Math Problem Statement

A post is made of two timber parts glued together as shown in the figure below. The joint allowable compressive stress is 5.0 MPa and allowable shearing stress is 3.6 MPa. Load P = 40 kN and angle a = 30°. Determine the minimum width of the post (in mm) considering compressive stress alone. Determine the minimum width of the post (in mm) considering shearing stress alone. Which value of the angle, a, (in degrees) gives the maximum shearing stress in the joint?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to analyze both the compressive stress and the shearing stress acting on the glued joint. Let's break it down into steps.

1. Determine Minimum Width Considering Compressive Stress

The compressive force PcP_c can be determined from the load PP acting at an angle α\alpha:

Pc=Pcos(α)P_c = P \cdot \cos(\alpha)

Given:

  • P=40kN=40,000NP = 40 \, \text{kN} = 40,000 \, \text{N}
  • α=30°\alpha = 30°

Calculating PcP_c:

Pc=40,000cos(30°)=40,0003234,641.0NP_c = 40,000 \cdot \cos(30°) = 40,000 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 34,641.0 \, \text{N}

The allowable compressive stress σc\sigma_c is given as 5.0 MPa:

σc=PcA\sigma_c = \frac{P_c}{A} where AA is the cross-sectional area of the post.

To find the area, we need the width bb and height hh:

A=bhA = b \cdot h

Rearranging for width:

b=Pcσchb = \frac{P_c}{\sigma_c \cdot h}

Substituting known values:

b=34,641.0N5.0×106Pahb = \frac{34,641.0 \, \text{N}}{5.0 \times 10^6 \, \text{Pa} \cdot h} b34,641.05,000,000h=0.0069282hb \approx \frac{34,641.0}{5,000,000 \cdot h} = \frac{0.0069282}{h}

2. Determine Minimum Width Considering Shearing Stress

The shearing force PsP_s can also be determined:

Ps=Psin(α)P_s = P \cdot \sin(\alpha)

Calculating PsP_s:

Ps=40,000sin(30°)=40,0000.5=20,000NP_s = 40,000 \cdot \sin(30°) = 40,000 \cdot 0.5 = 20,000 \, \text{N}

The allowable shearing stress τ\tau is given as 3.6 MPa:

τ=PsAs\tau = \frac{P_s}{A_s}

Assuming the shear area is similar to the area used for compressive stress (considering the glued joint), we can use:

As=bhA_s = b \cdot h

Rearranging for width again gives:

b=Psτhb = \frac{P_s}{\tau \cdot h}

Substituting known values:

b=20,000N3.6×106Pahb = \frac{20,000 \, \text{N}}{3.6 \times 10^6 \, \text{Pa} \cdot h} b20,0003,600,000h0.0055556hb \approx \frac{20,000}{3,600,000 \cdot h} \approx \frac{0.0055556}{h}

3. Determine Angle for Maximum Shearing Stress

The maximum shearing stress occurs when the angle aa maximizes PsP_s:

Ps=Psin(a)P_s = P \cdot \sin(a)

The maximum shearing stress is dependent on the angle, but generally, sin(a)\sin(a) achieves its maximum value at a=90°a = 90°. However, in practical applications for joints, this often varies based on the configuration.

Summary of Results

  1. Minimum width considering compressive stress: bc=0.0069282hb_c = \frac{0.0069282}{h}

  2. Minimum width considering shearing stress: bs=0.0055556hb_s = \frac{0.0055556}{h}

  3. Maximum shearing stress occurs theoretically at a=90°a = 90°, but practical design considerations must be taken into account.

Follow-Up Questions

  1. What is the height hh of the post?
  2. How do the values of compressive and shearing stress interact under load?
  3. What other factors might affect the joint's performance?
  4. How does changing the angle aa affect the overall strength of the joint?
  5. What are the implications of the calculated widths on material selection and joint design?

Tip

Always consider the combined effects of both compressive and shearing stresses in joint design, as they can interact and lead to failure if not properly accounted for.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Mechanics
Stress Analysis
Trigonometry

Formulas

P_c = P * cos(a)
sigma_c = P_c / A
P_s = P * sin(a)
tau = P_s / A_s

Theorems

Principle of Superposition
Stress-Strain Relationships

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12