2.

Principal Stress and Strain

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

2.1 States of stress
x Uni-axial stress: only one non-zero
principal stress, i.e. 1
Right side figure represents Uni-axial state of
stress.

x Bi-axial stress: one principal stress

equals zero, two do not, i.e. 1 > 3 ; 2 = 0
Right side figure represents Bi-axial state of
stress.

x Tri-axial stress: three non-zero

principal stresses, i.e. 1 > 2 > 3
Right side figure represents Tri-axial state of
stress.

x Isotropic stress: three principal

stresses are equal, i.e. 1 = 2 = 3
Right side figure represents isotropic state of
stress.

x Axial stress: two of three principal

stresses are equal, i.e. 1 = 2 or 2 = 3
Right side figure represents axial state of
stress.

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
x Hydrostatic pressure: weight of column of
fluid in interconnected pore spaces.
Phydrostatic = fluid gh (density, gravity, depth)

x Hydrostatic stress: Hydrostatic stress is

used to describe a state of tensile or
compressive stress equal in all directions
within or external to a body. Hydrostatic Or

stress causes a change in volume of a

material. Shape of the body remains
unchanged i.e. no distortion occurs in the
body.
Right side figure represents Hydrostatic state of
stress.

2.2 Uni-axial stress on oblique plane

Let us consider a bar of uniform cross sectional area A under direct tensile load P giving rise to axial
normal stress P/A acting on a cross section XX. Now consider another section given by the plane YY
inclined at T with the XX. This is depicted in following three ways.

Fig. (a)
Fig. (b)

Fig. (c)
A
Area of the YY Plane = ; Let us assume the normal stress in the YY plane is Vn and there is
cos T
a shear stress W acting parallel to the YY plane.
Now resolve the force P in two perpendicular direction one normal to the plane YY = P cos T and

another parallel to the plane YY = Pcos

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

A P
Therefore equilibrium gives, Vn
cos T
P cos T or Vn cos 2 T
A
P
Wu
A
P sin T W
P
sin T cos T
W sin 2T
and
cos T
or
A
or 2A
x Note the variation of normal stress Vn and shear stress W with the variation of T .

P
When T 0 , normal stress V n is maximum i.e. V n max and shear stress W 0 . As T is
A
increased, the normal stress V n diminishes, until when T 0, V n 0. But if angle

P S
T increased shear stress W increases to a maximum value W max at T 45o and then
2A 4
diminishes to W 0 at T 90o

x The shear stress will be maximum when sin 2T 1 or T 45o

P
x And the maximum shear stress, W max
2A

x In ductile material failure in tension is initiated by shear stress i.e. the failure occurs across
the shear planes at 45o (where it is maximum) to the applied load.
Let us clear a concept about a common mistake: The angle T is not between the applied load
and the plane. It is between the planes XX and YY. But if in any question the angle between the
applied load and the plane is given dont take it as T . The angle between the applied load and the
plane is 90 - T. In this case you have to use the above formula as

P P
Vn cos2 (90  T ) and W sin(180  2T ) where T is the angle between the applied load and the
A 2A
plane. Carefully observe the following two figures it will be clear.

Let us take an example: A metal block of 100 mm2 cross sectional area carries an axial tensile load
of 10 kN. For a plane inclined at 300 with the direction of applied load, calculate:
(a) Normal stress
(b) Shear stress
(c) Maximum shear stress.

Answer: Here T 90o  30o 60o

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
P 10 u 103 N
(a) Normal stress V n  cos2 T 2
u cos2 60o 25MPa
A 100 mm

P 10 u 103 N
(b) Shear stress W  sin2T 2
u sin120o 43.3MPa
2A 2 u 100 mm

P 10 u 103 N
(c) Maximum shear stress W max  50MPa
2A 2 u 100 mm 2

x Complementary stresses
Now if we consider the stresses on an oblique plane YY which is perpendicular to the previous
plane YY. The stresses on this plane are known as complementary stresses. Complementary

normal stress is V nc and complementary shear stress is W c . The following figure shows all
the four stresses. To obtain the stresses V nc and W c we need only to replace T by T  900 in the
previous equation. The angle T  900 is known as aspect angle.

Therefore
P P 2
V nc cos 2  90o  T  sin T
A A
P P
Wc sin 2  90o  T   sin 2T
2A 2A

P
It is clear V nc  V n and W c W
A
i.e. Complementary shear stresses are always equal in magnitude but opposite in sign.

x Sign of Shear stress

For sign of shear stress following rule have to be followed:

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
The shear stress W on any face of the element will be considered positive when it has a
clockwise moment with respect to a centre inside the element. If the moment is counter-
clockwise with respect to a centre inside the element, the shear stress in negative.
Note: The convention is opposite to that of moment of force. Shear stress tending to turn clockwise is
positive and tending to turn counter clockwise is negative.

Let us take an example: A prismatic bar of 500 mm2 cross sectional area is axially loaded with a
tensile force of 50 kN. Determine all the stresses acting on an element which makes 300 inclination
with the vertical plane.

Answer: Take an small element ABCD in 300 plane as shown in figure below,
Given, Area of cross-section, A = 500 mm2, Tensile force (P) = 50 kN

P 50103 N
Normal stress on 30 inclined plane,  n
= cos 2
= 2
cos2 30o =75MPa (+ive means tensile).
A 500 mm

P 50 u 103 N
Shear stress on 30 planes, W  sin2T u sin  2 u 30o  43.3MPa
2A 2 u 500 mm 2
(+ive means clockwise)
Complementary stress on T  90  30 120o

P 50 u 103 N
Normal stress on 1200 inclined plane, V nc  cos2 T u cos2 120o 25MPa
A 500 mm 2
(+ ive means tensile)

P 50 u 103 N
Shear stress on 1200 nclined plane, W c  sin2T 2
u sin  2 u 120o   43.3MPa
2A 2 u 500 mm
(- ive means counter clockwise)
State of stress on the element ABCD is given below (magnifying)

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

2.3 Complex Stresses (2-D Stress system)

i.e. Material subjected to combined direct and shear stress
We now consider a complex stress system below. The given figure ABCD shows on small element of
material

Stresses in three dimensional element Stresses in cross-section of the element

Vx and Vy are normal stresses and may be tensile or compressive. We know that normal stress

may come from direct force or bending moment. W xy is shear stress. We know that shear stress may

comes from direct shear force or torsion and W xy and W yx are complementary and

W xy = W yx
Let Vn is the normal stress and W is the shear stress on a plane at angle T .

Considering the equilibrium of the element we can easily get

V x V y V x V y
Normal stress V n   cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
2 2
and

x  y
Shear stress W  sin 2 - W xy cos 2
2
Above two equations are coming from considering equilibrium. They do not depend on material
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properties and are valid for elastic and in elastic behavior.
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

x Location of planes of maximum stress

(a) Normal stress, V n max
For Vn maximum or minimum

wV n
0, where V n
V x  Vy 

V x Vy 
cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
wT 2 2

or 
V x Vy 
u  sin 2T  u 2  W xy  cos 2T  u 2 0 or tan2T p =
2W xy
2 (V x  V y )

(b) Shear stress, W max

For W maximum or minimum

wW Vx Vy
0, where W sin 2T  W xy cos 2T
wT 2
Vx Vy
or  cos 2T  u 2  W xy   sin 2T  u 2 0
2
W xy
or cot 2T
Vx Vy

Let us take an example: At a point in a crank shaft the stresses on two mutually perpendicular
planes are 30 MPa (tensile) and 15 MPa (tensile). The shear stress across these planes is 10 MPa.
Find the normal and shear stress on a plane making an angle 300 with the plane of first stress. Find
also magnitude and direction of resultant stress on the plane.

Answer: Given V x 25MPa  tensile  , V y 15MPa  tensile  , W xy 10MPa and 400

V x V y V x V y
Therefore, Normal stress V n   cos 2T  W xy sin2T
2 2
30  15 30  15
 cos  2 u 30o   10 sin  2 u 30o  34.91 MPa
2 2
V x V y
Shear stress W  sin2T  W xy cos 2T
2
30  15
sin  2 u 30o   10cos  2 u 30o  1.5MPa
2
2
Resultant stress V r   34.91  1.52 34.94MPa
W 1.5
and Obliquity I  , tanI I 2.460
Vn 34.91

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

2.4 Bi-axial stress

Let us now consider a stressed element ABCD where W xy =0, i.e. only V x and V y is there. This type

of stress is known as bi-axial stress. In the previous equation if you put W xy =0 we get Normal stress,

V n and shear stress, W on a plane at angle T .

Vx V y V x V y
x Normal stress , Vn  cos 2T
2 2
V x V y
x Shear/Tangential stress, W sin 2T
2
x For complementary stress, aspect angle = T  900
x Aspect angle varies from 0 to S /2
x Normal stress V n varies between the values
V x (T 0) & V y (T S / 2)
Let us take an example: The principal tensile stresses at a point across two perpendicular planes
are 100 MPa and 50 MPa. Find the normal and tangential stresses and the resultant stress and its
obliquity on a plane at 200 with the major principal plane

Answer: Given V x 100MPa  tensile  , V y 50MPa  tensile  and T 200

Vx Vy V x V y 100  50 100  50

Normal stress, V n   cos 2T  cos  2 u 20o  94MPa
2 2 2 2
V x V y 100  50
Shear stress, W 
2
sin2T
2

sin 2 u 200  16MPa

Resultant stress V r  942  162 95.4MPa

W 16
Therefore angle of obliquity, I  tan1 tan1 9.70
Vn 94

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

x We may derive uni-axial stress on oblique plane from

Vx V y V x V y
Vn  cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
2 2
and x  y
W sin 2 - W xy cos 2
2
Just put V y 0 and W xy =0

Therefore,
Vx  0 Vx  0 1
Vn  cos 2T V x 1  cos 2T  V x cos2 T
2 2 2
Vx  0 Vx
and W sin 2T sin 2T
2 2

2.5 Pure Shear

x Pure shear is a particular case of bi-axial stress where Vx V y

Note: V x or V y which one is compressive that is immaterial but one should be tensile and

other should be compressive and equal magnitude. If V x 100MPa then

V y must be  100MPa otherwise if V y 100MPa then V x must be  100MPa .

x In case of pure shear on 45o planes

W max rV x ; Vn 0 and V nc 0
x We may depict the pure shear in an element by following two ways

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
(a) In a torsion member, as shown below, an element ABCD is in pure shear (only shear
stress is present in this element) in this member at 45o plane an element AcBcC cDc is also

in pure shear where V x V y but in this element no shear stress is there.

(b) In a bi-axial state of stress a member, as shown below, an element ABCD in pure shear
where V x V y but in this element no shear stress is there and an element AcBcC cDc at

45o plane is also in pure shear (only shear stress is present in this element).

