MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

Unit 2 Direct stress of asymmetric bending

2.1 Introduction:
In this unit, we will extend the stress analysis of symmetric beams under pure bending to that of the
asymmetric bending. If a bending moment about the z axis (M(z)) is applied on a symmetric beam, the
beam only bends in the xoy plane. Thus, the direct stress along the beam (in the longitudinal direction,
x) is caused by this bending deflection. However, if a pure bending moment is applied on an
asymmetric beam, the beam bends in both xoy and xoz planes, Moreover, even if a beam is
geometrically symmetric, when it is subjected to a bending moment about the z axis (M(z)) and another
about the y axis (M(y)), then the beam will also bend in both xoy and xoz planes. The bending in both
planes will result in the direct stress along the beam (x). Therefore, calculating this longitudinal
direct (normal) stress along the beams under asymmetric bending is more difficult, and the aim of
this unit is to solve this problem.
In this unit, we will first revise the stress analysis of symmetric beams under pure bending. Then the
same idea will be extended to asymmetric bending. The key idea is that the total direct stress along
the beam is the sum of the two stresses (both in the longitudinal direction) due to the deformation
in both planes. We will end up with an equation that describes the distribution of the direct stress on
the cross section of the beams subjected to asymmetric bending. Using this equation, the maximum
tensile and compressive direct stresses in the beam, as well as their positions, can be analysed.

2.1 Learning outcomes for this Unit

After studying this Unit and successfully completing the Example Sheets, you should:
 Understand how the longitudinal direct stress distribution equation of asymmetric pure bending
of beams is derived.
 Be able to analyse the direct stress of asymmetric beams under pure bending.

2.2 Pure bending of symmetric beams (revision):

Understanding how the stress equation is derived for symmetric beams is extremely important for this
course. This is because the derivation of the stress equation for asymmetric beams is closely linked to
this.

2.2.1 Neutral axis: Consider a beam subjected to a pure bending moment M (no forces applied on
the beam!) about a symmetric axis (the z axis in this case). In Figure 2.1, the cross section is symmetric
(about the y axis) and the applied moment is about the z axis. The upper surface (AB) shortens and
thus is in compression. The lower surface stretches and therefore in tension. Hence there must be an
xoz plane in between in which the longitudinal deformation is zero. This plane is termed the neutral
plane. A transverse axis lying in the neutral plane is the neutral axis.

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

Figure 2.1

2.2.2 Longitudinal strain: Consider the deformation between two sections AC and BD (Figure 2.1).
The initial distance between AC and BD is dx. A longitudinal fibre GH, which is y distance below the
neutral axis, initially has the same length as the neutral axis, dx. During bending, GH becomes GH,
but the length of the neutral axis remains the same. If R is the radius of curvature of the neutral axis
and d is the angle between AC and BD, then Rd is the length of the neutral axis after deformation.
Because the length of the neutral axis remains the same during bending, Rd = dx.
GH = (R+y) d
Then the longitudinal strain of fibre GH is:
GH − GH (𝑅 + 𝑦)d − d𝑥 𝑅d + 𝑦d − 𝑅d
𝒙 = = =
𝐺𝐻 d𝑥 𝑅d (2.1)
𝒚
=
𝑹
We know from equation (2.1) that under pure bending, the strain of a symmetric beam
(1) is distributed linearly across the section;
(2) is zero at the neutral plane;
(3) has the maximum value at the outer surfaces.

2.2.3 Stress-strain relationship:

𝒚
𝒙 = 𝐸𝑥 = 𝑬 (2.2)
𝑹

𝑬 𝒙
= (2.3)
𝒚 𝑹
Thus, we know from equation (2.2) that under pure bending, the longitudinal direct stress of a
symmetric beam
(1) is distributed linearly across the section (Figure 2.2);
(2) is zero at the neutral plane (Figure 2.2);

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

(3) has the maximum value at the outer surfaces: being maximum tension and compression at the
two outer surfaces where y is maximum (Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.2

2.2.4 Equilibrium of forces

Figure 2.3
Consider an element of area, dA, at a distance y from the neutral plane (Figure 2.3). The internal force
on the element caused by the longitudinal direct stress in the x direction is
dFx = 𝑥 d𝐴
Therefore, the total longitudinal force on the cross section is

𝐹𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 d𝐴
𝐴

where A is the total area of the section.

