Principle Stresses in Cantalever beams

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating principal stresses in cantilever beams, specifically focusing on a beam with given dimensions and a load applied at its end. Participants explore theoretical calculations and comparisons with simulation results from Ansys, addressing both bending stresses and the complexities of determining principal stresses in different directions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a cantilever beam problem and shares a derived equation for deflection, seeking guidance on calculating principal stresses.
  • Another participant questions the specifics of the beam's cross-section, clarifying that it is a solid square section.
  • A participant confirms the calculation of bending stress using the formula σ(x) = MC/I and notes a small difference between theoretical and simulated results, but expresses uncertainty about calculating σ(y).
  • One participant points out that stresses in a cantilever vary from point to point and asks for clarification on which point is being referenced.
  • Another participant identifies the maximum bending stress occurring at the top surface of the beam at the restraint and questions how to calculate σ(y) at that point.
  • A later reply discusses that for a cantilever modeled with solid finite elements, σ(y) is generally zero except near boundary conditions, suggesting that localized stresses may appear but dissipate quickly.
  • Another participant mentions that principal stresses can be determined using Mohr's circle, referring to mechanics of materials literature for further understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculation of σ(y), with some suggesting it may be negligible while others indicate that it can be localized near boundary conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact calculation of σ(y) and its significance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the calculation of σ(y) may depend on factors such as the bearing area of boundary conditions and the modeling approach used in finite element analysis. There is also mention of potential discrepancies between theoretical calculations and simulation results.

KJohnston
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Hi all,

I have a problem with cantalever beams, the beam is 1m long by 0.1m by 0.1m. A 10Kn force placed at the end of the beam deflecting it down. My lecturer simmulated the problem in Ansys and we all got to do it with him using more dense nodes and solutions to find a more refined answer of the deflection in y and principle stresses in x and y direction.

The results are clear from the program but we have been asked to calculate the theoretical values and compare. Deflection is okay i derived the equation

v = 1/EI(5000z^2-1666.67z^3)

this has given me an answer which is quite similar to the simulated. My question is how do i calculate the principle stresses. I have calculated the Bending stress using

Bending stress = My/ I

but i fear this is not what i need,because my values are very different. how do i relate bending stress to sigma (X) and sigma (y) or calculate them from the force and dimensions given?

Thanks
KJ
 
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KJohnston said:
Hi all,

I have a problem with cantalever beams, the beam is 1m long by 0.1m by 0.1m.

Do you mean 0.1 x 0.1 solid square section, circular section, or hollow section?
 
Sorry to clarify it is a solid square section and since then i have discovered that sigma (X) is indeed calculated using

Sigma (x)= MC/I

Using this result in a excell spreadsheet gives a 1% difference from the actual stress and theoretical stress given by ansys using a 4 by 40 node anaylsis which is what is expected, but i am unsure how to calculate sigma (y), i would really appreciate any suggestions as i have spent a lot of time on this problem and have of yet failed to find a solution.

Thanks
KJ
 
I am puzzled by your question 'principle stresses in a cantilever'

Stresses in a cantilever, or any structural member, vary from point to point.

But which point?

Please note the spelling of cantilever.
 
yes excuse the spelling mistake, i am looking for the maximum stress in y direction at any point in the beam,i believe the maximum bending stress (sigma x)occurs on the top surface of the beam(positive) at the restraint, this is also where ansys says it occurs, it also says this is where sigma y is maximum? but i am unsure how to calculate it

here is what i have done so far, i hope i made it easily understood

Cantalever Beam

Young Modulus (E) (Pa)= 2.00E+11
2nd moment of Area (I)(m^4)= 8.33E-06
I = bd^3/12 (b = 0.1) (d = 0.1)
Force (F)(N)= 1.00E+04
Distance from NA (Y)(M)= 5.00E-02
Deflection (v)(m) V=1/EI(5000z^2-1666.67z^3) Bending Moment (M) (Nm) M= 10000z - 10000
Stress in X (σ)(Pa) σ = (M*Y)/I
Stress in Y = ??

(z) (v) (M) (σ)x

0 0 -1.00E+04 -6.00E+07
0.05 7.37795E-06 -9.50E+03 -5.70E+07
0.1 2.90116E-05 -9.00E+03 -5.40E+07
0.15 6.41507E-05 -8.50E+03 -5.10E+07
0.2 0.000112045 -8.00E+03 -4.80E+07
0.25 0.000171944 -7.50E+03 -4.50E+07
0.3 0.000243097 -7.00E+03 -4.20E+07
0.35 0.000324755 -6.50E+03 -3.90E+07
0.4 0.000416166 -6.00E+03 -3.60E+07
0.45 0.000516581 -5.50E+03 -3.30E+07
0.5 0.00062525 -5.00E+03 -3.00E+07
0.55 0.000741421 -4.50E+03 -2.70E+07
0.6 0.000864345 -4.00E+03 -2.40E+07
0.65 0.000993272 -3.50E+03 -2.10E+07
0.7 0.00112745 -3.00E+03 -1.80E+07
0.75 0.001266131 -2.50E+03 -1.50E+07
0.8 0.001408562 -2.00E+03 -1.20E+07
0.85 0.001553995 -1.50E+03 -9.00E+06
0.9 0.001701679 -1.00E+03 -6.00E+06
0.95 0.001850864 -5.00E+02 -3.00E+06
1 0.002000798 0.00E+00 0


these are my theoretical, can you help calculate sigma y??

sorry the table columns are a bit messed up, it looked real nice in the editing window lol

KJ
 
KJohnston: Please check your spelling of principal. Basically, for a cantilever, sigma_1 = sigma_x (if Mx = 0 N*mm), and sigma_y = 0 MPa, if you are modeling your cantilever with beam finite elements. Are you using beam, shell, or solid finite elements?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Its Solid finite elements, thanks and in Dundee University scotland UK its spelt principal stress. thanks

KJ
 
KJohnston: sigma_y for a beam is zero except near boundary conditions (BCs). Your solid finite element model might show a nonzero, localized sigma_y stress in the vicinity of the cantilever support, which rapidly dissipates as you move away from the support, per St. Venant's principle. You might also see some localized, nonzero sigma_y underneath the applied load. The sigma_y stress could be difficult to calculate. It depends on bearing area of the BCs, how you model the beam, etc.
 
Last edited:
That is exactly what Ansys results show, i think sigma y could be disregarded from my answer as it does not contribute to deflection, thanks for the help.

Ps it would have been nice to work it out,just out of curiosity

KJ
 
  • #10
Principle stresses can be found easily using Mohr's circle. You can read about it in a mechanics of materials textbook. Basically, Mohr's circle is a plot of all the shear and normal stresses in all planes of an element, and the angle on the circle is related to the angle of the plane.
 

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