SOLVED PROBLEMS

1. A cylinder of rock with a Young’s modulus of 72 GPa is put under an axial

compressive load of 180 MPa. The no-load length of the cylinder is 22 cm.
By how much does the length change under the load ?

Sol. Y = 72 GPa F = 180 MPa Lo = 22 cm ∆L = ?

σ ∆L σLo
Y=± = σ/ =-
ε Lo ∆L
σ Lo
∆L =
Y

∆L =
(180 x10 )( 22 x10 ) = − 55 x10
6 −2
−5
m = − 0.55 cm
9
72 x 10

2. A cylinder of rock with a no-load strength of 7.826 cm has a length of 7.844

cm under an axial tensile load. The transverse strain under the same load is -
9.500 x 10-4. Calculate Poisson’s ratio for this rock.

Sol. Lo = 7.826 cm L = 7.844 cm (tensile)

ε T = 9.5 x 10−4 υ =?
∆L L-Lo 0.018
υ = -ε T /ε ; ε= = = = 2.3 x 10−3
Lo Lo 7.826
( )
υ = − 9.5 x 10−4 / 2.3 x 10−3 = + 0.413

3. A cylinder of rock with a no-load length of 77.73 cm has an axial strain of

−2.600 x10−3 when under an axial compressive load. Find the length under
the load.

F
Sol. Lo = 77.73 cm c = −2.6 x10−3 (compressive) σ = − L = ??
A
∆L
ε= = −2.6 x10−3 x 77.73 = L − 77.73
L
−0.202 = L − 77.73 ; L = 77.73 − 0.202
L = 77.528 cm

4. Calculate the tensile stress on a cylinder of rock with a no-load diameter of

14.3 cm under a load of 38.6 kN.

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Sol. Do = 14.3 cm F = 38.6 kN
F F 38.6 x 403 x 4
σ= = =
A π Do2 / u ( 3.14 ) 14.3 x10−2 2
( )
σ = 2.405MPa

5. A slate from Michigan has a tensile strength of 25.5 MPa. Find the greatest
tensile force that can be applied to a cylinder of slate with a diameter of
116.0 cm.

Sol. σ = 25.5 MPa F = ?? Do = 16.0 m

F =σ A =σx
σ Do2
= 25.5 x10 x 6 (
3.14 16.0 x10−2 )
4 4
F = 513 kN

6. a cylinder of rock is subjected to an axial tensile load of 41.20 kN. The no-
load length of the cylinder is 23.360 cm. The no-load diameter is 3.881 cm
and the diameter under the load is 3.879 cm. For this rock, Young’s modulus
is 26.30 GPa. Calculate

(a) the stress on the cylinder

(b) the change in length under the load,
(c) the transverse strain, and
(d) Poisson’s ratio of the rock.

Sol. F = 41.20 kN Lo = 23.360 cm Do = 3.881 cm D = 3.879 cm E = 26.3 GPa

F 41.2 x103
(a) σ = = = 34.845 x106 Pa = 34.8 MPa
A π 3.881x10−2 2

4
( )
∆L
(b) ε =
Lo
34.845 x106
σ
σ = Eε , ε= = = 1.325 x10−3
E 26.3 x109
∆L = Loε = 23.36 x1.325 x10−3 = 0.03 cm
∆D 3.879 − 3.881
(c ) ε T = = = −5.15 x10−4
Do 3.881
−4
ε T − ( −5.15 ) x10
(d) υ = − = = 0.389
ε 1.325 x10 −3

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7. A cylinder of rock has a no-load diameter of 12.2 cm and a no-load length of
236.0 cm. Young’s modulus for this rock is 53.7 GPa and Poisson’s ratio
equals 0.421. The rock is subjected to an axial compressive load of 159
MPa. Find (a) the change in length under the load, and (b) the change in
diameter.

Sol. Do = 12.2 cm Lo = 236 cm Y = 53.7 GPa υ = 0.421 σ comp = 159 MPa

(a) ∆L = ?? (b) ∆D
σ σ 159 x106
Y =− ; ε =− = 9
= −2.96 x10−3
ε Y 53.7 x10
∆L
ε= ; ∆L = ε Lo = 2.96 x10−3 x 236 = 6.698 cm
Lo
∴∆L = 6.49 mm

εT
(b) υ = −
ε
(
∴ ε T = −υε = −0.421x −2.96 x10 −3 )
ε T = 1.246 x10−3
D − Do ∆D
but ε T = =
Do Do
( )
∴∆D = ε T .Do = 1.246 x10 −3 (12.2 ) = 0.0152 cm
∆D = 0.152 mm

8. A cylindrical sample of rock has the following dimensions: no-load length

1.600 m, no-load diameter 8.30 cm; length under load 1.576 m, diameter
under load 8.36 cm. The axial load is 622 kN. Find (a) Poisson’s ratio, and
(b) Young’s modulus.

