Question

A 4 in. wide by 1.125 in. thick rectangular steel bar supports a load of P in tension. Determine the stress in the bar if P = 32,000 lb (precision of 100).

a) 14,000 psi
b) 25,000 psi
c) 32,000 psi
d) 40,000 psi

Answer 1

The tensile stress in a rectangular steel bar subjected to a load of 32,000 lb is calculated using the formula Stress = P / A. With a bar dimension of 4 in. by 1.125 in., the stress is approximately 7,111 psi, which does not match any of the provided options, indicating a potential error in the question or the options.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves calculating the tensile stress in a rectangular steel bar. The stress (often in units of psi, pounds per square inch) in the bar is determined by the force applied in tension (P) divided by the bar's cross-sectional area.

To calculate stress, we use the formula:

Stress = P / A

where P is the applied force and A is the cross-sectional area of the bar.

Given that the bar is 4 inches wide and 1.125 inches thick, its cross-sectional area (A) is:

A = width × thickness = 4 in. × 1.125 in. = 4.5 in.²

With a force (P) of 32,000 lb, we can calculate the stress as:

Stress = P / A = 32,000 lb / 4.5 in.²

This results in:

Stress ≈ 7,111 psi

However, this value is not one of the options provided. The student may need to reevaluate either the question or the provided options. Remember that accuracy is essential, and all calculations should be verified for precision.