CVL 231: Engineering Materials I

Lecture 11: Strain Transformation

Lecture Content

❑ Plane-Strain,

❑ General Equations of Plane-Strain Transformation,

❑ Principal Strains and Maximum In-Plane Shear Strain,

❑ Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strain, and

❑ Exemple.
Lecture objectives

❑ The transformation of strain at a point is similar to the transformation of stress, and as a

result the methods of the previous lectures will be applied in this lecture , such as, the
general equations of plane-strain transformation, and Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strain.

1
Plane Strain

❑ As outlined before, the general state of strain at a point in a body is represented by a

combination of three components of normal strain, 𝜀 x, 𝜀 y, 𝜀 z, and three components of shear
strain 𝛾xy, 𝛾xz, 𝛾𝑦𝑧.

❑ These six components tend to deform each face of an element of the material, and like
stress, the normal and shear strain components at the point will vary according to the
orientation of the element.

❑ The strains at a point are often determined by using strain gauges, which measure normal
strain in specified directions. For both analysis and design, however, engineers must
sometimes transform this data in order to obtain the strain in other directions.

❑ To understand how this is done, we will first confine our attention to a study of plane strain.
Specifically, we will not consider the effects of the components 𝜀 z, 𝛾xz, and 𝛾yz.

2
Plane Strain
❑ In general, then, a plane-strained element is subjected to two components of normal strain,
𝜀 x, 𝜀 y, and one component of shear strain, 𝛾xy.

❑ Although plane strain and plane stress each have three components lying in the same plane,
realize that plane stress does not necessarily cause plane strain or vice versa. The reason for
this has to do with the Poisson effect discussed before.

❑ For example, if the shown element is subjected to plane

stress sx and sy, not only are normal strains 𝜀 x and 𝜀 y
produced, but there is also an associated normal strain, 𝜀 z.
This is obviously not a case of plane strain. In general,
then, unless 𝜈 = 0, the Poisson effect will prevent the
simultaneous occurrence of plane strain and plane stress.

3
General Equations of Plane-Strain Transformation
❑ It is important in plane-strain analysis to establish transformation equations that can be used
to determine the x’, y’ components of normal and shear strain at a point, provided the x, y
components of strain are known. Essentially this problem is one of geometry and requires
relating the deformations and rotations of line segments, which represent the sides of
differential elements that are parallel to each set of axes.

❑ Sign Convention. Before the strain-transformation

equations can be developed, we must first establish a sign
convention for the strains. With reference to the differential
element shown in Fig. a, normal strains 𝜺x and 𝜺y are positive
if they cause elongation along the x and y axes, respectively,
and the shear strain 𝜸xy is positive if the interior angle AOB
becomes smaller than 90°. This sign convention also follows
the corresponding one used for plane stress, then, positive sx,
sy, 𝜏xy will cause the element to deform in the positive 𝜀 x, 𝜀 y, 𝛾xy
directions, respectively.
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General Equations of Plane-Strain Transformation
➢ The problem here will be to determine at a point the normal and shear strains 𝜀 x’, 𝜀 y’, 𝛾x’y’,
measured relative to the x’, y’ axes, if we know 𝜀 x, 𝜀 y, 𝛾xy, measured relative to the x, y axes. If the
angle between the x and x’ axes is 𝜃, then, like the case of plane stress, 𝜽 will be positive provided
it follows the curl of the right-hand fingers, i.e., counterclockwise.

normal strains 𝜀 x and the shear strain 𝛾xy is

𝜀 y are positive if they positive if the interior
cause elongation along angle AOB becomes
the x and y axes smaller than 90°

Positive normal strain, 𝜀𝑥′ Positive normal strain,𝛾x’y’

5
General Equations of Plane-Strain Transformation
normal strains x and
➢ Like the stress transformation, the following equations can be generated: y are positive if they
cause elongation along
the x and y axes
𝜀𝑥 +𝜀𝑦 𝜀𝑥 − 𝜀𝑦 𝛾𝑥𝑦
𝜀𝑥 ′ = + cos 2𝜃 + sin 2𝜃 𝐸𝑞 [1]
2 2 2

𝜀𝑥 +𝜀𝑦 𝜀𝑥 − 𝜀𝑦 𝛾𝑥𝑦
𝜀𝑦′ = − cos 2𝜃 − sin 2𝜃 𝐸𝑞 [2]
2 2 2

𝛾𝑥′𝑦′ 𝜀𝑥 − 𝜀𝑦 𝛾𝑥𝑦
= −( ) sin 2𝜃 + cos 2𝜃 𝐸𝑞 [3] Positive normal strain,
2 2 2
the shear strain xy is
❖ These strain-transformation equations give the normal strain 𝜀𝑥′ in positive if the interior
the x’ direction and the shear strain 𝛾𝑥′𝑦′ of an element oriented at angle AOB becomes
smaller than 90°
an angle 𝜃.

