Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumTypes of Stress and Strain

Match each structural scenario or mechanical component to the primary type of internal stress it experiences under load.

  • A heavy load pushing directly down on a vertical concrete foundation pillarCompressive stress
  • A tightly stretched crane cable actively lifting a heavy steel beamTensile stress
  • A solid metal drive shaft transmitting rotational power from an engine to a vehicle's wheelsTorsional stress
  • A single structural bolt connecting two overlapping metal plates that are being pulled in opposite directionsShear stress

Answer

Concrete pillar matches to Compressive stress; crane cable matches to Tensile stress; drive shaft matches to Torsional stress; bolt holding overlapping plates matches to Shear stress.
Structural and mechanical components are designed to withstand specific forces based on their application. Pillars support weight by resisting being crushed (compression). Cables lift loads by resisting being stretched (tension). Drive shafts transmit torque by resisting being twisted (torsion). Fasteners like bolts hold sliding members together by resisting being cut in half (shear).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the force acting on the concrete foundation pillar.
The pillar is being pushed down upon, which squeezes the material.
Pushing forces that attempt to shorten or crush a material create compressive stress.
2
Analyze the force acting on the crane cable.
The cable is being pulled from both ends by the crane mechanism and the load.
Pulling forces that attempt to stretch or elongate a material create tensile stress.
3
Analyze the force acting on the drive shaft.
The shaft is being rotated rapidly to transmit power, creating a twisting motion.
Twisting forces applied to an object create torsional stress.
4
Analyze the force acting on the structural bolt.
The overlapping plates pull in opposite directions, acting like scissors across the middle of the bolt.
Forces acting parallel to a cross-section, attempting to slice or cut the material, create shear stress.

Key Concept

Different types of external loads applied to structural components result in specific types of internal stresses: tension (pulling apart), compression (pushing together), torsion (twisting), and shear (slicing across).
Rate this question

Topics

Types of Stress and Strain

More questions from this topic