All questions of Strength of Materials (SOM) for Mechanical Engineering Exam

When bending moment M and torque T is applied on a shaft then equivalent torque is
  • a)
    M + T
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Zoya Sharma answered
In some applications the shaft are simultaneously subjected to bending moment M and Torque T.
From the simple bending theory equation:
If σb is the maximum bending stresses due to bending moment M on shaft:
Torsion equation:
The maximum shear stress developed on the surface of the shaft due to twisting moment T:
Equivalent Bending Moment:
Equivalent Torque:

Which of the following load does not act on the considerable length of the beam?
  • a)
    Uniformly distributed
  • b)
    Triangular
  • c)
    Point
  • d)
    Uniformly varying
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Yash Patel answered
Point load is that load which acts over a small distance. Because of concentration over small distance this load can may be considered as acting on a point. Point load is denoted by P and symbol of point load is arrow heading downward (↓).
Uniformly distributed load is that whose magnitude remains uniform throughout the length.
Uniformly Varying Load (Non – Uniformly Distributed Load): It is that load whose magnitude varies along the loading length with a constant rate.
Uniformly varying load is further divided into two types:
  • Triangular Load: whose magnitude is zero at one end of span and increases constantly till the 2nd end of the span.
  • Trapezoidal Load: which is acting on the span length in the form of trapezoid. Trapezoid is generally form with the combination of uniformly distributed load (UDL) and triangular load.

Which material has highest value of poison’s ratio?
  • a)
    Elastic Rubber
  • b)
    Wood
  • c)
    Copper
  • d)
    Steel
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Reddy answered
Elastic Rubber: 0.5
Wood: Because wood is orthotropic, 12 constants are required to describe elastic behaviour: 3 moduli of elasticity, 3 moduli of rigidity, and 6 Poisson’s ratios (vary from 0.02 to 0.47). These elastic constants vary within and among species and with moisture content and specific gravity.
Copper: 0.33
Steel: 0.27 - 0.30

If section modulus of a beam is increased, the bending stress in the beam will:
  • a)
    Not change
  • b)
    Increase
  • c)
    Decrease
  • d)
    Become zero
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Lavanya Menon answered
Bending Moment Equation
For the constant bending moment: σ ∝ 1/Z
So, bending stress is inversely proportional to the Section Modulus 'YH

Circumferential and longitudinal strains in cylindrical boiler under internal steam pressure, are ε1 and ε2 respectively. Change in volume of the boiler cylinder per unit volume will be
  • a)
    ε1 +2 ε2
  • b)
    ε1 ε22
  • c)
    1 + ε2
  • d)
    ε12 ε2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Asha Basu answered
Caused by the deformation of the boiler due to the internal pressure.

Circumferential strain refers to the strain or elongation that occurs in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical boiler. This strain is caused by the radial expansion of the boiler walls due to the internal steam pressure. The circumferential strain can be calculated using the formula:

ε_c = (P * r) / (E * t)

Where ε_c is the circumferential strain, P is the internal steam pressure, r is the radius of the boiler, E is the modulus of elasticity of the material, and t is the thickness of the boiler walls.

Longitudinal strain refers to the strain or elongation that occurs in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical boiler. This strain is caused by the axial expansion or contraction of the boiler walls due to the internal steam pressure. The longitudinal strain can be calculated using the formula:

ε_l = (P * r) / (2 * E * t)

Where ε_l is the longitudinal strain, P is the internal steam pressure, r is the radius of the boiler, E is the modulus of elasticity of the material, and t is the thickness of the boiler walls.

Both circumferential and longitudinal strains are important factors to consider in the design and analysis of cylindrical boilers, as excessive strains can lead to deformation, failure, or leakage. Therefore, engineers must ensure that the materials and dimensions of the boiler are suitable to withstand the expected internal steam pressure.

The resistance per unit area, offered by a body against deformation is known as:
  • a)
    Load
  • b)
    Pressure
  • c)
    Stress
  • d)
    Strain
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Asha Deshpande answered
Stress is also known as resisting force per unit area.

In other words some times it may be regarded  as pressure.

In biological terms stress is the response of body to external environmental conditions.

These external environmental conditions may be good or bad.

It is an internal force.

A tensile test is performed on a round bar. After fracture it has been found that the diameter remains approximately same at fracture. The material under test was
  • a)
    Mild steel
  • b)
    Cast iron
  • c)
    Wrought iron
  • d)
    Copper
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Pankaj Kapoor answered
In Brittle materials under tension test undergoes brittle fracture i.e there failure plane is 90° to the axis of load and there is no elongation in the rod that’s why the diameter remains same before and after the load. Example: Cast Iron, concrete etc
But in case of ductile materials, material first elongate and then fail, their failure plane is 45° to the axis of the load. After failure cup-cone failure is seen. Example Mild steel, high tensile steel etc.

