Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

A One Dimensional Stress System
In this section we will look at a system with a stress applied in one direction only. We will

 Discover that if a shear stress is applied this will cause complimentary shear stresses
to be set up.

 find the direct and shear stress on any plane and find on which plane the maximum
stress occurs.

Complimentary Shear Stress

If a block is subject to shear force F, the forces constitute a couple and thus for rotational
equilibrium there must be a couple, equal to that of the first and acting in the opposite
direction. Therefore shear forces in the horizontal plane are accompanied by shear forces in
the vertical plane.

If we have shear force acting on a rectangular block “a” by “b” and of thickness, t, the total
shearing forces on the upper and lower faces –

τ xy×a×t = at τ xy

For the shearing force on the end faces –

τ yx×b×t = bt τ yx

Taking moments about O –

(at τ xy )×b = (bt τ yx )×a

Therefore –

τ xy = τ yx

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Shear Stress in a Material in Tension

The bar below has a uniform stress in the x-direction. The force, F, at the end of the cross-
section parallel to Ox is: F = A
σx

Considering a plane inclined, θ , to the yz-plane, for equilibrium the resultant force parallel
σ
to Ox on the inclined cross-section is also F = A x . Resolving the force A
σ x into two
components, parallel and perpendicular to the inclined plane:

Force perpendicular to the inclined plane = A

σ x cosθ

Force parallel to the inclined plane = A

σ x sin θ

The area of the incline place = Asec θ

Aσ x cos θ
2
Stress perpendicular to the inclined plane = σ = A sec θ = σ x cos θ

Aσ x sinθ
Stress parallel to the inclined plane = τ = A secθ =
σ x cosθ sin θ

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

τ = σ x cosθ sin θ

Using the identity

sin(A + B) ¿ sinAcosB + cosAsinB

sin( θ + θ ) ¿ sin θ cos θ + cos θ sin θ

sin2 θ ¿ 2sin θ cos θ

1
sin θ cos θ ¿ 2
sin 2 θ

Therefore the shear stress on the inclined plane is given by:

1
τ = 2
σ x sin 2θ

From the above, the shear stress is a maximum when θ is 45o and a minimum when
θ is 0o and 90o.

The lines and failures due to shear can be seen in materials subject to tensile and compressive
stresses.

Lüder’s lines in the yielding of a steel bar in tension.

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Failures of compressed specimens of timber, showing breakdown of the material in shear.

Example
A bar of square cross-section of 2.25 cm is subjected to an axial pull of 20kN. Calculate the
normal stress and shear stress on a plane which makes an angle of 60 o with the axis of the
bar.

Solution
3
Force 20×10
σx = Area
-2 2
= (2. 25×10 ) = 39.506 MN/m2
2 2
= σ x cos θ
( 39 .506×106 ) ( 1 2 )
stress normal to the plane, σ = = 9.85 MN/m2
1 1
shear stress along plane, τ = 2
σ x sin 2θ = 2
×39 .506×106 ×sin 120o = 17.05 MN/m2

A Two Dimensional Stress System

For a system of two applied stresses, we will find the direct and shear stress on any plane in a
material. We will also find planes on which there is no shear force at all, these are planes
along which the principle stress occur.

We will now consider a rectangular block in one plane subjected to a system of forces in the
same plane. The forces on each face can be resolved into tangential shear forces and
perpendicular tensile forces. These forces will give rise to stresses, the diagram for which is
shown below –

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Note as stated before the shear stress in the Ox direction,

τ xy and Oy direction, τ yx will
be the same.

Stress on an Inclined Plane

Let’s now look at the stresses on a plane inclined θ to Oy, the plane is c long and has a
thickness of t.

Resolving the Forces Normal to the Plane

σ ( c ×t )=σ x c × cos θ cos θ t+ σ y c ×sin θ sin θt + τ xy c sin θ cos θt + τ xy c sinθ cos θt

SEE APPENDIX 1

σ =σ x cos 2 θ+ σ y sin 2 θ+ 2 τ xy cos θ sin θ

Using double angle identities:

cos2A ¿ 2cos2A – 1

and

cos2A ¿ 1 – 2sin2A

from cos2A ¿ 2cos2A – 1

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1
cos2A ¿ 2 (cos2A + 1)

from cos2A ¿ 1 – 2sin2A

1
sin2A ¿ 2 (1 – cos2A)

Therefore –
2 2 1 1
+ σ y sin θ
σ x cos θ σ y [ 2 (1−cos2θ )]
= σ x [ 2 ( cos 2θ+1 )] +
1 1
( σx+ σ y) ( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
= 2 + 2

Using Compound Angle Identities –

sin(A +B) ¿ sinAcosB + cosAsinB

sin( θ + θ ) ¿ sin θ cos θ + cos θ sin θ

sin2 θ ¿ 2sin θ cos θ

1
2
sin 2 θ ¿ sin θ cos θ

Therefore –

2
τ xy cosθ sin θ = τ xy sin 2θ

And therefore, for the direct stress on any plane –

The direct stress on any plane for a system of two-dimensional stresses, is given by:
1 1
σ = 2 ( σ x + σ y )+ 2 ( σ x−σ y ) cos 2θ+ τ xy sin 2 θ

Resolving Forces in a Direction Parallel to the Inclined Plane

If forces down the plane are taken as positive and those up the plane as negative.

