Material Properties and Forces

Aerospace Engineering 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Centroid Principles
Objects center of gravity or center of mass.
Graphically labeled as
Centroid Principles
One can determine a centroid location
by utilizing the cross-sectional view of
a three-dimensional object.
Centroid Location
Symmetrical Objects
Centroid location is determined by an
objects line of symmetry.

Centroid is located on When an object has multiple lines of symmetry,

the line of symmetry. its centroid is located at the intersection of the
lines of symmetry.
Moment of Inertia Principles
Moment of Inertia (I) is a mathematical property of
a cross section (measured in inches4) that gives
important information about how that cross-sectional
area is distributed about a centroidal axis.
Stiffness of an object related to its shape.
In general, a higher moment of inertia produces a
greater resistance to deformation.

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Moment of Inertia Principles

Two beams of equal cross-sectional area

Difference is the orientation of the load

Beam Material Length Width Height Area

A Douglas Fir 8 ft 1 in. 5 in. 8 in.2
B Douglas Fir 8 ft 5 in. 1 in. 8 in.2
Moment of Inertia Principles

What distinguishes beam A from beam B?

Will beam A or beam B have a greater resistance to
bending, resulting in the least amount of deformation,
if an identical load is applied to both beams at the
same location?
Moment of Inertia Principles
Why did beam B have greater deformation than
beam A?
Difference in moment of inertia due to the
orientation of the beam

Calculating Moment of Inertia Rectangles

Significant
influence

b = Width of sample
h = Thickness of sample
Calculating Moment of Inertia
Calculate beam A moment of inertia

1.5 in. 5.5 in.

3

=
12
1.5 in. 166.375 in. 3

=
12

249.5625 in. 4
=
12

= 21 in. 4
Calculating Moment of Inertia
Calculate beam B moment of inertia
5.5 in. 1.5 in.
3

=
12
5.5 in. 3.375 in. 3

=
12
18.5625 in. 4
=
12

= 1.5 in. 4
Moment of Inertia
13.5 times
stiffer

Beam
A

Beam
B

IA = 21 in. 4
IB = 1.5 in. 4
Simple Shape vs. Flange Beams
Doing more with less

Complex Shapes
Use This Power
I = 10.67 in.4 I = 6.08 in.4
Area = 8.00 in.2 Area = 2.75 in.2
Moment of Inertia Composites
Why are composite materials used in
structural design?

+ =
Fiberglass
Sandwich
(Weak)
Styrofoam
Styrofoam
(Weak)
+
Fiberglass
(Strong)
Structural Member Properties
Modulus of Elasticity (E) The ratio of the
increment of some specified form of stress to the
increment of some specified form of strain. Also
known as Youngs Modulus.

In general, a higher
modulus of elasticity
produces a greater
resistance to
deformation.
Tension Stress
A body being stretched

Applied load divided by cross-sectional area

=

The shape of the cross section is not important
Appropriate cross section is the smallest area
in the loaded part
Compression
A body being squeezed

Load divided by area

=

Only for parts that are very short compared
to cross sectional dimensions or parts that
are laterally constrained
Tensile Test Stress-Strain Curve

Modulus of Elasticity (E)

The proportional constant (ratio of stress
and strain)
stress = load or =
Area
E=

strain = amount of stretch
or =
original length 0
A measure of stiffness The ability of a
material to resist stretching when loaded
Tensile Test Stress-Strain Curve

Plastic Deformation
Unrecoverable elongation beyond
the elastic limit
When the load is removed, only the
elastic deformation will be recovered
Modulus of Elasticity Principles

Beam Material Length Width Height Area I

A Douglas Fir 8 ft 1 in. 5 in. 8 in.2 20.8 in.4
B ABS plastic 8 ft 1 in. 5 in. 8 in.2 20.8 in.4
Modulus of Elasticity Principles

What distinguishes beam A from beam B?

Will beam A or beam B have a greater resistance to
bending, resulting in the least amount of deformation,
if an identical load is applied to both beams at the
same location?
Modulus of Elasticity Principles
Why did beam B have greater deformation than
beam A?
Difference in material modulus of elasticity
The ability of a material to deform and return to
its original shape
Characteristics of objects that impact deflection
(MAX)
Applied force or load
Length of span between supports
Modulus of elasticity
Moment of inertia
Calculating Beam Deflection

Max = F L3

48 E I
Beam Material Length Moment Modulus of Force
(L) of Inertia Elasticity (F)
(I) (E)
A Douglas Fir 8 ft 20.8 in.4 1,800,000 250 lbf
psi
B ABS Plastic 8 ft 20.8 in.4 419,000 250 lbf
psi
Calculating Beam Deflection
Max = F L3
48 E I

Calculate beam deflection for beam A

Max = 250 lbf (96 in.)3

48 (1,800,000 psi) (20.8 in.4)
Max = 0.123 in.

Beam Material Length I E Load

A Douglas Fir 8 ft 20.8 in.4 1,800,000 250 lbf
psi
Calculating Beam Deflection
Max = F L3
48 E I

Calculate beam deflection for beam B

Max = 250 lbf (96 in.)3

48 (419,000 psi) (20.8 in.4)
Max = 0.53 in.

Beam Material Length I E Load

B ABS Plastic 8 ft 20.8 in.4 419,000 250 lbf
psi
Douglas Fir vs. ABS Plastic

4.24
Times
less
deflection

Max A = 0.123 in. Max B = 0.53 in.

Statics
The study of forces and their effects
on a system in a state of rest or
uniform motion

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Equilibrium
Static equilibrium:
A condition where there are no net external
forces acting upon a particle or rigid body
and the body remains at rest or continues
at a constant velocity
Translational equilibrium:
The state in which there are no unbalanced
forces acting on a body

F =0
x

F =0
y
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Balanced
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Unbalanced
Equilibrium
Rotational equilibrium:
The state in which the sum of all clockwise
moments equals the sum of all
counterclockwise moments about a pivot
point

M=0
Remember
Moment = F x D
Truss Analysis
Primary truss loads loads calculated with
ideal assumptions
Used in welded steel-tube fuselages, piston-
engine motor mounts, ribs, and landing gear
Truss Analysis Engine Mount Example
Line of force is from the center of gravity of
the engine
Rigid connection from the fuselage and
engine to the truss

3,200lbf
Summary
Centroid is objects center of gravity or
center of mass
Moment of Inertia (I) is a mathematical
property of a cross section
Significant
influence
Summary
Composite shapes used in
structural design to create
lightweight, strong material
Modulus of Elasticity (E) E=

The ratio of the increment of

some specified form of stress =

to the increment of some
specified form of strain =
0
Deflection calculated using
modulus of elasticity Max = F L3
48 E I
Summary
Equilibrium
Translational F =0
x
Rotational
F =0
y

M=0