When the shear force diagram is a parabolic curve between two points, it indicates that there is a
  • a)
    point load at the two points
  • b)
    no loading between the two points
  • c)
    uniformly distributed load between the two points
  • d)
    uniformly varying load between the two points
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Suyash Patel answered
Explanation:

Uniformly varying load:
- When the shear force diagram is a parabolic curve between two points, it indicates a uniformly varying load between those points.
- A uniformly varying load means that the load intensity changes linearly with distance, resulting in a parabolic shape on the shear force diagram.

Characteristics of a parabolic curve:
- In a parabolic curve, the shear force is at its maximum or minimum at the ends of the span, and it decreases or increases linearly towards the center.
- The shear force diagram will have a concave or convex shape depending on the direction of the load variation.

Interpretation:
- The parabolic shape of the shear force diagram between two points implies that the load acting on the beam is uniformly varying along that span.
- This type of loading can occur in various engineering applications, such as beams subjected to distributed loads that change magnitude along the length.

Conclusion:
- In conclusion, a parabolic curve on the shear force diagram between two points signifies a uniformly varying load acting on the beam within that section. The shape and direction of the curve provide valuable information about the nature of the loading on the structure.

A closed coil helical spring has 25 coils. If five coils of this springs are removed by cutting, the stiffness of the modified spring will
  • a)
    Increase to 1.25 times
  • b)
    Increase to 1.5 times
  • c)
    Reduce to 0.66 times
  • d)
    Remain unaffected
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lekshmi Rane answered
Understanding Spring Stiffness
In mechanical engineering, the stiffness of a spring is inversely proportional to the number of active coils in the spring. The formula for the stiffness (k) of a helical spring is given by:
k = (G * d^4) / (8 * D^3 * n)
Where:
- G = Modulus of rigidity
- d = Diameter of the wire
- D = Mean diameter of the spring
- n = Number of active coils
Impact of Removing Coils
When the number of coils in a spring is reduced, the stiffness increases. In this case, we start with a spring having 25 coils and remove 5 coils, resulting in 20 active coils.
Calculating the New Stiffness
The relationship between the number of coils and stiffness can be expressed as follows:
- Original stiffness (k1) with 25 coils: k1 ∝ 1/n1 (where n1 = 25)
- New stiffness (k2) with 20 coils: k2 ∝ 1/n2 (where n2 = 20)
This means:
k2/k1 = n1/n2
Substituting the values:
k2/k1 = 25/20 = 1.25
Conclusion
Thus, the stiffness of the modified spring increases to 1.25 times the original stiffness after removing 5 coils. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A', which states that the stiffness increases to 1.25 times.
This principle is crucial for designing springs in various mechanical applications, ensuring they meet specific load and deflection requirements efficiently.

With one fixed end and other free end, a column of length L buckles at load, P1. Another column of same length and same cross-section fixed at both ends buckles at load P2. Value of P2/P1 is
  • a)
    1
  • b)
    2
  • c)
    4
  • d)
    16
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The maximum load at which the column tends to have lateral displacement or tends to buckle is known as buckling or crippling load. Load columns can be analysed with the Euler’s column formulas can be given as
  • For both end hinged, n = 1
  • For one end fixed and other free, n = ½
  • For both end fixed, n = 2
  • For one end fixed and other hinged, n = √2

Use of strain rosette is to:
  • a)
    Measure linear strain
  • b)
    Measure shear strain
  • c)
    Measure volumetric strain
  • d)
    Relieve strain
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Strain rosette can be defined as the arrangement strain gauge oriented at different angles. It only measures strain in one direction, to get principal strains, it is necessary to use a strain rosette.
Depending on the arrangement of strain gauges, strain rosettes are classified in to:-
1. Rectangular strain gauge rosette
2. Delta strain gauge rosette
3. Star strain gauge rosette

The neutral axis of a beam is subjected to _________ stress.
  • a)
    Zero
  • b)
    Maximum tensile
  • c)
    Minimum tensile
  • d)
    Maximum compressive
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Athul Kumar answered
The neutral axis is an axis in the cross-section of a beam (a member resisting bending) or shaft along which there are no longitudinal stresses or strains. If the section is symmetric, isotropic and is not curved before a bend occurs, then the neutral axis is at the geometric centroid. All fibers on one side of the neutral axis are in a state of tension, while those on the opposite side are in compression.