τ (c ¿ t) = −σ x (c cosθ sin θ ) t + σ y (c sinθ cosθ) t + τ xy (c cosθ cosθ ) t –

τ xy (c sinθ sin θ ) t

τ = −σ x cosθ sin θ + σ y sin θ cosθ + τ xy (cos 2 θ−sin 2 θ)

Using Compound Angle Identities:

sin(A +B) ¿ sinAcosB + cosAsinB

sin( θ + θ ) ¿ sin θ cos θ + cos θ sin θ

sin2 θ ¿ 2sin θ cos θ

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

1
2
sin 2 θ ¿ sin θ cos θ
1 1 2 2
+ τ xy (cos θ−sin θ)
τ = – σ x sin 2θ σ y sin 2θ
2 + 2

1 2 2
+ τ xy (cos θ−sin θ)
τ = – 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ

Using the double angle identity –

2 2
cos2A ¿ cos θ−sin θ

Therefore –

The shear stress on any plane for a system of two-dimensional direct stress:
−1
τ = 2 ( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ+τ xy cos 2 θ

Practical Applications: Combined Loading

We will take as practical examples the loads on shafts. Shafts will generally be subjected to a
torque and direct stresses perhaps caused by bending due to the shafts own weight or the
force caused by tension in belt drives or possibly an axial thrust. The largest stress will occur
at the outside surfaces of the shaft.

There may only be one direct stress. We will also need to calculate the shear stress and tensile
stress.

For the above case

Force
σ
Tensile stress, x = Area

You will remember that to obtain the value of shear stress from a value of torque, the
equation is –

Tr
τ = J

And the polar second moment of area for solid circular shaft, J, is –

πd 4
J = 32

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In the case of mending moments applied we will also need the express –

My
σx = I

And the second moment of area for a circular shaft is given by –

4
πd
I = 64

Example
A cantilever shaft of diameter 200mm is subject to a torque of 100 kNm and a load of 300 kN
at its free end.

Determine the normal and shear stress a distance of 0.5m from the free end on a plane on its
upper surface and which is at 30o to a transverse plane through the shaft.

For Direct Stresses

M = 300 ¿ 0.5 = 150 kNm

M ( d2 )
My πd
4
32 M 32×150×103
σx = I = 64 = πd
3
= π ×0 .23 = 191 MPa

σy = 0

For Shear Stresses

T ( d2 )
Tr πd 4 16T 16×100×103
τ = J = 32 = πd
3
= π ×0 . 23 = 64 MPa

For Direct Stress on Plane at 30o to transverse plane through the shaft
1 1
σθ = 2
( σx+ σ y)
+ 2
( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
+
τ xy sin 2θ

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

1 1
= 2
( 191+0 )
+ 2
( 191−0) cos 60
+ 64 sin 60

= 199 MPa

For Shear Stress on Plane at 30o to transverse plane through the shaft
1
τ =– 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
+
τ xy cos2θ

= – ½(191 – 0)sin60o + 64cos60o

= – 51 MPa

Planes of Zero Shear Force

We will now look at the planes where there is no shear force, along these planes the principle
stresses occur which is the next subject discussed.
1
Form the equation τ =– 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
+
τ xy cos2θ the shear force will be zero
if:
1
2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
=
τ xy cos2θ

Transposing –

τ xy 2 τ xy
1
tan 2 θ = 2
(σ x −σ y ) = (σ x−σ y )

2 τ xy 2 τ xy
tan−1 tan−1
2θ = (σ x−σ y ) or (σ x−σ y ) + 180o because tangent is positive in the
first and

third quadrants

1 −1 2 τ xy 1 −1 2 τ xy
tan tan
θ = 2 ( σ x −σ y ) or 2 ( σ x −σ y ) + 90o

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There are therefore direct stresses occurring on planes where the shear stress are zero,
inclined at the angle given above.

If I use the equation for the direct stress on a plane –

1 1
σ = 2
( σx+ σ y)
+ 2
( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
+
τ xy sin 2θ

If I now differentiate the equation with respect to θ and set the result to zero to find the
maximum/minimum value of direct stress –

dσ
dθ = – (σ x−σ y )sin 2θ +
2τ xy cos 2θ

0 = – (σ x−σ y )sin 2θ +
2τ xy cos 2θ

If I now transpose to find the value of θ –

2 τ xy
tan 2 θ = (σ x−σ y )

1 2 τ xy
θ= tan−1
2 (σ x −σ y )

Which is the result when we finding the planes of zero stress, therefore –

The direct stresses are a maximum and minimum along the planes of zero shear stress.
These are called the principle stresses.

Values of Principle Stresses

In this section we will find the values of the principle stresses, the maximum and minimum
direct stress occurring on planes of zero shear stress, at 90o to each other. We will also find
the maximum shear stress expressed in terms of the principle stresses.

The principles stresses are the maximum and minimum direct stresses, separated by 90 o and
on planes in which there is no shear stress. In the diagram below, σ , is the principle stress
(there are no shear forces shown on the plane). By resolving forces horizontally and vertically

we can obtain an expression for the principle stress in terms of:

σ x , σ y and τ xy .