Sol. Lo = 1.6 m Do = 8.3 cm F = 622 kN L = 1.576 m D = 8.36 cm

ε T  ∆D   ∆L   8.36 − 8.3   1.576 − 1.6 

υ =− =    =   
(a) ε  Do   Lo   8.3   1.6 
υ = 0.482

σ F ∆L Lo F
E=− ; E= ; E=
(b) ε A L A∆L
E = 1.9 x1010 Pa = 19 GPa

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9. An Indiana limestone has a Young’s modulus equal to 27.0 GPa. Under an
axial compressive load the axial strain on a cylinder of this limestone is -1.80
mm/m. Find the axial stress on the cylinder.

Sol. Y = 27.0 GPa ε = −1.8 mm / m σ = ??

σ
Y=
ε
(
; σ = Y ε = 27.0 x109 −1.8 x10−3 )( )
σ = −48.6 MPa compressive

10. A cylinder of rock has a no-load length of 27.60 cm and a no-load diameter
of 6.83 cm. For this rock, Young’s modulus equals 25.4 GPa and Poisson’s
ratio is 0.276. The cylinder is put under an axial tensile load of 52.7 kN.
Find the changes in (a) length, and (b) diameter under the load.

Sol.
Lo = 27.60 cm Do = 6.83 cm E = 25.4 GPa υ = 0.276 F ( tensile ) = 52.7 kN

F/A F 4F
(a) E= = =
E EA E π Do2 ( )
4 x52.7 x103
E= = 5.663 x10−4
−2 2
(π ) ( 6.83x10 ) ( 25.4 x10 ) 6

E=
∆L
; ε=
( L − Lo ) = L
−1
Lo Lo Lo
∴ (1 + ε ) = L
o

(
L = 27.6 1 + 5.663 x10−4 = 27.62 cm )
∴∆L = 27.62 − 27.60 = 0.02 cm

(b) υ = −ε T / t ; ε T = − 0.276 x5.663 x10−4

ε T = − 1.563x10−4
but (1 + ε T ) Do = D
∴ (
D = 1 − 1.563 x10−4 ( 6.83) )
D = 6.829 cm

11. A cylinder column of rock has a length of 4.633 m and a diameter of 5.738
cm when under no load. But under an axial compressive load of 72.6 MPa,
the length decreases to the value 4.628 m and the diameter becomes 5.741
cm. Find (a) Poisson’s ratio for the rock forming the column, and (b) the
modulus of elasticity of the rock.

Sol. Lo = 4.633 m Do = 5.738 cm σ = 72.6 MPa L = 4.628 m D = 5.741 cm

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 (a) υ = ?? ( b ) Y = ??
 D − Do 
 
ε T  Do   5.23 x10−4 
υ =− = =− −3 
ε  L − Lo   −1.079 x10 
 
 Lo 
υ = 0.485
σ 72.6 x106 72.6 x106
(b) Y = − = − =− = 67.3 GPa
ε  L − Lo  −1.079 x10−3
 
 Lo 

12. Under an axial compressive load of 462 kN, the diameter of a cylindrical
sample of rock increases from 7.559 cm to 7.562 cm. The no-load length of
the cylinder is 89.62 cm. For this rock, Poisson’s ratio is 0.304. Find

(a) the change in length of the cylinder the load

(b) Young’s modulus of the rock
(c) The change in volume under the load

Sol. F = 462 kN Do = 7.559 cm D = 7.562 cm Lo = 89.62 cm υ = 0.304

(a) ∆L = ?
υ = − ε T / ε = − ( ∆D / Do ) / ε
∆E / Do
∴ε = − = − 1.305 x10−3
υ
∆L
but ε =
Lo
(
; ∆L = ε Lo = −1.305 x10 −3 ( 89.62 ) )
∆L = −0.117 cm
σ F/A F 4 xF
(b) E = = = =
ε ε Aε π ( Do )2 ε
4 x 462 x103
∴E =
( 3.14 ) ( 7.559 x10−2 )( −0.117 x10−2 )
E = 78.9 GPa
∆V
= ε (1 − 2υ )
Vo
π
(c ) ∆V = Voε (1 − 2v ) , but Vo = ( Do )2 Lo
4
−3 3
∆V = 1.759 x10 m
∆V = 1760 cm3

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13. Under no load a cylinder of rock has a volume of 435.8 cm3. For this rock,
Poisson’s ratio equals 0.327. Under an axial load, the axial strain is -2.56 x
10-3. Find the change in volume under the load.

