 mm wide. The allowable stresses are 120 MPa for bearing in the plate
material and 60 MPa for shearing of rivet. Determine (a) the minimum thickness
of each plate; and (b) the largest average tensile stress in the plates.
(a)From Shearing of Rivets:

𝑃 = 𝑡𝐴𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑡𝑠

1
= 60[ 4 𝜋(202 )]
𝑃 = 6 000𝜋 N

From Bearing of plate material:

𝑃 = 𝜎𝑏 𝐴𝑏
6 000𝜋 = 120(20𝑡)
𝒕 = 𝟕. 𝟖𝟓 𝒎𝒎 Answer

(b) Largest average tensile stress in the plate:

𝑃 = 𝜎𝐴
6 000𝜋 = 𝜎 [7.85(110 − 20)]
𝝈 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟔𝟖 𝑴𝒑𝒂 Answer
END OF TOPIC… 
Assignment
1. The homogeneous bar shown in Fig. P-106 is supported by a smooth pin at C and a
cable that runs from A to B around the smooth peg at D. Find the stress in the cable if its
diameter is 0.6 inch and the bar weighs 6000 lb.

2. A rod is composed of an aluminum section rigidly attached between steel and

bronze sections, as shown in Fig. P-107. Axial loads are applied at the positions
indicated. If P = 3000 lb and the cross sectional area of the rod is 0.5 𝑖𝑛2 , determine the
stress in each section.
Assignment
3. The block is subjected to a compressive force of 2 kN. Determine the average normal
and average shear stress developed in the wood fibers that are oriented along section
a–a at 30° with the axis of the block.

4. The shaft is subjected to the axial force of

40 kN. Determine the average bearing stress
acting on the collar C and the normal stress
in the shaft.
Assignment
5. The boom is supported by the winch cable that has a diameter of 0.25 in. and an
allowable normal stress of 𝜎𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 24 𝑘𝑠𝑖. Determine the greatest load that can be
supported without causing the cable to fail when 𝜃 = 30° and ∅ = 45°. Neglect the size
of the winch.
STRAIN
Normal (axial) strain
 The normal strain ε (lowercase Greek
epsilon) is defined as the elongation
per unit length. Therefore, the normal
strain in the bar in the axial direction,
also known as the axial strain, is

𝜹
𝜺=
𝒍
where δ is the deformation and
𝒍 is the original length, thus ε is
dimensionless.
Stress-Strain Diagram
 Suppose that a metal specimen be placed in
tension-compression testing machine. As
the axial load is gradually increased in
increments, the total elongation over the gage
length is measured at each increment of the
load and this is continued until failure of
the specimen takes place. Knowing the
original cross-sectional area and length of the
specimen, the normal stress σ and the strain ε
can be obtained. The graph of these
quantities with the stress σ along the y-axis and
the strain ε along the x-axis is called
the stress-strain diagram. The stress-strain
diagram differs in form for various
materials. The diagram shown below is that for
a medium carbon structural steel.
PROPORTIONAL LIMIT (HOOKE'S LAW)
 As seen in Fig. the stress-strain diagram is a
straight line from the origin O to a point
called the proportional limit. This plot is a
manifestation of Hooke’s law: Stress is
proportional to strain; that is,

𝝈 = 𝑬𝜺

where E is a material property known as the

modulus of elasticity or Young’s modulus.
The units of E are the same as the units of
stress—that is, Pa or psi. For steel, 𝑬 = 𝟐𝟗𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟔
psi, or 200 GPa, approximately.
Elastic Limit
 A material is said to be elastic if, after being
loaded, the material returns to its original
shape when the load is removed. The
elastic limit is, as its name implies, the stress
beyond which the material is no longer
elastic. The permanent deformation that
remains after the removal of the load is
called the permanent set. The elastic limit is
slightly larger than the proportional limit.
However, because of the difficulty in
determining the elastic limit accurately, it is
usually assumed to coincide with the
proportional limit.
Yield Point
 The point where the stress-strain diagram
becomes almost horizontal is called the yield
point, and the corresponding stress is known
as the yield stress or yield strength. A slight
increase in stress above the elastic limit will
result in a breakdown of the material and
cause it to deform permanently.
Ultimate Stress
 The ultimate stress or ultimate
strength, as it is often called, is the
highest stress on the stress-strain
curve.