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In the x-direction, i.e. resolving forces horizontally, for a unit width –

σ cos θ×c = σ x (c cosθ ) + τ xy (c sinθ )

Dividing by c and transposing gives –

σ cos θ –
σ x cosθ = τ xy sinθ

σ –
σ x = τ xy tan θ

For equilibrium in the y-direction, i.e. resolving forces vertically –

σ sin θ×c = σ y (c sinθ ) + τ xy (c cosθ)

σ –
σ y = τ xy cot θ

Multiply the two equations to eliminate θ

(σ−σ x )(σ −σ y ) = τ xy2

Expanding the brackets and transposing –

2
σ −σ x σ −σ y σ +σ x σ y −τ 2
xy =0
2
σ −σ ( σ x +σ y )+ σ x σ y −τ 2
xy =0

To find the maximum and minimum values we can use a quadratic equation.
2
√
( σ x +σ y )± ( σ x + σ y )2 −4×1×( σ x σ y−τ xy
)
σ = 2×1

σ =
1
2 √
( σ x + σ y )± 1 2 σ
x
2 +2 σ x σ y +σ 2 −4
y
σ x σ y +4 τ xy

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

2
σ =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )±
1
2 √( σ −σ x
2
y ) +4 τ xy

2
Maximum principle stress σ 1 =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )+
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y) +4τ
xy

2
Minimum principle stress σ 2 =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )−
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4 τ xy

These stresses occur on mutually perpendicular planes.

Maximum Shearing Stress

To find the maximum shear stress we will need to find the differential of –
1
τ =– 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
+
τ xy cos2θ

τθ
dθ τ sin 2θ
= – (σ x−σ y )cos2θ – 2 xy

τθ
At a maximum dθ =0

τ sin 2θ
0 = – (σ x−σ y )cos2θ – 2 xy

2 τ xy
−
cot 2θ = σ x−σ y

2 τ xy
−
2
cos2 θ = √( σ −σ x y ) + 4 τ xy 2

σ x −σ y
2
sin 2θ = √( σ −σ x y ) + 4 τ xy 2

Substituting the values of sin 2θ and cos2 θ in the equation 1 –

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σ x −σ y 2 τ xy

τ MAX = –
1
2
( σ x −σ y )
(√ (σ x−σ y )2 + 4 τ
xy 2
) (√ +
τ xy −
( σ x −σ y )2 + 4 τ
xy 2
)
Note when the values of sin 2θ and cos2 θ , τ becomes the maximum value of shear
stress.
1 2 2τ
2 ( σ x −σ y ) xy 2
2 2
τ MAX = – √( σ −σ x y) +4τ
xy 2 – √( σ −σ x y ) +4τ
xy
2

The sign indicates the direction but we are only interested in the magnitude –
1 2 2τ
2 ( σ x −σ y ) xy 2
2 2
τ MAX = √( σ −σ x y ) + 4 τ xy 2
+ √( σ −σx y ) +4τ
xy
2

1
2 ( σ x −σ y ) 2 +2 τ xy 2
2
τ MAX = √( σ x−σ y ) + 4 τ xy 2

1 2
2 [( σ −σ
x y ) + 4 τ xy 2 ]
2
τ MAX = √( σ x −σ y ) +4 τ
xy
2

1 2
τ MAX = 2 √( σ −σ x y ) +4 τ
xy
2

Considering the maximum and minimum values of principle stress –

2
Maximum principle stress
σ1 = 1
2
( σ x + σ y )+
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4τ
xy

2
Minimum principle stress
σ2 = 1
2
( σ x + σ y )−
1
2 √( σ −σx
2
y ) +4 τ
xy

1 y 2
Substituting 2 √( σ −σ x ) +4 τ
xy
2
=
τ MAX in both the above equations gives –

1
σ1 = 2
( σ x + σ y )+ τ MAX
[2]
1
σ2 = 2
( σ x + σ y )−τ MAX
[3]

Subtracting equation 3 from equation 2 –

σ 1 −σ 2 = 2τ MAX
1
τ MAX = 2
( σ 1−σ 2 )

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Or a previously stated –
2
τ MAX = 1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4 τ xy

Example
At a point of a material the two-dimensional stress system is defined by:
σ x = 60.0 MN/m2 tensile
σ x = 45.0 MN/m2 compressive
τ xy = 37.5 MN/m2 shearing

Find the maximum and minimum shear stresses.

Solution
When inserting values we must remember that the direct stress of 45.0 MN/m2 is
compressive.
2
σ
Maximum principle stress 1 =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )+
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4τ
xy

1
2
(60−45 )+ 1 2 √ (60+45 )2 +4×37 . 52
=

= 72.0 MN/m2
2
Minimum principle stress
σ2 = 1
2
( σ x + σ y )−
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4 τ xy

1
2
(60−45 )−1 2 √(60+45 )2 +4×37 .52
=

= – 57.0 MN/m2

Example
Shaft ABC is supported by bearings at A and B and cantilevered to C where it carries a pulley
and belt drive. The shaft is solid and has a diameter of 75mm. The distance BC is 300mm and
the sum of the belt tension and pulley weight acting vertically downwards on the pulley is 5
kN. The pulley transmits a torque of 4kNm. What are the maximum tensile stresses and the
maximum shear stress?

Solution

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The maximum bending moment will act on the upper and lower surfaces of the shaft just to
the right of point B.

And the maximum tensile stress will be the principle stress.