❖ According to the established sign convention, if 𝜀𝑥′ is positive, the

element elongates in the positive x’ direction, and if 𝛾𝑥′𝑦′ is positive,
the element deforms as shown.
6 Positive normal strain, x’y’
Principal Strains and Maximum In-Plane Shear Strain

❑ Principal Strains. Like stress, an element can be oriented at a point so that the element’s
deformation is caused only by normal strains, with no shear strain. When this occurs the normal
strains are referred to as principal strains, and if the material is isotropic, the axes along which
these strains occur will coincide with the axes that define the planes of principal stress.

❑ Maximum In-Plane Shear Strain. Like stress, the maximum in-plane shear strain and
associated average normal strain are determined from the following equations:

7
Strain Transformation : Important Points
Important Points:
✓ In the case of plane stress, plane-strain analysis may be used within the plane of the stresses to
analyze the data from strain gauges. Remember, though, there will be a normal strain that is
perpendicular to the gauges due to the Poisson effect.
✓ When the state of strain is represented by the principal strains, no shear strain will act on the element.

✓ The state of strain at a point can also be represented in terms of the maximum in-plane shear strain. In
this case an average normal strain will also act on the element.
✓ The element representing the maximum in-plane shear strain and its associated average normal
strains is 45° from the orientation of an element representing the principal strains.

8
Examples: Principal Stresses and Maximum In-Plane Shear Stress
Example 1 𝜀𝑥 = -350(10-6),
𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6)
(a) the principal strains

Orientation of the Element.

A differential element of material at a point is

subjected to a state of plane strain defined by 𝜀𝑥
= -350(10-6), 𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6), 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6), which
tends to distort the element as shown. Determine:
(a) the principal strains at the point and the
❖ Each of these angles is measured positive associated orientation of the element, (b) the
counterclockwise, from the x axis to the outward normal maximum in-plane shear strain at the point and
the associated orientation of the element.
on each face of the element
9
Examples: Principal Strains
Example 1 𝜀𝑥 = -350(10-6),
𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6)
Principal Strains. 𝜃𝑝 = -4.14o

A differential element of material at a point is

➢ To determine which of these two strains deforms the element in the x",
subjected to a state of plane strain defined by 𝜀𝑥
= -350(10-6), 𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6), 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6), which
tends to distort the element as shown. Determine:
(a) the principal strains at the point and the
associated orientation of the element, (b) the
maximum in-plane shear strain at the point and
the associated orientation of the element.
10
Examples: Principal Strains
Example 1 𝜀𝑥 = -350(10-6),
𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6)
Principal Strains. 𝜃𝑝 = -4.14o
❖ Hence 𝜀𝑥′ = 𝜀2 . When subjected to the principal strains,
the element is distorted as shown
(a) the principal strains
at the point and the
associated orientation
of the element A differential element of material at a point is
subjected to a state of plane strain defined by 𝜀𝑥
= -350(10-6), 𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6), 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6), which
tends to distort the element as shown. Determine:
(a) the principal strains at the point and the
associated orientation of the element, (b) the
maximum in-plane shear strain at the point and
the associated orientation of the element.
11
Examples: Principal Stresses and Maximum In-Plane Shear Stress
Example 1 𝜀𝑥 = -350(10-6),
𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6)
(b) the maximum in-plane shear strain
Orientation of the Element.

A differential element of material at a point is

subjected to a state of plane strain defined by 𝜀𝑥
❖ Note that this orientation is = -350(10-6), 𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6), 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6), which
45° from 𝜃p as expected. tends to distort the element as shown. Determine:
(a) the principal strains at the point and the
associated orientation of the element, (b) the
maximum in-plane shear strain at the point and
the associated orientation of the element.
12
Examples: Principal Stresses and Maximum In-Plane Shear Stress
Example 1 𝜀𝑥 = -350(10-6),
𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6)
(b) the maximum in-plane shear strain 𝜃𝑠 = 40.9o

A differential element of material at a point is

subjected to a state of plane strain defined by 𝜀𝑥
𝐸𝑞 [3] = -350(10-6), 𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6), 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6), which
tends to distort the element as shown. Determine:
(a) the principal strains at the point and the
associated orientation of the element, (b) the
maximum in-plane shear strain at the point and
the associated orientation of the element.
13
Examples: Principal Stresses and Maximum In-Plane Shear Stress
Example 1 𝜀𝑥 = -350(10-6),
𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6)
(b) the maximum in-plane shear strain 𝜃𝑠 = 40.9o
𝛾𝑥′𝑦′ = 556(10-6)

A differential element of material at a point is

subjected to a state of plane strain defined by 𝜀𝑥
= -350(10-6), 𝜀𝑦 = 200(10-6), 𝛾𝑥𝑦 = 80(10-6), which
tends to distort the element as shown. Determine:
➢ These strains tend to cause (a) the principal strains at the point and the
the element to contract as associated orientation of the element, (b) the
shown maximum in-plane shear strain at the point and
the associated orientation of the element.
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Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strain
❑ Since the equations of plane-strain transformation are mathematically similar to the
equations of plane-stress transformation, we can also solve problems involving the
transformation of strain using Mohr’s circle
➢ For a known state of plane strains, 𝜀 x, 𝜀 y,
and 𝛾xy we can construct Mohr’s Circle
as shown.
+ve
𝟏
𝑪 = 𝝐𝒂𝒗𝒈 = 𝝐 +𝝐
𝟐 𝒙 𝒚

