Chapter 12 Plane Problems 1

Chapter 12
Plane Problems
12.1 Plane Stress Problems
12.2 Plane Strain Problems
12.3 Axisymmetric Problems
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.1 Plane Stress Problems 2

Section 12.1
Plane Stress Problems

Plane Stress Conditions

σ Z = 0, τ XZ = τ ZX = 0 τ YZ = τ ZY = 0

A problem may be treated as a plane stress problem if its thickness

direction (assuming the Z-direction) is not restrained and thus free to
expand or contract (due to Poisson's effects), and the loads lie on the
structural plane (XY-plane) such that no out-of-plane deformation
(warping) occurs
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.1 Plane Stress Problems 3

Example: Plate
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.1 Plane Stress Problems 4

Vector Plot of Principal Stresses

Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.2 Plane Strain Problems 5

Section 12.2
Plane Strain Problems

Plane Strain Conditions

ε Z = 0, γ XZ = γ ZX = 0, γ YZ = γ ZY = 0

If a body is constrained so that it can not deform in Z-direction, and if each

cross-section perpendicular to the Z-direction has the same geometry,
supports, and loads which do not have Z-components, the problem can be
treated as a plane strain problem.
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.2 Plane Strain Problems 6

Example: Supported Pipe

Z
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.2 Plane Strain Problems 7

3D Study
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.2 Plane Strain Problems 8

2D Study
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.3 Axisymmetric Problems 9

Section 12.3
Axisymmetric Problems

Axisymmetric Conditions
γ Rθ = γ θ R = 0, γ Zθ = γ θ Z = 0

τ Rθ = τ θ R = 0, τ Zθ = τ θ Z = 0

If a structure’s geometry and its boundary conditions (supports, and loads)

are axisymmetric about an axis (say Z-axis), then all quantities are
independent of theta-coordinate and we can eliminate theta-coordinate and
reduce the problem to a two-dimensional, on R-Z space.
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.3 Axisymmetric Problems 10

Example: Supported Pipe

Z
Chapter 12 Plane Problems Section 12.3 Axisymmetric Problems 11

Radial & Hoop Stresses