For Direct Stresses

M = 5 ¿ 0.3 = 1.5 kNm

M ( d2 ) 3
My πd 4 32 M 32×1 .5×10
σx = I = 64 = πd
3
= π×0 .0753 = 36.2 MPa

σy = 0

For Shear Stresses

T ( d2 ) 3
Tr πd 4 16T 16×4×10
3
= π×0 . 075
3
τ = J = 32 = πd = 48.3 MPa

For Maximum Principle Stress

2
σ
Maximum principle stress 1 =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )+
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4τ
xy

1
2
(36 . 2+0 )+ 1 2 √(36 .3−0 )2 +4×48 .3 2
=

= 69.7 MPa

For Shear Stress

1
τ MAX = 1
2 √( σ −σ x
2
y ) +4 τ
2
xy
= 2 √(36 . 3−0 )2+4×48 . 32 = 51.6 MPa

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The Direction of the Principle Stresses

To establish the plane on which the principle stresses occur we could use the equation,
1 2 τ xy
θ= tan−1
previously developed, 2 (σ x −σ y ) . However, it would not be clear which
principle stress it applied to, unless we also use the general equation for a two dimensional
1 1
stress situation: σ = 2 ( σ x + σ y )+ 2 ( σ x−σ y ) cos 2θ+ τ xy sin 2 θ to calculate the principle
stresses and see which angle applied to which principle stress. A better way would be, from
the section below, where the thickness of the section is t:

Resolving horizontally:

( σ x ×BC ×t ) + ( τ xy× AB×t )=( σ p × AC ×t ) cos θ

Dividing by t:

σ x ×BC+τ xy × AB=σ p ×AC cos θ

BC AB
σ x× +τ xy × =σ p cos θ
AC AC

σ x cosθ+ τ xy sin θ=σ p cos θ

σ x + τ xy tanθ=σ p

σ p −σ x
tan θ=
τ xy

σ p −σ x
θ=tan−1
( τ xy )
Now because to equation contains a principle stress we will know, when we insert values,
whether we are using a maximum or minimum principle stress.

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Summary
The direct stress on any plane for a system of two-dimensional stresses, is given
by:
1 1
σ = ( σ x + σ y ) + ( σ x −σ y ) cos 2θ+ τ xy sin 2 θ
2 2

The shear stress on any plane for a system of two-dimensional direct stress:
−1
τ= ( σ −σ y ) sin 2 θ+ τ xy cos 2 θ
2 x

Maximum and minimum principle stresses:

1 1
σ 1 = ( σ x + σ y ) + ( σ x −σ y )2 + 4 τ xy 2
√
2 2

1 1
σ 2= ( σ x + σ y )− ( σ x −σ y )2 +4 τ xy2
√
2 2

Maximum shear stress:

In terms of applied stresses:

1
τ MAX = ( σ x −σ y )2 + 4 τ xy 2
√
2

In terms of principle stresses:

1
τ MAX = ( σ 1 −σ 2 )
2

Direction of the principle stresses

σ P −σ x
θ=tan
−1
( τx )

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Mohr’s Stress Circle

When finding the stress on any plane we have previously derived the two equations for direct
and shear stress:
1 1
σ = 2
( σx+ σ y)
+ 2
( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
+
τ xy sin 2θ

1
τ =– 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
+
τ xy cos2θ

where
 σ is the direct stress on any plane
 τ represents the shear stress on any plane


σ x the know direct stress on the horizontal axis

σ y the know direct tress on the vertical axis

τ xy represents the shear stress on the horizontal or vertical axis (they are equal)

Mohr’s circle of stress is the graphical representation of these two equations giving the values
of stress on a plane inclined at any angle. The circle is developed from the two equations
above, the full details can be seen in appendix 2.

The vertical axis is the shear stress, τ , and the horizontal axis is the direct stress, σ .

Above a point in a material horizontal plane has a normal stress and shear stress, σ x and shear
stress τ xy . The vertical plane has a normal stress and shear stress, σ y and shear stress −τ xy .
The stresses on the horizontal plane is represented by P on the circle and the stresses on the
vertical plane are represented by Q.

 point R represents some plane through A at an angle of θ to the horizontal plane,

whose direct and shear stresses are σ and τ respectively.

 RN on the circle represents the shear stress on plane through A, τ .

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 ON on the circle represents the tensile stress on plane through A, σ .

 The angle 2θ is twice the angle of a plane through A a measured from the
horizontal plane AB. The angle planes are defined by rotating the radius OR about
the point O’.

 OA represents the minimum principle stress;

 OB represents the maximum principle stress;

 Point C represents the maximum shear stress.

 The resultant stress at R is given by √ σ 2 +τ 2 represented by OR on the circle.

 The angle between the normal stress, no plane AB, and the resultant stress on the
plane through A is the angle ∠ OCO '.

Constructing a Circle
The construction of the circle depends on what information is given, if we are given two
values of direct and shear stresses

 Draw the axes, the vertical axis represents the shear stress and the horizontal axis is
the direct stress. The scale of the axes should be the same.

 Plot two sets of coordinates – tensile stresses are positive and compressive stress
negative; positive shear stress are those that tend to give a clockwise rotation and
those that give an anti-clockwise rotation negative. (This is not a universal
convention).

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

 Draw a line between the two points and where the line intersects the horizontal axis is
the centre of the circle.

 Draw the circle taking the radius as the distance from the centre to one of the
coordinates.

If you are instead given the values of the principle stress –

 Draw the axes, the vertical axis represents the shear stress and the horizontal axis is
the direct stress. The scale of the axes should be the same.

 Plot the principle stress along the horizontal line.

σ 1−σ 2
σ 2+
 The centre of the circle is the point along the horizontal axis where 2 .

 Draw the circle taking the radius as the distance from the centre of the circle to the
point on the horizontal axis where the direct stress equals
σ1 .

 PR is the resultant of the two stresses on a plane represented by R in the circle.

The points on the circumference of the circle give the values of the direct and shear stress.
The values in the upper part of the circle give the values of
σx and
τ xy and the values

in the lower part of the circle give the values of

σ y and −τ xy . The stresses on any plane

at an angle θ to the plane on which the stress

σ x /σ y occur (PQ on the circle) can be
found by making an angle of 2θ from P in the clockwise direction. If the angle θ is
measured relative to the vertical plane then the angle 2 θ is measured relative to Q in an
anticlockwise dirction.