Remember, as there is no external axial force acting on the beam in pure bending, the resultant internal
force must be zero. Therefore,

𝐹𝑥 = ∫ 𝑥 d𝐴 = 0
𝐴

Substituting equation (2.2) into the above equation to replace 𝑥 :

𝑦 𝐸
∫𝐸 d𝐴 = 0  ∫ 𝑦d𝐴 = 0
𝐴 𝑅 𝑅 𝐴
𝐸⁄ cannot be zero. So ∫ 𝑦d𝐴 = 0. Note ∫ 𝑦d𝐴 is the first moment of area about the neutral axis
𝑅 𝐴 𝐴
(refer to equations (1.7) and (1.8)).

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

From equation (1.9), we can calculate the position of the centroid of the cross section
1
𝑦̅ = ∫ 𝑦d𝐴 = 0
𝐴
In other words, the neutral axis must pass through the centroid of the cross section.

2.2.5 Equilibrium of moments

Consider the element of area dA in Figure 2.3 again. The moment about the z axis of the cross section
caused by the axial (longitudinal) force on the element is
ydFx = y𝑥 d𝐴
Then the resultant total internal resisting moment about the z axis is

∫ 𝑦𝑥 d𝐴
𝐴

To satisfy the equilibrium of the moment, this total internal resisting moment must balance the applied
external moment M.

∫ 𝑦𝑥 d𝐴 = 𝑀
𝐴

Substitute 𝑥 by equation (2.2)

𝑦 𝐸
∫ 𝑦𝐸 d𝐴 = 𝑀  ∫ 𝑦 2 d𝐴 = 𝑀
𝐴 𝑅 𝑅 𝐴
∫𝐴 𝑦 2 d𝐴 is the second moment of area of the cross section about the neutral axis (refer to 1.5.3).
Thus,
𝐸𝐼 𝐸 𝑀
= 𝑀 or = (2.4)
𝑅 𝑅 𝐼
Using equation (2.3)
𝒙 𝑬 𝑴
= = (2.5)
𝒚 𝑹 𝑰
Or,
𝑀
𝑥 = 𝑦
𝐼
Note: M is the moment applied on the beam, I is determined by the geometry of the beam, and y is the
distance from the neutral plane (a variable of position). So this equation describes the variation in the
longitudinal normal stress with the position on a cross section.

2.3 Asymmetric bending of beams:

The previous section is concerned with bending about an axis of symmetry. However, in practice, there
are many scenarios where bending occurs on a section that doesn’t have any axes of symmetry. The
asymmetrical pure bending of a beam is shown in Figure 2.4. As a general case, the cross section of

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

the beam is not symmetric. External moments My and Mz are applied about an arbitrary set of centroidal
axes. Therefore, the beam will bend in both xoy and xoz planes. The bending in both planes will
cause strain and stress in the longitudinal (x) direction.

Figure 2.4

2.3.1 Longitudinal direct strain and stress

We call the radius of curvature in the xoy plane of the deformed beam Rz, because it is mainly caused
by the moment about z axis (Figure 2.5); the radius of curvature in the xoz plane of the deformed beam
Ry, because it is mainly caused by the moment about y axis (Figure 2.5).

Figure 2.5
From section 2.2, we have known that the longitudinal direct strain ( 𝑥 ) and stress (𝑥 ) due to the
bending in the xoy plane is 𝑦⁄𝑅𝑧 and 𝐸𝑦⁄𝑅𝑧 , respectively. Similarly, the longitudinal strain and stress
due to the bending in the xoz plane is 𝑧⁄𝑅𝑦 and 𝐸𝑧⁄𝑅𝑦 , respectively. Therefore, the total longitudinal
direct stress on the cross section should be the superposition of the stresses caused by the bending
in both planes:
𝑬 𝑬
𝒙 = 𝒚+ 𝒛 (2.6)
𝑹𝒛 𝑹𝒚
2.3.2 Equilibrium of moment
Consider an element of area dA on the cross section (Figure 2.4). The moment of the axial force on the
element about the z axis is
ydFx = y𝑥 d𝐴
Then the resultant total internal resisting moment about the z axis is

∫ 𝑦𝑥 d𝐴
𝐴

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

To satisfy the equilibrium of moment, this total internal resisting moment must balance the applied
external moment Mz.

