Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.

Chapter 4
Stresses in Beams
4.1 Introduction
Lateral loads acting on a beam cause the beam to bend, or flex, there by deforming the axis of the beam in
to a curve. Thus the axis is bent into a curve called the deflection curve of the beam or the elastic curve.
The loads create internal actions, or stress resultants, in the form of shear forces and bending moments as
shown in the preceding chapter. This chapter deals with the stresses and strains associated with the shear
forces and bending moments.

4.2 Theory of simple bending

Consider a beam bent by end couples so that the BM is constant and the SF is zero (V = dM/dx).i.e. pure
bending. The beam bends in such cases in the form of an arc of constant radius. (See Fig 4.1c). The beam
is prismatic, i.e. of the constant cross section and symmetric about a vertical plane through it centroid. In
deriving the theory of bending the following assumptions are made.

Basic assumptions in flexure (bending) theory:

Plane cross-sections remain plane before and after bending.
The beam is initially straight and unstressed.
The material of the beam is perfectly homogeneous and isotropic and obeys Hook’s law.
The elastic limit is nowhere exceeded.
Young's modulus for the material is the same in tension and compression.
Every cross-section of the beam is symmetrical about the plane of bending
There is no resultant force perpendicular to any cross-section.

4.3 Bending Equation

Based up on the above assumptions, the bending equation can be derived as follows. In fig. 4.1 the beam is
loaded by a couple loads at each end to produce a constant BM. [Fig 4.1 (a) and (b)]. We consider a
portion above the neutral surface is compressed and those below are in tension in the case of positive BM.
The effect is opposite in the case of negative or hogging BM. [Fig 4.1 d]

Simple beam in pure bending (M=M1)

(d)

Fig.4.1

Denoting by R-the radius of arc DC, θ - the central angle corresponding to DE, and observing that the
length DE is equal to the length of the un-deformed member, we write, see Fig 4.1 c.
L= Rθ
Considering now arc JK located at a distance y above the neutral surface we note that its length L’ is
L’ = (R-y) θ
So, change in length
ΔL = L-L’
= Rθ - (R-y)θ
= yθ
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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
𝛥𝐿 𝑦𝜃 𝑦
And, strain ɛx = = = (eq 1)
𝐿 𝑅𝜃 𝑅

The strain reaches it maximum absolute value when y itself is largest. Denoting by C the largest distance
from the neutral surface (which is corresponding to the upper or the lower surface of the member)
𝐶
Ɛm = Maximum absolute value of strain (eq 2)
𝑅
Solving for R of eq 2 and substitute into eq 1, we obtain
𝑦
ɛx = ɛm
𝐶
Since the material to be homogeneous, and denoting it modulus of elasticity E, we have in the longitudinal
x direction
𝑦
Stress, σx = Eɛx = 𝑅 𝐸
𝑦
σm= EƐm = 𝐸ɛm
𝐶
Where, σm - denotes the maximum absolute value of the stress
R – Radius of curvature
 Note: stress and strain are negative in the upper portion of the member (compression) and positive
in the lower portion (tensile)
 At the neutral surface stress and strain are zero.

4.4 Internal resisting moment

As no resultant normal force acts on the cross section

From which it follow that,  ydA0

This equation shows that the first moment of the cross section about the neutral axis (NA) must be zero.
But moment with respect to an arbitrary horizontal z-axis equal to

𝑦
Substituting for, σx = σm
𝐶

Where the integral, = I is second moment of inertia or moment about the cross-section.
𝑀𝐶
Solving for σm, σm = , this equation, called the Flexure formula or bending equation.
𝐼
The ratio of I/C = S is called section moduli of the cross section.
Then the corresponding maximum normal stresses σ1 and σ2& section modulus s1 and s2 (from the
flexure formula) are

Fig 4.2

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.