Calculating the Values of the Circle

When calculating values from the circle

 It is worth noting that the distances ON and ON’ are the same (Appendix 2), this will
help in finding values.

 We can use geometry, trigonometry and Pythagoras to find values.

Interpretation of the Circle

If we draw a circle from two sets of coordinates and both the direct stresses are tensile
stresses (i.e. positive) the circle will as appear as below –

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And the values of the principle stress can be found as indicated on the diagram.

If we draw a circle from two sets coordinates, if one of the direct stress is tensile and the
other compressive (i.e. negative) the circle will as appear as below –

And the values of the principle stress can be found as indicated on the diagram.

See Appendix 2 for the proofs related to Mohr’s Circle.

Example
At a point of a material the stresses forming a two-dimensional system are shown below.
Using Mohr’s circle of stress, determine the magnitudes and directions of the principle
stresses. Determine also the value of the maximum shearing stress.

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Construct a graph and mark the positions (50, 20), corresponding to

σ x and τ xy ; and
the point (30, –20) corresponding
σy and τ xy . The centre of the circle will be where the
line joining the points cuts the horizontal axis.

The principle stress can be found form the graph. However, for a little more accuracy they
can be calculated.

From the diagram –

the maximum principle stress,

σ 1 = 0E

the minimum principle stress,

σ 2 = 0F

0D =
σ x = 50 MPa

0G =
σ y = 30 MPa

AD =
τ xy = 20

Step 1

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First we need to find the position of the centre of the circle. As

 AB is the diameter of the circle

 The angles ACD and GCB are the same

 As both contain right angle and therefore the remaining angle is the same

The triangles ACD and GCB are therefore the same and thus the lines CG and CD are the
same length either side of the centre of the triangle. Therefore the centre of the circle is
midway between the ends of the two lines.

OD +OG 50+30
The distance to the centre of the circle, OC = 2 = 2 = 40 MPa

Step 2
We need to find the radius.

The radius AC = √ AD 2 +CD 2

AD =
τ xy = 20

CD = 0D – 0C = 50 – 40 = 10 MPa

The radius AC = √ 202+102 = 22.36

Step 3

the maximum principle stress,

σ 1 = 0E = OC + AC = 40 + 22.36 = 62.36 MPa

the minimum principle stress,

σ 2 = 0F = OC – AC = 40 – 22.36 = 17.64 MPa

To find the maximum value of shear stress

The maximum shear stress will be equal to the radius of the circle i.e. 22.36 MPa. This will
act on a plane at 45o to those of the principle stresses.

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Oblique Strains
Finding Strain Given the Stresses
Very often it is the principle strains that are required. If the principle stresses are known, then
the principle strains can be found from the equations below.

Eε 1=σ 1−vσ 2

Eε 2=σ 2 −vσ 1

However, if they are not known then they can be found from a consideration of the oblique
faces discussed below.

Finding Strain Directly

Direct Stress
The diagram below shows the strain on an oblique surface OM of length “a”, extended by
then length MM’ under the action of direct and shear stresses. The extension of OM is
represented by the length MM’ and MM’ divided by “a” is the direct strain.

FIGURE 1

ε
If x is the direct strain along Ox,
ε y is the direct strain along Oy and γ xy is the shear
strain, then:

The extension along Ox, from N to N’ is:

a cosθ×ε x (original length ¿ strain)

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

The extension along Oy, from point L is:

a sin θε y

The movement along the horizontal direction due the shear strain, is the horizontal
component of LL’. For small angles the shear strain,
γ xy is the angle in radians. The

horizontal distance due to shear is:

a sin θγ xy , if I neglect the second order term that

would be due to the inclusion of the extension in the Oy direction,

a sin θε y .

Therefore the total movement in the direction Ox is:

a cosθε x +a sin θγ xy

The movement along OM, due to the extension along the horizontal axis Ox is given by:
( a cos θε x + asin θγ xy ) cos θ
The movement along OM, due to the extension along the vertical axis, Oy, is given by:
a sin θε y sin θ

The total extension of OM (MM’) is, therefore:

( a cos θε x + asin θγ xy ) cos θ+ a sin θε y sin θ
extension
Strain along OM,
εθ = original length

As the original length is “a”: strain = ( cos θε x +sin θγ xy ) cos θ+ sinθε y sin θ

ε θ =ε x cos2 θ+ ε y sin 2 θ +γ xy sin θ cos θ

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

cos2A = 2cos2A – 1; therefore – cos2A = ½ + ½cos2A

cos2A = 1 – 2sin2A; therefore – sin2A = ½ – ½cos2A

1 1
ε θ =ε x=2 2sinAcosA;
sin2A ( cos 2θ+ 1 )+therefore
ε y 2 ( 1−cos ) +γ xy 12 sin2
– 2 θ sinAcosA = θ½sin2A
1 1 1
ε θ = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x −ε y ) cos 2 θ+ 2 γ xy sin 2θ

Shear Strain
A shear strain is cause by the rotation of pointy P as we will see in more detail in other
diagrams. The angles are a measure of the shear stress, remember. To understand the
effect of the shear strain, a point P is drawn on the line OM, so that the line P is
perpendicular to OM.

Due to direct and shear strain the line PN moves to a new position P’N’, due to the direct and
shear strains. Due to the shear force the line PN rotates clockwise an angle α , an moves
away from OM by an angle β shown in the diagram below. The shear strain, θ , is the
γ
amount the angle OPN changes. This will be the same about for all points along OM.

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

FIGURE 2

We will now find expressions for α and β and combine them.

