Strength of

Materials

Simple Stress
(Normal and
Axial Stress)

December 2023
 Do You Need Wisdom?
James 1: (NIV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should
ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to
you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe
and not doubt, because the one who
doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and
tossed by the wind. 7 That person should
not expect to receive anything from the
Lord.
 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
Course Topics:
1) Introduction to Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
2) Simple Stress
3) Strain and Deformation
4) Torsion
5) Shear and Moment in Beams
6) Beam Deflections
7) Combined Stresses

All the topics listed here are aligned with the provided course syllabus.
 2.0 Simple Stresses
Sub-topics:
2.1 Normal/Axial Stress
2.2 Shearing Stress and Bearing Stress
2.4 Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels

All the sub-topics listed here are aligned with the provided course syllabus.
 Introduction to Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to trace the evolution of the Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
from its inception to modern times, identifying vital historical figures and
milestones.
2. Students will comprehend the basic principles of stress, strain, and modulus of
elasticity in materials.
3. Students will differentiate between rigid, elastic, and plastic body mechanics,
understanding their unique characteristics.
4. Students will understand the importance and application of the factor of safety in
design, ensuring structures are safe and reliable.
5. Students will be able to articulate the significance of the Strength of Materials in
the field of Civil Engineering, linking theoretical knowledge to practical applications.

All the learning outcomes listed here are aligned with the provided course syllabus.
 Priority Management

"The key is not to prioritize

what's on your schedule, but
to schedule your priorities.“
– Stephen Covey.
STRESS VS STRENGTH
 Understanding Stress and Strength of a Material
Stress
This measures how much force an object experiences per unit area.

Strength (Ultimate Stress)

This is a material's ability to withstand stress. It is the maximum stress that a material
can withstand without failure. It represents the limit of the material's ability to handle
stress. When a material is stressed, it deforms and responds to a certain point. The
material's strength is the maximum stress level it can endure before it starts to
fail, which could mean breaking, cracking, yielding, or undergoing permanent
deformation.
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Normal Stress
This develops when a force acts perpendicular (or normal) to the surface of an object.
Normal stress can be further categorized into tensile stress (when the material is
being stretched) and compressive stress (when the material is being compressed).

Axial Stress
This is a type of normal stress that occurs specifically along the axis of a structural
member. It's most commonly discussed in the context of elements like columns or
struts, where the primary load is applied along the length of the member. Axial stress
can also be tensile or compressive, depending on whether the axial force stretches
or compresses the member.
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Normal Stress:
This develops when a force acts
perpendicular (or normal) to the surface Force
of an object.

Surface Area
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Axial Stress:
This is a type of normal stress that occurs
Force
specifically along the axis of a structural Surface
member. It's most commonly discussed in Area
the context of elements like columns or
struts, where the primary load is applied
along the length of the member. Axial
stress can also be tensile or compressive,
depending on whether the axial force
stretches or compresses the member.
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Example of a Normal / Axial Stress
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Example of a Normal / Axial Stress
Long Bones in the Human Body: The
human body’s femur (thigh bone) is an
excellent example of a structural member
under axial stress. When you stand up,
the femur supports your body weight
along its length, experiencing axial
compressive stress.
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Example of a Normal Stress but not an Axial Stress
Bending in Beams and Girders: When dealing with beams and girders, especially
on floors, roofs, and bridges, bending stress (a type of normal stress) is a primary
concern. The normal stress due to bending is perpendicular to the length of the beam
and varies across its depth, being highest at the farthest points from the neutral axis.
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Factors Influencing Normal Stress
• Material Properties: Different materials (like steel, concrete, wood) have varying
responses to stress.

• Cross-sectional Area: Larger areas distribute force more effectively, reducing

stress.

• Length of Member: Longer members may buckle under compression, affecting

stress distribution.
 Understanding Normal and Axial Stress
Factors Influencing Normal Stress
• Structural Engineering: Understanding and calculating normal stress is crucial in
designing safe and efficient structures like buildings, bridges, and towers.

• Material Science: Determining the suitability of different materials for various

structural applications based on their tensile and compressive strength.

• Safety Analysis: Predicting and preventing structure failures by ensuring normal

stresses remain within the material's capacity.
 Stress
Formula

Internal Force

Force
Stress, σ =
Area
Cross-Sectional Area
 Stress
Units of Stress
Unit Description
The SI unit for stress. 1 Pascal is equal to 1 Newton per
Pascals (Pa)
square meter (N/m²).

Kilopascals (kPa) 1 kPa is equal to 1,000 Pascals

Megapascals (MPa) 1 MPa is equal to 1,000,000 Pascals.

Gigapascals (GPa) 1 GPa is equal to 1,000,000,000 Pascals.