Rupture Stress
 The rupture stress or rupture strength
is the strength of the material at
rupture or at which failure occurs.
This is also known as the breaking
strength.
Modulus Of Resilience
 Modulus of resilience is the work done on a
unit volume of material as the force is
gradually increased from O to P, in 𝑁𝑚/𝑚3 .
This may be calculated as the area under
the stress-strain curve from the origin O to up
to the elastic limit E. The resilience of the
material is its ability to absorb energy without
creating a permanent distortion.
Modulus of Toughness
 Modulus of toughness is the work done on a unit
volume of material as the force is gradually
increased from O to R, in 𝑁𝑚/𝑚3 . This may be
calculated as the area under the entire stress-
strain curve (from O to R). The toughness of a
material is its ability to absorb energy without
causing it to break.
Axial Deformation
 In the linear portion of the stress-strain diagram, the stress is proportional to strain and is
given by

𝝈 = 𝑬𝜺
𝑃 𝛿 𝑃 𝛿
since 𝜎 = and 𝜀 = , then = 𝐸 . Solving for 𝛿
𝐴 𝐿 𝐴 𝐿

𝑃𝐿 𝜎𝐿
𝛿= =
𝐴𝐸 𝐸

To use this formula, the load must be axial, the bar must have a uniform cross-sectional
area, and the stress must not exceed the proportional limit. If however, the cross-sectional
area is not uniform, the axial deformation can be determined by considering a
differential length and applying integration.
Axial Deformation
 If however, the cross-sectional area is not uniform, the axial deformation can be
determined by considering a differential length and applying integration.

𝑃 𝐿 𝑑𝑥
𝛿= න
𝐸 0 𝐴

where A = ty and y and t, if variable, must be expressed in terms of x.

Poisson’s Ratio
 When a deformable body is subjected to an axial tensile force, not only does it
elongate but it also contracts laterally. For example, if a rubber band is stretched, it
can be noted that both the thickness and width of the band are decreased. Likewise,
a compressive force acting on a body causes it to contract in the direction of the
force and yet its sides expand laterally.
 Consider a bar having an original radius r and length L and subjected to the tensile
force P in Fig. This force elongates the bar by an amount 𝛿, and its radius contracts by
an amount 𝛿’. Strains in the longitudinal or axial direction and in the lateral or radial
direction are, respectively,
𝜹 𝜹′
𝜺𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 = and 𝜺𝒍𝒂𝒕 =
𝒍 𝒓
Poisson’s Ratio
 In the early 1800s, the French scientist S. D. Poisson realized that within the elastic range
the ratio of these strains is a constant, since the deformations 𝛿 and 𝛿 ′ are proportional.
v
This constant is referred to as Poisson’s ratio, (nu), and it has a numerical value that is
unique for a particular material that is both homogeneous and isotropic. Stated
mathematically it is

v =−
𝜀𝑙𝑎𝑡
𝜀𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔

 The negative sign is included here since longitudinal elongation (positive strain) causes
lateral contraction (negative strain), and vice versa.
Example 1
1. A bar having a length of 5 in. and cross-sectional area of 0.7 𝑖𝑛2 is subjected to an
axial force of 8000 lb. If the bar stretches 0.002 in., determine the modulus of elasticity of
the material. The material has linear-elastic behavior.

Sol.
Solving for Normal Stress & Strain:

𝑃 8,000
𝜎= = = 11,428.57 𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝑜𝑟 11.43 𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝐴 0.7

𝛿 0.002
𝜀= = = 0.0004 𝑖𝑛ൗ𝑖𝑛
𝐿 5

Solving for Modulus of Elasticity:

𝜎 11.43
𝐸= = = 𝟐𝟖, 𝟓𝟕𝟓 𝒌𝒔𝒊 answer
𝜀 0.0004
Example 2
2. A steel rod having a cross-sectional area of 300 𝑚𝑚2 and a length of 150 m is
suspended vertically from one end. It supports a tensile load of 20 kN at the lower end.
𝑘𝑔
If the unit mass of steel is 7850 ൗ𝑚3 and E = 200 × 103 𝑀𝑁Τ𝑚2, find the total elongation
of the rod.

