Strength of Materials – Assignment Questions

Module 1 (Simple Stresses and Strains)

1) Define the terms a) Simple Stresses and b) Strains
2) Explain the different types of Stresses with sketches
3) Explain the different types of Strains with sketches
4) Define a) Elasticity b) Elastic Limit c) Young’s Modulus
5) Explain generalized Hooke’s Law
𝑃.𝑙
6) Derive the equation dl= with usual notations.
𝐴.𝐸
7) Define the terms a) Elasticity b) Plasticity c) Ductility d) Malleability e) Brittleness f) Toughness
g) Hardness
8) State and explain St. Venant’s Principle with sketches.
9) Define the terms a) Homogenous material b) Isotropic material
10) State and explain Principle of superposition.
11) List the assumptions in Strength of Materials.
12) Explain the Tension test carried out on Mild Steel specimen.
13) Explain the terms Working stress and Factor of Safety.
14) Explain the Stress- strain behavior of Non-Elastic materials.
15) Define Proof stress.
16) Define a) Percentage Elongation b) Percentage reduction in area.
17) A steel pipe has an internal diameter of 30 cm and metal thickness of 5 mm. The pipe is 2 m long and is
subjected to a tensile stress of 5000 kg/cm2 by an applied axial force at the ends of the pipe. Determine
the magnitude of the load and amount by which the pipe elongates under the load. Take E for steel as
210 × 103 N/mm2.
18) Calculate the diameter of a copper rod to carry a load of 10 kN if the extension of the rod is not to exceed
0.02%. Assume E = 90 × 103 N/mm2.
19) A signal is to be worked by a steel wire 500 m long and 8 mm diameter. Find the movement which must
be given to the signal box end of wire with a pull of 2 kN if the movement at the signal end is to be 300
mm. Take E = 2 × 105 N/mm2.
20) Determine the total change in the length of the bar shown in figure if the stress in the portion CD is limited
to 80 N/mm2. Take E = 200 × 103 N/mm2
Φ = 40mm
A B
Φ = 30mm
C Φ = 20mm
D
P P
150 mm 200 mm
200 mm
21) A steel bar 1600 mm long is subjected to force as shown in figure. Find the deformation of the bar. Take
E = 200 × 103 N/mm2.
Φ=75mm
Φ=50 mm Φ=50 mm

15 kN 12 kN
8 kN 5 kN
500 mm 500 mm
600 mm
22) A stepped bar is subjected to force as shown in figure. Determine the stresses induced in the different
portions and the net deformation. Take E = 210 GPa.
 A=500 mm2
A=200 mm2 A=300 mm2