For α
2
Form the original diagram, the length of OP = ( a cos θ ) cosθ = a cos θ

If the strain in the direction of OM is

ε θ , therefore the extension of PP’ = ε θ a cos2 θ

The detail from the figure 2, below, will enable us to find the about of movement due to the
rotation, which is labelled X:

The angle α in radians then is X divided by the radius, PN, i.e. ( a cosθ ) sin θ , therefore:

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

2
( ε x a cos θ ) cos θ−a cos θε θ
α=
a cos θ sin θ = ( ε x −ε θ ) cot θ

For β

The line PP’ moves way from the line OM by an angle β . The angle β in radians is
given by the distance marked X on the diagram divided by the length of the radius, which is
approximately the length OM, i.e. “a”.

The lengths used to calculate the distance X can be seen from the detail in the original
diagram, figure 1:

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

( ε x a cos θ+γ xy a sin θ ) sin θ−( ε y a sin θ ) cos θ

β=
a

β=( ε x cos θ+γ xy sin θ ) sin θ−ε y sin θ cos θ

The Total Shear Stress

The total shear stress is given by:

γ θ =α + β =( ε x −ε θ ) cot θ+ ( ε x cos θ+γ xy sin θ ) sin θ−ε y sin θ cos θ

Substituting for
ε θ from the equation for direct stress:
1 1 1
ε θ = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x −ε y ) cos 2 θ+ 2 γ xy sin 2θ

The result is:

γ θ =2 ( ε x− ε y ) cos θ sin θ−γ xy ( cos 2 θ−sin 2 θ )

1 1
2
γ θ =2 ( ε x −ε y ) sin 2θ− 2 γ xy cos 2θ

Plane of Maximum Strain

To find the plane on which the maximum direct strain takes place, which must be the plane in
which the principle stresses act, we differentiate the expression for the direct strain:
1 1 1
ε θ = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x −ε y ) cos 2 θ+ 2 γ xy sin 2θ

dε θ 1 1
= 2 ( ε x −ε y ) (−2 sin2 θ ) + 2 γ xy ( 2cos 2θ )
dθ
setting the differential to zero to establish the maximum:

0=−( ε x −ε y ) sin 2 θ +γ xy cos 2θ

( ε x −ε y ) sin 2 θ=γ xy cos 2θ

sin 2θ γ xy
=
cos 2 θ ( ε x−ε y )

γ xy
tan 2 θ=
( ε x−ε y )
Drawing the triangle:

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

From the triangle:

γ xy
sin 2θ=
2 2
√( ε −ε
x y ) +γ
( ε x −εy )
cos 2 θ= 2 2
√ ( ε −ε
x y ) +γ
Inserting these maximum values into the equation for maximum strain:

( ε x−εy ) γ xy
ε 1 = 12 ( ε x +ε y ) + 12 ( ε x −ε y ) + 1
2
γ xy
√( ε x−εy )2 +γ 2 √( ε x−εy )2+γ 2
( ε x−εy )
2 γ
xy 2
ε 1 = 12 ( ε x +ε y + 12
) + 12
2 2 2 2
√ ( ε −εy ) + γ
x √ ( ε −εy ) + γ
x

2
( ε x−ε y ) + γ 2
ε 1 = 12 ( ε x +ε y ) + 2 1 xy

√( ε −ε
x y )2 + γ 2

ε 1 = 12 ( ε x +ε y ) ± 12 2 2
√ ( ε −ε ) +γ
x y

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Summary
The direct strain due to complex load:
1 1 1
ε θ= ( ε x + ε y ) + ( ε x −ε y ) cos 2 θ+ γ xy sin 2θ
2 2 2

Where θ is the angle of the plane to the horizontal.

The total shear stress is given by:

1 1
γ θ=2 ( ε x −ε y ) sin2 θ− γ xy cos 2 θ
2 2

plane on which the maximum direct strain takes place

( ε x −ε y )
cos 2 θ=
√ ( εx−ε y )2 +γ 2
for maximum strain

in terms of the principle stresses

σ 1−ν σ 2
ε 1=
E

σ 2−ν σ 1
ε 2=
E

in terms of the strains on the axes

ε 1 = 12 ( ε x +ε y ) ± 12 2 2
√ ( ε −ε ) +γ
x y

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Strain Rosettes
Stain gauges are short lengths of electrically conductive wire glued to the surface of a
material under test. When the material is stretched or compressed the resistance of the wire
changes and this change can be measured, thus indicating the strain in the material. Strain
gauges measure direct strain only.

There are a number of arrangements of strain gauges the one below, with the stain gauges
space 45o apart in the rosette, is referred to as rectangular.

This is known as a rectangular rosette.

Note the angles used in the equation, are angles relative to a datum which is the
longitudinal axis of the component.

Example
The measured strains in three directions inclined at 60o to one another are 500 ¿ 10–6, –100
¿ 10–6 and 150 ¿ 10–6. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the principle strains in
this plane.

If there is no stress perpendicular to the given plane, determine the principle stresses at teh
point. E =200 GPa and v = 0.3.