Sol.
Let 𝛿 = total elongation
𝛿1 = elongation due to its own weight
𝛿2 = elongation due to applied load

𝑃𝐿
𝛿 = 𝛿1 + 𝛿2 𝛿1 =
𝐴𝐸
Where: P = W = 7850(1/1000)3(9.81)[300(150)(1000)]
P = 3465.3825 N
3465.3825(75,000)
L = 75(1000) = 75,000 mm 𝛿1 = = 𝟒. 𝟑𝟑 𝒎𝒎
300(200,000)
A = 300 𝑚𝑚2
E = 200,000 MPa
Example 2
𝑃𝐿
𝛿2 =
𝐴𝐸

Where: P = 20 kN = 20,000 N
L = 150 m = 150,000 mm
A = 300 𝑚𝑚2
E = 200,000 Mpa

20,000(150,000)
𝛿2 = = 50 𝑚𝑚
300(200,000)

Total elongation:
𝛿 = 4.33 + 50 = 𝟓𝟒. 𝟑𝟑 𝒎𝒎 answer
Example 3
3. The rigid bar BDE is supported by two links AB and CD. Link AB is made of aluminum (E = 70
GPa) and has a cross-sectional area of 500 𝑚𝑚2 ; link CD is made of steel (E = 200 GPa) and
has a cross-sectional area of 600 𝑚𝑚2 . For the 30-kN force shown, determine the deflection
(a) of B, (b) of D, (c) of E.
Example 3
Sol.
+ σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0
− 30𝑘𝑁 0.6𝑚 + 𝐹𝐶𝐷 0.2𝑚 = 0
𝐹𝐶𝐷 = +90 𝑘𝑁 Tension
+ σ 𝑀𝐷 = 0
− 30𝑘𝑁 0.4𝑚 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 0.2𝑚 = 0
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −60 𝑘𝑁 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Deflection of B (since the internal force in link AB is compressive, we have 𝑃 = −60 𝑘𝑁

𝑃𝐿 (−60 𝑥 103 𝑁)(0.3𝑚) −6 𝑚

𝛿𝐵 = = = −514 𝑥 10
𝐴𝐸 (500 𝑥 10−6 𝑚2 )(70 𝑥 109 𝑃𝑎)
The negative sign indicates a contraction of member AB,
and, thus, an upward deflection of end B:

𝜹𝑩 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟏𝟒 𝒎𝒎 answer
Example 3
Sol.
Deflection of D (since in rod CD, 𝑃 = 90 𝑘𝑁)

𝑃𝐿 (90 𝑥 103 𝑁)(0.4𝑚)

𝛿𝐵 = = −6 2 9 = 300 𝑥 10−6 𝑚
𝐴𝐸 (600 𝑥 10 𝑚 )(200 𝑥 10 𝑃𝑎)
𝜹𝑩 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒎 answer

Deflection of E (we denote by B’ and D’ the displaced

Positions of points B and D. Since the bar BDE is rigid,
Points B’, D’ and E’ lie in straight line)
𝐵𝐵′ 𝐵𝐻 0.514 𝑚𝑚 200 𝑚𝑚 −𝑥
= = 𝑥 = 73.7 𝑚𝑚
𝐷𝐷′ 𝐻𝐷 0.300 𝑚𝑚 𝑥

𝐸𝐸′ 𝐻𝐸 𝛿𝐸 400 𝑚𝑚 +(73.7𝑚𝑚)