Note that the distances c1 and c2 to the top and bottom of the beam are always taken as positive quantities.
𝑀𝑦
Substituting for σm, σx= I

It is familiar to express the above equations of flexure formula or bending equation as

Where, M = BM or resisting moment of the section, in N.m

I = second moment of area (moment of inertia), in m4
σx= Stress, N/m2
y = distance of a layer from the NA, with stress in m
E = Young's modulus, in N/m2
1/R = k curvature of bent beam, R is radius of curvature in m
The quantity EI is the flexural rigidity of the beam
4.5 Section modulus
If the cross section of a beam is symmetric with respect to the z axis as well as the y axis (doubly
symmetric cross section), then c1 =c2 = c and the maximum tensile and compressive stresses are equal
numerically:

The following formulas are applied for the second moment of area I of standard cross-sections.

Fig 4.3
Another alternative that used to determine the second moment of area of each composite rectangle about an
axis through its own centroid C. (Ic = bh3/12) and to “shift” this value to the equivalent value about the
N.A. by means of the parallel axis theorem.
IN.A= Ic + 𝑨𝒅𝟐𝟏
Where, A is the area of the rectangle and d1the distance of its centroid C from the N.A.

Worked Examples
1. A steel bar of 20x60-mm rectangular cross-section is subjected to two equal and opposite couples
acting in the vertical plane of symmetry of the bar. Determine the value of the bending moment M
that causes the bar to yield. Assume σy = 250MPa.

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
Solution 1
Since the NA must pass through the centroid C of the cross-section
We have C=30mm
1 1
And, I= 12bh3 = 12(20mm) (60mm)3

= 360x103 mm4
2. An aluminum rod with a semicircular cross section of radius r = 12mm in Fig. below is bent into
the shape of a circular arc of mean radius R = 2.5m. Knowing that the flat face of the rod turned
toward the center of curvature of the arc, determine the maximum tensile and compressive stress in
the rod. Use E = 70GPa.

Solution 2

Then, c = r- ȳ = (12 – 5.093) = 6.907 mm

𝐶 6.907𝑥103 𝑚
Using, ɛm = = = 2.763x10−3
𝑅 2.5 𝑚
Applying Hook’s Law
σm = Eɛm = (70 x109 Pa)(2.763 x10−3) = 193.4MPa
Using the fact that the stress is proportional to the distance from the N.A,

3. For the cross sectional shape of the beam shown below. Calculate the location of the centroid of the
entire channel section (distance c1 and c2) and the moment of inertia I. neglect the effect of fillet.

Solution 3
First, we divide the area into three rectangles (A1, A2, and A3). Second, we establish a reference axis Z-Z
across the upper edge of the cross section, and we let y1 and y2 be the distances from the Z-Z axis to the
centroids of areas A1 and A2, respectively. Then the calculations for locating the centroid of the entire
channel section (distances c1 and c2) are as follows

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
And,

Thus, the position of the neutral axis (the z axis) is determined

Moment of inertia
These calculations require the use of the parallel-axis theorem
Beginning with area A1, we obtain its moment of inertia (Iz)1 about the z axis from the equation
In this equation, (Ic)1 is the moment of inertia of area A1
about its own centroidal axis

and d1 is the distance from the centroidal axis of area A1 to the z axis or N.A.
d1= c1- t/2 = 18.48 mm – 6 mm = 12.48mm
Therefore,

4. A cast- iron machine part is acted by the 3KN.m couple shown. Knowing that E= 165GPa and
neglecting the effect of fillets, determine (a) the maximum tensile and compressive stress in the
casting. (b) The radius of curvature of the casting.

Solution 4

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
The parallel-axis theorem is used to determine the moment of inertia of each rectangle with respect to the
axis x’ that passes through the centroid of the composite section. Adding the moments of inertia of the
rectangles, we write.

b. Radius of curvature [R = ρ]

5. An I-section girder, 200 mm wide by 300 mm deep, with flange and web of thickness 20 mm is
used as a simply supported beam over a span of 7 m. The girder carries a distributed load of 5kN/m
and a concentrated load of 20 kN at mid-span. Determine: (a) the second moment ofarea of the
cross-section of the girder, (b) the maximum stress set-up.
Solution 5
(a) The second moment of area of the cross-section may be found in two ways.
Method 1 -Use of standard forms
Considering the girder as an enclosing rectangle
Igirder = Irectangle – Ishaded portion
200𝑥3003 90𝑥2603
=[ ]10−12 – 2[ ]10−12
12 12