80 kN 55 kN
100 kN
1.8 m 1.2 m
1.5m
23) A steel rod 1 m long has a uniform diameter of 50 mm for a length of 0.5 m and for the next 0.25 m
length, the diameter gradually reduces to 30 mm. Determine the total elongation of the bar when it is
subjected to an axial pull of 80 kN. Take E for bar material as 210 GPa.
24) A 1.5 m long steel bar has a uniform diameter of 60 mm over a length of 0.75 m. In the next 0.25 m
length, the diameter reduces to a value ‘d’ and remains constant for the next 0.5 m. When an axial tensile
load of 100 kN was applied the total elongation observed was 0.78 mm. If E = 2.1 × 105 N/mm2, determine
the required diameter ‘d’ to satisfy the given condition.
25) Determine the elongation caused by an axial load of 200 kN on a flat bar 30 mm thick tapering from a
breadth of 150 mm to 50 mm in a length of 1.5 m. Take E = 210 GPa. Derive the formula you use.
26) Show that the elongation of a uniform bar due to the self-weight is equal to half the extension produced
due to an axial load ‘P’.
27) Define Composite member (Compound bar).
28) Define modular ratio.
29) A compound bar consists of a steel tube of 125 mm internal diameter 150 mm external diameter fitted
into a brass tube of 150 mm internal diameter and 175 mm external diameter. The assembly is subjected
to an axial tensile load of 300 kN. Find the load carried by the different materials and stresses generated
in them. If the length of the assembly is 2.5 m, what is the change in the length? Take ES = 210 x 103
N/mm2 and EB = 90 × 103 N/mm2.
30) A load of 250 kN is applied on a short concrete column of size 250 mm × 400 mm. The column is
reinforced by steel bars of total area of 6500 mm2. a) If the Modulus of Elasticity of Steel is 18 times that
of Concrete, determine the stresses induced in Concrete and Steel. b)If the stress in concrete is not to
exceed 5 N/mm2, find the required area of steel so that the column can carry a load of 800 kN.
31) What are Temperature Stresses?
32) A railway line is laid such that there are no stresses in rails at 10oC. Calculate
a) Stresses in rails at 60oC if there is no allowance for expansion.
b) Stresses in rails at 60oC if there is an expansion allowance of 10 mm per rail.
c) The maximum temperature to have no stresses in rails if expansion allowance per rail is 30 mm. Consider
α = 12 × 10-6/oC, E = 200 × 103 N/mm2 and length of each rail is 30 m.
33) Explain development of thermal stresses in compound bars.
34) A compound bar is made of a central Steel plate 60 mm wide and 10 mm thick to which two Copper
plates 40 mm wide and 5 mm thick are connected rigidly on each side. The length of the compound bar
at normal temperature is 1 m. If the temperature is raised by 800C, determine the stresses in each material
and elongation of the compound bar.
Take Es = 200 G Pa, Ec = 100 GPa, αs = 12×10-6/oC, αc = 17×10-6/oC.
35) Define a) Longitudinal Strain b) Lateral Strain c) Volumetric Strain.
36) A steel bar 30 mm wide, 18 mm thick and 20 cm long is subjected to and axial pull of 5400 kg. Find the
change in length, width, thickness and volume if the Young’s modulus for the material is 2.1 × 105 N/mm2
and Poison’s ratio is 0.3.
37) Define the four elastic constants.
38) Derive the relationship between Young’s Modulus and Bulk Modulus.
39) Show that Poisson’s Ratio cannot be greater than 0.5 or is always lesser than 0.5
40) Derive the relationship between Young’s Modulus and Shear or Rigidity Modulus.
41) A rod of 30 mm diameter is is subjected to a pull of 60 kN. The extension over a gauge length of 200 mm
was 0.09 mm. The reduction in diameter was 0.0039 mm. Find the Poison’s ratio and the values of the
three elastic constants.
 Module 4 (Torsion in Circular Shafts)
1) State the assumptions in the theory of Pure Torsion.
𝑇 𝑞𝑠 𝐺𝜃
2) Derive the torsion expression = = with usual notations.
𝐼𝑧𝑧 𝑅 𝐿
3) Explain i) Polar Modulus ii) Torsional Rigidity iii) Polar Moment of Inertia.
4) A solid shaft in a rolling mill transmits 20 kW at 2 rps. Determine the required diameter of a solid shaft
if the shearing stress is not to exceed 40 MN/mm2. The angle of twist is limited to 6o in a length of 3 m.
Use modulus of rigidity C = 83 × 103 N/mm2.
5) A hollow circular shaft is used to transmit a torque of 4.05 kN-m.
a) Determine the shaft dimensions for the following data: Ratio of inside to outside diameters = 0.8,
Allowable shear stress = 40 N/mm2, Limiting angle of twist = 1o per 20 diameter length, Modulus of
Rigidity = 80 GPa.
b) For the above dimensions calculate the maximum shear stress.
6) A solid shaft of circular cross section has to transmit 50 kW at 200 rpm. If the maximum allowable shear
stress for the material is 70 N/mm2, find the diameter of the shaft. If the shaft is to be replaced by a hollow
shaft of same length having internal diameter 0.78 times the outer diameter, the material, torque carrying
capacity and maximum shear stress being the same, find the diameter dimensions of the hollow shaft.
What is the percentage saving in weight that can be achieved by changing over to hollow shaft?
7) Prove that a hollow shaft is stronger and stiffer than a solid shaft of same material, length and weight.
8) Explain i) Polar Modulus ii) Torsional Rigidity iii) Polar Moment of Inertia.

