Tutorial 3: Derivation of performance indices

1. Performance index for stiff and light flat panel

48 EI
L3

In this example we are free to alter beam thickness (t) to attain desired stiffness
Panel thickness t is a free variable
a) By deriving an expression for the mass of the panel, justify a performance index for specific
stiffness of the panel, based on free variable being panel thickness (t)
b) Perform material selection using performance index for calculated in a) for maximising specific
stiffness. Yield strength > 30MPa Fracture toughness >5MPa.m0.5.Want to minimise cost

2. Performance index for strong and light flat panel

Figure A Panel in three point bending

The situation shown in the figure A shows a panel loaded in three point bending; load F being in the middle
of the loading span (L). The width (w) of the panel is fixed, the thickness (t) is the design free variable
a) Derive an expression for the mass of the panel that is independent of the design free variable
(thickness t). The derived expression containing a material performance index for specific strength.
The loading is static and the panel must remain completely elastic.
b) State the final material performance index in a form such that it is to be maximised to allow ranking
of candidate materials for this
c) Table 1 shows properties for five candidate materials, for each material calculate the material
performance index for specific strength and hence justify selection of the optimum material based on
highest value of the performance index (independent of material cost constraints)
d) Modify the performance index to take into account material cost (per Kg) and recalculate modified
performance index for each material so as to justify the most cost effective material for the
application
Where
M= bending moment
I= second moment of area
= stress at distance y from panel neutral
axis
= density

I
y
I

wt 3
12

Yield
strength
(x 106 N.m2
)
Density
(Kg.m-3)
Material
cost (/Kg)

Mg
wrought
(AZ31)
155

Mg cast
(AZ91)

Al 7075 T6

Ti-6Al-4V

145

450

900

CFRP
(quasiisotropic)
550

1780

1800

2800

4430

1575

2.25

2.2

18

35

Table 1: Material properties of candidate materials

3. Material selection: Oars

Derive a material performance index to select materials for light stiff oars.
Function: Light & stiff beam
Objective: Minimise mass, maximise stiffness
Constraints
a) Length (L) specified
b) Bending stiffness (S) specified
Gc

c) Minimum Toughness specified

d) Material cost, CM < 50/Kg

K 1c 2
1kJ.m 2
E

Circular cross- section: free variable: Radius (R)

Assume loading in bending, maximise specific stiffness
Given
Mass, m = A.L. = .R2. L.
S

C.E.I
L3

Stiffness of
C = Loading configuration constant = 24 for this case E= Material elastic modulus,
area

For solid cylinder, 2nd Moment of area

I = 2nd Moment of

.R 4
4

Using the performance index you have derived for a light stiff oar along with the minimum toughness
constraint to plot a selection graph (use advanced function when plotting graph to plot relevant functions on
each axis.
Then assess the best four materials for price