Virtual Work – Strain

Energy
DISPLACEMENT + SLOPE
Work – definition
1st condition
2nd condition
Strain Energy – Normal and Shear Stress
Strain Energy – Bending Moment
 1st example
One of the two high-strength steel bolts A and B is to be
chosen to support a sudden tensile loading. For the choice it
is necessary to determine the greatest amount of elastic
strain energy that each bolt can absorb. Bolt A has a
diameter of 0.875 in. for 2 in. of its length and a root (or
smallest) diameter of 0.731 in. within the 0.25-in. threaded
region. Bolt B has “upset” threads, such that the diameter
throughout its 2.25-in. length can be taken as 0.731 in. In
both cases, neglect the extra material that makes up the
threads. Take Est = 2911032 ksi, σY = 44 ksi.
1st example – Answer
1st example – Answer
 2nd Example

Determine the elastic strain

energy due to bending of the
cantilevered beam. EI is
constant.
2nd Example – Answer
 Try out

Determine the bending

strain energy in region
AB of the beam. EI is
constant.
 Try out (2)

Consider the bar with

varying circular cross-
section shown here.
The Young’s modulus is
200GPa .
 Try out (3)

Determine the diameter of an aluminium shaft which is designed to store

the same amount of strain energy per unit volume as a 50mm diameter steel
shaft of the same length. Both shafts are subjected to equal compressive
axial loads. What will be the ratio of the stresses set up in the two shafts?

Esteel = 200 GN/m2 ; Ealuminium = 67 GN/m2

Strain Energy Principal used for Beam –
Unit Load / Virtual Work Method
The principle of virtual work was
developed by John Bernoulli in 1717,
and like other energy methods of
analysis, it is based on the conservation
of energy.

We will place an imaginary or “virtual”

force (P = 1, hence “unit” load) on the
body at point A, acting in the same
direction as the real displacement
Strain Energy Principal used for Beam –
Unit Load Method
We will place an imaginary or “virtual”
force (P = 1, hence “unit” load) on the
body at point A, acting in the same
direction as the real displacement
Strain Energy Principal used for Beam –
Unit Load Method
Unit Load – General Equation
3rd Example

Determine the
displacement of point B
on the beam. EI is
constant.
3rd Example – Answer
3rd Example – Answer
4th Example

Determine the slope of

point B on the beam. EI
is constant.
4th Example – Answer
4th Example – Answer
More try outs

Determine the slope of

point B on the beam.

E = 200 GPa

I = 400x106 mm4
 More try outs

Determine the slope and deflection of point D on the beam.

E = 200 Gpa, I = 300x106 mm4
More try outs

Find displacement at
midspan.

E = 200 GPa

I = 400x106 mm4
More try outs
Determine the slope and deflection at B in the beam shown below.
Given E= 200 kN/mm2
Energy Method –
Castigliano Theorem
General Equation

Truss

Beam
Determine displacement + slope at B
Determine displacement + slope at B
Determine strain energy, disp, and slope at midspan.
Use both virtual work + Castigliano Theorem
Determine strain energy, disp, and slope at A.
Use both virtual work + Castigliano Theorem
The beam is made of southern pine for which
Ep = 13 GPa. Determine the displacement at A.
Determine strain energy, disp, and slope at n.
Use both virtual work + Castigliano Theorem
Virtual Work +
Castigliano Theorem
TRUSS
General Equation

Truss

Beam
Determine the vertical displacement of joint
C of the steel truss. The cross-sectional
area of each member is A = 400 mm2, Est =
200 GPa.
Determine the vertical displacement of joint D on
the truss. Each A-36 steel member has a cross-
sectional area of A = 300 mm2
Determine the vertical displacement of joint C of the
truss. Each A-36 steel member has a cross-sectional
area of 400 mm2.
Determine the vertical displacement of joint E.
For each member A = 400 mm2, E = 200 GPa