Axial Members under Loading

Typical axial members with tensile loading, P.

In a Nut Shell: Normal Strain in an Axial Member

The normal strain. ε, in an axial member is the deformation per unit length. ε = δ / L .

Common units for strain are in. / in or μin. / in.

Normal Strain at a Point, P, in an axial member

It’s possible that the axial force might vary over the cross-section (i.e. tapered members).

In that case let the elemental deformation be Δδ over an element of length Δx .

Then the normal strain, ε, at a given point P is

ε = lim Δδ / Δx

Δx→ 0

The total elongation of the axial member is then (by integration):

δ = ∫ ε dx

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