∫ 𝑦𝑥 d𝐴 = 𝑀𝑧
𝐴

Substitute 𝑥 by equation (2.6)

𝐸 𝐸
∫ 𝑦( 𝑦+ 𝑧)d𝐴 = 𝑀𝑧 
𝐴 𝑅𝑧 𝑅𝑦
𝐸 𝐸
∫ 𝑦 2 d𝐴 + ∫ 𝑦𝑧 d𝐴 = 𝑀𝑧
𝑅𝑧 𝐴 𝑅𝑦 𝐴

where ∫𝐴 𝑦 2 d𝐴 is the second moment of area about the z axis (Iz). ∫𝑨 𝒚𝒛 𝐝𝑨 is the product moment
of area of the cross section, Iyz. More details about Iyz can be found in sections 2.3.6 and 2.4.
So
𝑬𝑰𝒛 𝑬𝑰𝒚𝒛
+ = 𝑴𝒛 (2.7)
𝑹𝒛 𝑹𝒚

Consider the element of area dA again (Figure 2.4). The moment of the longitudinal force on the
element about the y axis is
𝑧d𝐹𝑥 = 𝑧𝑥 d𝐴
Then the resultant total internal resisting moment about the y axis is

∫ 𝑧𝑥 d𝐴
𝐴

To satisfy the equilibrium of moment, this total internal resisting moment must balance the applied
external moment My.
∫𝐴 𝑧𝑥 d𝐴 = 𝑀𝑦
Substitute 𝑥 by equation (2.6)
𝐸 𝐸
∫ 𝑧( 𝑦+ 𝑧)d𝐴 = 𝑀𝑦
𝐴 𝑅𝑧 𝑅𝑦
𝐸 𝐸
∫ 𝑧𝑦d𝐴 + ∫ 𝑧 2 d𝐴 = 𝑀𝑦
𝑅𝑧 𝐴 𝑅𝑦 𝐴
Where ∫𝐴 𝑧 2 d𝐴 is the second moment of area about the y axis (Iz). So
𝑬𝑰𝒚𝒛 𝑬𝑰𝒚
+ = 𝑴𝒚 (2.8)
𝑹𝒛 𝑹𝒚
2.3.3 𝑬⁄𝑹𝒛 and 𝑬⁄𝑹𝒚
Solving equations (2.7) and (2.8) gives

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

𝑬 𝑴𝒛 𝑰𝒚 − 𝑴𝒚 𝑰𝒚𝒛
= (2.9)
𝑹𝒛 𝑰𝒚 𝑰𝒛 − 𝑰𝒚𝒛 𝟐
𝑬 𝑴𝒚 𝑰𝒛 − 𝑴𝒛 𝑰𝒚𝒛 (2.10)
= 𝟐
𝑹𝒚 𝑰𝒚 𝑰𝒛 − 𝑰𝒚𝒛
𝑀𝑧 and 𝑀𝑦 are the moments applied on the beam, which are normally known. 𝐼𝑦 , 𝐼𝑧 , and 𝐼𝑦𝑧 are the
area properties of the cross section of the beam, which are determined by the dimensions of the cross
section. So 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑧 and 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑦 can be calculated if we know the moments applied and the geometry of
the beam.

Note: (1) if the beam is asymmetric, but only 𝑀𝑧 is applied (𝑀𝑦 = 0), then both 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑧 and 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑧 is
not zero. It is still asymmetric pure bending. (2) if the beam is symmetric, then 𝐼𝑦𝑧 is zero. However,
if both 𝑀𝑧 and 𝑀𝑦 are applied, then both 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑧 and 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑧 is not zero. This is also an asymmetric pure
bending case. (3) if the beam is symmetric but only 𝑀𝑧 is applied (𝑀𝑦 = 0), then 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑦 = 0. This is
equivalent to the symmetric pure bending in Section 2.2.

2.3.4 Longitudinal direct stress

Substituting equations (2.9) and (2.10) into equation (2.6) gives the distribution of the longitudinal
direct stress on the cross section of the beam, which varies with y and z.
By comparing the stress at particular points, the maximum tensile and compressive stress on the cross
section can be obtained.
See the example in Section 2.4 for more details.