Let us take an example: See the in the Conventional question answer section in this chapter and
the question is Conventional Question IES-2007

2.6 Stress Tensor

x State of stress at a point ( 3-D)

Stress acts on every surface that passes through the point. We can use three mutually
perpendicular planes to describe the stress state at the point, which we approximate as a cube
each of the three planes has one normal component & two shear components therefore, 9
components necessary to define stress at a point 3 normal and 6 shear stress.
Therefore, we need nine components, to define the state of stress at a point
V x W xy W xz
V y W yx W yz
V z W zx W zy
For cube to be in equilibrium (at rest: not moving, not spinning)
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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

W xy W yx If they dont offset, block spins therefore,

W xz W zx only six are independent.
W yz W zy

The nine components (six of which are independent) can be written in matrix form

V xx V xy V xz W xx W xy W xz V x W xy W xz V 11 V 12 V 13

V ij V yx V yy V yz or W ij W yx W yy W yz W yx V y W yz V 21 V 22 V 23
V V zy V zz W W zz W V z V
zx zx W zy zx W zy 31 V 32 V 33
This is the stress tensor
Components on diagonal are normal stresses; off are shear stresses

x State of stress at an element (2-D)

2.7 Principal stress and Principal plane

x When examining stress at a point, it is possible to choose three mutually perpendicular
planes on which no shear stresses exist in three dimensions, one combination of
orientations for the three mutually perpendicular planes will cause the shear stresses on all
three planes to go to zero this is the state defined by the principal stresses.

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
x Principal stresses are normal stresses that are orthogonal to
each other
x Principal planes are the planes across which principal
stresses act (faces of the cube) for principal stresses (shear
stresses are zero)

x Major Principal Stress

2
Vx V y V x V y 2
V1 
 W xy
2 2
x Minor principal stress

2
Vx V y V x V y 2
V2 
 W xy
2 2
x Position of principal planes

2W xy
tan2T p =
(V x  V y )
x Maximum shear stress

2
V1  V 2 V x V y 2
W max  W xy
2 2
Let us take an example: In the wall of a cylinder the state of stress is given by,

Vx 85MPa  compressive  , V y 25MPa  tensile  and shear stress W xy  60MPa

Calculate the principal planes on which they act. Show it in a figure.

Answer: Given V x 85MPa,V y 25MPa,W xy 60MPa

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
2
Vx Vy V x V y
Major principal stress V 1    W xy
2

2 2
2
85  25 85  25 2
  60 51.4MPa
2 2
2
Vx Vy V x V y
Minor principal stress V 2    W xy
2

2 2
2
85  25 85  25 2
  60
2 2
111.4 MPa i.e. 111.4 MPa  Compressive 

For principalplanes
2W xy 2 u 60
tan2TP
V x V y 85  25

or TP 240 it is for V 1
Complementary plane TP c T P  90 660 it is for V 2
The Figure showing state of stress and principal stresses is given below

The direction of one principle plane and the principle stresses acting on this would be V 1 when is

acting normal to this plane, now the direction of other principal plane would be 900 + T p because the

principal planes are the two mutually perpendicular plane, hence rotate the another plane 900 + T p

in the same direction to get the another plane, now complete the material element as T p is negative

that means we are measuring the angles in the opposite direction to the reference plane BC. The
following figure gives clear idea about negative and positive T p .

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

2.8 Mohr's circle for plane stress

x The transformation equations of plane stress can be represented in a graphical form which is
popularly known as Mohr's circle.
x Though the transformation equations are sufficient to get the normal and shear stresses on
any plane at a point, with Mohr's circle one can easily visualize their variation with respect
to plane orientation .

x Equation of Mohr's circle

Vx V y V x V y
We know that normal stress, Vn  cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
2 2
x  y
And Tangential stress, sin2 - xy cos 2
2
V x V y V x V y
Rearranging we get, V n  cos 2T  W xy sin 2T (i)
2 2

x  y
and sin2 - xy cos 2 (ii)
2
A little consideration will show that the above two equations are the equations of a circle with Vn
and U as its coordinates and 2 as its parameter.
If the parameter 2 is eliminated from the equations, (i) & (ii) then the significance of them will
become clear.
2
Vx V y V x V y 2
V avg and R =  W xy
2 2
2
Or V n  V avg   W xy2 R2

Vx V y
It is the equation of a circle with centre, V avg ,0  i.e. 2
,0

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
2
V x V y 2
and radius, R  W xy
2

x Construction of Mohrs circle

Convention for drawing
x A W xy that is clockwise (positive) on a face resides above the V axis; a W xy
anticlockwise (negative) on a face resides below V axis.
x Tensile stress will be positive and plotted right of the origin O. Compressive stress
will be negative and will be plotted left to the origin O.

x An angle T on real plane transfers as an angle 2T on Mohrs circle plane.

We now construct Mohrs circle in the following stress conditions

I. Bi-axial stress when V x and V y known and W xy = 0

II. Complex state of stress ( V x ,V y and W xy known)

I. Constant of Mohrs circle for Bi-axial stress (when only V x and Vy known)

If V x and V y both are tensile or both compressive sign of V x and V y will be same and this state of
stress is known as like stresses if one is tensile and other is compressive sign of V x and V y will
be opposite and this state of stress is known as unlike stress.

x Construction of Mohrs circle for like stresses (when V x and V y are same type of stress)
Step-I: Label the element ABCD and draw all stresses.

Step-II: Set up axes for the direct stress (as abscissa) i.e., in x-axis and shear stress (as
ordinate) i.e. in Y-axis

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

Step-III: Using sign convention and some suitable scale, plot the stresses on two adjacent faces
e.g. AB and BC on the graph. Let OL and OM equal to V x and V y respectively on the
axis O V.

Step-IV: Bisect ML at C. With C as centre and CL or CM as radius, draw a circle. It is the

Mohrs circle.

T
Step-V: At the centre C draw a line CP at an angle 2 , in the same direction as the normal to
the plane makes with the direction of V x . The point P represents the state of
stress at plane ZB.

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

Step-VI: Calculation, Draw a perpendicular PQ and PR where PQ = W and PR = V n

Vx  Vy Vx  Vy
OC and MC = CL = CP =
2 2
Vx  Vy Vx  Vy
PR = V  cos 2T
n 2 2
Vx  Vy
PQ = W = CPsin 2T = sin 2T
2
[Note: In the examination you only draw final figure (which is in Step-V) and follow the
procedure step by step so that no mistakes occur.]

x Construction of Mohrs circle for unlike stresses (when V x and V y are opposite in sign)
Follow the same steps which we followed for construction for like stresses and finally will get
the figure shown below.

Note: For construction of Mohrs circle for principal stresses when ( V 1 andV 2 is known) then follow
the same steps of Constant of Mohrs circle for Bi-axial stress (when only V x and V y known) just

change the V x V 1 and V y V 2

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

II. Construction of Mohrs circle for complex state of stress ( V x , V y and W xy known)

Step-I: Label the element ABCD and draw all stresses.

Step-II: Set up axes for the direct stress (as abscissa) i.e., in x-axis and shear stress (as
ordinate) i.e. in Y-axis

Step-III: Using sign convention and some suitable scale, plot the stresses on two adjacent faces
e.g. AB and BC on the graph. Let OL and OM equal to V x and V y respectively on the
axis O V . Draw LS perpendicular to oV axis and equal to W xy .i.e. LS=W xy . Here LS

is downward as W xy on AB face is ( ive) and draw MT perpendicular to oV axis and

equal to W xy i.e. MT=W xy . Here MT is upward as W xy BC face is (+ ive).

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 Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

Step-IV: Join ST and it will cut o axis at C. With C as centre and CS or CT as radius, draw
circle. It is the Mohrs circle.

Step-V: At the centre draw a line CP at an angle 2 in the same direction as the normal to the
plane makes with the direction of x .

Step-VI: Calculation, Draw a perpendicular PQ and PR where PQ = and PR = n

x +y
Centre, OC =
2
2
2 2 x y
Radius CS = ( CL ) + (LS ) = + xy 2 = CT = CP
2

x + y x y
PR = = + cos 2 + sin 2
n 2 2 xy
x y
PQ = = sin 2 xy cos 2 .
2
[Note: In the examination you only draw final figure (which is in Step-V) and follow the
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procedure step by step so that no mistakes occur.]

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

Note: The intersections of oV axis are two principal stresses, as shown below.

Let us take an example: See the in the Conventional question answer section in this chapter and
the question is Conventional Question IES-2000

2.9 Mohr's circle for some special cases:

i) Mohrs circle for axial loading:

P
Vx ; Vy W xy 0
A
ii) Mohrs circle for torsional loading:

Tr
W xy ; Vx Vy 0
J
It is a case of pure shear
iii) In the case of pure shear

(1 = - 2 and 3 =Page
0) 73 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Vx V y
W max rV x
iv) A shaft compressed all round by a hub

1 = 2 = 3 = Compressive (Pressure)
v) Thin spherical shell under internal pressure

pr pD
V1 V2 (tensile)
2t 4t
vi) Thin cylinder under pressure

pD pr pd pr
V1 (tensile) and V 2 (tensile)
2t t 4t 2t
vii) Bending moment applied at the free end of a cantilever

My
Only bending stress, V 1 and V 2 W xy 0
I
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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
2.10 Strain
Normal strain
Let us consider an element AB of infinitesimal length x. After deformation of the actual body if
wu
displacement of end A is u, that of end B is u+ .G x. This gives an increase in length of element AB
wx
wu wu wu
is u+ .G x - u G x and therefore the strain in x-direction is H x
wx wx wx
wQ ww
Similarly, strains in y and z directions are H y and H z .
wx wz
Therefore, we may write the three normal strain components
wu wQ ww
Hx ; Hy ; and Hz .
wx wy wz

Change in length of an infinitesimal element.

Shear strain
Let us consider an element ABCD in x-y plane and let the displaced position of the element be
AcBcCcDc .This gives shear strain in x-y plane as J xy v  E where v is the angle made by the

displaced live BcCc with the vertical and E is the angle made by the displaced line A cDc with the

wu wQ
.G y .G x
wx wu wQ
horizontal. This gives v and E = wx
Gy wy Gx wx
We may therefore write the three shear strain components as
wu wQ wQ ww ww wu
J xy  ; J yz  and J zx 
wy wx wz wy wx wz
Therefore the state of strain at a point can be completely described by the six strain components
and the strain components in their turns can be completely defined by the displacement components
u,Q , and w.

Therefore, the complete strain matrix can be written as

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
w
wx 0 0

0 w
H x 0
w y

H
y w
H 0 0 u
z wz
X
J xy w w
0 w
J wx wy
yz
J zx 0 w w
wy wz

w 0
w
wz wx

Shear strain associated with the distortion of an infinitesimal element.

