Section A Short Questions (Mechanics only)

1.

The lifting members of a crane can be modelled using a pin-jointed frame as shown in
Figure Q1. For the system determine the load in the members AB and BC, stating if it is
a tie or strut. Take g = 9.81 m/s2.
A

20o
B

C
500 kg
Figure Q1 Pin-jointed Frame
[4 marks]
2.

Two members are connected by a bolt as shown in the Figure Q2. If the load P is
36 kN and the allowable shear stress in the bolt is 90 MNm-2, find the minimum
diameter of the bolt.
[4 marks]

Figure Q2 Towing Bar Joint

3. In a few sentences, describe briefly the difference between a quarter bridge circuit and a
full bridge circuit used in strain measurement. State the advantages of the full bridge
circuit.
[4 marks]

Section B Long Questions (Mechanics Only)

1.

The maximum output power of a test engine is 300 kW at a rotational speed of

2000 rpm. The diameter and length of the output shaft are 65 mm and 125 mm
respectively. At this operating condition: a)

Determine the output torque,

[3 marks]

b)

Determine the polar second moment of area of the output shaft cross-section,
[2 marks]

c)

Show on a suitable diagram the shear stress distribution across the output shaft
cross-section together with its maximum value,
[4 marks]

d)

Determine the angular deflection of the shaft along its length assuming the shear
modulus of the material, G, to be 82 GNm-2.
[4 marks]

Also, give two design reasons why the actual working shear stress could be higher than
the maximum determined in part c).
[2 marks]

2.

A simply supported beam is to be loaded as shown in Figure Q2. For the system
a)

Determine the unknown loads RA and RC,

[3 marks]

b)

Plot the shear force diagram for the beam,

[4 marks]

c)
d)

Plot the bending moment diagram for the beam and

[6 marks]
Determine the stress due to bending at the 20 kN load given the section modulus,
Z, is 5 x 10-4 m3.
[2 marks]
20 kN

4m

1.5 kN/m

3m
RC

RA

Figure Q2 Simply Supported Beam Configuration

3.

A solid steel circular bar 12.5 mm diameter and length 60 mm is subject to a tensile
load of 16.7 kN, as shown in Figure Q3. Given that steel has a Youngs Modulus and
Poissons Ratio of 207 GN/m2 and 0.29 respectively, determine: a) tensile stress in the direction of the applied load,
[3 marks]
b) strain in the direction of the applied load,
[3 marks]
c) change in length of the bar in the direction of the applied load,
[3 marks]
d) change of the diameter of the bar,
[3 marks]
2

e) safety factor given that the allowable stress is 300 MN/m .

[3 marks]
16.7kN

12.5mm
dia.

60mm

16.7kN

Figure Q3 Loaded Bar

Formula Sheet
Stress and Strain

Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force and torque

Properties of Shapes

Energy, power and momentum

Static equilibrium