2.3.5 A tricky question

What we discussed above is the longitudinal direct stress in the beams under pure bending. Do
we need to consider shear stress in the beam under pure bending? Why?

2.3.6 Product moment of area: 𝑰𝒚𝒛

We will only use the product moment of area of rectangular shapes in this course. So, consider a
general case shown in Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.6

∫ 𝑦𝑧 d𝐴 = ∬ 𝑦𝑧 d𝑧d𝑦
𝐴

Because this is a rectangle (z and y are independent of each other), the above equation can be written
as

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

𝑧max 𝑦max

∬ 𝑦𝑧 d𝑥d𝑦 = ∫ 𝑧 d𝑧 ∫ 𝑦 d𝑦
𝑧min 𝑦min

Integrating it gives
1
𝐼𝑦𝑧 = (𝑦max 2 − 𝑦min 2 )(𝑧max 2 − 𝑧min 2 ) (2.11)
4

2.4 Example of asymmetric bending of an L-beam:

An L-beam consists of two components A and B. The dimensions of the cross section of the beam are
given in Figure 2.7. A bending moment about its centroidal z axis Mz = 2 kNm is applied on the beam.
What are the maximum tensile and compressive direct stresses in the beam?

Figure 2.7
Step 1: Calculating the centroid.
This is important because we need Iz, Iy, and Iyz to calculate 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑧 and 𝐸 ⁄𝑅𝑦 . Iz, Iy, and Iyz are all
about the centroidal axes. Therefore, in order to calculate Iz, Iy, and Iyz, we need to know the position
of the centroid.
Using equating (1.10),

𝑦̅ ∑ 𝐴 = ∑ 𝐴𝑦̃ ; 𝑧̅ ∑ 𝐴 = ∑ 𝐴𝑧̃
90 10
Component A: 𝐴𝐴 = 9010 mm2, 𝑦
̃𝐴 = = 45 mm, 𝑧̃𝐴 = = 5 mm
2 2
60
Component B: 𝐴𝐵 = 6010 mm2 , 𝑦̃
𝐵 = 90 + 5 = 95 mm, 𝑧
̃𝐵 = = 30 mm
2

𝑦̅ (9010 + 6010) = (901045) + (601095) (𝑦̃ was calculated from the top of the cross
section. Of course it could also be calculated from the bottom.)
𝑧̅(9010 + 6010) = (𝑦 ̃𝐴 = 45 mm 90105) + (601030) (𝑧̃ was calculated from the left of
the cross section. It could also be calculated from the right.)
(901045) + (601095)
𝑦̅ = = 65 mm
9010 + 6010

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

(90105) + (601030)
𝑧̅ = = 15 mm
9010 + 6010
Step 2: Calculating Iz, Iy, and Iyz.
2a: After we obtain the position of the centroid, we locate a global coordinate system (yoz) at the
centroid to help us calculate the second moment of area. The following calculation is all in this new
global coordinate system (we don’t use the reference point at the left top corner anymore after
we got the position of the centroid).
2b: Then we find the coordinates (𝑦̂, 𝑧̂) of the local centroids of the two components in the global
coordinate system. The coordinates of the local centroids of the two components are (4565, 515)
and (9565, 3015), respectively.
2c: 𝑰𝒛 = 𝑰𝑨𝒛 + 𝑰𝑩
𝒛

2 10903
𝐼𝑧𝐴 = 𝐼𝑧𝐴′ + 𝐴𝐴 𝑦
̂𝐴 = + 9010(45 − 65)2 = 967500 mm4
12
60103
̂𝐵 2 =
𝐼𝑧𝐵 = 𝐼𝑧𝐵′ + 𝐴𝐵 𝑦 + 6010(95 − 65)2 = 545000 mm4
12
𝐼𝑧 = 𝐼𝑧𝐴 + 𝐼𝑧𝐵 = 1512500 mm4
2d: 𝑰𝒚 = 𝑰𝑨𝒚 + 𝑰𝑩
𝒚

90103
𝐼𝑦𝐴 = 𝐼𝑦𝐴′ + 𝐴𝐴 𝑧̂𝐴 2 = + 9010(5 − 15)2 = 97500 mm4
12
10603
2
𝐼𝑦𝐵 = 𝐼𝑦𝐵′ + 𝐴𝐵 𝑧̂
𝐵 = + 6010(30 − 15)2 = 315000 mm4
12
𝐼𝑦 = 𝐼𝑦𝐴 + 𝐼𝑦𝐵 = 412500 mm4