Sol. υ = 0.327 Vo = 435.8 cm3

σ = − 2.56 x10−3 ∆V
∆V
= ε (1 − 2υ )
Vo
( )
∆V = Voε (1 − 2υ ) = 435.8 x −2.56 x10−3 (1 − 2 x0.327 )

∆V = −0.386 cm3

14. A cylinder of sandstone has a no-load length of 4.826 m and a no-load

diameter equal to 63.65 cm. Poison’s ratio is 0.3440 and Young’s modulus
has the value 21.37 GPa. Under an applied compressive load the length
becomes 4.819 m. Calculate

(a) the change in diameter under the load

(b) the value of the applied force

Sol. Lo = 435 cm3 Lo = 4.826 cm Do = 63.65 cm υ = 0.3440 E = 21.37 GPa

π D2
L = 4.819 m A=
4
(a) ∆D = ? ; ε = ∆L / Lo
εT
υ=− ; ε T = −ευ , ε T = −4.99 x10−4
ε
but ε T = ∆D / Do , ∆D = 3.18 x10−4 m
σ
(b) E = ; σ = Eε ; F = AEε = − 9.86 MPa ( compressive )
ε

15. A cylindrical rock column under no load has a length of 3.522 m and a
diameter equal to 5.73 cm. Under an axial compressive load of 39.5 kN, the
length becomes 3.510 m. Poisson’s ratio is 0.320. Find the modulus of
elasticity.

Sol. F = 39.5 kN , Lo = 3.522 m , Do = 5.73 cm , L = 3.510 m , υ = 0.320

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 σ F/A
σ = Eε , E= =
ε ∆L
Lo
∆D / Do
but υ = − ε T / ε = −
∆L / Lo
 ∆L 
∆D =  −  (υ ) Do = − ( −0.0034 )( 0.320 )( 5.73) = + 0.00623 cm
 L 
∆D = D − Do , ∴ D = ∆D + Do ; D = + 0.00623 + 5.73 = 5.736 cm
2
F / π (r )
∴E = = 4.50 GPa
∆L / Lo

16. A granite rock cylinder has a no-load length equal to 14.30 cm and a no-load
diameter of 4.63 cm. Under an axial compressive load of 51.7 kN, the length
decreases by 0.162 mm. The rock has a Poisson’s ratio of 0.322. Find

(a) the change in diameter under the load

(b) Young’s modulus of the rock

Sol.

Lo = 14.30 cm Do = 4.63 cm F = 39.5 kN L = 3.510 m υ = 0.320 E = ??

(a) ∆D = ??
ε = ∆L / Lo = −1.133x10−3
υ = −ε T / ε ; ε T = 3.645 x10−4
ε T = ∆D / Do ; ∆D = ε T Do = 1.689 cm
σ F/A
(b) E = = = 2.71x1010 Pa = 27.1 GPa
ε ε

17. Some “exotic” materials have a negative value of Poisson’s ratio: they get
thinner under an axial compressive load! The minimum negative value of
Poisson’s ratio is for a material that, under an applied axial load, maintains
the same ratio of length/diameter (i.e., keeps the same shape). Show that, in
this case, (a) υ =-1, and (b) ∆V / Vo = 3ε for small axial strains.

Sol. When υ = "− " it is exotic i.e. they get thinner under an axial compressive load
!! We have L/D=constant=1

εT
(a) υ = −
ε

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  D − Do   L − Lo  ∆D ∆L
υ = − / =− /
 Do   L  Do Lo
∆D Lo ∆D L
υ =− ⋅ =−
D ∆L ∆L D
∴υ = − (1)(1) = − 1
∆V
= ε (1 − 2υ )
(b) V
∆V
= ε (1 + 3) = 3ε
V

18. Find a formula for density strain ∆ρ / ρo under uniaxial loading

∆V
Sol. = ε (1 − 2υ )
Vo
m
Divide by m since ρ =
V
∆V ε
= (1 − 2υ )
m m
Vo
m
 1   1  ε
∴    = (1 − 2υ )
 ∆ρ   ρ o  m
ρo ε
∴ = (1 − 2υ )
∆ρ m
∆ρ m
or =
ρ ε (1 − υ )

19. Calculate the shear stress needed to give a rock with a shear modulus of 37.5
GPa a shear strain equal to 0.280°.

τ
Sol. G (shear modulus) =
θ
0.280o
τ = θG = o
x37.5 x109
57.3 rad /
τ = 183 MPa

20. A 158 cm high column of limestone stands vertically with its base fixed to
the ground. The column has a cross-sectional area of 1.26 m2. The limestone
has a shear modulus of 17.3 GPa and a Young’s modulus of 41.3 GPa.

