MECH2040 Tutorial
Week 3
TA: YOU, Zhenyu
zyouac@[Link]
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Outline
1 Error-prone questions in last homework
2 Example 1: Axial Loading and Deformation Compatibility
3 Example 2: Multi-Axial Stress State
4 Example 3: Assembly Misfit & Statically Indeterminate System
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HW1: Choosing the Governing Limit
Problem Statement
A steel pipe of 400-mm outer diameter is fabricated from 10-mm-thick plate by welding
along a helix that forms an angle of 20◦ with a plane perpendicular to the axis of the
pipe. Knowing that the maximum allowable normal and shearing stresses in the
directions respectively normal and tangential to the weld are σ = 60 MPa and
τ = 36 MPa, determine the magnitude P of the largest axial force that can be applied
to the pipe.
Why Compare?
The structure has two distinct failure modes: breaking due to normal stress OR
breaking due to shear stress. We must check the load limit for both criteria.
Why Choose the SMALLER Load?
Some students calculated Pσ = 832 kN and Pτ = 1372 kN, but chose 1372 kN.
Think about loading the pipe from 0 kN upwards: As P increases, it hits
832 kN first. At this exact moment, the weld fails due to normal stress. It will
never survive to reach 1372 kN. Always choose the smaller value for the
maximum safe load.
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HW4: Calculating Internal Forces
Correct Method: Static Equilibrium
Taking moments about the pin E for the
horizontal member EG:
X
ME = 0
FCF × 400 − 24 × 650 = 0 =⇒ FCF = 39 kN
Common Mistake: FCF = 12 kN
Some students assumed
FCF = 242kN = 12 kN. This is only true if
the 24 kN load is placed exactly in the
middle between E and F. Here, the load acts
at the end of a lever arm (point G). Always
use equilibrium equations, do not guess
the force distribution!
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HW1/2/3/4: The Danger of Truncation Errors (Method 1)
Example Scenario
Calculate the total elongation δtotal of a rod composed of N = 6 identical
segments.
Given for each segment: Load P = 15 kN, Length L = 30 cm, Diameter
d = 0.85 cm, and Young’s Modulus E = 7000 kN/cm2 .
Method 1: The "1 Decimal Place" Habit (Not Recommended)
A student evaluates step-by-step and rounds everything to 1 decimal place:
π(0.85)2 round
Area: A = 4 = 0.567... cm2 −−−→ 0.6 cm2
7000×0.6
Stiffness: k = EAL = 30 = 140 kN/cm
15 round
Elongation: δ1 = Pk = 140 = 0.107... cm −−−→ 0.1 cm
Adding them up: δtotal = 6 × 0.1 cm = 0.6 cm = 6.0 mm.
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The Power of Symbolic Calculation (Method 2)
Method 2: Keep Symbols Until the Final Step (Best Practice)
Instead of calculating intermediate values, derive the final equation using
symbols, simplify it, and plug in the numbers only once.
Symbolic Derivation
First, write the general formula for the total elongation:
!
P ·L P ·L 24 · P · L
δtotal = 6 · δ1 = 6 =6 2 =
E ·A E· πd π · E · d2
4
Now, plug in the exact numbers:
24 × 15 × 30 10800
δtotal = 2
= cm
π × 7000 × (0.85) 15888.6...
δtotal ≈ 0.6797 cm = 6.80 mm
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A Practical Alternative (Method 3)
Method 3: Retaining Sufficient Significant Figures
If you must calculate intermediate steps to check your work, always keep
at least 4 significant figures (or 3 decimal places) during the process.
Step-by-Step with Precision
π(0.85)2
Area: A = 4 = 0.5675 cm2
Stiffness: k = 7000×0.5675
30 = 132.4 kN/cm
15
Elongation: δ1 = 132.4 = 0.1133 cm
Adding them up: δtotal = 6 × 0.1133 cm = 0.6798 cm ≈ 6.80 mm.
Summary of Results
Method 2 & 3: 6.80 mm (More Exact/Acceptable)
Method 1: 6.0 mm (11.8% Error!) → This small habit will cost you a full
letter grade on an exam!
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Example 1: Axial Loading and Deformation Compatibility
Question 1
A rod of length L, cross-sectional area A1 and modulus of elasticity E1 is placed
inside a tube with the same length L, but a different cross-sectional area A2 and
modulus of elasticity E2 . A2 > A1 , and E2 > E1 . A force P is exerted on a rigid
end plate as shown in the figure.
The normal strains along the axial direction at points A, B, and C are denoted as
εA , εB , and εC , respectively. Which of the relationships below is correct?
(A) εA < εB (B) εA > εB (C) εA = εB (D) εA < εC
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Example 1 - Core Concepts
Key Concept: Axial Deformation and Geometric Constraints
Rigid End Plate: The external load P acts on a rigid end plate. This
ensures the plate remains perfectly straight and does not bend or tilt,
forcing all attached members to compress equally.
Geometric Compatibility: Due to this constraint, the inner rod and
the outer tube must undergo the same total deformation δ
(δrod = δtube = δ).
Strain Definition: The definition of average normal strain is ε = Lδ .
Since both members have the same original length L and the same
deformation δ, their strains must be identical.