2e: Product moment of area: 𝑰𝒚𝒛 = 𝑰𝑨𝒚𝒛 + 𝑰𝑩

𝒚𝒛

𝐴 𝐵
In order to use equation (2.11) to calculate 𝐼𝑦𝑧 and 𝐼𝑦𝑧 , we need to find the ymin, ymax, zmin and zmax for
both components. These are the points on the component that are furthest from the centroidal
axes. These values take into account +/- signs depending on their position compared to the
centroidal axes. Consider ymin and ymax of component A. We are considering their position relative
to the centroidal axes. The uppermost point on the component is 65 mm in the Y- direction and
the lowermost point is 25mm in the Y+ direction. Therefore the value for ymin = 65mm and the
value for ymax = +25mm. Similarly, zmin = 15 mm ; zmax = 5 mm.
For component B: ymin = 25 mm; ymax = 35 mm; zmin = 15 mm ; zmax = 45 mm

𝐴
1 1
𝐼𝑦𝑧 = (𝑦max 2 − 𝑦min 2 )(𝑧max 2 − 𝑧min 2 ) = (252 − 652 )(52 − 152 ) = 180000 mm4
4 4
𝐵
1 1
𝐼𝑦𝑧 = (𝑦max 2 − 𝑦min 2 )(𝑧max 2 − 𝑧min 2 ) = (352 − 252 )(452 − 152 ) = 270000 mm4
4 4
𝐴 𝐵
𝐼𝑦𝑧 = 𝐼𝑦𝑧 + 𝐼𝑦𝑧 = 450000 mm4

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

Step 3: Calculating 𝑬⁄𝑹𝒛 and 𝑬⁄𝑹𝒚

Mz = 2 kNm = 2106 Nmm

𝐸 𝑀𝑧 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑀𝑦 𝐼𝑦𝑧 2106 412500
= = = 1.96 N/mm3
𝑅𝑧 𝐼𝑦 𝐼𝑧 − 𝐼𝑦𝑧 2 4125001512500 − 4500002

𝐸 𝑀𝑦 𝐼𝑧 − 𝑀𝑧 𝐼𝑦𝑧 −2106 450000

= 2 = 2
= −2.14 N/mm3
𝑅𝑦 𝐼𝑦 𝐼𝑧 − 𝐼𝑦𝑧 4125001512500 − 450000

Step 4: Stress analysis

𝐸 𝐸
𝑥 = 𝑦+ 𝑧 = 1.96𝑦 − 2.14𝑧 N/mm2
𝑅𝑧 𝑅𝑦
Note: (𝑦, 𝑧) are the coordinates on the cross section with respect to the coordinate system located at
the centroid of the cross section.
(1) For the maximum tensile stress, 1.96𝑦 − 2.14𝑧 should give the maximum positive value. Thus, y
should be as maximum as possible and z as minimum as possible. ymax is 35 mm, on the bottom
surface. zmin is 15 mm, along the left surface. So the (𝑥 )max occurs at (y = 35 mm, z = 15mm), or
the left bottom corner. The magnitude is
(𝑥 )max = 1.9635 + 2.1415 = 100.7 N/mm2 (or MPa)
(2) For the maximum compressive stress, 1.96𝑦 − 2.14𝑧 should give the maximum negative value (or,
the minimum value). Thus, y should be as minimum as possible and z as maximum as possible. There
are two possible points. The first one is at the top right corner of component A (y = 65 mm, z =
5mm). The second one is at the top right corner of component B (y = 25 mm, z = 45 mm).

Calculate the stresses at these two points and compare them to get the maximum compressive stress.
At the first point,
𝑥 = 1.96(−65) − 2.14(−5) = −116.7 MPa
At the second point,
𝑥 = 1.9625 − 2.1445 = −47.3 MPa > −116.7 MPa

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 MECH2610 – Engineering Mathematics –2nd Semester Unit 2

So the maximum compressive stress occurs at Point 1 in the above figure (top right corner of
component A).
Note: a common mistake here is to choose (y = 65 mm, z = 45mm) to calculate the maximum
compressive stress. But is this point on the beam?

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