Solution
1 1 1
With θ = 0, 60o and 120o from ε θ = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x −ε y ) cos 2 θ+ 2 γ xy sin 2θ for the
three measured strains:

ε0 = 550 ¿ 10–6
1 1 1
ε 0 = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x −ε y ) cos 0+ 2 γ xy sin 0

1 1
ε 0 = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x −ε y )

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

ε 0 =ε x [1]

ε 60 = –100 ¿ 10–6
1 1 1
ε 60 = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x−ε y ) cos 120+ 2 γ xy sin 120

1 1 1 1 √3
−100×10−6 = 2 ( ε x + ε y ) + 2 ( ε x−ε y ) (− 2 )+ 2 γ xy 2

−100×10−6 = 14 ( ε x +3 ε y ) + √43 γ xy
[2]

ε 120 = 150 ¿ 10–6

1 1 1
ε 120 = 2 ( ε x +ε y ) + 2 ( ε x−ε y ) cos 240+ 2 γ xy sin 240

ε 120 = 12 ( ε x +ε y ) + 12 ( ε x−ε y ) (− 12 )− 12 γ xy √23

150×10−6 = 41 ( ε x +3 ε y ) − √43 γ xy
[3]

Add equations 2 and 3:

1
50×10−6 = 2 ( ε x + 3 ε y )

Substituting
ε x = 550 ¿ 10–6 into the above equation:
1 3
50×10−6 = 2 ×550×10−6 + 2 ε y

100×10−6 =550×10−6 +3 ε y

ε y=−150×10−6

−100×10 6= 14 ( ε x +3 ε y ) + √43 γ xy
From equation 2:

√3
4
γ xy =−100×106 − 14 ( ε x +3 ε y )

√3
4
γ xy =−100×106 − 14 ( 550×10−6 +3 (−150×10−6 ) )

4
γ xy =(−125×10−6 )
√3
For principle strains
ε1 and ε2 :

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

ε 1 = 12 ( ε x +ε y ) ± 12 2 2
√ ( ε −ε ) +γ
x y

2
1
ε1= 2 ( 550×10 −150×10 ) −6 −6 1
±2
√ ( 550×10 +150×10 ) + (−125×10 ) 4
−6 −6 2
[ −6
√3 ]
2
ε 1 =200×10 −6

−6
1
±2
√ ( 700×10 ) + (−125×10 ) 4

−6
−6 2
[
√3
−6
]
ε 1 =200×10 + 379×10 = 579 ¿ 10–6
−6 −6
ε 2 =200×10 −379×10 = –179 ¿ 10–6

γ xy
tan 2 θ=
( ε x−εy )
γ xy
2θ=tan−1
[ ( ε x −ε y ) ]
(−125×10−6 ) 4

=
tan−1
[ √3
( 550×10−6− (−150×10−6) ) ]
=
tan −1 ( 7−5√3 )
= –22.4o or –22.4o + 180o

= –22.4o or +157.6o

θ = –11.2o or + 78.8o

Eε 1=σ 1−vσ 2 [1a]

Eε 2=σ 2 −vσ 1 [2a]

σ 2 =Eε 2 + vσ 1

Substitute into equation 2a:

Eε 1=σ 1−v ( Eε 2 + vσ 1 )

Eε 1=σ 1−vE ε 2−v 2 σ 1

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Eε 1 +vE ε 2 =σ 1 ( 1−v 2 )

E ( ε 1 + vε 2 )
σ 1=
( 1−v 2 )

200×109 ( 579×10−6 +0 .3×(−179×10−6 ) )

σ 1=
( 1−0 . 32 )

σ 1 = 115 ¿ 106 N/m2

σ 2 =Eε 2 + vσ 1 = 200 ¿ 109 ¿ (–179 ¿ 10–6) + 0.3 ¿ 115 ¿ 106 = –1.3 ¿ 106
N/m2

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Appendices
Appendix 1

For forces perpendicular to the plane inclined at angle θ .

The force on the incline plane due to the perpendicular stress, σ , will be equal and
opposite to all the forces due to the components of x , σ
y , xy andσ τy τ
x , that are

perpendicular to the inclined plane. Similarly the force due to shear stress on the inclined
plane will be equal with be equal to the forces due to the components of
σ x , σ y , τ xy
τy
and x , that are parallel to the inclined plane.

For the perpendicular component of force due to direct stress σ x

The perpendicular component of stress due to

σ x = σ x cosθ

The perpendicular component of force due to

σx =

σ x cos θ× ( t × c × cos θ )=¿ σ x c × cos θ cos θ t ¿

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

For the perpendicular component of force due to direct stress σ y

The perpendicular component of stress for

σ y = σ y sin θ

The perpendicular component of force due to

σy =

σ y sin θ × ( t × c × sin θ )=σ y c × sinθ sin θt

For the perpendicular component of force due to shear stress τ xy

The perpendicular component of shear stress for

τ xy = τ xy sinθ

The perpendicular component of force due t o shear stress

τ xy =

τ xy sin θ× ( t × c × cos θ )=τ xy c sinθ cos θt

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

For the perpendicular component of force due to shear stress τ yx

The perpendicular component of shear stress for

τ yx = τ yx cosθ

The perpendicular component of force due t o shear stress

τ yx =

τ yx cos θ× ( t × c ×sin θ )=τ yx c sin θ cos θt

But
τ yx = τ xy

The perpendicular component of force due t o shear stress

τ yx =

τ xy c sin θ cos θt

For Total Force

σ (c ¿ t) = σ x (c cosθ cosθ ) t + σ y (c sinθ sin θ ) t + τ xy (c cosθ sin θ) t +
τ xy (c sinθ cos θ) t

σ ( c ×t )=σ x c × cos θ cos θ t+ σ y c ×sin θ sin θt + τ xy c sin θ cos θt + τ xy c sinθ cos θt

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Appendix 2

Mohr’s Circle

The Proof that a Circle can be constructed from the Two Equations

For a two-dimensional stress system, we previously derived two equations whilst developing
a proof:
1 1
σ = 2
( σx+ σ y)
+ 2
( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
+
τ xy sin 2θ [1]
1
τ =– 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
+
τ xy cos2θ [2]

Where σ is the direct stress on any plane

τ is the shear stress on any plane

σ x is the direct stress on the horizontal axis

σ y is the direct stress on the vertical axis

τ xy are the shear stress on the horizontal and vertical planes

θ is the angle of the plane.