Assume that young's modulus of a wire of length L and radius 'r' is Y. If length is reduced to L/2 and radius r/2 then what will be its young's modulus?
  • a)
    halved
  • b)
    doubled
  • c)
    unaffected
  • d)
    One-fourth of its original value
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Young's is a property of the material of construction of a wire. It depends only on the nature of the material used for making the wire.
Young's modulus does not depend on the physical dimensions such as the length and diameter of wire. Thus there will be no change in Young's modulus.

The total area under the stress-strain curve of a mild steel specimen tested up to failure under tension is a measure of its:
  • a)
    Breaking strength
  • b)
    Toughness
  • c)
    Hardness
  • d)
    Stiffness
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Divyansh Goyal answered
Strength is defined as the ability of the material to resist, without rupture, external forces causing various types of stresses. Breaking strength is the ability of a material to withstand a pulling or tensile force.
Toughness is defined as the ability of the material to absorb energy before fracture takes place. In other words, toughness is the energy for failure by fracture. Toughness is measured by a quantity called modulus of toughness. Modulus of toughness is the total area under a stress-strain curve in tension test, which also represents the work done to fracture the specimen.
Hardness is defined as the resistance of a material to penetration or permanent deformation. It usually indicates resistance to abrasion, scratching, cutting or shaping.
Stiffness or rigidity is defined as the ability of the material to resist deformation under the action of external load. Modulus of elasticity is the measure of stiffness.

Select the proper sequence
1. Proportional Limit       2. Elastic limit
3. Yielding                      4. Failure
  • a)
    2, 3, 1, 4
  • b)
    2, 1, 3, 4
  • c)
    1, 3, 2, 4
  • d)
    1, 2, 3, 4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhay Kapoor answered
  • So it is evident form the graph that the strain is proportional to stress or elongation is proportional to the load giving a straight line relationship. This law of proportionality is valid upto a point A. Point A is known as the limit of proportionality or the proportionality limit.
  • For a short period beyond the point A, the material may still be elastic in the sense that the deformations are completely recovered when the load is removed. The limiting point B is termed as Elastic Limit.
  • Beyond the elastic limit plastic deformation occurs and strains are not totally recoverable. There will be thus permanent deformation or permanent set when load is removed. These two points are termed as upper and lower yield points respectively. The stress at the yield point is called the yield strength.
  • A further increase in the load will cause marked deformation in the whole volume of the metal. The maximum load which the specimen can with stand without failure is called the load at the ultimate strength. The highest point ‘E' of the diagram corresponds to the ultimate strength of a material.
  • Beyond point E, the bar begins to form neck. The load falling from the maximum until fracture occurs at F.

The equivalent length of a column of length L having one end fixed and the other end free is
  • a)
    2L
  • b)
    L
  • c)
    L/2
  • d)
    L/√2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Jhanvi Datta answered
Effective length of columns under different end conditions are:
1. For both ends hinged: Le = L
2. One end fixed and another end free: Le = 2L
3. Both ends fixed = Le=
4. One end fixed and other is hinges: Le=

For a thin spherical shell subjected to internal pressure, the ratio of volumetric strain to diametrical strain is _____.
  • a)
    5 : 4
  • b)
    3 : 2
  • c)
    2 : 1
  • d)
    3 : 1
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Yash Joshi answered
Solution:

The volumetric strain (εv) is defined as the change in volume per unit original volume, while the diametrical strain (εd) is defined as the change in diameter per unit original diameter.

Let's consider a thin spherical shell with an internal pressure.

Step 1: Deriving the formulas

The formula for volumetric strain is given by:

εv = ΔV / V

where ΔV is the change in volume and V is the original volume.

The change in volume can be calculated using the formula:

ΔV = 4/3π (R2^3 - R1^3)

where R1 is the initial radius and R2 is the final radius.

Substituting the value of ΔV in the volumetric strain formula, we get:

εv = 4/3π (R2^3 - R1^3) / (4/3π R1^3)

Simplifying the equation, we get:

εv = (R2^3 - R1^3) / R1^3

The formula for diametrical strain is given by:

εd = ΔD / D

where ΔD is the change in diameter and D is the original diameter.

The change in diameter can be calculated using the formula:

ΔD = 2(R2 - R1)

Substituting the value of ΔD in the diametrical strain formula, we get:

εd = 2(R2 - R1) / 2R1

Simplifying the equation, we get:

εd = (R2 - R1) / R1

Step 2: Evaluating the ratio

To find the ratio of volumetric strain to diametrical strain, we divide the equation for volumetric strain by the equation for diametrical strain:

(εv / εd) = [(R2^3 - R1^3) / R1^3] / [(R2 - R1) / R1]

Simplifying the equation, we get:

(εv / εd) = [(R2^3 - R1^3) / (R2 - R1)] * (R1 / R1)

(εv / εd) = (R2^3 - R1^3) / (R2 - R1)

Since the shell is thin, R2 is very close to R1, so we can approximate R2 - R1 as ΔR.