= =
𝐷𝐷" 𝐻𝐷 0.300 𝑚𝑚 73.7 𝑚𝑚

𝜹𝑬 = 𝟏. 𝟗𝟐𝟖 𝒎𝒎 answer
Example 4
4. A 500-mm-long, 16-mm-diameter rod made of a homogenous, isotropic material is
observed to increase in length by 300 𝜇𝑚, and to decrease in diameter by 2.4 𝜇𝑚 when
subjected to an axial 12-kN load. Determine the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of
the material.
Example 4
Sol.
The cross-sectional area of the rod is
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 = 𝜋(8𝑥10−3 𝑚)2 = 201𝑥10−6 𝑚2
Choosing the x axis along the axis of the rod

𝑃 12𝑥103 𝑁
𝜎𝑥 = = = 59.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴 201𝑥10−6 𝑚2
𝛿𝑥 300 𝜇𝑚
𝜀𝑥 = = = 600𝑥10−6
𝐿 500 𝑚𝑚
𝛿𝑦 −2.4 𝜇𝑚
𝜀𝑦 = = = −150𝑥10−6
𝑑 16 𝑚𝑚

Solving for the Modulus of Elasticity:

𝜎𝑥 59.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜎𝑥 = 𝐸𝜀𝑥 𝐸= = = 𝟗𝟗. 𝟓𝟎 𝑮𝑷𝒂 answer
𝜀𝑥 600𝑥10−6
Example 4
Solving for the Poisson’s ratio:

v=− 𝜀𝑦
𝜀𝑥
=−
−150𝑥10−6
600𝑥10−6
= 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓 answer
END OF TOPIC. 
Assignment
1. The acrylic plastic rod is 200 mm long and 15 mm in diameter. If an axial load of 300 N
is applied to it, determine the change in its length and the change in its diameter. 𝐸𝑝 =
2.70 𝐺𝑃𝑎, v𝑝 = 0.4

2. The elastic portion of the stress–strain diagram for a steel alloy is shown in the figure. The
specimen from which it was obtained had an original diameter of 13 mm and a gauge
length of 50 mm. When the applied load on the specimen is 50 kN, the diameter is
12.99265 mm. Determine Poisson’s ratio for the material.
Assignment
3. The aluminum block has a rectangular cross section and is subjected to an axial
compressive force of 8 kip. If the 1.5-in. side changed its length to 1.500132 in., determine
Poisson’s ratio and the new length of the 2-in. side. 𝐸𝑎𝑙 = 10(103 ) ksi

4. A bar having a length of 5 in. and cross-sectional area of 0.7 𝑖𝑛2 is subjected to an axial
force of 8000 lb. If the bar stretches 0.002 in., determine the modulus of elasticity of the
material. The material has linear-elastic behavior.
Assignment
5. The stress–strain diagram for a polyester resin is given in the figure. If the rigid beam is
supported by a strut AB and post CD made from this material, determine the largest load P
that can be applied to the beam before it ruptures. The diameter of the strut is 12 mm and
the diameter of the post is 40 mm.
Assignment
6. An aluminum bar having a cross-sectional area of 0.5 𝑖𝑛2 carries the axial loads applied
at the positions shown in Figure. Compute the total change in length of the bar if 𝐸 = 10 ×
106 𝑝𝑠𝑖. Assume the bar is suitably braced to prevent lateral buckling.

7. A bronze bar is fastened between a steel bar and an aluminum bar as shown in Figure.
Axial loads are applied at the positions indicated. Find the largest value of P that will not
exceed an overall deformation of 3.0 mm, or the following stresses: 140 MPa in the steel, 120
MPa in the bronze, and 80 MPa in the aluminum. Assume that the assembly is suitably
braced to prevent buckling. Use 𝐸𝑠𝑡 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎, 𝐸𝑎𝑙 = 70 𝐺𝑃𝑎, and 𝐸𝑏𝑟 = 83 𝐺𝑃𝑎.
Assignment
8. The rigid bar ABC shown in Figure is hinged at A and supported by a steel rod at B.
Determine the largest load P that can be applied at C if the stress in the steel rod is
limited to 30 ksi and the vertical movement of end C must not exceed 0.10 in.
Assignment
9. The rigid bar AB, attached to two vertical rods as shown in Figure is horizontal before the
load P is applied. Determine the vertical movement of P if its magnitude is 50 kN.
Assignment
10. The rigid bars ABC and CD are supported by pins at A and D and by a steel rod at B.
There is a roller connection between the bars at C. Compute the vertical displacement of
point C caused by the 50-kN load.
BENDING OF BEAMS
 Bending Stress
 The stresses caused by the bending moment are known as bending stresses, or flexure
stresses. The relationship between these stresses and the bending moment is called the
flexure formula.