Common in the US customary system. 1 psi is

Pounds per square inch (psi)
approximately 6,895 Pascals.
Also used in the US, where 1 kip is 1,000 pounds. 1 ksi is
Kips per square inch (ksi)
approximately 6,895,000 Pascals.
 Normal Stress (Axial Stress)
Average normal stress in a member under axial loading
Formula:
F(C or T)
σaxial =
A
Where: F
• σ is the axial stress,
• F is the axial force acting on the member
(compressive or tensile), and
• A is the cross-sectional area of the member over
which the force is distributed.

The axial force F is aligned along the member's

longitudinal axis, and the cross-sectional area A is the
area perpendicular to this axis.
 Review of Geometry
Common Shapes and their Area Formulas:

Shape Area Formula Area Symbol

Rectangle Length × Width A=l×w
Triangle ½ × Base × Height A=½×b×h
Circle π × Radius² A = πr²
π × (Outer Radius² - Inner
Hollow Circle A = π(R² - r²)
Radius²)

π × Semi-Major Axis ×
Ellipse A = πab
Semi-Minor Axis
 Key Takeaways
Dimensions of a Hollow Circle
Outer Diameter = (Inner Diameter) + (2 x Thickness)

do di

t
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 1
A hollow steel tube with an outside diameter of 200 mm is subjected to an axial
tensile force of 400 kN. Determine the tube’s thickness (in mm) if the stress is limited
to 130 MPa.
 Practical Application Tips
Which area or dimension should you choose for manufacturing or
construction?

A) 189 mm (rounded down)

B) 189.9535203 mm (exact value)
C) 190 mm (rounded up)
 Key Takeaways
Calculating Internal Forces in Stress Analysis
Two fundamental techniques are pivotal when solving for internal forces in structural
members under stress: the method of sections and the application of equilibrium
principles.
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 2
An aluminum rod is rigidly attached between steel and bronze, as shown in the figure
below. Axial loads are applied at the positions indicated. If P is 12 kN and the cross-
sectional area of each rod is 600 mm2. Determine the stresses (in MPa) in each
material.
 Key Takeaways
Self-weight of a Structural Member
The self-weight of a structural member is generally considered to act through its
center of gravity (or centroid) for analysis and design in structural engineering.

For Uniform Structures:

• For structural members with uniform density and symmetrical geometry (like a
straight beam with a uniform cross-section), the center of gravity is at the
geometric midpoint.

• In such cases, the self-weight is considered to act vertically downward through this
midpoint.
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 3
A cable supports a homogeneous 800 kg bar AB at either end, as shown in the figure
below. Calculate each cable’s smallest area (mm2) if the stress does not exceed 90
MPa in bronze and 120 MPa in steel.
 Key Takeaways
When choosing which area of dimension to use.
When making decisions in structural design or engineering, choosing the largest
area or dimension from available options can be prudent in specific contexts.

• Reduced Stress: A larger area can distribute applied forces more effectively,
resulting in lower stress within the material.

• Enhanced Safety and Strength: A larger cross-sectional area often means

greater strength and stability, providing a higher safety margin.
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 4
The member AC shown in the figure is subjected to a vertical force of 3 kN.
Determine the position x of this force so that the average compressive stress at the
smooth support C equals the average tensile stress in the tie rod AB. The rod has a
cross-sectional area of 400 mm2, and the contact area at C is 650 mm2.
 Key Takeaways
What are Allowable Stress and Ultimate Stress?
Allowable Stress (Working Stress)
• The safe stress limit for a material.
• For example, a bridge's steel beam is designed to handle up to 100 MPa safely.

Yield Strength or Ultimate Strength

σall =
Factor of Safety

Ultimate Stress (Strength)

• The maximum stress before a material fails.
• For the same steel beam, it might be 150 MPa, where it would break.
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 5
Considering the structure below, assume that rod BC is made of steel with a
maximum allowable stress, σall = 165 MPa. Can rod BC safely support the load to
which it will be subjected? The magnitude of the force FBC in the rod was 50 kN,
given that the diameter of the rod is 20 mm.

FBC = 50 kN
A = πr2 = (π( 20 mm)2)/4 = 100π mm2

σ = F/A = 50,000 N / 100π mm2

= 159.1549431MPa

Since σ is smaller than σall of the allowable stress in the steel used, rod BC can
safely support the load.
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 6
As shown, the pin-jointed assembly supports a billboard 3m high and 4m wide on
each end. The total weight of the billboard is 30 kN. Wind pressure, q = 1.7 kPa.
Wind pressure coefficient, C = 1.0. If strut AB is a 16 mm diameter steel cable,
determine the cable’s normal stress (in MPa).
 Key Takeaways
The Safest Load (Largest Force)

The safest
load is the P
lightest load.
P
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Stresses on Inclined Plane

Fcosθ
σ=
A/cosθ

Fsinθ F
F
Ʈ=
A/cosθ F
 Normal (Axial) Stress
Sample Problem 7
The rectangular wood panel is formed by gluing together two boards along the 30-
degree seam as shown in the figure. Determine the largest axial force P that can be
carried safely by the panel if the working stress for the wood is 1120 psi, and the
normal and shear stresses in the glue are limited to 700 psi and 450 psi, respectively.