In a Nut Shell:

Structures that are generally long in the axial direction (perhaps in the x-direction) compared to

its X˗section, straight, and have a constant (or mildly tapered) cross-section are termed axial

members.  The cross-section of the axial member will have a centroid.  The x-axis of the

axial member is assumed to lie along the centroid of each cross-section.  Click here to view a

typical axial member.

Important areas for Analysis of Axial Members

The chart below details the topics important to the analysis of axial members.  A similar chart

applies to structural members in torsion and structural members in bending.