Figure shows a segment of the beam

bounded by two cross sections that are
separated by the infinitesimal distance dx.
Due to the bending moment M caused by
the applied loading, the cross sections
rotate relative to each other by the
amount 𝒅𝜽.
Because the cross sections are assumed to
remain perpendicular to the axis of the
beam, the neutral surface becomes
curved upon deformation. The radius of
curvature of the deformed surface is
denoted by 𝝆.
Bending Stress
 Consider now the deformation of the longitudinal fiber ab that lies a distance y above
the neutral surface. In the deformed state, the fiber forms the arc 𝒂′ 𝒃′ of radius (𝝆 − 𝒚),
subtended by the angle 𝒅𝜽. Therefore, its deformed length is

𝑎′ 𝑏′ = 𝜌 − 𝑦 𝑑𝜃
The original length of this fiber is 𝑎𝑏 = 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜌𝑑𝜃. The
normal strain of the fiber is found by dividing the
change in length by the original length, yielding

𝑎′ 𝑏′ − 𝑎𝑏 𝜌 − 𝑦 𝑑𝜃 − 𝜌𝑑𝜃 𝑦
𝜀= = =−
𝑎𝑏 𝜌𝑑𝜃 𝜌

Assuming that the stress is less than the proportional limit of the material, we can
obtain the normal stress in fiber 𝑎𝑏 from Hooke’s law:

𝐸
𝜎 = 𝐸𝜀 = − 𝑦 Eq. 1
𝜌
 Bending Stress
 The normal force acting on the infinitesimal area 𝑑𝐴 of
the cross section is𝑑𝑃 = 𝜎 𝑑𝐴. Substituting 𝜎 = − 𝐸Τ𝜌 𝑦,
we obtain

𝐸
𝑑𝑃 = − 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 (a)
𝜌

where 𝑦 is the distance of 𝑑𝐴 from the neutral axis (NA).

Equilibrium requires that the resultant of the normal stress
distribution over the cross section must be equal to the
bending moment 𝑀 acting about the neutral axis (z-axis). In
other words,− ‫𝑀 = 𝑃𝑑 𝑦 𝐴׬‬, where the integral is taken over
the entire cross-sectional area 𝐴(the minus sign in the
expression is needed because the moment of 𝑑𝑃 and positive
𝑀 have opposite sense). Moreover, the resultant axial force
and the resultant bending moment about the y-axis
must be zero; that is, ‫ = 𝑃𝑑 𝐴׬‬0 and ‫ = 𝑃𝑑 𝑧 𝐴׬‬0.
 Bending Stress
 Resultant Axial Force Must Vanish. The condition for
zero axial force is

𝐸
න 𝑑𝑃 = − න 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑜
𝐴 𝜌 𝐴

Because 𝐸Τ𝜌 ≠ 0, this equation can be satisfied only if

‫𝑜 = 𝐴𝑑 𝑦 𝐴׬‬ (b)

The integral in Eq. (b) is the first moment of the cross-sectional

area about the neutral axis. It can be zero only if the neutral
axis passes through the centroid C of the cross-sectional area.
Hence, the condition of zero axial force locates the neutral
axis of the cross section.
Bending Stress
 Resultant Moment About y-Axis Must Vanish. This condition is

𝐸
‫ = 𝑃𝑑 𝑧 𝐴׬‬− 𝜌 ‫ = 𝐴𝑑 𝑦𝑧 𝐴׬‬0 (c)

The integral ‫ 𝐴𝑑 𝑦𝑧 𝐴׬‬is the product of inertia of the

cross-sectional area. According to our assumptions,
the y-axis is an axis of symmetry for the cross section,
in which case this integral is zero and Eq. (c) is
automatically satisfied.
Bending Stress
 Resultant Moment About the Neutral Axis Must Equal M.
Equating the resultant moment about the z-axis to M gives
us

