Chapter 2

Elements of Elasticity
Exercises
2.1 The stress matrix at a point in a material is given by

4 2 0
[] = 2 3 1 .
0 1 5
Obtain the traction vector on the plane
2x + y + 2z = 0.
Compute the normal stress and the shear stress on this plane.
2.2 For

xx xy xz
[] = xy yy yz ,
xz yz zz

obtain the normal stress on one of the octahedral planes in the rst
octant. The normal to an octahedral plane makes equal angles with
the three coordinate axes. Also, compute the shear stress on this plane.
2.3 Assume a cantilever beam occupies the region, 0 < x < , c < y < c,
b < z < b and a state of plane stress exists in the x, y-plane with the
only body force component fy = g where is the density and g is
the gravitational constant. If
xx =

My
,
I
1

4
I = bc3 ,
3

CHAPTER 2. ELEMENTS OF ELASTICITY

1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
111111
000000x
1
0
y

11
00
11
00
11
00
11
00
11
00

2c

Figure 2.1: Bending of a cantilever beam under its own weight.

where, under its own weight, the beam has
M = 2gbcx2 .
Using the equilibrium equations, obtain the shear stress xy and the
normal stress yy such that there is no traction vectors on the planes
y = c.
2.4 At a point the state of stress is

2 0
[] = 2 3 1 ,
0 1 5
where has to be found. Knowing that there is a plane through this
point on which the traction vector is zero, compute the value of the
unknown, .
2.5 In the case of plane stress in the x, y -plane, show that the transformation law for the components of the stress tensor in a new x , y
coordinate system obeys
= [Q][[Q]T ,
where [Q] is the rotation matrix
[Q] =

cos sin
sin cos

where is the angle from the x-axis to the x -axis.

3
2.6 Transform the components of the tensor
10 3
3 2

[] =

to a new system rotated counter clock-wise by 30 from the old system.

2
6
6
18

18

6
6
2
Figure 2.2: Stresses on an element.
2.7 Using the method of focus draw the Mohrs circle and show the properly
oriented principal planes, maximum shear stress planes, and the x and
y planes with the correct normal and shear stresses on them for the
state of stress in Fig. 2.2
2
6
6
14

14

6
6
2
Figure 2.3: Stresses on an element.
2.8 Using the method of focus draw the Mohrs circle and show the properly
oriented principal planes, maximum shear stress planes, and the x and

CHAPTER 2. ELEMENTS OF ELASTICITY

y planes with the correct normal and shear stresses on them for the
state of stress in Fig. 2.3
2.9 For the stress matrix

x2 y
(a2 y 2 )x
0
[] = (a2 y 2)x (y 3 3a2 y)/3
0 ,
0
0
2az 2

where a is a constant, obtain the components of the body force vector

necessary for equilibrium.
2.10 The displacement components in a body are given by
u = Axy,

v = A(x2 y 2 ),

w=0

Obtain the components of the Green-Lagrange strain tensor.

2.11 A strain rosette has three resistors, R1 , R2 , and R3 , arranged at 120
apart, with R1 being along the x-axis. If they register strains, 3 106 ,
5 106 , and 8 106 , respectively, obtain the strain matrix.
2.12 The three components of the linear strain in a plane strain case are
given by
xx = Ay 2 , yy = Ax2 , xy = Cxy.
Using the compatibility equations, express C in terms of A. Obtain
the general form of displacements for this case.
2.13 In polar coordinates, we use unit vectors ir and i to express components of vectors. Both of these depend on the coordinate . Using
u = u(r, )ir + v(r, )i ,
and small elements directed along r and obtain the components of
the Green-Lagrange strain in polar coordinates. Also nd its linear
version.
2.14 What is the compatibility equation relating rr , and r ?