(εv / εd) = (R1^3 + R1^2ΔR + R1ΔR^2 - R1^3) / ΔR

(εv / εd) = (R1^2ΔR + R1ΔR^2) / ΔR

(εv / εd) = (R1^2 + R1ΔR) / 1

(εv / εd) = R1(R1 + ΔR) / ΔR

As ΔR approaches zero (since the shell is thin), the ratio becomes:

(εv / εd) = R1 / 0

Therefore, the ratio of volumetric strain to diametrical strain is undefined if the shell is infinitely thin. However, in practice, for thin shells,

Maximum Shear strain Energy theory was postulated by:
  • a)
    Tresca
  • b)
    St Venant
  • c)
    Rankine
  • d)
    Von-mises
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

. Maximum Principal stress theory was postulated by Rankine. It is suitable for brittle materials.
2. Maximum Principal strain theory was postulated by St Venant. This theory is not accurate for brittle and ductile materials both.
3. Maximum Shear stress theory was postulated by Tresca. This theory is suitable for ductile materials. Its results are the safest.
4. Maximum shear strain energy theory was postulated by Von-mises. Its results in case of pure shear are the accurate for ductile materials.

The ratio of moment of inertia of circular plate to that of square plate of equal depth is:
  • a)
    less than 1
  • b)
    Equal to 1
  • c)
    Greater than 1
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Moment of inertia (I1) of circular plate of diameter “D” is given by:
.
Moment of inertia (I2) of square plate of side equal to diameter “D” of circular plate is given by:

Slenderness ratio of a long column is
  • a)
    Area of cross-section divided by radius of gyration 
  • b)
    Area of cross-section divided by least radius of gyration
  • c)
    Radius of gyration divided by area of cross-section
  • d)
    Length of column divided by least radius of gyration
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kajal Tiwari answered
Understanding Slenderness Ratio
The slenderness ratio is a critical parameter in structural engineering, particularly for columns. It helps predict the buckling behavior of long columns under axial loads.
Definition of Slenderness Ratio
- The slenderness ratio (λ) is defined as the ratio of the effective length of the column (L) to its least radius of gyration (r).
Formula
- The formula for slenderness ratio is:
λ = L / r
Importance of the Least Radius of Gyration
- The radius of gyration (r) is a measure of how the cross-sectional area is distributed about an axis.
- The "least radius of gyration" is crucial as it reflects the weakest axis of the column, which is most prone to buckling.
Why Length Divided by Least Radius of Gyration?
- A long column will buckle when subjected to compressive loads, and the slenderness ratio helps in assessing this risk.
- A higher slenderness ratio indicates a greater tendency for buckling.
- By using the effective length (L) divided by the least radius of gyration (r), engineers can determine the buckling load and design accordingly.
Conclusion
- The correct answer is option 'D': Length of column divided by least radius of gyration.
- This relationship is fundamental for ensuring structural stability and safety in engineering design.
Understanding and applying the concept of slenderness ratio is essential for designing columns that can withstand loads without buckling.

Mohr’s circle can be used to determine the following stress on an inclined surface:
A. Principal stress
B. Normal stress
C. Tangential stress
D. Maximum shear stress
  • a)
    Only A
  • b)
    Only B
  • c)
    Only C
  • d)
    A, B, C and D
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pritam Das answered
Mohr circle is a graphical representation of plane stress which helps in determining the relationships between normal and shear stresses acting on any inclined plane at a point in a stressed body.
Mohr’s circle of stresses is a graphical method of finding normal, tangential and resultant stresses on an oblique plane.