= (4.5- 2.64)10-4
= 1.86x10-4 m4
Method 2 - Parallel axis theorem
Consider the section divided into three parts - the web and the two flanges.
bh3 20𝑥2603
IN.A for web = =[ ]10−12
12 12
bh3 200𝑥203
I for flange about AB = =[ 12
]10−12
12
Therefore using the parallel axis theorem

IN.A for flange = IN.A + A𝑑12 where, d1 = h1

200𝑥203
=[ ] + [(200𝑥20)1402 ]𝑥10−12
12

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
20𝑥2603 200𝑥203
The total IN.A of girder = 10−12 {[ ] + 2[ ] + (200𝑥20)𝑥1402 }
12 12
= 10-6(29.3 +0.267+156.8)= 1.86 x 10-4 m4
Both methods thus yield the same value and are equally applicable in most cases. Method 1, however, normally
yields the quicker solution.
(b) The maximum stress may be found from the simple bending theory of eqn.
𝑴
𝝈𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝒚𝒎𝒂𝒙
𝑰

Now the maximum B.M. for a beam carrying a u.d.1. is at the Centre and given by wL2/8. Similarly, the value for
the central concentrated load is WL/4 also at the Centre. Thus, in thiscase,

The maximum stress in the girder is 52 MN/m2, this value being compressive on the upper surface and
tensile on the lower surface

4.6 Shear Stresses in Beams

When a beam is subjected to non-uniform bending; both bending moments M and shear forces V act on the
cross section. The normal stresses, σx associated with the bending moments are obtained from the flexure
formula. We will now consider the distribution of shear stresses, τ associated with the shear force, V. Let
us begin by examining a beam of rectangular cross section. We can reasonably assume that
 the shear stresses τ act parallel to the shear force V and
 the distribution of shear stresses is uniform across the width of the beam.
For purposes of analysis, we isolate a small element mn of the beam by cutting between two adjacent cross
sections and between two horizontal planes. According to our assumptions, the shear stresses τ acting on
the front face of this element is vertical and uniformly distributed from one side of the beam to the other
i.e. horizontal and vertical shear stresses are equal in magnitude.

The existence of horizontal shear stresses in a beam can be demonstrated by a simple experiment. Place
two identical rectangular beams on simple supports and load them by a force P, as shown in Fig. below

(a) (b)

Now suppose that the two beams are glued along the contact surface, so that they become a single solid
beam. When this beam is loaded, horizontal shear stresses must develop along the glued surface in order to
prevent the sliding shown in Fig. b. Because of the presence of these shear stresses, the single solid beam
is much stiffer and stronger than the two separate beams

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
Shown below is a rectangular beam in non-uniform bending.

Considering element pp1n1n and summing forces in the x direction along with severalsubstitutions yields:

The integral value is the first moment of the cross-sectional area, usually denoted by the symbol Q.

With this notation, the equation for the shear stress becomes

This equation, known as the shear stress formula

Where: V = transverse shear force

Q = first moment of area
I = moment of inertia
b = width of section

 Shear Stresses in the Rectangular Section

Q=

The maximum value of the shear stress occurs at the neutral axis (y1= 0)
where the first moment Q has its maximum value.

In which A = bhis the cross-sectional area and I = bh3/12.

 Shear Stresses in Circular Cross Section

; A= πr2

 Shear Stresses in Hollow Circular Cross Sections

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.

 Shear Stresses in the Webs of Beams with Flanges

Let us begin the analysis by determining the shear stresses at line efin the web of a wide-flange beam

Know to find the first moment Q of the shaded area, disregarding the effects of the small fillets and dividing the
shaded area into two rectangle.