Module 3 (Shear force and Bending Moment in Beams)

1) Define i) Shear Force ii) Bending Moment iii) Point of Contra-flexure.
2) Explain i) Sagging Bending Moment ii) Hogging Bending Moment.
3) Derive the relationship between intensity of loads, shear force and bending moment.
4) Plot the SFDs and BMDs for the following cases
a) Simply supported beam subjected to eccentric point load of magnitude W
b) Simply supported beam subjected to UDL of magnitude w/unit length throughout
c) Simply supported beam subjected to UVL of maximum intensity w/unit length
5) Plot the SFDs and BMDs for the following loaded beams. In each case locate points of contra-flexure if
any.
30 kN
10 kN m 2 kN/m
A D
B C E
2m 3m 2m 2m

20 kN 70 kN 50 kN/ m
30 kN/ m
A B
2m 2m 4m 3m

Module 4 (Bending and Shear Stresses in Beams)

1) Differentiate between pure bending and transverse bending.
2) State the assumptions in the theory of Pure or Simple Bending.
𝑀 𝑓 𝐸
3) Derive the bending expression = = with usual notations
𝐼 𝑦 𝑅
4) Define i) Neutral axis ii) Section Modulus iii) Flexural Rigidity iv) Modulus of Rupture v) Moment of
resistance.
5) A ‘T’ beam with a flange of 150 mm × 30 mm and with a web of 30 mm × 150 mm is used as a simply
supported beam over a span of 10 m. It carries a UDL of 2.5 kN/m intensity throughout. Determine the
 maximum compressive and maximum tensile stresses developed. Plot the variation of the stresses across
the depth developed.
6) A symmetrical ‘I’ section beam with flanges of 150 mm × 30 mm and with a web of 30 mm × 150 mm is
used as a simply supported beam over a span of 8 m. It carries a central point load of 250 kN intensity
throughout. Determine the maximum compressive and maximum tensile stresses developed. Plot the
variation of the stresses across the depth of the developed.
7) A simply supported beam of span 8 m is made up of an unsymmetrical ‘I’ section with top flange of
100 mm × 30 mm, bottom flange of 120 mm × 50 mm and web of 30 mm × 120 mm. The allowable
bending stress in tension is 30 N/mm2 and that in compression is 45 N/mm2. Determine the maximum
value of UDL the beam can carry throughout.
8) Compute the bending stress and shearing stress at the point C in the loaded beam shown in figure
8 kN/ m 150 mm

600 mm

C
200 mm
A B
0.6 m 1.2 m

9) A simply supported beam of wood of span 1.3 m having a cross section 150 mm width and 250 mm depth
carries a point load W at mid span. If the permissible stress in bending is 7 N/mm2 and in shear is
1 N/mm2, determine the safe load W that can be applied on the beam.

Module 5 (Deflection of beams)

1) Define slope, deflection and elastic curve.
2) Derive the moment curvature equation of deflection or Derive the differential equation for beam
d2 y
deflection in the form E I dx2 = M with usual notations.
3) Calculate the slope at the supports (ends) and deflection at mid span point in a simply supported beam
carrying a central point load by double integration method.
4) Calculate the slope at the supports (ends) and deflection at mid span point in a simply supported beam carrying
a uniformly distributed load by double integration method.
5) Calculate the slope at the supports (ends), maximum deflection and deflection below load in a simply
supported beam carrying an eccentric point load by double integration method.
6) Calculate the maximum slope and maximum deflection in cantilever beam carrying a point load at free
end by double integration method.
7) Calculate the maximum slope and maximum deflection in cantilever beam carrying a uniformly
distributed load throughout by double integration method.
8) Explain Macaulay’s method of determining slope and deflection.
9) A beam of uniform section is 10m long. It is simply supported at its ends. It carries loads of 100 kN and
80 kN at distances of 2 m and 6m respectively from the left end. Calculate the deflections under each load.
Take E = 2×105 N/mm2, I = 8.5×107mm4.
10) Determine the slopes at supports A and B and deflections at D and E using Macaulay’s method for the beam
shown in figure below. Take E = 200 GPa, I = 25×106 mm4.
40 kN 40 kN 40 kN
A D
B C E