Strain Tensor
The three normal strain components are
wu wQ ww
H x H xx ; Hy H yy and Hz H zz .
wx wy wz
The three shear strain components are
J xy 1 wu wQ J yz 1 wQ ww J zx 1 wu ww
xy  ; yz  and zx 
2 2 wy wx 2 2 wz wy 2 2 wz wx
Therefore the strain tensor is
J xy J xz
xx
xx xy xz 2 2
J yx J yz
ij yx yy yz yy
2 2
zx zy zz J zx J zy
zz
2 2

Constitutive Equation
The constitutive equations relate stresses and strains and in linear elasticity. We know from the
Hooks law V  E.H
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Where E is modulus of elasticity
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Vx
It is known that V x produces a strain of in x-direction
E
Vx Vx
and Poissons effect gives  P in y-direction and P in z-direction.
E E
Therefore we my write the generalized Hooks law as
1 1 1
x V x  P V y  V z  , V y  P V z  V x  and z
y V z  P V x  V y 
E E E
It is also known that the shear stress, W GJ , where G is the shear modulus and J is shear strain.
We may thus write the three strain components as
W xy W yz W zx
J xy , J yz and J zx
G G G
In general each strain is dependent on each stress and we may write
H x K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 V x
V
H y K 21 K 22 K 23 K 24 K 25 K 26 y
H K 31 K 32 K 33 K 34 K 35 K 36 V z
z

J xy K 41 K 42 K 43 K 44 K 45 K 46 W xy
J K K K K K K
yz 51 52 53 54 55 56 W yz
J zx K 61 K 62 K 63 K 64 K 65 K 66 W
zx
? The number of elastic constant is 36 (For anisotropic materials)
For isotropic material
1
K11 K 22 K 33
E
1
K 44 K 55 K 66
G
P
K12 K13 K 21 K 23 K 31 K 32 
E
Rest of all elements in K matrix are zero.
For isotropic material only two independent elastic constant is there say E and G.

x 1-D Strain
Let us take an example: A rod of cross sectional area Ao is
loaded by a tensile force P.
P
Its stresses Vx , Vy 0, and V z 0
Ao

1-D state of stress or Uni-axial state of stress

V xx 0 0 W xx 0 0 V x 0 0

V ij 0 0 0 or W ij 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Therefore strain components are

Page 77 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Vx Vx Vx
x ; y  P  P x ; and z P  P x
E E E

1-D state of strain or Uni-axial state of strain

Vx
E 0 0
Hx 0 0 py 0 0
Vx
H ij 0  PH x 0 0 P 0 0 qy 0
E
0 0  PH x
0 0 qy
0 V
0  P x
E
x 2-D Strain (V z 0)

1
(i) x V x  PV y
E
1
y V y  PV x
E
P
z  V x  V y
E
[Where, x ,y ,z are strain component in X, Y, and Z axis respectively]

E
(ii) Vx  P y
2 x
1 P
E
Vy  P x
2 y
1 P
x 3-D Strain
1
(i) x V x  P V y  V z 
E
1
y V y  P V z  V x 
E
1
z V z  P V x  V y 
E
E
(ii) Vx 1  P  x  P y  z 
1  P 1  2 P 

Page 78 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
E
Vy 1  P  y  P z  x 
1  P 1  2P 
E
Vz 1  P  z  P x  y 
1  P 1  2P 

Let us take an example: At a point in a loaded member, a state of plane stress exists and the

strains are H x 270 u 10 6 ; Hy 90 u 106 and H xy 360 u 10 6 . If the elastic constants

E, P and G are 200 GPa, 0.25 and 80 GPa respectively.

Determine the normal stress V x and V y and the shear stress W xy at the point.

Answer: We know that

1
Hx
E
^V x  PV y `
1
. Hy
E
^V y  PV x `
W xy
H xy
G
E 200 u 109
This gives V x
1 P 2
^H x  PH y ` 270 u 106  0.25 u 90 u 106 Pa
1  0.252
52.8 MPa (i.e. tensile)

E
and V y H y  PH x
1 P 2
200 u 109
90 u 106  0.25 u 270 u 106 Pa  4.8 MPa (i.e.compressive)
1  0.252
and W xy H xy .G 360 u 106 u 80 u 109 Pa 28.8MPa

J xy
2.12 An element subjected to strain components x ,y &
2
Consider an element as shown in the figure given. The strain component In X-direction is x , the

strain component in Y-direction is y and the shear strain component is J xy .

Now consider a plane at an angle T with X- axis in this plane a normal strain T and a shear

strain J T . Then

x  y x  y J xy
x T  cos 2T  sin 2T
2 2 2
JT x  y J xy
x  sin 2T  cos 2T
2 2 2
Page 79 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
We may find principal strain and principal plane for strains in the same process which we

followed for stress analysis.

In the principal plane shear strain is zero.

Therefore principal strains are

2 2
x  y x  y J xy
1,2 r 
2 2 2
The angle of principal plane

J xy
tan 2T p
(x  y )
x Maximum shearing strain is equal to the difference between the 2 principal strains i.e

(J xy ) max 1  2

Mohr's Circle for circle for Plain Strain

We may draw Mohrs circle for strain following same procedure which we followed for drawing

Mohrs circle in stress. Everything will be same and in the place of V x write x , the place of
J xy
V y write y and in place of W xy write .
2

Page 80 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

2.15 Volumetric Strain (Dilation)

x Rectangular block,

'V
x  y  z
V0
Proof: Volumetric strain
'V V  Vo
V0 V0
L 1  H x  u L 1  H y  u L 1  H z   L3
L3 After deformation,
Before deformation,
x  y  z
Volume (Vo) = L3 Volume (V)

= L 1  H x  u L 1  H y  u L 1  H z 
(neglecting second and third order
term, as very small )
x In case of prismatic bar,

dv
Volumetric strain, H 1  2P 
v
Proof: Before deformation, the volume of the
bar, V = A.L

After deformation, the length Lc  L 1  H 

2
and the new cross-sectional area  A c  A 1  PH 
2
Therefore now volume V c  A cLc=AL 1  H 1  PH 
Page 81 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
2
'V V c-V AL 1  H 1  PH   AL
? H 1  2P 
V V AL
'V
H 1  2P 
V
x Thin Cylindrical vessel

V1 V2 pr
1=Longitudinal strain = P >1  2P @
E E 2 Et
V2 V1 pr
2 =Circumferential strain = P >2  P @
E E 2Et
'V pr
1 2 2 [5  4]
Vo 2 Et

x Thin Spherical vessels

pr
1 2 [1  P ]
2 Et
'V 3 pr
3 [1  P ]
V0 2 Et

x In case of pure shear

Vx V y W
Therefore
W
Hx 1  P 
E
W
Hy  1  P 
E
Hz 0

dv
Therefore H v Hx  Hy  Hz 0
v

2.16 Measurement of Strain

Unlike stress, strain can be measured directly. The most common way of measuring strain is by use
of the Strain Gauge.

Strain Gauge

Page 82 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
A strain gage is a simple device, comprising of a thin
electric wire attached to an insulating thin backing
material such as a bakelite foil. The foil is exposed to the
surface of the specimen on which the strain is to be
measured. The thin epoxy layer bonds the gauge to the
surface and forces the gauge to shorten or elongate as if it
were part of the specimen being strained.

A change in length of the gauge due to longitudinal strain

creates a proportional change in the electric resistance,
and since a constant current is maintained in the gauge, a
proportional change in voltage. (V = IR).

The voltage can be easily measured, and through

calibration, transformed into the change in length of the
original gauge length, i.e. the longitudinal strain along the
gauge length.

Strain Gauge factor (G.F)

The strain gauge factor relates a change in resistance with strain.

Strain Rosette
The strain rosette is a device used to measure the state of strain at a point in a plane.
It comprises three or more independent strain gauges, each of which is used to read normal strain
at the same point but in a different direction.
The relative orientation between the three gauges is known as D , E and G
The three measurements of normal strain provide sufficient information for the determination of the
complete state of strain at the measured point in 2-D.
We have to find out x , y , and J xy form measured value a , b , and c

Page 83 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
General arrangement:
The orientation of strain gauges is given in the
figure. To relate strain we have to use the
following formula.
x  y x  y J xy
T  cos 2T  sin 2T
2 2 2
We get
x  y x  y J xy
a  cos 2D  sin 2D
2 2 2

x  y x  y J xy
b  cos 2 D  E   sin 2 D  E 
2 2 2
x  y x  y J xy
c  cos 2 D  E  G   sin 2 D  E  G 
2 2 2
From this three equations and three unknown we may solve x , y , and J xy

x Two standard arrangement of the of the strain rosette are as follows:

(i) 45 strain rosette or Rectangular strain rosette.
In the general arrangement above, put

D 0o ; E 45o and G 45o

Putting the value we get
x a x
x  x J xy
x b  45
o

2 2
x c y
(ii) 60 strain rosette or Delta strain rosette
In the general arrangement above, put

D 0o ; E 60o and G 60o

Putting the value we get
x a y
60o 1200
x 3 y 3
x b  J xy
4 4
x 3 y 3 or
x c  J xy
4 4
Solving above three equation we get

Page 84 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 20-Years GATE Questions

Stresses due to Pure Shear

GATE-1. A block of steel is loaded by a tangential force on its top surface while the
bottom surface is held rigidly. The deformation of the block is due to
[GATE-1992]
(a) Shear only (b) Bending only (c) Shear and bending (d) Torsion
GATE-1. Ans. (a) It is the definition of shear stress. The force is applied tangentially it is not a
point load so you cannot compare it with a cantilever with a point load at its free end.

