How to Solve Lame's Equation for A and B

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jud
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Stress
AI Thread Summary
To solve Lame's equation for A and B, the discussion focuses on calculating the safe internal pressure of a steel pipe with given dimensions and allowable stress. The key equations used are σr = A - B/r^2 and σtheta = A + B/r^2. The user attempts to derive simultaneous equations but struggles with algebraic manipulation to isolate A and B. Participants suggest expressing one variable in terms of the other and substituting back into the original equations to simplify the problem. The discussion emphasizes the importance of foundational algebra skills to solve these types of engineering problems effectively.
Jud
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A steel pipe is 200mm internal diameter and 20mm thick. Calculate the safe internal pressure if the allowable stress is not to exceed 140Mpa.

Homework Equations


σr = A-B/r^2[/B]
and
σtheta = A+B/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Right so, I've got two equations...

(eq1)140MPa =A+B/0.1^2
and
(eq2)0 = A-B/0.12^2


I need help getting A and B. Answers (A=57.38)and (B=0.826)

I know I need to use simultaneous equations. Could someone please give me a step by step solution as I'm stuck.

I have so far done -(eq2)+(eq1) to cancel out A.
and got
...140MPa = B/0.1^2 + B/0.12^2

I'm not sure what to do next to get B.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: use eq. 2 to get A in terms of B (or vice versa). Substitute back into eq. 1 and solve.
 
SteamKing said:
Hint: use eq. 2 to get A in terms of B (or vice versa). Substitute back into eq. 1 and solve.
I don't understand, sorry. Could you elaborate with the values please.
 
Jud said:
I don't understand, sorry. Could you elaborate with the values please.

It's very simple. You've got A - B/0.12^2 = 0. Find A in terms of B, or B in terms of A.

Once you have found an expression for A or B, substitute that expression back into eq. 1, which will then be one equation in one unknown.

You're in algebra 101 here.
 
SteamKing said:
It's very simple. You've got A - B/0.12^2 = 0. Find A in terms of B, or B in terms of A.

Once you have found an expression for A or B, substitute that expression back into eq. 1, which will then be one equation in one unknown.

You're in algebra 101 here.

I.e. B = A/0.12^2

So,
140MPa = A + (A/0.12^2)/0.1^2?
 
Jud said:
I.e. B = A/0.12^2

Uh, not quite. Remember, you've got

A - B/0.12^2 = 0

How did you come up with

B = A/0.12^2 ?
 
Jud, starting with A - B/0.12^2 = 0, solve for B, without skipping steps.
 
Mark44 said:
Jud, starting with A - B/0.12^2 = 0, solve for B, without skipping steps.

A = -B/0.12^2

A(0.12^2) = -B
 
Jud said:
A = -B/0.12^2

A(0.12^2) = -B

So you're saying if A - 5 = 0, then A = -5. Check your work again.
 
  • #10
SteamKing said:
So you're saying if A - 5 = 0, then A = -5. Check your work again.

-A(0.12^2) = -B

So, 140MPa = A + - A(0.12^2)/0.1^2
 
  • #11
Jud said:
-A(0.12^2) = -B

You can multiply both sides of the equation by -1 to obtain

A(0.12^2) = B

So, 140MPa = A + - A(0.12^2)/0.1^2

And how would you solve for A?

Friendly advice: I don't know anything about your academic background, but your apparent lack of understanding of algebra is going to prevent you from solving more complex problems than this. Try to take time and remedy this gap in your mathematical knowledge. ;)
 
Back
Top