The first moments of areas A1 and A2, evaluated about the neutral axis, are obtained by multiplying these areas by
the distances from their respective centroids to the z axis. Adding these first moments gives the first moment Q of
the combined area:

Upon substituting for A1 and A2 and then simplifying, we get

Therefore, the shear stress τin the web of the beam at distance y1 from the neutral axis is.

The maximum shear stress in the web of a wide-flange

beam occurs at the neutral axis, where y1 = 0.

The minimum shear stress occurs where

the web meets the flanges (y1= +h1/2)
Shear Force in the Web

Average Shear Stress in the web:

Where: b = width of flange
t = is the thickness of the web
h = height of beam
h1 = web height (inside flanges) and y1 = distance from N.A to the line of ef.

Worked Examples
1. The solid shaft and tube shown in Fig. below are subjected to the shear force of 4 kN. Determine the shear
stress acting over the diameter of each cross section.

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
Solution1
The moment of inertia of each section,
1 1
Isolid = 4 𝜋𝑟 4 = 4 𝜋(0.05𝑚)4 = 4.909(10-6) m4
1 1
Itube= 4 𝜋(𝑟24 − 𝑟14 ) = 4 𝜋[(0.05)4 − (0.02)4 ] = 4.783(10−6 )𝑚4

The semicircular area shown shaded in Fig. b, above (or below) each diameter, represents Q, because this
area is “held onto the member” by the longitudinal shear stress along the diameter.

(b)

Shear Stress. Applying the shear formula wheret = 2r =2(0.05) = 0.1 m for the solid section, and
t = 2(r2-r1) = 2(0.05-0.02) = 0.06m for the tube, we have

2. The beam shown below is made from two boards. Determine the maximum shear stress in the glue
necessary to hold the boards together along the seam where they are joined.

Solution 2
Internal Shear. The support reactions and the shear diagram
for the beam are shown in Fig. b. It is seen that the
maximum shear in the beam is 19.5 kN.

Section Properties. The centroid and therefore the neutral axis

be determined from the reference axis placed at the bottom
of the cross-sectional area, Fig. 3.6a.Working in units of meters,
we have

The moment of inertia, about the neutral axis is.

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.

The top board (flange) is being held onto the bottom board (web) by the glue, which is applied over the
thickness t = 0.03m. Consequently Aꞌ is defined as the area of the top board, Fig. a
We have

3. A beam of wide-flange shape (Fig. a) is subjected to a vertical shear force V = 45 kN. The cross-
sectional dimensions of the beam are b =165 mm, t =7.5 mm, h =320 mm, and h1=290
mm.Determine the maximum shear stress, minimum shear stress, and total shear force in the web.
(Disregard the areas of the fillets when making calculations.)

Solution 3
Maximum and minimum shear stresses
First calculate the moment of inertia of the cross sectional area

Now we substitute the given value for, τmax and τmin

Total shear force. The shear force in the web is,

Note: The average shear stress in the web of the beam is.

This is only 1% less than the maximum stress.

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Strength of Materials I (MEng 1081) For Ext.1st yr.
Work sheet 4
1. Determine the moment of inertia of the beam’s cross-sectional area shown in (Fig.1 a) about the x
and y axis.

(a) Fig. 1 (b)

2. Determine the maximum tensile stress σt and the maximum compressive stress σc due to the load P
acting on the simple beam AB (see Fig.1b)
Data are as follows: P = 5.4KN, L= 3m, d = 1.2m, b = 75mm, t = 25mm, h = 100mm & h1= 75mm
3. Calculate the maximum shear stress τmax and the maximum bending stress σmax in simple
supported wood beam (see Fig.2) carrying a uniform load of 18KN/m if the length is 1.75m and the
cross-section is rectangular with 150mm and height 250mm.

Fig. 2
4. A bridge girder AB on a simple span of length L = 14m support a uniform load of intensity q the
girder is constructed of three plates welded to form the cross section shown below. Determine the
maximum permissible load q based upon
(a) An allowable bending stress σallow = 110MPa, and
(b) An allowable shear stress τallow = 50MPa.

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