GATE-2. A shaft subjected to torsion experiences a pure shear stress W on the surface.
The maximum principal stress on the surface which is at 45 to the axis will
have a value [GATE-2003]
(a) W cos 45 (b) 2 W cos 45 (c) W cos2 45 (d) 2 W sin 45 cos 45
Vx Vy Vx Vy
GATE-2. Ans. (d) V n  cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
2 2
Here V x V 2 0, W xy W , T 45o

GATE-3. The number of components in a stress tensor defining stress at a point in three
dimensions is: [GATE-2002]
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 9
GATE-3. Ans. (d) It is well known that,
W xy W yx, W xz W zx and W yz W zy
so that the state of stress at a point is given by six components V x ,V y ,V z and W xy , W yz ,W zx

Principal Stress and Principal Plane

GATE-4. A body is subjected to a pure tensile stress of 100 units. What is the maximum
shear produced in the body at some oblique plane due to the above? [IES-2006]
(a) 100 units (b) 75 units (c) 50 units (d) 0 unit
V 1  V 2 100  0
GATE-4. Ans. (c) W max 50 units.
2 2

GATE-5. In a strained material one of the principal stresses is twice the other. The
maximum shear stress in the same case is W max .Then, what is the value of the
maximum principle stress? [IES 2007]
(a) W max (b) 2 W max (c) 4 W max (d) 8 W max
V1  V 2 V2
GATE-5. Ans. (c) W max , V1 2V 2 or W max or V2 2W max or V 1 2V 2 = 4W max
2 2

GATE-6. A material element subjected to a plane state of stress such that the maximum
shear stress is equal to the maximum tensile stress, would correspond to
[IAS-1998]

Page 85 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

V1  V 2 V 1  ( V 1 )
GATE-6. Ans. (d) W max V1
2 2

GATE-7. A solid circular shaft is subjected to a maximum shearing stress of 140 MPs.
The magnitude of the maximum normal stress developed in the shaft is:
[IAS-1995]
(a) 140 MPa (b) 80 MPa (c) 70 MPa (d) 60 MPa
V1  V 2
GATE-7. Ans. (a) W max Maximum normal stress will developed if V 1 V 2 V
2

GATE-8. The state of stress at a point in a loaded member is shown in the figure. The
magnitude of maximum shear stress is [1MPa = 10 kg/cm2] [IAS 1994]
(a) 10 MPa (b) 30 MPa (c) 50 MPa (d) 100MPa

2 2
Vx V y  40  40
GATE-8. Ans. (c) W max  W xy 2 =
2
 30 = 50 MPa
2 2

GATE-9. A solid circular shaft of diameter 100 mm is subjected to an axial stress of 50

MPa. It is further subjected to a torque of 10 kNm. The maximum principal
stress experienced on the shaft is closest to [GATE-2008]
(a) 41 MPa (b) 82 MPa (c) 164 MPa (d) 204 MPa
16T 16 u 10000
GATE-9. Ans. (b) Shear Stress ( W )= Pa 50.93 MPa
Sd 3 S u (0.1)3
2
Vb V
Maximum principal Stress =  b  W 2 =82 MPa
2 2

GATE-10. In a bi-axial stress problem, the stresses in x and y directions are (x = 200 MPa
and y =100 MPa. The maximum principal stress in MPa, is: [GATE-2000]
(a) 50 (b) 100 (c) 150 (d) 200
2
Vx Vy Vx Vy 2
GATE-10. Ans. (d) V 1   W xy if W xy 0
2 2

Page 86 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
2
Vx Vy Vx Vy
 Vx
2 2

GATE-11. The maximum principle stress for the stress

state shown in the figure is
(a) (b) 2
(c) 3 (d) 1.5

[GATE-2001]
GATE-11. Ans. (b) V x V, Vy V , W xy V
2
Vx  Vy Vx  Vy V V 2
?V 1 max  2
 W xy  0 V2 2V
2 2 2

GATE-12. The normal stresses at a point are x = 10 MPa and, y = 2 MPa; the shear stress
at this point is 4MPa. The maximum principal stress at this point is:
[GATE-1998]
(a) 16 MPa (b) 14 MPa (c) 11 MPa (d) 10 MPa
2 2
Vx Vy Vx Vy 2 10  2 10  2 2
GATE-12. Ans. (c) V 1   W xy  4 11.66 MPa
2 2 2 2

GATE-13. In a Mohr's circle, the radius of the circle is taken as: [IES-2006; GATE-1993]
2
V x V y
2
2 V V y  2
 W xy   W xy 
x
(a) (b)
2 2
2
V x V y 2 2 2
(c)  W xy  (d) V x  V y   W xy 
2
Where, x and y are normal stresses along x and y directions respectively and xy is the
shear stress.
GATE-13. Ans. (a)

GATE-14. A two dimensional fluid element rotates like a rigid body. At a point within the
element, the pressure is 1 unit. Radius of the Mohr's circle, characterizing the
state of stress at that point, is: [GATE-2008]
(a) 0.5 unit (b) 0 unit (c) 1 unit (d) 2 units
GATE-14. Ans. (b)

Page 87 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
GATE-15. The Mohr's circle of plane stress
for a point in a body is shown.
The design is to be done on the
basis of the maximum shear
stress theory for yielding. Then,
yielding will just begin if the
designer chooses a ductile
material whose yield strength is:
(a) 45 MPa (b) 50 MPa
(c) 90 MPa (d) 100 MPa [GATE-2005]

GATE-15. Ans. (c)

Given V 1 10 MPa, V2 100 MPa
V1  V 2 Vy
Maximum shear stress theory give W max
2 2
or V 1  V 2 Vy Vy 10  ( 100) 90MPa

GATE-16. The figure shows the state of

stress at a certain point in a
stressed body. The magnitudes of
normal stresses in the x and y
direction are 100MPa and 20 MPa
respectively. The radius of
Mohr's stress circle representing
this state of stress is:
(a) 120 (b) 80
(c) 60 (d) 40

[GATE-2004]
GATE-16. Ans. (c)
V x 100MPa, V y 20MPa
Vx Vy 100   20 
Radius of Mohr 's circle 60
2 2
Data for Q17Q18 are given below. Solve the problems and choose correct answers.
[GATE-2003]
The state of stress at a point "P" in a two dimensional loading is such that the Mohr's
circle is a point located at 175 MPa on the positive normal stress axis.

GATE-17. Determine the maximum and minimum principal stresses respectively from the
Mohr's circle
(a) + 175 MPa, 175MPa (b) +175 MPa, +175 MPa
(c) 0, 175 MPa (d) 0, 0
GATE-17. Ans. (b)

V1 V 2 Vx Vy 175 MPa

GATE-18. Determine the directions of maximum and minimum principal stresses at the
point P from the Mohr's circle Page 88 of 429 [GATE-2003]
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
(a) 0, 90 (b) 90, 0 (c) 45, 135 (d) All directions
GATE-18. Ans. (d) From the Mohrs circle it will give all directions.

Principal strains
GATE-19. If the two principal strains at a point are 1000 10-6 and -600 10-6, then the
maximum shear strain is: [GATE-1996]
(a) 800 10-6 (b) 500 10-6 (c) 1600 10-6 (d) 200 10-6
GATE-19. Ans. (c) Shear strain emax  emin ^1000   600 ` u 10 6 1600 u 10 6

Previous 20-Years IES Questions

Stresses due to Pure Shear

IES-1. If a prismatic bar be subjected to an axial tensile stress , then shear stress
induced on a plane inclined at with the axis will be: [IES-1992]
V V V V
a  sin 2T  b cos 2T c cos 2 T d sin 2 T
2 2 2 2
IES-1. Ans. (a)

IES-2. In the case of bi-axial state of normal stresses, the normal stress on 45 plane is
equal to [IES-1992]
(a) The sum of the normal stresses (b) Difference of the normal stresses
(c) Half the sum of the normal stresses (d) Half the difference of the normal stresses
Vx Vy Vx Vy
IES-2. Ans. (c) V n  cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
2 2
Vx Vy
At T 45o andW xy 0; V n
2

IES-3. In a two-dimensional problem, the state of pure shear at a point is

characterized by [IES-2001]
(a) H x H y and J xy 0 (b) H x H y and J xy z 0
(c) Hx 2H y and J xy z 0 (d) Hx 0.5H y and J xy 0
IES-3. Ans. (b)

IES-4. Which one of the following Mohrs circles represents the state of pure shear?
[IES-2000]

IES-4. Ans. (c)

Page 89 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IES-5. For the state of stress of pure shear W the strain energy stored per unit volume
in the elastic, homogeneous isotropic material having elastic constants E and
Q will be: [IES-1998]
W2 W2 2W 2 W2
(a) 1 Q  (b) 1 Q  (c) 1 Q  (d)  2 Q 
E 2E E 2E
IES-5. Ans. (a) V 1 W , V2 W , V 3 0
1 2 2 1 P 2
U W   W   2PW  W  V W V
2E E

IES-6. Assertion (A): If the state at a point is pure shear, then the principal planes
through that point making an angle of 45 with plane of shearing stress carries
principal stresses whose magnitude is equal to that of shearing stress.
Reason (R): Complementary shear stresses are equal in magnitude, but
opposite in direction. [IES-1996]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-6. Ans. (b)

IES-7. Assertion (A): Circular shafts made of brittle material fail along a helicoidally
surface inclined at 45 to the axis (artery point) when subjected to twisting
moment. [IES-1995]
Reason (R): The state of pure shear caused by torsion of the shaft is equivalent
to one of tension at 45 to the shaft axis and equal compression in the
perpendicular direction.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-7. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation for A.

IES-8. A state of pure shear in a biaxial state of stress is given by [IES-1994]

V1 0 V1 0 V x W xy
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of the above
0 V2 0 V 1 W yx V y
IES-8. Ans. (b) V 1 W , V2 W , V 3 0

IES-9. The state of plane stress in a plate of 100 mm thickness is given as [IES-2000]
xx = 100 N/mm2, yy = 200 N/mm2, Young's modulus = 300 N/mm2, Poisson's ratio
= 0.3. The stress developed in the direction of thickness is:
(a) Zero (b) 90 N/mm2 (c) 100 N/mm2 (d) 200 N/mm2
IES-9. Ans. (a)

IES-10. The state of plane stress at a point is described by V x V y V and W xy 0 . The

normal stress on the plane inclined at 45 to the x-plane will be: [IES-1998]
 a V b 2V c 3V  d  2V
Vx Vy Vx Vy
IES-10. Ans. (a) V n  cos 2T  W xy sin 2T
2 2

IES-11. Consider the following statements: [IES-1996, 1998]

State of stress in two dimensions at a point in a loaded component can be
completely specified by indicating the normal and shear stresses on
1. A plane containing the point
2. Any two planes passing through the point
3. Two mutually perpendicular Page 90 of 429
planes passing through the point
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Of these statements
(a) 1, and 3 are correct (b) 2 alone is correct
(c) 1 alone is correct (d) 3 alone is correct
IES-11. Ans. (d)

Principal Stress and Principal Plane

IES-12. A body is subjected to a pure tensile stress of 100 units. What is the maximum
shear produced in the body at some oblique plane due to the above? [IES-2006]
(a) 100 units (b) 75 units (c) 50 units (d) 0 unit
V 1  V 2 100  0
IES-12. Ans. (c) W max 50 units.
2 2

IES-13. In a strained material one of the principal stresses is twice the other. The
maximum shear stress in the same case is U max . Then, what is the value of the
maximum principle stress? [IES 2007]
W
(a) max W
(b) 2 max W
(c) 4 max (d) 8 W max
V1  V 2 V2
IES-13. Ans. (c) W max , V1 2V 2 or W max or V2 2W max or V 1 2V 2 = 4W max
2 2

IES-14. In a strained material, normal stresses on two mutually perpendicular planes

are x and y (both alike) accompanied by a shear stress xy One of the principal
stresses will be zero, only if [IES-2006]
V x uV y
(a) W xy (b) W xy V x uV y (c) W xy V x uV y (d) W xy V x2 V y2
2
2
Vx  Vy Vx Vy 2
IES-14. Ans. (c) V 1,2   W xy
2 2
2
Vx Vy Vx Vy 2
if V 2 0  W xy
2 2
2 2
Vx  Vy Vx Vy 2
or  W xy or W xy Vx uVy
2 2

IES-15. The principal stresses 1, 2 and 3 at a point respectively are 80 MPa, 30 MPa
and 40 MPa. The maximum shear stress is: [IES-2001]
(a) 25 MPa (b) 35 MPa (c) 55 MPa (d) 60 MPa
V1  V 2 80  ( 40)
IES-15. Ans. (d) W max 60 MPa
2 2

IES-16. Plane stress at a point in a body is defined by principal stresses 3 and . The
ratio of the normal stress to the maximum shear stresses on the plane of
maximum shear stress is: [IES-2000]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
2W xy
IES-16. Ans. (b) tan 2T T 0
Vx Vy
V1  V 2 3V  V
W max V
2 2
3V  V
Major principal stress on the plane of maximum shear = V 1 2V
2
Page 91 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IES-17. Principal stresses at a point in plane stressed element are Vx Vy 500 kg/cm 2 .
Normal stress on the plane inclined at 45o to x-axis will be: [IES-1993]
(a) 0 (b) 500 kg/cm 2 (c) 707 kg/cm2 (d) 1000 kg/cm2
IES-17. Ans. (b) When stresses are alike, then normal stress n on plane inclined at angle 45 is
2 2
2 2 1 1 1 1
V n V y cos T  V x sin T Vy Vx 500  500 kg/cm 2
2 2 2 2

IES-18. If the principal stresses corresponding to a two-dimensional state of stress are

V1 and V2 is greater than V2 and both are tensile, then which one of the
following would be the correct criterion for failure by yielding, according to
the maximum shear stress criterion? [IES-1993]

(a)
V 1  V 2  r
V yp
(b)
V1
r
V yp
(c )
V2
r
V yp
(d ) V 1 r2V yp
2 2 2 2 2 2
IES-18. Ans. (a)

IES-19. For the state of plane stress.