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Example 1 - Detailed Option Analysis
Analysis of Options
Option (C) [Correct]: εA = εB (= εC ). Because the cross-sections
of both the rod and the tube are uniform along their lengths, the
strain is uniformly distributed. Thus, any two points within the system
will experience the same normal strain.
Options (A) & (B) & (D) [Incorrect]
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Example 2: Multi-Axial Stress State
Question 2
If the stress on a point in a solid material is given in the figure. Which of the
following relation for the normal strain is true?
(A) |εx | = |εy |
(B) εz = 0
(C) γxy = γxz = γyz = 0
(D) εx ∝ (1 + ν)
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Example 2 - Generalized Hooke’s Law
Key Concept: 3D Stress-Strain Relations
Based on the stress state of the element (subjected to normal stresses only,
with applied shear stresses τ = 0), we use the Generalized Hooke’s Law:
1
εx = [σx − ν(σy + σz )]
E
1
εy = [σy − ν(σx + σz )]
E
1
εz = [σz − ν(σx + σy )]
E
γxy = τxy /G
γyz = τxy /G
γxz = τxy /G
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Example 2 - Detailed Option Analysis
Analysis of Options
Option (A) [Correct]: σx = −σy , σz = 0, so
εx = E1 (−σy − νσy ) = −εy .
Option (B) [Correct]: The z-direction is stress-free (σz = 0), the
Poisson effect causes a transverse strain: εz = − Eν (σx + σy ). Thus,
εz = 0 if σx = −σy .
Option (C) [Incorrect]: Because there are no applied shear stresses
(τxy = τyz = τzx = 0), the corresponding shear strains must be zero
(γ = τ /G = 0). However, the question is ’Which of the following
relation for the normal strain is true?’
Option (D) [Correct]: εx ∝ (1 + ν) is a very specific mathematical
result only valid for σx = −σy , σz = 0.
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Example 3: Assembly Misfit & Statically Indeterminate
System
Question 3
In the depicted support construction for the rigid
body B, the lower steel support bar is too short by
length δ = 5 mm. In order to assemble the structure,
a force Fa is applied so the steel bar just touches the
ground. After assembly, Fa is removed.
Given:
Aluminum: lAl = 1 m, EAl = 70 GPa
Steel: lSt = 1.5 m, ESt = 210 GPa
All bar diameters are identical: d = 2 mm
Questions:
(a) Compute the required assembly force Fa .
(b) Determine the displacement vB of the body
and the forces in the bars after assembly.
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Example 3 - Solution: Parameter Preparation
Cross-Sectional Area
All bars have the same diameter d = 2 mm = 0.002 m.
πd 2
A= = π × 10−6 m2
4
EA
Axial Stiffness (k = L
)
For the Aluminum bars:
EAl A (70 × 109 Pa) · (π × 10−6 m2 )
kAl = = = 70, 000π N/m
lAl 1m
For the Steel bar:
ESt A (210 × 109 Pa) · (π × 10−6 m2 )
kSt = = = 140, 000π N/m
lSt 1.5 m
Observation: kSt = 2kAl
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Example 3 - Solution (a): Assembly Force Fa
Physical Analysis of Assembly
To make the steel bar touch the ground, rigid body B must be translated
downwards by δ = 5 mm = 0.005 m.
During this forced translation, the steel bar is not yet attached to the
ground, so it carries zero internal force.
Equilibrium during Assembly
The two aluminum bars are stretched by δ. The external downward force
Fa must overcome their upward tension.
′
Fa = 2 · NAl = 2 · (kAl · δ)
Fa = 2 · (70, 000π N/m) · (0.005 m)
Fa = 700π N ≈ 2199.1 N
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Example 3 - Solution (b): Post-Assembly Deformation
Statically Indeterminate State
After fixing the steel bar to the ground and removing Fa , the system
springs back upwards to a new equilibrium. Let vB be the final downward
displacement of body B relative to its original, unstressed position.
Step 1: Compatibility Equations
The top aluminum bars are stretched by vB :
∆Al = vB
The bottom steel bar is fixed at δ below the origin, while its top is
pulled down to vB . Thus, its total stretch is:
∆St = δ − vB
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Example 3 - Solution (b): Hooke’s Law & Equilibrium
Step 2: Physical Equations (Hooke’s Law)
Express the internal forces using stiffness and deformation:
NAl = kAl · ∆Al = kAl · vB
NSt = kSt · ∆St = kSt · (δ − vB )
Step 3: Equilibrium Equation
The sum of vertical forces on the rigid body B must be zero. The two
aluminum bars pull up, while the steel bar pulls down.
X
Fy = 0 =⇒ 2NAl − NSt = 0
2NAl = NSt
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Example 3 - Solution (b): Final Calculation
Solving for Displacement vB
Substitute the physical equations into the equilibrium equation:
2(kAl · vB ) = kSt · (δ − vB )
Recall from our preparation that kSt = 2kAl . Substituting this gives:
2kAl · vB = 2kAl · (δ − vB )
Dividing both sides by 2kAl :
vB = δ − vB =⇒ 2vB = δ
5 mm
vB = = 2.5 mm
2
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Example 3 - Solution (b): Final Calculation
Solving for Internal Forces
NAl = 70, 000π · 0.0025 = 175π N ≈ 549.8 N
NSt = 140, 000π · (0.005 − 0.0025) = 350π N ≈ 1099.6 N
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