How to Calculate Minimum Cross-Section for Elastic Deformation in Copper Bars?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum cross-section required for a square copper bar to ensure it experiences only elastic deformation under a specified load. The context includes a homework problem involving stress limits and material properties.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance with the problem, specifically regarding the formula to use for calculating the minimum cross-section.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the formula for stress.
  • A participant provides a detailed calculation using the formula for stress, concluding that the minimum width of one side of the square cross-section is 11.8 mm, corresponding to option D.
  • Another participant distinguishes between tensile stress and tensile strain, explaining their definitions and units, emphasizing the importance of differentiating between the two concepts.
  • A participant questions whether the original poster is satisfied with the provided answer and seeks clarification on the unit MPa, expressing uncertainty about its meaning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion shows a mix of agreement on the calculations presented, but there is uncertainty regarding the understanding of units and concepts related to stress and strain. No consensus is reached on the interpretation of the unit MPa.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the meaning of the unit MPa and its application in the context of the problem. Additionally, there may be assumptions regarding the definitions of stress and strain that are not fully explored.

savva
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I am not sure which formula to apply, can anyone help me out?

Homework Statement



28. A square copper bar experiences only elastic
deformation if it is stressed less than 95MPa.
To support a load of 1340kg without exceeding this stress,
the minimum square cross-section ( i.e. width of one side
of the square cross section) required is

a) 1.8mm square
b) 3.6 mm square
c) 23.6mm square
d) 11.8mm square

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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What is the formula for stress?
 
Exams and leaving study to the last minute
 
Although the scientific formula for stress is τ = F / A
Rearranging this gives A = F / τ

Thus:
F = 1340kg x 9.8
τ = 95x10^6 Pa (as stated in the question)

Subbing these into A = F / τ gives 1.38x10^-4 m^2

Convert this to mm^2 by multiplying by 10^6 which gives 138.2 mm^2

Asquare = L^2, therefore to find the width of one side square root the area,\

so (138.2^0.5) = 11.8mm (Making the answer D)
 
Rember we have tensil stress and we have tensil strain.
Stress is the ratio of the force or load, F on the elastic material eg spring or string to the cross sectional area, A. It can be summarized as: stress= F/A.
While tensil strain is the ratio of the extention, e of the elastic material to the lenght, l. It can be given as strain=e/l . They are two different things. Always differenciate them for a better understanding.
The unit of stress is Nm-2 while strain has no unit since e and l are in metres.
 
@ Savva,
are you satisfied with the answer you got concerning your question on elastic deformation.
If you are not, then what does the unit MPa (95MPa) stand for; let me see how I can come in.
I know that v, is velocity which is ms-1. m is for mass which is kg. a is for acceleration which ms-2 e.t.c. But that MPa I don't know.
 

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