Shown the maximum and
minimum principal stresses are:
(a) 60 MPa and 30 MPa
(b) 50 MPa and 10 MPa
(c) 40 MPa and 20 MPa
(d) 70 MPa and 30 MPa

[IES-1992]
2
Vx Vy Vx Vy 2
IES-19. Ans. (d) V 1,2   W xy
2 2
2
50  ( 10) 50  10 2
V 1,2   40
2 2
V max 70 and V min 30

IES-20. Normal stresses of equal magnitude p, but of opposite signs, act at a point of a
strained material in perpendicular direction. What is the magnitude of the
resultant normal stress on a plane inclined at 45 to the applied stresses?
[IES-2005]
(a) 2 p (b) p/2 (c) p/4 (d) Zero
Vx Vy Vx Vy
IES-20. Ans. (d) V x  cos 2T
2 2
P P P P
Vn  cos 2 u 45 0
2 2

IES-21. A plane stressed element is subjected to the state of stress given by

V x W xy 100 kgf/cm 2 and y = 0. Maximum shear stress in the element is equal
to [IES-1997]

 a  50 3 kgf/cm 2  b 100 kgf/cm 2  c  50 5 kgf/cm2  d 150 kgf/cm 2

Page 92 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
2
Vx 0 V 0
IES-21. Ans. (c) V 1,2 r x  W xy2 50 # 50 5
2 2
V 1  V 2
Maximum shear stress = 50 5
2

IES-22. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer, using the codes given
below the lists: [IES-1995]
List I(State of stress) List II(Kind of loading)

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 3 4 1 2
IES-22. Ans. (c)

Mohr's circle
IES-23. Consider the Mohr's circle shown
above:
What is the state of stress
represented by this circle?
(a)V x V y z 0, W xy 0
(b)V x  V y 0, W xy z 0
(c)V x 0, V y W xy z 0
(d)V x z 0, V y W xy 0

[IES-2008]
IES-23. Ans. (b) It is a case of pure shear. Just put V 1 V 2

IES-24. For a general two dimensional stress system, what are the coordinates of the
centre of Mohrs circle? [IE
Vx V y Vx Vy Vx Vy Vx V y
(a) ,0 (b) 0, (c) ,0 (d) 0,
2 2 2 2
IES-24. Ans. (c)

IES-25. In a Mohr's circle, the radius of the circle is taken as: [IES-2006; GATE-1993]
2
V x V y
2
2 V V y  2
 W xy   W xy 
x
(a) (b)
2 2
2
V x V y 2 2 2
(c)  W xy  Page 93 of 429
(d) V x  V y   W xy 
2
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Where, x and y are normal stresses along x and y directions respectively and xy is the
shear stress.
IES-25. Ans. (a)

IES-26. Maximum shear stress in a Mohr's Circle [IES- 2008]

(a) Is equal to radius of Mohr's circle (b) Is greater than radius of Mohr's circle
(c) Is less than radius of Mohr's circle (d) Could be any of the above
IES-26. Ans. (a)

2
2 2
Vx  Vy Vx  Vy
2 2
V xc   Wxcyc
 W xy
2 2

? Radius of the Mohr Circle
2
Vx  Vy 2
2  W xy

2
Vx  Vy Vx  Vy 2
? Vt   W xy
2 2
2
Vx  Vy Vx  Vy 2
V2   W xy
2 2
2
V1  V2 Vx  Vy 2
Wmax r Wmax  W xy
2 2

IES-27. At a point in two-dimensional stress system x = 100 N/mm2, y = xy = 40 N/mm2.

What is the radius of the Mohr circle for stress drawn with a scale of: 1 cm = 10
N/mm2? Page 94 of 429 [IES-2005]
(a) 3 cm (b) 4 cm (c) 5 cm (d) 6 cm
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IES-27. Ans. (c) Radius of the Mohr circle
V V 2 100  40 2
x y
 W xy 2 / 10  40 2
/ 10 50 / 10 5 cm
2
2

IES-28. Consider a two dimensional state of stress given for an element as shown in the
diagram given below: [IES-2004]

What are the coordinates of the centre of Mohr's circle?

(a) (0, 0) (b) (100, 200) (c) (200, 100) (d) (50, 0)
V x  V y 200  100
IES-28. Ans. (d) Centre of Mohrs circle is ,0 ,0  50,0 
2 2

IES-29. Two-dimensional state of stress at a point in a plane stressed element is

represented by a Mohr circle of zero radius. Then both principal stresses
(a) Are equal to zero [IES-2003]
(b) Are equal to zero and shear stress is also equal to zero
(c) Are of equal magnitude but of opposite sign
(d) Are of equal magnitude and of same sign
IES-29. Ans. (d)

IES-30. Assertion (A): Mohr's circle of stress can be related to Mohr's circle of strain by
some constant of proportionality. [IES-2002]
Reason (R): The relationship is a function of yield stress of the material.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-30. Ans. (c)

IES-31. When two mutually perpendicular principal stresses are unequal but like, the
maximum shear stress is represented by [IES-1994]
(a) The diameter of the Mohr's circle
(b) Half the diameter of the Mohr's circle
(c) One-third the diameter of the Mohr's circle
(d) One-fourth the diameter of the Mohr's circle
IES-31. Ans. (b)

IES-32. State of stress in a plane element is shown in figure I. Which one of the
following figures-II is the correct sketch of Mohr's circle of the state of stress?
[IES-1993, 1996]

Page 95 of 429
Figure-I Figure-II
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IES-32. Ans. (c)

Strain
IES-33. A point in a two dimensional state of strain is subjected to pure shearing strain
of magnitude J xy radians. Which one of the following is the maximum principal
strain? [IES-2008]
(a) J xy (b) J xy / 2 (c) J xy /2 (d) 2 J xy
IES-33. Ans. (c)

IES-34. Assertion (A): A plane state of stress does not necessarily result into a plane
state of strain as well. [IES-1996]
Reason (R): Normal stresses acting along X and Y directions will also result
into normal strain along the Z-direction.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-34. Ans. (a)

Principal strains
IES-35. Principal strains at a point are 100 u 106 and 200 u 106 . What is the maximum
shear strain at the point? [IES-2006]
(a) 300 10 6 (b) 200 10 6 (c) 150 10 6 (d) 100 106
IES-35. Ans. (a) J max H 1  H 2 100   200  u 10 6
300 u 10 6

V1  V 2
don' t confuse withMaximumShear stress W max 
2
J xy H1  H 2 V1  V 2
in strain and W max that is the difference.
2 2 2

IES-36. The principal strains at a point in a body, under biaxial state of stress, are
1000106 and 600 106. What is the maximum shear strain at that point?
[IES-2009]
(a) 200 106 (b) 800 106 (c) 1000 106 (d) 1600 106
IES-36. Ans. (d)
x  y Ixy
2 2
Ixy x  y 
1000 u 106  600 u 106  1600 u 106

IES-37. The number of strain readings (using strain gauges) needed on a plane surface
to determine the principal strains and their directions is: [IES-1994]
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
IES-37. Ans. (c) Three strain gauges are needed on a plane surface to determine the principal
strains and their directions.

Principal strain induced by principal stress

IES-38. The principal stresses at a point in two dimensional stress system are V 1 and
V 2 and corresponding principal strains are H1 and H 2 . If E and Q denote
Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, respectively, then which one of the
following is correct? [IES-2008]
E
(a) V 1 EH1 (b)V 1 >H1  QH 2 @
1Q 2
E
(c)V 1 >H1  QH 2 @ (d)96Vof
Page E >H 1  QH 2 @
1 429
1Q 2
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
T1 T T T
IES-38. Ans. (b) F1  N 2 and F2  2  N 1 From these two equation eliminate T2 .
E E E E

IES-39. Assertion (A): Mohr's construction is possible for stresses, strains and area
moment of inertia. [IES-2009]
Reason (R): Mohr's circle represents the transformation of second-order tensor.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
IES-39. Ans. (a)

Previous 20-Years IAS Questions

Stresses due to Pure Shear

IAS-1. On a plane, resultant stress is inclined at an angle of 45o to the plane. If the
normal stress is 100 N /mm2, the shear stress on the plane is: [IAS-2003]
(a) 71.5 N/mm2 (b) 100 N/mm2 (c) 86.6 N/mm2 (d) 120.8 N/mm2
IAS-1. Ans. (b) We know V n V cos2 T and W V sin T cos T
100 V cos2 45 or V 200
W 200 sin 45 cos 45 100

IAS-2. Biaxial stress system is correctly shown in [IAS-1999]

IAS-2. Ans. (c)

IAS-3. The complementary shear stresses of

intensity W are induced at a point in
the material, as shown in the figure.
Which one of the following is the
correct set of orientations of principal
planes with respect to AB?
(a) 30 and 120 (b) 45 and 135
(c) 60 and 150 (d) 75Page
and97165
of 429
[IAS-1998]
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IAS-3. Ans. (b) It is a case of pure shear so principal planes will be along the diagonal.