𝐸
− න 𝑦 𝑑𝑃 = න 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑀
𝐴 𝜌 𝐴

Recognizing that ‫ 𝑦 𝐴׬‬2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐼 is the moment of inertia

of the cross-sectional area about the neutral axis (the
z-axis), we obtain the moment-curvature relationship

𝐸𝐼
𝑀= Eq. (a)
𝜌
A convenient form of this equation is

1 𝑀
= Eq. (b)
𝜌 𝐸𝐼
Bending Stress
 Flexure formula; section modulus
Substituting the expression for 1Τ𝜌 from Eq. (b) into
Eq. (1), we get the flexure formula:

1 𝑀
= Eq. (b)
𝜌 𝐸𝐼

𝐸
𝜎 = 𝐸𝜀 = − 𝑦 Eq. 1
𝜌

𝑀𝑦
𝜎=−
𝐼

Note that a positive bending moment M causes

negative (compressive) stress above the neutral axis
and positive (tensile) stress below the neutral axis.
Bending Stress
The maximum value of bending stress without regard to
its sign is given by

|𝑀|𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑐
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = Eq. (c)
𝐼

where |𝑀|𝑚𝑎𝑥 is the largest bending moment in the

beam regardless of sign, and 𝑐 is the distance from
the neutral axis to the outermost point of the cross
section, as illustrated in the figure. Equation (c) is
frequently written in the form

|𝑀|𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑆
where 𝑆 = 𝐼 Τ𝑐 is called the section modulus of the beam.
The dimension of 𝑆 is [𝐿3 ], so that its units are 𝑖𝑛3 , 𝑚𝑚3 , and
so on.
Bending Stress
The formulas for the section moduli of
common cross sections
Example 1
1. The cantilever beam in Fig. (a) is composed of two segments with rectangular cross
sections. The width of each section is 2 in., but the depths are different, as shown in the
figure. Determine the maximum bending stress in the beam.
Example 1
Sol.
Solving for the section moduli of the
two segments

2
𝑏ℎ𝐴𝐵 (2)(4)2
𝑆𝐴𝐵 = = = 5.333 𝑖𝑛2
6 6
2
𝑏ℎ𝐵𝐷 (2)(6)2
𝑆𝐵𝐷 = = = 12 𝑖𝑛2
6 6

Solving for the maximum bending

stresses of the two cross sections

|𝑀𝐵 | 8,000 𝑥 12
𝜎𝐵 = = = 18,001 𝑝𝑠𝑖 Comparing the values, so we find that the
𝑆𝐴𝐵 5.333
maximum bending stress in the beam is
|𝑀𝐷 | 16,000 𝑥 12
𝜎𝐷 = = = 16,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝝈𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟏𝟖, 𝟎𝟎𝟏 𝒑𝒔𝒊 answer
𝑆𝐵𝐷 12
Example 2
2. The aluminum strut has a cross-sectional area in the form of a cross. If it is subjected to the
moment 𝑀 = 8 𝑘𝑁 • 𝑚. Determine the bending stress acting at points A and B.
Example 2
Sol.
Solving for the Moment of Inertia:

(0.02)(0.223 ) (0.1)(0.023 )
𝐼= + = 17.8133 10−6 𝑚4
12 12

Solving for the Bending Stress using the Flexure

Formula

𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼
8(103 )(0.11)
𝜎𝐴 = = 𝟒𝟗. 𝟒 𝑴𝑷𝒂 answer
17.8133(10−6 )

8(103 )(0.01)
𝜎𝐵 = = 𝟒. 𝟒𝟗 𝑴𝑷𝒂 answer
17.8133(10−6 )
Example 3
3. If 𝑀 = 4 𝑘𝑖𝑝 • 𝑓𝑡, determine the resultant force the bending stress produces on the top
board A of the beam.
Example 3
Sol.
Solving for the Moment of Inertia:
(12)(153 ) 10.5 123
𝐼= − = 1,863 𝑖𝑛3
12 12
Along the top edge of the flange 𝑦 = 𝑐 = 7.5 𝑖𝑛

𝑀𝑐 4(103 )(12)(7.5)
𝜎= = = 193.24 𝑝𝑠𝑖
𝐼 1863

Along the bottom edge of the flange 𝑦 = 6 𝑖𝑛

𝑀𝑦 4(103 )(12)(6)
𝜎= = = 154.59 𝑝𝑠𝑖
𝐼 1863
The resultant force acting on board A is equal to the
volume of the trapezoidal stress block shown.

