Simple Stresses

Simple stress (S or 𝜎)is expressed as the ratio of the applied force divided by the resisting area.

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑃
𝜎= =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴

It is the expression of force per unit area to structural members that are subjected to external
or induced forces. Stress is the lead to accurately describe and predict the elastic deformation of a body.
It can be classified as normal stress, shear stress and bearing stress. Normal stress develops when a
force is applied perpendicular to the cross-sectional of the material. If the force is going to pull the
material, it is said to be tensile stress and compressive stress is develops when the material is being
compressed by two opposing force. Shear stress is developed if the applied force is parallel to the
resisting area. Example is the bolt that holds the tension rod in its anchor. Bearing stress is develop
when there is contact pressure between two bodies.

Problems in normal stresses.

1. A hollow steel tube with inside diameter of 100 mm must carry a tensile load of 400 kN. Determine
the outside diameter of the tube if the stress is limited to 120
2
MN/m .

2. The homogenous bar shown in the figure is supported by a smooth pin at C and a cable that runs from
A to B around the smooth peg at D .Find the stress in the cable if its diameter is 0.6 inch and the
bar weighs 6000 lb.

3. A rod is composed of an aluminum section rigidly

attached between steel and bronze section as shown.
Axial loads are applied at the positions indicated.
If P = 3000 lb. and the cross sectional area of the
rod is 0.5 in2, determine the stress in each section.
4. An aluminum rod is rigidly attached between
the steel rod and the bronze as shown in the
figure. Axial loads are applied at the positions
indicated. Find the maximum value of P that
will not exceed a stress of steel of 140 MPa,
in aluminum of 90 MPa or in bronze of 100
MPa.

5. Determine the largest weight W that can be

supported by two wires shown in the figure. The
stress in either wire is not to exceed 30 ksi. The
cross-sectional areas of wires AB and AC are 0.4
in2 and 0.5 in2 respectively.

6. Determine the stresses in each members of the truss

shown. Indicate the tension or compression. The cross
sectional area of each member is 1600 mm2.

Shearing Stress
Forces parallel to the area resisting the force cause shearing stress. This is also known as
tangential stress.
𝑉
𝜏=𝐴 Where:
𝜏 = shearing stress
V = shearing force
A = cross- sectional

Example:

1. What force is required to punch a 20-mm diameter hole in

a plate that is 25 mm. thick if the shear strength is 350 MN /m2.
2. Find the smallest diameter bolt that can be used in the clevis shown in the figure. P = 400 kN and
shearing strength of the bolt is 300 MPa.

Bearing Stress
It is the contact pressure between the separate bodies which differs from compressive stress as it
is an internal stress caused by compressive forces.

𝑷𝒃
𝝈𝒃 =
𝑨𝒃

Example:
1. In the figure shown, assume that a 20-mm diameter rivet joins the plates that are each 110 mm wide.
The allowable stresses are 120MPa for bearing in the plate material and 60 MPa for the shearing
of rivet. Determine the minimum thickness of the plate; and the average tensile stress in the
plate

2. The lap joint shown is fastened by four 3/4 –

in. diameter rivets. Calculate the maximum safe
load
P that can be applied if the shearing
stress in the rivets is limited to 14 ksi and the
bearing stress in the plates is limited to 18 ksi.
Assume the applied load is uniformly distributed
among the four rivets.
Assignment:

1. Compute the shearing stress in the pin at B for the member

supported as shown. The pin diameter is 20 mm.

2.