IAS-4. A uniform bar lying in the x-direction is subjected to pure bending. Which one
of the following tensors represents the strain variations when bending moment
is about the z-axis (p, q and r constants)? [IAS-2001]
py 0 0 py 0 0

(a) 0
qy 0 (b) 0
qy 0
0 0 ry 0 0 0

py 0 0 py 0 0

(c) 0
py 0 (d) 0 qy 0

0 0 py 0 0 qy

IAS-4. Ans. (d) Stress in x direction = x
Vx Vx Vx
Therefore Hx , Hy P , Hz P
E E E

IAS-5. Assuming E = 160 GPa and G = 100 GPa for a material, a strain tensor is given
as: [IAS-2001]
0.002 0.004 0.006

0.004 0.003 0
0.006 0 0

The shear stress, W xy is:
(a) 400 MPa (b) 500 MPa (c) 800 MPa (d) 1000 MPa

IAS-5. Ans. (c)

H xx H xy H xz
J xy
H yx H yy H yz and H xy
H H H 2
zx zy zz
W xy G J xy 100 u 10 u  0.004 u 2  MPa 800MPa
3

Principal Stress and Principal Plane

IAS-6. A material element subjected to a plane state of stress such that the maximum
shear stress is equal to the maximum tensile stress, would correspond to
[IAS-1998]

V1  V 2 V 1  ( V 1 )
IAS-6. Ans. (d) W max V1
2 2

IAS-7. A solid circular shaft is subjected to a maximum shearing stress of 140 MPs.
The magnitude of the maximum normal stress developed in the shaft is:
Page 98 of 429
[IAS-1995]
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
(a) 140 MPa (b) 80 MPa (c) 70 MPa (d) 60 MPa
V1  V 2
IAS-7. Ans. (a) W max Maximum normal stress will developed if V 1 V 2 V
2

IAS-8. The state of stress at a point in a loaded member is shown in the figure. The
magnitude of maximum shear stress is [1MPa = 10 kg/cm2] [IAS 1994]
(a) 10 MPa (b) 30 MPa (c) 50 MPa (d) 100MPa

2 2
V x V y  40  40
IAS-8. Ans. (c) W max  W xy 2 =
2
 30 = 50 MPa
2 2

IAS-9. A horizontal beam under bending has a maximum bending stress of 100 MPa
and a maximum shear stress of 20 MPa. What is the maximum principal stress
in the beam? [IAS-2004]
(a) 20 (b) 50 (c) 50 + 2900 (d) 100
IAS-9. Ans. (c) b=100MPa W =20 mPa
2
Vb V
1,2=  b W 2
2 2
2 2
Vb V 100 100
V 1,2
2
 b W 2
2 2

2
 20
2
50  
2900 MPa

IAS-10. When the two principal stresses are equal and like: the resultant stress on any
plane is: [IAS-2002]
(a) Equal to the principal stress (b) Zero
(c) One half the principal stress (d) One third of the principal stress
Vx V y V x V y
IAS-10. Ans. (a) Vn  cos 2T
2 2
[We may consider this as W xy 0 ] Vx V y V ( say ) So V n V for any plane

IAS-11. Assertion (A): When an isotropic, linearly elastic material is loaded biaxially,
the directions of principal stressed are different from those of principal
strains. [IAS-2001]
Reason (R): For an isotropic, linearly elastic material the Hooke's law gives
only two independent material properties.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-11. Ans. (d) They are same.

Page 99 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IAS-12. Principal stress at a point in a stressed solid are 400 MPa and 300 MPa
respectively. The normal stresses on planes inclined at 45 to the principal
planes will be: [IAS-2000]
(a) 200 MPa and 500 MPa (b) 350 MPa on both planes
(c) 100MPaand6ooMPa (d) 150 MPa and 550 MPa
IAS-12. Ans. (b)
Vx V y V x V y 400  300 400  300
Vn  cos 2T  cos 2 u 45o 350MPa
2 2 2 2

IAS-13. The principal stresses at a point in an elastic material are 60N/mm2 tensile, 20
N/mm2 tensile and 50 N/mm2 compressive. If the material properties are: =
0.35 and E = 105 Nmm2, then the volumetric strain of the material is: [IAS-1997]
(a) 9 105 (b) 3 10-4 (c) 10.5 105 (d) 21 105
IAS-13. Ans. (a)
Vx Vy Vz Vy V V Vz V Vy
x  P  , y  P z  x and z  P x 
E E E E E E E E E

Vx  Vy  Vz 2P
v x  y  z
E

E
V x  V y  V z 
Vx  Vy  Vz 60  20  50
1  2P  1  2 u 0.35  9 u 10 5
E 105

Mohr's circle
IAS-14. Match List-I (Mohr's Circles of stress) with List-II (Types of Loading) and select
the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [IAS-2004]
List-I List-II
(Mohr's Circles of Stress) (Types of Loading)

1. A shaft compressed all round by a hub

2. Bending moment applied at the free

end of a cantilever

3. Shaft under torsion

4. Thin cylinder under pressure

5. Thin spherical shell under internal

pressure
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 5 4 3 2 (b) 2 4 1 3
(c) 4 3 2 5 (d) 2 3 1 5
IAS-14. Ans. (d)

Page 100 of 429

Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
IAS-15. The resultant stress on a certain plane makes an angle of 20 with the normal
to the plane. On the plane perpendicular to the above plane, the resultant
stress makes an angle of with the normal. The value of can be: [IAS-2001]
(a) 0 or 20 (b) Any value other than 0 or 90
(c) Any value between 0 and 20 (d) 20 only
IAS-15. Ans. (b)

IAS-16. The correct Mohr's stress-circle drawn for a point in a solid shaft compressed
by a shrunk fit hub is as (O-Origin and C-Centre of circle; OA = 1 and OB = 2)
[IAS-2001]

IAS-16. Ans. (d)

IAS-17. A Mohr's stress circle is drawn for a body subjected to tensile stress f x and f y
in two mutually perpendicular directions such that f x > f y . Which one of the
following statements in this regard is NOT correct? [IAS-2000]
fx  f y
(a) Normal stress on a plane at 45 to f x is equal to
2
fx  f y
(b) Shear stress on a plane at 450 to f x is equal to
2
(c) Maximum normal stress is equal to fx .
fx  f y
(d) Maximum shear stress is equal to
2
fx  f y
IAS-17. Ans. (d) Maximum shear stress is
2

IAS-18. For the given stress condition V x =2 N/mm2, V x =0 and W xy 0 , the correct
Mohrs circle is: [IAS-1999]

Vx Vy 20
IAS-18. Ans. (d) Centre ,0 2 ,0 1, 0 
2
2 2
Vx Vy 2 20
radius Wx 2 0 1
2

IAS-19. For which one of the following two-dimensional states of stress will the Mohr's
stress circle degenerate into a point? [IAS-1996]

Page 101 of 429

Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

IAS-19. Ans. (c) Mohrs circle will be a point.

2
Vx Vy 2
Radius of the Mohrs circle =  W xy ? W xy 0 andV x Vy V
2

Principal strains
IAS-20. In an axi-symmetric plane strain problem, let u be the radial displacement at r.
Then the strain components H r , HT , beT are given by [IAS-1995]
u wu w 2u wu u
(a) Hr , HT , b rT (b) Hr , HT , b rT o
r wr wrwT wr r
u wu wu wu w 2u
(c) Hr , HT , b rT 0 (d) Hr , HT , b rT
r wr wr wT wrwT
IAS-20. Ans. (b)

IAS-21. Assertion (A): Uniaxial stress normally gives rise to triaxial strain.
Reason (R): Magnitude of strains in the perpendicular directions of applied
stress is smaller than that in the direction of applied stress. [IAS-2004]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-21. Ans. (b)

IAS-22. Assertion (A): A plane state of stress will, in general, not result in a plane state
of strain. [IAS-2002]
Reason (R): A thin plane lamina stretched in its own plane will result in a state
of plane strain.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-22. Ans. (c) R is false. Stress in one plane always induce a lateral strain with its orthogonal
plane.

Page 102 of 429

Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-1999
Question: What are principal in planes?
Answer: The planes which pass through the point in such a manner that the resultant stress
across them is totally a normal stress are known as principal planes. No shear stress
exists at the principal planes.

Conventional Question IES-2009

Q. The Mohrs circle for a plane stress is a circle of radius R with its origin at + 2R
on V axis. Sketch the Mohrs circle and determine V max , V min , V av ,  Wxy max for
this situation. [2 Marks]

Ans. Here V max 3R

V min R
3R  R
V Vv 2R
2
V max  V min 3R  R
and W xy R
2 2

R R

(2R,0)

3R

Conventional Question IES-1999

Question: Direct tensile stresses of 120 MPa and 70 MPa act on a body on mutually
perpendicular planes. What is the magnitude of shearing stress that can be
applied so that the major principal stress at the point does not exceed 135
MPa? Determine the value of minor principal stress and the maximum shear
stress.
Answer: Let shearing stress is 'U ' MPa.
The principal stresses are
2
120  70 120  70
1,2  o U
2

2 2
Major principal stress is
2
120  70 120  70

2
1    U
2 2
 135(Given) or , U  31.2MPa.

Page 103 of 429

Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Minor principal stress is
2
120  70 120  70 2
2   31.2 55 MPa
2 2
V1  V 2 135  55
W max 40 MPa
2 2

Conventional Question IES-2009

Q. The state of stress at a point in a loaded machine member is given by the
principle stresses. [ 2 Marks]
V1 600 MPa, V 2 0 and V3 600 MPa .
(i) What is the magnitude of the maximum shear stress?
(ii) What is the inclination of the plane on which the maximum shear stress
acts with respect to the plane on which the maximum principle stress
V1 acts?
Ans. (i) Maximum shear stress,
V1  V3 600   600 
W
2 2
600 MPa
(ii) At = 45 max. shear stress occurs with 1 plane. Since 1 and 3 are principle
stress does not contains shear stress. Hence max. shear stress is at 45 with principle
plane.