2m 5m 3m 2m
11) Determine the deflections at free ends C and E and also at the centre D for the beam shown in figure below.
Take E = 210 kN/mm2, I = 40×106 mm4.
 2 kN 20 kN 2 kN
C A B E
D

2m 3m 3m 2m

Module 5 (Columns and Struts)

1) Distinguish between short and long columns.
2) State the assumptions in Euler’s Theory of long columns.
3) Explain i) Effective length of column ii) Slenderness ratio iii) Buckling load iv) Point of inflexion.
4) Derive an expression for Euler’s crippling load for a column with both ends hinged.
5) Write a note on the limitation of Euler’s formula.
6) A solid round bar 4 m long and 50 mm in diameter was found to extend by 4.6 mm under a tensile load
of 50 kN. This bar is used as a strut with both ends pinned (hinged). Determine Euler’s crippling load for
the bar and also safe load taking factor of safety as 4.
7) Determine the Euler’s crippling load for a hollow cylindrical cast iron column 6 m long with 150 mm
external diameter and 20 mm thick with both ends hinged. Compare this load with the load obtained by
1
Rankine’s formula. Use the constants fc = 550 MPa, α = 1600 E = 80 GPa.
Module 2 (Compound Stresses)
1) Derive the expressions for normal stress and tangential stress for a member subjected to uniaxial loading
P (axial pull) on an incline plane making an angle 𝜃 with the normal to direction of the load.
2) Two wooden pieces 100 mm × 100 mm in cross section are glued together along line AB as shown in
figure. What maximum axial force P can be applied if the allowable shearing stress along AB is 1.2
N/mm2?
A
P B 300 P

3) The stresses at a point in a material are indicated as shown in figure below. Find the normal and shear
stress on a plane inclined at 300 with the plane of the horizontal stress.

90 N/mm2

60 N/mm2
4) Define i) Principal planes ii) Principal stresses
5) At a point in a strained material, the state of stress as shown in figure below. Determine the Principal
stresses and Principal planes.

100 N/mm2
0
30

80 N/mm2
Module 2 (Thick and Thin Cylinders)
1) Differentiate between thick and thin cylinders
2) Derive the expressions for hoop and longitudinal stresses in thin cylinders
3) A closed cylindrical vessel made of steel plates 4 mm thick with plane ends carries fluid under a pressure
of 3 N/mm2. The diameter of the cylinder is 25 cm and length is 75 cm. Calculate the longitudinal and
hoop stresses in the cylindrical wall and determine the change in diameter, length and volume of the
cylinder. Take E = 2.1 × 105 N/mm2 and 1/m = 0.286.
4) Derive Lame’s equation for hoop and radial stresses for thick cylinder subjected to internal and external
fluid pressure.
5) Determine the wall thickness necessary for a thick steel cylinder shell having 200 mm internal diameter,
to withstand an internal pressure of 40 MPa. Permissible tensile stress in the material is100 MPa. Also
sketch the variation of hoop stress and radial stress across the thickness.
6) A cylindrical pressure vessel has an inner radius of 200 mm and outer radius of 250 mm respectively. The
material of the cylinder has an allowable stress of 75 N/mm2. Determine the maximum internal pressure
that can be applied. Sketch the radial and circumferential stress distribution.