𝝐𝒙 − 𝝐𝒚 𝟐 𝜸𝒙𝒚 𝟐
𝑹= +
𝟐 𝟐
+ve
➢ The procedure for drawing Mohr’s circle for
strain follows the same one established for
stress.
15
Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strain

+ve

+ve

Principal Strains

16
Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strain

+ve

+ve

Maximum In-Plane Shear Strain

17
Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strain

+ve

+ve

Strains on Arbitrary Plane

18
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 1 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= 250(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -150(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 120(10-6). Determine
Construction of the Circle. The 𝝐 and 𝛾/2 axes (a) the principal strains and the orientation of
are established in Fig. a. Remember that the positive the element, and (b) the maximum in-plane
𝛾/ 2 axis must be directed downward so that shear strains and the orientation of an element.
counterclockwise rotations of the element correspond
to counterclockwise rotation around the circle, and
vice versa. The center of the circle C is located on
the 𝝐 axis at

+ve
➢ Since 𝛾xy/2 = 60(10-6 ), the reference point A (𝜃 = 0°)
has coordinates A(250(10-6 ), 60(10-6 )). From the
shaded triangle in Fig. a, the radius of the circle is CA;
that is, +ve
(a)
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Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 1 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= 250(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -150(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 120(10-6). Determine
(a) the principal strains and the orientation of
(a) Principal Strains. The 𝝐 coordinates of points
the element, and (b) the maximum in-plane
B and D represent the principal strains. They are
shear strains and the orientation of an element.
𝝐avg = 50 (10-6 )
R = 208.8 (10-6 )
The direction of the positive principal strain 𝝐1 is
defined by the counterclockwise angle 2θp, measured
from the radial reference line CA (𝜃 = 0°) to the line
+ve
CB. We have

+ve
(a)
20
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 1 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= 250(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -150(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 120(10-6). Determine
Hence, the side dx’ of the element is oriented (a) the principal strains and the orientation of
counterclockwise 8.35° as shown in Fig. b. This also the element, and (b) the maximum in-plane
defines the direction of 𝝐1. The deformation of the shear strains and the orientation of an element.
element is also shown in the figure b. 𝝐1 = 259 (10-6 ) 𝝐 = 50 (10-6 )
avg
𝝐2 = -159 (10-6 ) R = 208.8 (10-6 )
(b)
𝜃𝑝1 = 8.35°

+ve

+ve
(a)
21
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 1 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= 250(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -150(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 120(10-6). Determine
(a) the principal strains and the orientation of
(b) Maximum In-Plane Shear Strain. Half the
the element, and (b) the maximum in-plane
maximum in-plane shear strain and average normal shear strains and the orientation of an element.
strain are represented by the coordinates of point E
or F on the circle. From the coordinates of point E, 𝝐avg = 50 (10-6 )
R = 208.8 (10-6 )

+ve

+ve
(a)
22
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 1 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= 250(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -150(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 120(10-6). Determine
➢ To orient the element, we can determine the (a) the principal strains and the orientation of
clockwise angle 2θs1 measured from CA (𝜃 = 0°) the element, and (b) the maximum in-plane
to CE. shear strains and the orientation of an element.
𝝐avg = 50 (10-6 )
R = 208.8 (10-6 )

+ve

+ve
(a)
23
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 2 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= -300(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -100(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 100(10-6). Determine
Construction of the Circle. The 𝝐 and 𝛾/2 axes the state of strain on an element oriented 20°
are established in Fig. a. The center of the circle C clockwise from this reported position.
is located on the 𝝐 axis at

➢ The reference point A has coordinates A(-300(10-6 ),

50(10-6 )). The radius CA determined from the
shaded triangle is therefore

24
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 2 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= -300(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -100(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 100(10-6). Determine
Strains on Inclined Element. Since the element is the state of strain on an element oriented 20°
clockwise from this reported position.
to be oriented 20° clockwise, we must establish a radial
line CP, 2(20°) = 40° clockwise, measured from CA
( 𝜃 = 0° ), Fig. a. The coordinates of point P are
obtained from the geometry of the circle. Note that

25
Examples: Mohr’s Circle—Plane Strains
Example 2 The state of plane strain at a point is
represented by the components 𝝐x= -300(10-6),
❑ SOLUTION 𝝐y = -100(10-6), and 𝛾 xy = 100(10-6). Determine
the state of strain on an element oriented 20°
➢ The normal strain 𝝐y’ can be determined from the clockwise from this reported position.
coordinate of point Q on the circle, Fig. a.

➢ As a result of these strains,

the element deforms relative
to the x’, y’ axes as shown
in Fig. b.

26 (b)
Questions