Conventional Question IES-2008

Question: A prismatic bar in compression has a cross- sectional area A = 900 mm2 and
carries an axial load P = 90 kN. What are the stresses acts on
(i) A plane transverse to the loading axis;
(ii) A plane at = 60o to the loading axis?
Answer: (i) From figure it is clear A plane
transverse to loading axis, =0o
P 90000
= Tn  cos2 = N / mm 2
A 900
 100 N / mm 2
P 90000
and U = Sin 2= q sin=0
2A 2900
(iii) A plane at 60o to loading axis,
= 60- 30 = 30
P 90000
Tn  cos2 = q cos2 30
A 900
 75N / mm 2
P 90000
U sin2R  sin2 q 60o
2A 2 q 900
 43.3N / mm 2

Conventional Question IES-2001

Question: A tension member with a cross-sectional area of 30 mm2 resists a load of 80
kN, Calculate the normal and shear stresses on the plane of maximum shear
stress.
P P
Answer: n  cos2 U sin 2
A 2A
Page 104 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals

For maximum shear stress sin2 = 1, or, = 45o

80 q103 P 80 q103
n
 q cos2 45  1333MPa and Umax    1333MPa
30 2A 30 q 2

Conventional Question IES-2007

Question: At a point in a loaded structure, a pure shear stress state U = o 400 MPa
prevails on two given planes at right angles.
(i) What would be the state of stress across the planes of an element taken at
+45 to the given planes?
(ii) What are the magnitudes of these stresses?
Answer: (i) For pure shear

x   y ; U max  o x  o400MPa

(ii) Magnitude of these stresses

n  U xy Sin 2  U xy Sin90o  U xy  400 MPa and U  (U xy cos 2 )  0

Conventional Question IAS-1997

Question: Draw Mohr's circle for a 2-dimensional stress field subjected to
(a) Pure shear (b) Pure biaxial tension (c) Pure uniaxial tension and (d) Pure
uniaxial compression
Answer: Mohr's circles for 2-dimensional stress field subjected to pure shear, pure biaxial
tension, pure uniaxial compression and pure uniaxial tension are shown in figure
below:

Conventional Question IES-2003

Question: A Solid phosphor bronze shaft
Page60
105mm
of 429in diameter is rotating at 800 rpm and
transmitting power. It is subjected torsion only. An electrical resistance
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
strain gauge mounted on the surface of the shaft with its axis at 45 to the
shaft axis, gives the strain reading as 3.98 104. If the modulus of elasticity
for bronze is 105 GN/m2 and Poisson's ratio is 0.3, find the power being
transmitted by the shaft. Bending effect may be neglected.
Answer:

Let us assume maximum shear stress on the cross-sectional plane MU is U . Then

1
Principal stress along, VM = - 4U 2 = -U (compressive)
2
1
Principal stress along, LU = 4U 2  U (tensile)
2
Thus magntude of the compressive strain along VM is
U
= (1  )  3.98 q104
E
3.98 q104 q 105 q109

or U =  32.15 MPa
1  0.3

= Torque being transmitted (T) = U q qd 3
16

 32.15 q106
q q 0.063 =1363.5 Nm
16

2N 2800
= Power being transmitted, P =T.X =T. =1363.5 W  114.23 kW
60 60

Conventional Question IES-2002

Question: The magnitude of normal stress on two mutually perpendicular planes, at a
point in an elastic body are 60 MPa (compressive) and 80 MPa (tensile)
respectively. Find the magnitudes of shearing stresses on these planes if the
magnitude of one of the principal stresses is 100 MPa (tensile). Find also the
magnitude of the other principal stress at this point.

Page 106 of 429

Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Answer: Above figure shows stress condition assuming
shear stress is ' U xy' 80Mpa
Jxy
Principal stresses
2
x  y  y
1,2  o x  U xy2 60Mpa 60Mpa

2 2 Jxy
Jxy
2
60  80 60  80
or , 1,2  o 2
 U xy
2 2 Jxy
80Mpa
2
60  80 60  80
or , 1,2  o 2
 U xy
2
2
To make principal stress 100 MPa we have to consider '+' .
= 1  100 MPa  10  702  U xy2 ; or, U xy  56.57 MPa
Therefore other principal stress will be
2
60  80 60  80

2
2    (56.57)
2 2
i.e. 80 MPa(compressive)

Conventional Question IES-2001

Question: A steel tube of inner diameter 100 mm and wall thickness 5 mm is subjected to a
torsional moment of 1000 Nm. Calculate the principal stresses and
orientations of the principal planes on the outer surface of the tube.

0.110
 0.100
= 4.56 q106 m 4
4 4
Answer: Polar moment of Inertia (J)=
32

5mm
T U T .R 1000 q(0.055)
Now  or J  
J R J 4.56 q106
 12.07MPa
2U xy
Now, tan 2 p  r,
x  y 50mm
0 0
gives p  45 or 135
= 1  U xy Sin 2  12.07 q sin 900
 12.07 MPa
and 2  12.07 sin 2700
 12.07MPa

Conventional Question IES-2000

Question: At a point in a two dimensional stress system the normal stresses on two
mutually perpendicular planes are T x and T y and the shear stress is U xy. At
what value of shear stress, one of the principal stresses will become zero?
Answer: Two principal stressdes are
2
x  y x - y
1,2  o  U xy2
2 2
Page 107 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Considering (-)ive sign it may be zero
2 2 2
 y x  y  y x  y
= x   U xy2 or, x   U xy2
2 2 2 2
2 2
 y x  y
or, U  x
2
 2
or, U xy  x y or,U xy  o x y
2 2
xy

Conventional Question IES-1996

Question: A solid shaft of diameter 30 mm is fixed at one end. It is subject to a tensile
force of 10 kN and a torque of 60 Nm. At a point on the surface of the shaft,
determine the principle stresses and the maximum shear stress.
Answer: Given: D = 30 mm = 0.03 m; P = 10 kN; T= 60 Nm
Pr incipal stresses V 1,V 2  and max imum shear stress W max  :
10 u 103
Tensile stress V t Vx 14.15 u 106 N / m2 or 14.15 MN / m2
S
u 0.032
4

T W
As per torsion equation,
J R
TR TR 60 u 0.015
? Shear stress, W 11.32 u 106 N / m2
J S S 4
D 4
u  0.03 
32 32
or 11.32 MN / m2
The principal stresses are calculated by u sin g the relations :

Vx  Vy V x  V y 2
2
V 1,2 r  W xy
2 2

Here Vx 14.15MN / m2 ,V y 0;W xy W 11.32 MN / m2
2
14.15 14.15 2
? V 1,2 r  11.32 
2 2
7.07 r 13.35 20.425 MN / m2 , 6.275MN / m2 .
Hence,major principal stress, V 1 20.425 MN / m2  tensile 
Minor principal stress, V 2 6.275MN / m2  compressive 
V1  V 2 24.425   6.275 
Maximum shear stress,W max 13.35mm / m2
2 2

Conventional Question IES-2000

Question: Two planes AB and BC which are at right angles are acted upon by tensile
stress of 140 N/mm2 and a compressive stress of 70 N/mm2 respectively and
also by stress 35 N/mm2. Determine the principal stresses and principal
planes. Find also the maximum shear stress and planes on which they act.
Sketch the Mohr circle and mark the relevant data.
Page 108 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
Answer: Given 70N/mm
2

B
x =140MPa(tensile) C

y = -70MPa(compressive) 2
35Nmm 2
U xy  35MPa 140N/mm

Principal stresses; 1, 2 ;
A
2
x  y x  y
We know that, 1,2  o 2
 U xy
2 2
2
140  70 140  70
 o 2
 35  35 o 110.7
2 2
Therefore 1 =145.7 MPa and 2  75.7MPa

Position of Principal planes 1, 2

2U xy 2 q 35
tan 2 p    0.3333
x  y 140  70
1 - 2 145  75.7
Maximum shear stress, Umax    110.7MPa
2 2
Y
Mohr cirle:

OL= x  140MPa
S 2Rp =198.4
OM  y  70MPa
SM  LT  U xy  35MPa U L
M O 2R V
N 
Joining ST that cuts at 'N'
= 140 T
SN=NT=radius of Mohr circle =110.7 MPa
OV=1  145.7MPa
OV  2  75.7MPa
Conventional Question IES-2010
Q6. The data obtained from a rectangular strain gauge rosette attached to a
stressed steel member are 0 =  220 u 106 , 45
0
120 u 1006 , and

90 =220 u 106 . Given that the value of E = 2 u 105 N / mm2 and Poissons
Ratio P 0.3 , calculate the values of principal stresses acting at the point and
their directions. [10 Marks]
Ans. A rectangular strain gauge rosette strain
0 220 u 106 120 u 106 90 220 u 106
450

E = 2 u 1011 N / m2 poisson ratio P 0.3

Find out principal stress and their direction.
Let ea o ec 90 and eb 45
We know that principal strain are
ea  eb 2 2
12
2
 ea  eb    eb  ec 

220 u 106  120 u 106 1  2 2

2
r
2

 220  120   106    120  220 10  6

1
50 u 106 r 354.40 u 106
2 Page 109 of 429
Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
6
12 50 u 10 r 250.6 u 106
1 2.01 u 104
2 3.01 u 104
Direction can be find out : -
2eb  ea  ec 2 u 120 u 106
tan 2p
ec  ea 220 u 106  220 u 106
240
0.55
440
2p 28.81
p 14.450 clockwiseform principal strain t1
Principal stress:-

1
E 1  2  
2 u 1011 2  0.3  3  u 104 
2 2
1 1  0.3
241.78 u 105 N / m 2
527.47 u 105 N / m 2

Conventional Question IES-1998

Question: When using strain-gauge system for stress/force/displacement measurements
how are in-built magnification and temperature compensation achieved?
Answer: In-built magnification and temperature compensation are achieved by
(a) Through use of adjacent arm balancing of Wheat-stone bridge.
(b) By means of self temperature compensation by selected melt-gauge and dual
element-gauge.

Conventional Question AMIE-1998

Question: A cylinder (500 mm internal diameter and 20 mm wall thickness) with closed
ends is subjected simultaneously to an internal pressure of 0-60 MPa, bending
moment 64000 Nm and torque 16000 Nm. Determine the maximum tensile
stress and shearing stress in the wall.
Answer: Given: d = 500 mm = 05 m; t = 20 mm = 002 m; p = 060 MPa = 0.6 MN/m2;
M = 64000 Nm = 0064 MNm; T= 16000 Nm = 0016 MNm.
Maximum tensile stress:
First let us determine the principle stresses V 1 and V 2 assuming this as a thin
cylinder.
pd 0.6 u 0.5
We know, V1 7.5MN / m2
2t 2 u 0.02
pd 0.6 u 0.5
and V2 3.75MN / m2
4t 4 u 0.02
Next consider effect of combined bending moment and torque on the walls of the
cylinder. Then the principal stresses V '1 and V '2 are given by

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Chapter-2 Principal Stress and Strain S K Mondals
16
V '1 3
M  M2  T 2
Sd
16
and V '2 M  M2  T 2
S d3
16 0.064  0.0642  0.0162
? V '1 3
5.29MN / m2
S u  0.5 
16 0.064  0.0642  0.0162
and V '2 0.08MN / m2
S u  0.5 
3
Maximum shearing stress,W max :
V I  V II
We Know, W max
2
V II V 2  V '2 3.75  0.08 3.67MN / m2  tensile 
12.79  3.67
? W max 4.56MN / m2
2

Page 111 of 429

 3. Moment of Inertia and Centroid

Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)

3.1 Centre of gravity
The centre of gravity of a body defined as the point through which the whole weight of a body may be

assumed to act.

3.2 Centroid or Centre of area

The centroid or centre of area is defined as the point where the whole area of the figure is assumed

to be concentrated.

3.3 Moment of Inertia (MOI)

x About any point the product of the force and the perpendicular distance between them is

known as moment of a force or first moment of force.

x This first moment is again multiplied by the perpendicular distance between them to obtain

second moment of force.

x In the same way if we consider the area of the figure it is called second moment of area or

area moment of inertia and if we consider the mass of a body it is called second moment of

mass or mass moment of Inertia.

x Mass moment of inertia is the measure of resistance of the body to rotation and forms the

basis of dynamics of rigid bodies.

x Area moment of Inertia is the measure of resistance to bending and forms the basis of

strength of materials.

