Transformations of Stress and Strains

➢Mohr’s Circle for Plane

Stress 5/8
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
The circle we discussed in previous section to derive some of the basic formulas
relating to the transformation of plane stress was first introduced by German
engineer Otto Mohr (1835-1918) and is know as Mohr’s circle for plane stress.

This circle can be used to obtain alternative method for the solution of the various
problems considered in previous sections.

This method is based on simple geometric consideration and does not require the use
of specialized formulas.

Originally designed for graphical solutions, this method lends its self well to the use
of calculator.
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
Consider a square element of a material subjected to plane stress as shown in Figure
and let be the components of the stress exerted on the element. We plot a
point X of coordinates and point Y of coordinates as shown
in Figure.
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
If is positive as assumed in Figure (a) point X is located below and Y
above. If is negative X is located above and Y below. Joining X and Y by
a straight line, we define point C of intersection of line XY with and draw the
circle of center C and diameter XY.
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
Noting that the abscissa of C and radius of the circle are respectively equal to the
quantities defined by Eq. 7.10, we conclude that the circle obtained is
Mohr’s circle for plane stress. Thus the abscissas of points A and B where the circle
intersects the represent respectively the principal stresses at
point considered.
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
Further, since tan (XCA) = , the angle XCA is equal in magnitude to one
of the angles that satisfies Eq. 7.12. Thus the angle that defines in Figure (a)
the orientation of principal plane corresponding to point A in Figure (b) can be
obtained by dividing in half the angle XCA measured on Mohr’s circle. If the
counterclockwise rotation through is required to bring CX in to CA on Mohr’s
circle, a counterclockwise rotation through will bring Ox into Oa in Figure (a).
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
We further observe that if as in the case considered here, the rotation
that brings CX into CA is counterclockwise. But in that case the anglevvv defining
the direction of normal Oa to the principal plane is positive; thus the rotation
bringing Ox to Oa in Figure (a) is also counterclockwise. We conclude that the
senses of rotation in both parts of Figure are the same
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Introduction
Since Mohr’s circle is uniquely defined, the same circle can be obtained by
considering the stress components corresponding to the as
shown in the Figure (a). The point of coordinates and the point of
coordinates and are therefore located on Mohr’s circle, and the angle
in Figure (b) must be qual to twice the angle in Figure (a).
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

As noted before the angle XCA is twice the angle xOa it follows that angle is
in Figure (b) is twice the angle in Figure (a). Thus the diameter defining the
normal and shearing stresses can be obtained by rotating the diameter XY through an
angle equal to twice the angle theta formed by the in Figure (a). It can be
seen that the rotation that brings diameter XY into in Figure (b) has same sense
as the rotation that brings the xy axes into axes in Figure (a).
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

The property we have just indicated can be used to verify the fact that the planes of
maximum shearing stress are to the principal planes. Indeed we recall that points
D and E corresponds to the planes of maximum shearing stress, while A and B
corresponds to principal planes as shown in Figure. Since the diameter AB and DE
of Mohr’s circle are to each other, it follows that the faces of corresponding
elements are at to each other as shown in Figure.
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

The construction of Mohr’s circle for plane stress can be greatly simplified if we
consider separately each face of the element use to define the stress components.
From previous Figures we observe that when shearing stress exerted on given face
tend to rotate the element clock wise the point to Mohr’s circle corresponding to that
face is located above the sigma axis. When the shearing stress on given face tends to
rotate the element counterclockwise, the point corresponding to that face is located
below the sigma axis.
 Transformations of Stress and Strains

➢Example
6/8
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Example 7.02

For the state of plane stress (a) construct Mohr’s circle (b) determine the principal
stresses (c) determine maximum shearing stress and corresponding normal stress
Mohr’s circle for plane stress
Mohr’s circle for plane stress
 Transformations of Stress and Strains

➢Sample Problem
7/8
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Sample Problem 7.2

For the state of plane stress shown determine (a) principal stresses and principal
planes (b) stress components exerted on element obtained by rotating the given
element counterclockwise through
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Sample Problem 7.2 (a)

 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Sample Problem 7.2 (b)

(b) stress components exerted on element obtained by rotating the given element
counterclockwise through
Points on Mohr’s circle that correspond to the stress components on the rotated
element are obtained by rotating XY counterclockwise through
 Mohr’s circle for plane stress

Sample Problem 7.2 (a)