Rearrange equation 1 –
1 1
σ – 2
( σx+ σ y)
= 2
( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
+
τ xy sin 2θ [3]

Square equations 3 and 2 and add the equations together –

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

2 2
[ σ−1 2 ( σ x +σ y )] 2
+ τ = [ 1 2 ( σ x−σ y ) cos 2 θ+τ xy sin 2θ ] +
2
[− 1
2
( σ x −σ y ) sin 2θ+ τ xy cos 2θ ]
Taking the right-hand side of the equation and expanding the brackets –
1
( σ x −σ y )2 cos 2 2 θ+( σ x −σ y ) cos 2 θτ xy sin 2 θ+τ sin2 2 θ
4 xy 2 +
1 2 2
( σ x −σ y ) sin 2θ−( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θτ xy cos 2 θ+τ cos 2 2θ
4 xy 2

Two of the terms cancel out, leaving –

1 1
( σ x −σ y )2 cos 2 2 θ+τ sin2 2 θ ( σ x −σ y )2 sin 2 2θ+ τ cos2 2 θ
4 xy 2 + 4 xy 2

Collecting up similar terms:

1
4
( σ x −σ y )2 [ cos 2 2θ +sin2 2 θ ] +τ 2 ( sin
2
2θ+ cos2 2 θ )
xy
Using the Pythagorean trigonometric identity sin2x + cos2x = 1 , gives:
1
( σ x −σ y )2 + τ
4 xy 2
Or
1 2
[ 2 ]
( σ x− σ y ) +τ
xy 2
Replacing the right-hand side of the equation back into
2 1 2
[ σ−1 2 ( σ x +σ y )] + τ
2
= [ 2
( σ x− σ y ) +τ ] xy 2 [4]

Now consider the equation for a circle:

x2 + y2 = r2

If the circle is offset from the origin:

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

The equation of the circle will become:

(x –x1)2 + y2 = r2

Comparing the equation (x – x1)2 + y2 = r2 to the original expression

2 1 2
[ σ−1 2 ( σ x +σ y )] 2
+ τ = [ 2
( σ x− σ y ) +τ ] xy 2 [4]

The x will correspond to σ

1
( σx+ σ y)
x1 will correspond to 2

the value y will correspond to the stress τ

1 2
and the radius r will correspond to √[ 2 (σ x −σ y ) ] + τ xy 2

Points on the Circle

From the above the points on a circle, such as point R, will have coordinates ( σ , τ ) . So, if we
have a two dimensional stress system, point P on the circle will represent the horizontal plane
where we know the direct stress is σ x and the shear stress is τ xy , so these values of stress will
be the coordinates of P, i.e. ( σ x , τ xy ) .

From the equations which this work is developed from:

1 1
σ = 2
( σx+ σ y)
+ 2
( σ x −σ y )cos 2θ
+
τ xy sin 2θ [1]
1
τ =– 2
( σ x −σ y )sin 2 θ
+
τ xy cos2θ [2]

The angle between the planes is 2θ not θ. Therefore, a have perpendicular to the plane
represented by P on the circle will be 180o from P, which I have called, Q. and the values of
the stresses for the vertical plane will be known, ( σ y ,−τ xy ), the shear will be negative because
it is in the third quadrant.

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

The surface R is the plane on which we require the direct and shear stress will be θ from the
plane represented by point P but the distance is 2θ on the circle.

Principles Stresses
The expressions for the principle stress are shown below:
2
Maximum principle stress σ 1 =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )+
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y) +4τ
xy

2
Minimum principle stress σ 2 =
1
2
( σ x + σ y )−
1
2 √( σ −σ
x
2
y ) +4 τ
xy

The diagram below will remind you what the symbols represent:

The expressions for the principle stresses can be rearranged.

2 2 2

Maximum principle stress σ 1 =

1
2 ( σ x + σ y )+ √ ( 12 ) ( σ x −σ y )2 + ( 12 ) 4τ xy

2 2

=
1
2 ( σ x + σ y )+ √[ 1
2
( σ x −σ y ) +τ ] xy

Similarly:
2 2

Minimum principle stress σ 2 =

1
2 ( σ x + σ y )− √[ 1
2
( σ x −σ y ) +]τ xy

Drawing the circle, the construction of which is in the body of the notes, we will see that
every point on the circumference of the circle then represents a state of stress on some plane
through A from the first diagram.

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

1
( σx+ σ y)
2 will be the value of direct stress at the centre of the circle
2

and the radius is √[ 1

2 ]
( σ x −σ y ) + τ
xy 2

Therefore along the horizontal axis, where the shear stress τ = 0, point B has a value of stress
2 2

of
1
2 ( σ x + σ y )+ √[ 1
2
( σ x −σ y ) +τ] xy
and point A has the value of direct stress
2 2
1
2 ( σ x + σ y )− √[ 1
2
( σ x −σ y ) + τ] xy
.

Point B therefore represents the maximum principle stress and point A represents the
minimum principle stress.

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

Appendix 3

Simplification of Angular Expressions

cos ( 90 o +θ ) = cos ( 90 o +θ ) = sin θ

cos ( 180 o +θ ) = −cosθ

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Stress Analysis of Complex Loads

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