Finding axial extension in steel bar

AI Thread Summary
To determine the axial extension of a cylindrical steel bar under a tensile load, the stress (\sigma) is calculated using the formula \sigma = F/A, where the area (A) is derived from the diameter. Initial calculations yielded a stress of approximately 50.27 MPa, leading to a strain (e) of 2.39 x 10^-4 and an extension of 1.2 mm. However, subsequent attempts resulted in a recalculated stress of 1.27 MPa and an extension of 0.0303 mm, indicating potential errors in the area calculation and the modulus of elasticity (E) used. Consistent units are crucial for accurate results, and the modulus should be converted to MPa for proper calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of unit consistency and correct area calculations in determining axial extension.
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Homework Statement


A cylindrical steel bar, 20-mm in diameter and 5.0-m in length, is subjected to an axial tensile load of 40-kN applied at the ends of the steel bar. Determine the axial extension, in millimeters, of the steel bar under this loading condition?

Homework Equations



E=\sigma/e

\sigma = F/A

e= change in L / Lo

The Attempt at a Solution



To find the extension we need to find (change in Lo)

\sigma = 40x103/((.12x pi)/4) = 50265482.46

Even though not given in the question I am presuming E for steel = 210Gpa

therefore, e = 50265482.46/ 210x109 = 2.393594403x10-4

as e = (change in L/Lo), the change in length = (2.393594403x10-4 x 5) = 1.2x10-3 m and 1.2 mm
This is a multiple choice question and this is not one of the answers, can anyone see where I am going wrong?

ANSWERS: 5x10-5 , 0.05, 3.2x10-3, 5.0, 3.2
 
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First of all, the area equals D^2 x PI / 4, where D is the diameter. You calculated as if it were the radius.
 
Thanks for the quick reply

I did new calculations and still am getting a wrong answer,

I found the \sigma = 1273239.545

the strain = 6.063045452x10-6

and the extension I found to be .0303 mm

I reckon it has to do with the value I am using for E but it wasn't given in the question so I am not sure, any thoughts?
 
Make sure your units are consistent - use milimeters for length and Newtons for force (i.e. megapascals for stress), and convert the assumed steel "Gpa" to "Mpa".
 
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