Young’s modulus of elasticity is defined as the ratio of which of the following?
  • a)
    Lateral strain to longitudinal stress
  • b)
    Lateral strain to longitudinal strain
  • c)
    Longitudinal stress to longitudinal strain
  • d)
    Shear stress to shear strain
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dishani Desai answered
Understanding Young's Modulus of Elasticity
Young's modulus of elasticity is a fundamental property of materials that quantifies their ability to deform elastically (i.e., non-permanently) when subjected to stress. It is crucial in mechanical engineering and materials science.
Definition
Young's modulus (E) is defined as the ratio of:
- Longitudinal Stress (force per unit area) to
- Longitudinal Strain (relative change in length).
Mathematical Representation
E = Longitudinal Stress / Longitudinal Strain
This relationship emphasizes how much a material will stretch or compress under a given load.
Why Option 'C' is Correct
- Longitudinal Stress: This is the force applied per unit area along the length of the material. It is often expressed in Pascals (Pa).
- Longitudinal Strain: This is the change in length divided by the original length of the material, indicating how much the material has deformed under the applied stress.
The ratio of these two quantities provides a measure of stiffness or rigidity of a material. A higher Young's modulus indicates a stiffer material that deforms less under stress, while a lower value indicates a more flexible material.
Other Options Explained
- Option A: Lateral strain to longitudinal stress is related to Poisson's ratio, not Young's modulus.
- Option B: Lateral strain to longitudinal strain does not define any modulus of elasticity.
- Option D: Shear stress to shear strain defines the shear modulus, not Young's modulus.
In summary, Young's modulus is a key parameter in understanding material behavior under load, making option 'C' the correct choice.

A rectangular bar of cross sectional area 10000 mm2 is subjected to an axial load of 40 kN. Determine the normal stress on the section which is inclined at an angle of 30° with normal cross-section of the bar.
  • a)
    1.5 MPa
  • b)
    3 MPa
  • c)
    1.7 MPa
  • d)
    4.5 MPa
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Snehal Tiwari answered
\(\sigma = \frac{P}{A} = \frac{{40 \times 1000}}{{1000}} = 4\;MPa\)
Normal stress on inclined plane:
σn = BM' = R + R cos 60° = R(1 + cos 60)
σn = 2(1 + 0.5) = 3 MPa
Some more important calculations which may be asked in exams:
Shear stress on inclined plane:
\({\tau _s} = R\sin 60^\circ = \frac{{2 \times \sqrt 3 }}{2} = 1.732\;MPa\)
Maximum principal stress, σ1 = 4 MPa (θ = 0°)
Minimum principal stress, σ2 = 0 MPa (θ = 90°)
Radius of the Mohr circle R = σ1/2 = 2 MPa
Maximum shear stress, τmax = R = 2 MPa (θ = 45°)

The major and minor principal stresses at a point are 3Mpa and -3Mpa respectively. The maximum shear stress at the point is
  • a)
    Zero
  • b)
    3Mpa
  • c)
    6Mpa
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aaditya Jain answered
Analysis:

Given Data:
- Major principal stress (σ1) = 3 MPa
- Minor principal stress (σ2) = -3 MPa

Formula:
- Maximum shear stress (τmax) = (σ1 - σ2) / 2

Calculations:
- Substituting the given values in the formula:
τmax = (3 - (-3)) / 2
τmax = 6 / 2
τmax = 3 MPa

Conclusion:
The maximum shear stress at the point is 3 MPa (Option B).

The temperature stress is a function of
1. Coefficient of linear expansion
2. Temperature rise
3. Modulus of elasticity 
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    1 and 3 only
  • c)
    2 and 3 only 
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ruchi Ahuja answered
Thermal strain ϵis proportional to the temperature change ΔT
ϵT=αΔTϵT=αΔT
α is coefficient of thermal expansion.
When there is some restriction to the bar to expand, thermal stress will generate in the material:
σT=strain×E=α.ΔT.E

The bending moment diagram for the case shown below in Figure will be:
  • a)
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Here RA = RB = W
Between A to C:
Mx=W×x⇒Ma=0,Mc=WaMx=W×x⇒Ma=0,Mc=Wa
Between C to D:
Mx=W×x−W(x−a)⇒MD=W×4a−W(4a−a)=WaMx=W×x−W(x−a)⇒MD=W×4a−W(4a−a)=Wa
Between D to B:
Mx=W×x−W(x−a)−W(x−4a)⇒MB=W×5a−W(5a−a)−W(5a−4a)=0

The correct relation between Modulus of elasticity (E), Shear Modulus (G) and Bulk modulus (K) is:
  • a)
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Relation between Modulus of elasticity (E), Shear Modulus (G) and Bulk modulus (K) is given by:
Now, rewriting the equation as follows:
3KE + GE = 9KG
3KE – 9KG = - GE
K(3E – 9G) = - GE

Effective length of a column effectively held in position and restrained in direction at one end but neither held in position nor restrained in direction at the other end is
  • a)
    L
  • b)
    0.67 L
  • c)
    0.85 L
  • d)
    2 L
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Yash Das answered
Given condition is “Effective length of a column effectively held in position and restrained in direction at one but neither held in position nor restrained in direction at the other end”
This implies one end fixed, other end free
leFF = 2L

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