Parallel Axis Theorem / Bending Stress

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating bending stress in both the x and y directions for a motor frame under a load of 3300 lb. The use of the Parallel Axis Theorem is debated, with one participant arguing that it should be applied while the professor suggests otherwise, leading to differing stress calculations. Key points include the importance of determining whether the frame walls act independently or as a combined section, which affects the load distribution and the moment of inertia calculations. The correct distance 'c' from the neutral axis to the outer edge is clarified, impacting the final stress values. The participants conclude that understanding the frame's structural behavior is crucial for accurate stress analysis.
ksukhin
Messages
33
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


find bending stress in x and y dir

Homework Equations


I = bh^3/12 + ad^2
Stress = Mc/I

The Attempt at a Solution


I = bh^3/12 + ad^2
Stress = Mc/I

see attached calculations

Diagram.jpg
Diagram.jpg
Solution.jpg


My prof gave us a question where we have a motor (20" tall) sitting on a frame with a load of F=3300lb. I have to find the bending stress in x and y direction. I have attached my solution but one part differs from my profs.

When looking at Iy my prof does not use Parallel Axis Theorem but I do, and we get completely different answers. Why? Why are my stresses so low?

Diagram: https://ibb.co/gUs2Hx
Solution: https://ibb.co/fegOPc
 

Attachments

  • Diagram.jpg
    Diagram.jpg
    22.5 KB · Views: 1,123
  • Solution.jpg
    Solution.jpg
    55.5 KB · Views: 1,706
Physics news on Phys.org
There are some errors here. And missing info on loading. Is the 3300 pound applied at the top of the motor along the x-axis in case 1 and then along the y-axis in case 2? Or are the loads applied along both axes at the same time?
Now when applied along the x-axis in case 1, it makes a big difference whether the walls of the frame act independently or as a joined pair. If independently, each wall takes half the load and the parallel axis theorem does not apply. Your Ix about the y-axis will be quite small without the extra term. If however as I suspect the side walls are tied together, then you use the parallel axis theorem and on determining bending stress, use full load not half load, and your Ix must be doubled since there are 2 sided and your 'c ' distance is quite wrong...what should it be?
Now for the other axis Iy about the x-axis is determined without any distance to the parallel x axis, because the centroid of the walls and frame coincide.
 
PhanthomJay said:
There are some errors here. And missing info on loading. Is the 3300 pound applied at the top of the motor along the x-axis in case 1 and then along the y-axis in case 2? Or are the loads applied along both axes at the same time?
2 separate cases, first along X axis and then along Y axis starting from the centre line.

PhanthomJay said:
Now when applied along the x-axis in case 1, it makes a big difference whether the walls of the frame act independently or as a joined pair. If independently, each wall takes half the load and the parallel axis theorem does not apply.
So can i think of this case as a cantilever beam with a load at the end?

PhanthomJay said:
If however as I suspect the side walls are tied together, then you use the parallel axis theorem and on determining bending stress, use full load not half load, and your Ix must be doubled since there are 2 sided
So M = (3300)(35)= 115500 lb-in
Ix = 2 [bh3/12 + Ad2] = 2(270.11) = 540.22 in4

PhanthomJay said:
and your 'c ' distance is quite wrong...what should it be?
from my understanding, C is the distance from the Neutral Axis to the highest stress point. Since the cross section is a rectangle, half would be in tension and half in compression starting at the midpoint. Since the height is 1.25" i took the half of that value as my distance c.

Do I have to take into the 5.75" from the centreline aswell? c would then be 5.75+(1.25/2)=6.375in >>>which is the same as my distance d above
Substituting my new values σ=Mc/I = (115500)(6.375)/540.22 = 1363 psi = 9.4 MPa, still relatively smaller than in other direction.

PhanthomJay said:
Now for the other axis Iy about the x-axis is determined without any distance to the parallel x axis, because the centroid of the walls and frame coincide.
Thank you, I had a feeling that was why but wasn't sure.
But in this case, since I took half the load and analyses only 1 side of the frame, there is no need to double it like in the above case?
 
2 separate cases, first along X axis and then along Y axis starting from the centre line.
ok , good.
So can i think of this case as a cantilever beam with a load at the end?
yes
So M = (3300)(35)= 115500 lb-in
Ix = 2 [bh3/12 + Ad2] = 2(270.11) = 540.22 in4
yes
from my understanding, C is the distance from the Neutral Axis to the highest stress point. Since the cross section is a rectangle, half would be in tension and half in compression starting at the midpoint. Since the height is 1.25" i took the half of that value as my distance c.
that would be correct if the walls acted independently, but if acting together as a combined section, that would be incorrect. I think they act together, but perhaps not as well as a boxed section that is all one piece, but close enough it seems.
Do I have to take into the 5.75" from the centreline aswell? c would then be 5.75+(1.25/2)=6.375in >>>which is the same as my distance d above
edit: not quite since 'c' is the distance to the extreme outside edge
Substituting my new values σ=Mc/I = (115500)(6.375)/540.22 = 1363 psi = 9.4 MPa, still relatively smaller than in other direction.
right again! (After correcting c value)
Thank you, I had a feeling that was why but wasn't sure.
But in this case, since I took half the load and analyses only 1 side of the frame, there is no need to double it like in the above case?
well you get the same answer either way, but technically if you are asked about the Iy of the combined section, it's 2(bh^3/12). Good work.
 
Last edited:
PhanthomJay said:
edit: not quite since 'c' is the distance to the extreme outside edge

So does that mean my C distance would be 5.75+1.25 = 7" - which is up to the furthest point on the wall thickness.

How would my cross section look as far as tension/compression? Initially I thought that half the wall thickness would be in tension and half in compression.
Since I'm looking at the walls as one piece does this midpoint happen at the center line now? Say anything above the center line is tension and below is compression? - I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around this because of the gap in between the walls. No material there to carry the stress.
 
ksukhin said:
So does that mean my C distance would be 5.75+1.25 = 7" - which is up to the furthest point on the wall thickness.
That is correct.
How would my cross section look as far as tension/compression? Initially I thought that half the wall thickness would be in tension and half in compression.
Since I'm looking at the walls as one piece does this midpoint happen at the center line now?
yes, the centroid of the box frame, which is the neutral axis, the centerline y-y axis.
Say anything above the center line is tension and below is compression?
yes, where material exists
I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around this because of the gap in between the walls. No material there to carry the stress.
tension stresses exist in one wall and compressive stresses in the other. Max tension or compression stresses occur at 7 inches left or right from the centerline. There are no stresses in the gap.
 
  • Like
Likes ksukhin
Thank you for explaining everything!
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
4K
Back
Top