Three Difficult Materials Questions (check my answers)

  • Thread starter Thread starter DizzyDoo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Materials
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving three complex materials questions involving Young's Modulus, stress, and strain calculations. The first question involves a steel wire supporting a 60N weight, with the extension calculated to be 2.7x10^-3m. The second question addresses the compression of a cylindrical concrete stand under a 3500kg statue, yielding a compression of 3.6x10^-5m. The third question calculates the un-stretched length of a nylon rope used by a mountain climber, resulting in a length of 7.2m. The solutions provided are verified through established equations and methods.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Young's Modulus and its application in materials science.
  • Knowledge of stress and strain calculations in solid mechanics.
  • Familiarity with the area calculations for circular cross-sections.
  • Basic principles of force and weight calculations in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Young's Modulus in various materials.
  • Learn about advanced stress analysis techniques in structural engineering.
  • Explore the relationship between tensile and compressive forces in materials.
  • Investigate the effects of different materials on load-bearing capacities.
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering and materials science, educators teaching mechanics, and professionals involved in structural analysis and material testing will benefit from this discussion.

DizzyDoo
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Three Difficult Materials Questions (check my answers!)

Hi there. As you can see below, there are three questions on materials, that are quite difficult in my opinion. I've given my best attempt at them, checked them, and I think they are correct. However, as I am prone to making stupid mistakes, and I really want to get all three 100% right, I'd really appreciate it if one or two people could see if they get the same answers as me. Thanks!

Homework Statement


Question 1: A steel wire of diameter 0.5mm and length 1.84 is suspended vertically from a fixed point and used to support a 60N weight hung from the lower end of the wire. The Young Modulus for steel is 2.0x10^11 Nm^-2. Calculate the extension of the wire.

Question 2: A 3500kg statue is placed on top of a cylindrical concrete (Young Modulus = 2.3x10^10 Nm^-2) stand. The stand has a cross-sectional area of 7.3x10^-2 m^2 and a height of 1.8m. By how much does the statue compress the stand?

Question 3: A 72kg mountain climber hangs on a nylon rope (radius = 6.5mm). If the rope stretches by 5.0x10^-2m what is the un-stretched length of the rope? (Young Modulus of nylon = 1x10^9 NM^-2

Homework Equations



YM = Stress / Strain
Stress = Force / Area
Strain = eXtension / Length
Area of circle = (pie)r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



1)

Firstly I changed the diameter of 0.5mm into metres:

0.5 / 1000 = 0.0005m

I then worked out the area of the wire:

(pie)x(0.0005/2)^2 = 1.9x10^-7

I then stuck every value into the Young Modulus equation:

2.0x10^11 = (60 / 1.9x10^-7) / (x / 1.84)

2.0x10^11 = 305577490.7 / (x / 1.84)

Stuck with the extension on the wrong side, so a quick bit of rearranging and...

x = (305577490.7 / 2.0 x 10^11) x 1.8
x = 0.001527887 x 1.8
x = 0.00275m
x = 2.7x10^-3m

2) First off, I get the force from the mass (weight):

3500 x 9.81 = 34335

Stick my information into the young modulus equation:

2.3x10^10 = (34335 / 7.3x10^-2) / (x / 1.8)

Solve and rearrange:

x = (470342 / 2.3x10^10) x 1.8
x = 0.000036
x = 3.6 x 10^-5 However, the question asks for the compression, so is the answer correct?

3) Again, firstly I work out the force with the mass...

72 x 9.81 = 706.32

And change the radius into metres, so I can use it:

6.5mm / 1000 = 0.0065m

Work out the area of the rope:

(pie)x 0.0065^2

Now, stick all that I have into the young modulus equation:

1x10^9 = (706.32 / 0.000132732) / (5.10^-2 / L)

1x10^9 = 5321387.9 / (5x10^-2 / L)

Time to rearrange and solve: (Check my rearranging!)

L = (5x10^-2 x 1x10^9) / 5321387.9

L = 7.2m (Which sounds about right in my common sense check)


I understand that's a lot to check, but hopefully I've made it clear enough for anyone wanting to lend a hand. Thank you muchly for your time!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Axial extensions or compression D = (P*L)/(A*YM) --> P = applied force
P/A is the applied stress, L is the length and A is the Area

The answers to 1 and 2 look correct to me.

The answer to 3 something seems to be missing something. D*A*YM / P = L
I get 9.39m but you should check my math.

When an applied force extends an object it is called a "tension" or "tensile" force.
When an applied force compresses or shortens an object it is called "compression" or "compressive" force.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
Replies
4
Views
4K