3.4 Mass moment of Inertia (MOI)

I m r
i
i i
2

x Notice that the moment of inertia I depends on the distribution of mass in the system.
x The furthest the mass is from the rotation axis, the bigger the moment of inertia.
x For a given object, the moment of inertia depends on where we choose the rotation axis.
x In rotational dynamics, the moment of inertia I appears in the same way that mass m does
Page 112 of 429
in linear dynamics.
Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
x Solid disc or cylinder of mass M and radius R, about perpendicular axis through its
1
centre, I MR2
2
x Solid sphere of mass M and radius R, about an axis through its centre, I = 2/5 M R2
x Thin rod of mass M and length L, about a perpendicular axis through
its centre.

1
I ML2
12

x Thin rod of mass M and length L, about a perpendicular axis through its
end.

1
I ML2
3

3.5 Area Moment of Inertia (MOI) or Second moment of area

x To find the centroid of an area by the first moment of the area

about an axis was determined ( x dA )
x Integral of the second moment of area is called moment of
inertia ( x2dA)
x Consider the area ( A )
x By definition, the moment of inertia of the differential area
about the x and y axes are dIxx and dIyy
x dIxx = y2dA Ixx = y2 dA

x dIyy = x2dA Iyy = x2 dA

3.6 Parallel axis theorem for an area

The rotational inertia about any axis is the sum of
second moment of inertia about a parallel axis
through the C.G and total area of the body times
square of the distance between the axes.
INN = ICG + Ah2

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Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
3.7 Perpendicular axis theorem for an area
If x, y & z are mutually perpendicular axes as shown, then
I zz  J  I xx  I yy

Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of x y and vertical to this page as

shown in figure.

x To find the moment of inertia of the differential area about the pole (point of origin) or z-axis,
(r) is used. (r) is the perpendicular distance from the pole to dA for the entire area
J = r2 dA = (x2 + y2 )dA = Ixx + Iyy (since r2 = x2 + y2 )
Where, J = polar moment of inertia

3.8 Moments of Inertia (area) of some common area

(i) MOI of Rectangular area
Moment of inertia about axis XX which passes
through centroid.
Take an element of width dy at a distance y
from XX axis.
? Area of the element (dA) = b u dy.
and Moment of Inertia of the element about XX

axis dA u y 2 b.y 2 .dy

?Total MOI about XX axis (Note it is area
moment of Inertia)
h h
2
2
2
bh3
I xx by dy 2 by 2 dy
h 0
12
2

3
bh
I xx
12
hb3
Similarly, we may find, I yy
12
bh3 hb3
?Polar moment of inertia (J) = Ixx + Iyy = 
12 12

Page 114 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
If we want to know the MOI about an axis NN passing
through the bottom edge or top edge.
Axis XX and NN are parallel and at a distance h/2.
Therefore INN = Ixx + Area u (distance) 2
2
bh3 h bh3
 buhu
12 2 3

Case-I: Square area

a4
I xx
12

Case-II: Square area with diagonal as axis

a4
I xx
12

Case-III: Rectangular area with a centrally

rectangular hole
Moment of inertia of the area = moment of inertia of BIG
rectangle moment of inertia of SMALL rectangle

BH 3 bh3
I xx 
12 12

Page 115 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
(ii) MOI of a Circular area
The moment of inertia about axis XX this passes through
the centroid. It is very easy to find polar moment of inertia
about point O. Take an element of width dr at a distance
r from centre. Therefore, the moment of inertia of this
element about polar axis

d(J) = d(Ixx + Iyy ) = area of ring u (radius)2

or d(J) 2S rdr u r 2

Integrating both side we get

R
3 S R4 S D4
J
0
2S r dr
2 32
Due to summetry I xx I yy
J S D4
Therefore, I xx I yy
2 64

S D4 S D4
I xx I yy and J
64 32
Case-I: Moment of inertia of a circular

area with a concentric hole.

Moment of inertia of the area = moment of inertia of
BIG circle moment of inertia of SMALL circle.
S D4 S d4
Ixx = Iyy =
64 64
S
( D4  d4 )
64
S
and J ( D4  d4 )
32

Case-II: Moment of inertia of a semi-

circular area.
1
I NN of the momemt of total circular lamina
2
1 S D4 S D4
u
2 64 128

We know that distance of CG from base is

4r 2D
h  say 
3S 3S
i.e. distance of parallel axis XX and NN is (h)
? According to parallel axis theory

Page 116 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
2
I NN I G  Area  distance 
S D4 1 S D2 2
or I xx  u h
128 2 4
S D4 1 S D 2 2D
or I xx  u u
128 2 4 3S

or I xx 0.11R 4
Case III: Quarter circle area
IXX = one half of the moment of Inertia of the Semi-
circular area about XX.
1
I XX
2

u 0.11R4  0.055 R4

I XX 0.055 R 4
INN = one half of the moment of Inertia of the Semi-
circular area about NN.
1 S D4 S D4
? I NN u
2 64 128

(iii) Moment of Inertia of a Triangular area

(a) Moment of Inertia of a Triangular area of
a axis XX parallel to base and passes through
C.G.

bh3
I XX
36
(b) Moment of inertia of a triangle about an
axis passes through base

bh3
I NN
12

Page 117 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
(iv) Moment of inertia of a thin circular ring:
Polar moment of Inertia

J R2 u area of whole ring

R 2 u 2S Rt 2S R 3 t

J
I XX IYY S R 3t
2

(v) Moment of inertia of a elliptical area

S ab3
I XX
4

Let us take an example: An I-section beam of 100 mm wide, 150 mm depth flange and web of
thickness 20 mm is used in a structure of length 5 m. Determine the Moment of Inertia (of area) of
cross-section of the beam.
Answer: Carefully observe the figure below. It has sections with symmetry about the neutral axis.

bh3
We may use standard value for a rectangle about an axis passes through centroid. i.e. I .
12
The section can thus be divided into convenient rectangles for each of which the neutral axis passes
I Beam I Re c tan gle - I Shaded area
0.100 u  0.150 3 0.40 u 0.1303 4
the centroid. -2 u m
12 12
1.183 u 10-4 m4

3.9 Radius of gyration

Consider area A with moment of inertia Ixx. Imagine
that the area is concentrated in a thin strip parallel to
Page 118 of 429
Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
the x axis with equivalent Ixx.

I xx
I xx 2
kxx A or kxx
A
kxx =radius of gyration with respect to the x axis.

Similarly

I yy
I yy 2
kyy A or kyy
A

J
J ko2 A or ko
A
ko2 2
kxx 2
 kyy

Let us take an example: Find radius of gyration for a circular area of diameter d about central
axis.
Answer:

2
We know that, I xx K xx A

Page 119 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
4
Sd
I XX 64 d
or K XX
A S d2 4
4

Page 120 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 20-Years GATE Questions

Moment of Inertia (Second moment of an area)

GATE-1. The second moment of a circular area about the diameter is given by (D is the
diameter) [GATE-2003]

S D4 S D4 S D4 S D4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 16 32 64
GATE-1. Ans. (d)

GATE-2. The area moment of inertia of a square of size 1 unit about its diagonal is:
[GATE-2001]
1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 4 12 6
4
a4 1
GATE-2. Ans. (c) I xx
12 12

Radius of Gyration
Data for Q3Q4 are given below. Solve the problems and choose correct
answers.
A reel of mass m and radius of gyration k is rolling down smoothly from rest with one
end of the thread wound on it held in the ceiling as depicted in the figure. Consider the
thickness of the thread and its mass negligible in comparison with the radius r of the
hub and the reel mass m. Symbol g represents the acceleration due to gravity.
[GATE-2003]

Page 121 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid

GATE-3. The linear acceleration of the reel is:

gr 2 gk2 grk mgr 2
(a) 2 (b) (c) (d)
r  k2 
r 2  k2  r 2
 k2  r 2
 k2 
GATE-3. Ans. (a) For downward linear motion mg T = mf, where f = linear tangential
acceleration = r, = rotational acceleration. Considering rotational motion
Tr I D .
f gr 2
or, T = mk2 u therefore mg T = mf gives f =
r2 r 2  k2  

GATE-4. The tension in the thread is:

mgr 2 mgrk mgk2 mg
(a) 2 (b) 2 (c) (d)
r k 
2

r  k2  r 2
k 2
 r 2
 k2 
2 2
f gr mgk
GATE-4. Ans. (c) T mk2 u mk2 u
r2 2

r r k 2 2
 r 2
 k2 

Previous 20-Years IES Questions

Centroid
IES-1. Assertion (A): Inertia force always acts through the centroid of the body and is
directed opposite to the acceleration of the centroid. [IES-2001]
Reason (R): It has always a tendency to retard the motion.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-1. Ans. (c) It has always a tendency to oppose the motion not retard. If we want to retard a
motion then it will wand to accelerate.

Page 122 of 429

Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid
Radius of Gyration
IES-2. Figure shows a rigid body of mass
m having radius of gyration k
about its centre of gravity. It is to
be replaced by an equivalent
dynamical system of two masses
placed at A and B. The mass at A
should be:
a um bum
(a) (b)
a b a b
m a m b
(c) u (d) u
3 b 2 a
[IES-2003]
IES-2. Ans. (b)

IES-3. Force required to accelerate a cylindrical body which rolls without slipping on a
horizontal plane (mass of cylindrical body is m, radius of the cylindrical
surface in contact with plane is r, radius of gyration of body is k and
acceleration of the body is a) is: [IES-2001]
2
 2
(a) m k / r  1 .a  2 2
(b) mk / r .a  2
(c) mk .a 2

(d) mk / r  1 .a 
IES-3. Ans. (a)

IES-4. A body of mass m and radius of gyration k is to be replaced by two masses m1 and
m2 located at distances h1 and h2 from the CG of the original body. An
equivalent dynamic system will result, if [IES-2001]
(a) h1  h2 k (b) h1
2
 h22 k2 (c) h1h2 k2 (d) h1h2 k2
IES-4. Ans. (c)

Previous 20-Years IAS Questions

Radius of Gyration
IAS-1. A wheel of centroidal radius of gyration 'k' is rolling on a horizontal surface
with constant velocity. It comes across an obstruction of height 'h' Because of
its rolling speed, it just overcomes the obstruction. To determine v, one should
use the principle (s) of conservation of [IAS 1994]
(a) Energy (b) Linear momentum
(c) Energy and linear momentum (d) Energy and angular momentum
IAS-1. Ans. (a)

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Chapter-3 Moment of Inertia and Centroid

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question IES-2004
Question: When are I-sections preferred in engineering applications? Elaborate your
answer.
Answer: I-section has large section modulus. It will reduce the stresses induced in the material.
Since I-section has the considerable area are far away from the natural so its section
modulus increased.

Page 124 of 429