(a) Find the horizontal force that must be applied to the tope surface of the
column in order to obtain a 1.40 mm horizontal deflection of this surface.
(b) Find Poisson’s ratio of the limestone.

54
Sol. (a) F = ?? ∆x = 1.4 mm A = 1.26 m2 L = 158 cm
∆x
θ= , τ = Gθ
L
∆x
∴τ = G
L
F ∆x ∆x
=G ∴ F = AG
A L L
(1.26 ) (17.3x109 )(1.4 x10−3 )
∴F
1.58
F = 19.3 MN
E
(b) G =
2 (1 + υ )
E 41.3 x104
2 + 2υ = E / G ; υ= −1 = −1
2G (
2 17.3 x109 )
υ = 0.194

21. A particular sandstone has a Young’s modulus equal to 76.5 GPa and a
Poisson’s ratio equal to 0.170. Find the confining pressure needed to reduce
the volume of a 1.820 m3 block of this sandstone by 12.0 cm3.\

Sol. Y = 76.5 GPa υ = 0.170 P = ?? Vo = 1.82 m3 ∆V = 12 cm3

∆V 12 x10−3
= = 6.59 x10−3
V 1.82
 ∆V 
σ = −k  
 V 
but k = E / 3 (1 − 2υ )

E ∆V
∴σ =
3 (1 − 2υ ) V
76.5 x109 x6.59 x10−3
σ=
3 (1 − 2 x0.17 )
504.1x106
σ= = 262.6 MPa
1.98

22. Calculate the compressibility of a rock with a shear modulus of 31.6 GPa and
a Young’s modulus of 78.2 GPa.

Sol. k =? G = 31.6 GPa E = 78.2 GPa

55
 9kG
E=
3k + G
9 xkx316 x109
∴ 78.2 x109 =
3k + 316 x109
∴234.6 x109 k + 2.47 x1022 = 2.844 x1012 k
( 2844 x10 9
)
− 234.6 x109 k = 2.47 x1022

2.609 x1012 k = 2.47 x1022

k = 2.47 x1022 / 2.609 x1012
∴k = 9.46 GPa

OR USE
G = E / 2 (1 + υ ) (1)
and then k = E / 3(1 − 2υ ) (2)
i.e. 2G + 2υ G = E
E − 2G E
∴ 2υ G = E − 2G ; υ= = −1
2G 2G
E
∴υ = −1
2G
Substitute υ in eq.(2)
E E E
∴k = ; k= =
  E  3−
6E
+6 9−
6E
3 1 − 2  − 1 
  2G   2G 2G
E 78.2 78.2
k= , k= =
9 − 3E / G 3 x78.2 9 − 0.743
9−
316

23. A block of rock in situ at a depth of 1.60 km measures 1.40 m, 1.22 m, 2.74
m in edge lengths. The density of the subsurface rocks in 2.84 g/cm3. The
rock has a bulk modulus of 87.0 GPa. Find the change in volume of the
block when brough to the surface.

 ∆V 
Sol. ρ gh = −k  , k = 87.0 GP
 Vo 
 ∆V 
( 2.8x10 ) (9.8) (1.6 x10 ) = −87.0 x10
3 3 9
 
 4.68 
∴∆V = −2.395 x10−3
i.e. volume will increase by 2.395 x10−3 m3 = 2.395 x103 cm
i.e. ∆V = 2395 cm3 ≈ 2400 cm3

56
24. Gabbro rock from French Creek, Pennsylvania has a bulk modulus of 88.5
GPa and a Young’s modulus of 104.3 GPa. Find the pressure needed to
compress this rock from a cube with edge length 38.72 cm to a cube with
edge length 38.16 cm.

Sol. k = 88.5 GPa E = 104.3 GPa σ =? Lo = 38.72 cm L = 38.16 cm

Vo = L3o = 58050 cm 3

V = L = 55568 cm3
3

∆V 2482
= = 0.043
Vo 58050
 ∆V 
σ = −k   [σ = ρ gh]
 Vo 
σ = −88.5 ( 0.043)
σ = 3.785 GPa

25. A quartzitic sandstone has a bulk modulus of 41.7 GPa and a shear modulus
with a value of 42.8 GPa. Find the values of the other moduli.

Sol. k = 41.7 GPa G = 42.8 GPa

3k (1 − 2υ )
G=
2 (1 + υ )
∴ 2υ + 6kυ = 3k − 2G
2υ + 6 x 41.7 ( GPa )υ = 3 x 41.7 ( GPa ) − 2 ( 42.8 GPa )
∴υ = 0.118

E=
9kG
=
(
3 41.7 x109 42.8 x109)( )
3k + G 3 x 41.7 x109 + 42.8 x109
E = 95.7 GPa

57