EME3046

MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

TUTORIAL 5 ENERGY METHOD

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENT
Attendance is compulsory.
Try all tutorial questions before you come to the tutorial class.
The tutorial should be done by your own, no copying from the others.
You are required to solve all questions, and will be asked to demonstrate your
understanding in solving these questions in the tutorial.
LEARNING OUTCOME and PROGRAMME OUTCOME addressed in this tutorial:
LO3: Calculate the deflection of statistically determinate and statistically indeterminate
structures using energy methods. (cognitive analyzing, level 4).
PO2: Acquire technical competence in specialized areas of engineering discipline to solve
complex engineering problems.
PO3 - Identify and analyze complex engineering problems, and formulate solutions based on
fundamental principles of science and engineering.

1. A stepped bar of diameters d1 and d 2 and length L is subjected to tensile force P (Fig. 1).
Calculate the largest amount of strain energy that can be stored in the bar without causing any
yielding.
Given: d1 = 20 mm, d2 = 30 mm, L = 1.2 m, y = 220 MPa, E = 200 GPa

Fig. 1

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MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

2. A solid tapered bar AB of length L is fixed at one end and subjected to the force P at the
other end (Fig. 2). Verify that the strain energy of the bar is

where d is the diameter at the free end.

Fig. 2

3. For the beam loaded as shown in Fig. 3, using Castiglianos theorem, determine:
(a) The vertical deflection vB of the free end.
(b) The slope B of the free end.

Fig. 3

4. A cantilever beam is loaded as shown in Fig. 4. Apply Castiglianos theorem to determine

the deflection vA of the free end.

Fig. 4

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5. Find the vertical deflection of point E in the truss shown in Figure 5. All members have the
same cross section and are made of the same material.

Fig. 5

6. The two tension members shown in Fig. 6 are made of the same material with yield
strength Y. Which of the two members, A or B, can absorb greater energy up to initiation of
yield? Explain your answer. Ignore the stress concentration at the change in cross section of
member B.

Fig. 6

7. The beam in fig. 7 is subjected to two loads P and is supported at three locations A, B, and
C as shown. Determine the reaction at B, assuming that the beam length is large compared to
its depth.

Fig. 7

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MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

8. A quadrant of a circular ring is clamped at one end, and forces P and Q are applied
at the other end (point A). Consider only strain energy due to bending, and the flexural
rigidity is EI. Using Castigliano's theorem, express the deflection caused by forces in
terms of EI, R, P and Q.

Fig. 8