1
𝐹𝑅 = 193.24 + 154.59 12 1.5
2
= 𝟑, 𝟏𝟑𝟎. 𝟒𝟕 𝒍𝒃 𝒐𝒓 𝟑. 𝟏𝟑 𝒌𝒊𝒑 answer
Example 4
4. A cantilever beam, 50 mm wide by 150 mm high and 6 m long, carries a load that
varies uniformly from zero at the free end to 1000 N/m at the wall. (a) Compute the
magnitude and location of the maximum flexural stress. (b) Determine the type and
magnitude of the stress in a fiber 20 mm from the top of the beam at a section 2 m
from the free end.
Example 4
Sol.
Solving for the Bending Moment:

𝑀 = 𝐹(13𝑥)

𝑦 1000
=
𝑥 6
500
𝑦= 𝑥
3
The maximum moments occurs at the support
1 (the wall) or at 𝑥 = 6 𝑚
𝐹= 𝑥𝑦
2
1
𝐹 = 𝑥(5003 𝑥)
2 250 3
250 2 𝑀= 6 = 6,000 𝑁 • 𝑚
𝐹= 𝑥 9
3
250 2 1 250 3
𝑀= 𝑥 3𝑥 = 𝑥
3 9
Example 4
Sol.
(a) Solving for the Maximum Flexural Stress:

𝑀𝑐 𝑀𝑐
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = =
𝐼 𝑏ℎ3
12

6000(1000)(75)
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 𝟑𝟐 𝑴𝑷𝒂 answer
50(1503 )
12
Example 4
Sol.
(b) At a section 2 m from the free end or at 𝑥 = 2 𝑚 at
fiber 20mm from the top of the beam.

250 3 250 3 2000

𝑀= 𝑥 = 2 = 𝑁•𝑚
9 9 9

𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼

(2000
9 )(1000)(55)
𝜎= = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟔𝟗𝟏 𝑴𝑷𝒂 𝒐𝒓 𝟖𝟔𝟗. 𝟏 𝒌𝑷𝒂
50(1503 )
12

answer
END OF TOPIC 
ASIGNMENT
1. Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the
shaft. The bearings at A and B exert only vertical
reactions on the shaft.

2. Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the beam.

ASIGNMENT
3. Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the overhang beam.

4. Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the compound beam which is pin
connected at B.
ASIGNMENT
5. Determine the moment M that will produce a
maximum stress of 10 ksi on the cross section.

6. Determine the maximum tensile and compressive

bending stress in the beam if it is subjected to a
moment of 𝑀 = 4 𝑘𝑖𝑝 • 𝑓𝑡.
ASIGNMENT
7. A high strength steel band saw, 20 mm wide by
0.80 mm thick, runs over pulleys 600 mm in diameter.
What maximum flexural stress is developed? What
minimum diameter pulleys can be used without
exceeding a flexural stress of 400 MPa? Assume E =
200 GPa.

8. A flat steel bar, 1 inch wide by ¼ inch thick and

40 inches long, is bent by couples applied at the
ends so that the midpoint deflection is 1.0 inch.
Compute the stress in the bar and the magnitude
of the couples. Use 𝐸 = 29 × 106 𝑝𝑠𝑖.
ASIGNMENT
9. A beam constructed from 2-in. by 8-in. boards
has the cross section shown in the figure. If the
maximum bending moment acting in the beam is
𝑀 = 16 000 𝑙𝑏 • 𝑓𝑡, determine the maximum
bending stress in (a) board A; and (b) board B.

10. Find the maximum bending stress in the rectangular

wooden beam.