QUESTION 1

(PO2, CO1, CO2, C3)

Figure 1 shows the truss, where each bar of the truss has a cross sectional area of 2 cm2.

Determine:
a) The maximum magnitude of P (load) that can be applied to the truss if the maximum
average normal stress in each bar does not exceed 25 kPa.
(11 marks)
b) The average shear stress developed in the 10 mm diameter pin D if P = 5 N. Pin D is
subjected to double shear.
(6 marks)

3m

4m 4m

Figure 1

QUESTION 2
(PO2, CO1, CO2, C4, C5)

The state of plane stress at a point on a body is represented on the element as shown in
Figure 2.

a) Evaluate the equivalent state of stress at the same point if the element is subjected to
an orientation of 60o counterclockwise by using the method of equilibrium
(12 marks)
b) By using the Mohrs circle method, analyze:

i. the principal stress of the element and specify the orientation of the element.
(6 marks)

ii. the maximum in plane shear stress and average normal stress, and specify the
orientation of the element.
(6 marks)
 100 MPa

75 MPa

150 MPa

Figure 2

QUESTION 3
(PO2, CO1, CO2, CO3, C2, C3, C6)

a) Miss A is carrying out a research on the fabrication of membrane for wastewater

purification. As one of the membrane characterization, tensile properties were
determined on her fabricated membranes. One of the important properties of membrane
for her application is good ductility to ensure membrane will not easily crack and can be
molded into the required shape.
Based on the data obtained from analysis using tensile testing machine (Table 1),
propose which membrane should be selected for further optimization. Support your
answer with the appropriate analysis.
The cross sectional dimension of the membrane film during testing: thickness = 0.108
mm and width = 5 mm. The gauge length = 25 mm.
(14 marks)

Table 1
Elongation (mm) Load (N)
Membrane A Membrane B
0 0 0
10 3.25 3.7
20 3.86 4.2
30 4.36 4.68
40 4.85 5.25
50 5.38 5.82
60 5.88 6.53
70 6.53 7.28
80 7.16 8.16
90 7.66 9.26
100 - 10.35
110 - 11.34
120 - 11.79
130 - 11.88
140 - 14.01
150 - 15.7
160 - 16.58
b) Figure 3 shows a 70-kg flowerpot that is supported by two steel wires (AB and BC).

i. If both wires have an allowable tensile stress (allow) of 250 MPa, estimate the
required diameter of each wire.
(8 marks)

ii. Suddenly, someone applied a force P, which tends to pull down the flower pot
and causes point B to be displaced vertically 5 cm. Determine the normal strain
in AB and BC.
(8 marks)

25 cm

15 cm

Figure 3