B5.

8EC1 - Mechanical Engineering Science 3 (Strength of Materials)

Strengths Overview and
New equations introduced in this Course
You will use these equations frequently throughout the Mech Eng programme and in your
future careers so it will be useful if they are memorized. You will need to memorize them for
the exam (this sheet cannot be taken into the exam!)
But most importantly, make sure you understand the ideas behind the equations and
how to apply the methods in the situations studied!
Derivations of equations are not required for the exam. However, the insight that a derivation
gives should be understood (e.g. applicability of the bending equation, effect of off-axis
loading and initial strut curvature on the critical buckling load).

Section 1: Shear force and Bending moment diagrams

Method of sections applied to beams to obtain bending moment
Loading W, w (UDL) and M0
Reactions and moments at pinned, roller, free and build in supports
Sketch bending moment diagrams
Position of maximum bending moment
From BM diagram. Can sometimes use Q =

dM
= 0 (depends on beam geometry
dx

and type of loading)

Section 2: Bending stress in beams

Bending equation
M x E
=
=
I
y
R

and

x , max =

M max
ymax
I

The neutral axis of a component loaded in bending passes through the centroid of the beam
cross section.
Position of centroid of an area (the beam cross section)
Ay

n
= yi dA i
i =1

Its the idea, rather than the equation, for sections comprising known shapes.

Second moment of area about an axis through the centroid of an area (the beam cross section)
I

n 2
= y dA i
i =1 i

Again, its the idea, rather than the equation, for sections comprising known shapes.
Includes subtraction of areas to avoid applying parallel axis theorem if possible.
and about an axis that does not pass through the centroid (Parallel axis theorem).
I

2
=I +a A
x

Second moment of area about an axis through the centroid of standard areas
Rectangle
Circle
I=

BD 3
12

I=

D 4
64

Section 3: Slopes and deflections of beams

Double integration (for constant EI)

EI

d 2v
=M
dx 2
Boundary conditions: Positions of known (i.e. zero) slope and deflection

Macaulay step functions to describe the bending moment due to:

Moment, M0
Concentrated load, W

M = M 0 [x a ]

M = W [x a ]

UDL, w
w
2
M = [x a ]
2

Position of maximum deflection

dv
= 0 (depends on beam geometry and type of loading)
Can sometimes use
dx
Statically indeterminate beams
Carry unknown reactions and moments at supports through to analysis of deflection
Supports at different levels

Section 4: Non-uniformly distributed loads

Integration of loading function w(x)

Q = wdx and M = Qdx

Boundary conditions: Positions of known (i.e. zero) shear force and bending moment

Summary:
Bending stress
Deflection
Method of sections (incl. Macaulay step
functions)
Determinate
Indeterminate
Integrate loading function, w(x)
Determinate
Indeterminate

W, w (UDL) and M0

w(x) (Non-UDL)

Section 5: Buckling of beams

Critical buckling load:
PC =

2 EI
L2equ

End conditions:
Pinned-pinned
Lequ = L

Fixed-free

Fixed-fixed

Lequ = 2 L

Lequ = L / 2

Fixed-pinned
Lequ = 0.7 L

Radius of gyration

I = Ar 2
Critical buckling stress:

C =

2E

(L

equ

r)

Lequ
E

r
Y

Just put Pc and I=Ar2 into C = PC A

Just put C Y into C

Recommendation for EPS Maths 4 (Year 2 Semester 2): Study Matlab !!

Will be used in:
FE module (Year 3)
Dynamics (Year 4)
Individual and Group Projects (Years 4 and 5)
Your future careers? Dr Cumber and I use it every day as an engineering tool!