
Two-dimensional Mohr’s circle
When the plane of interest contains one of the principal axes, the tractions on the
plane depend only on the two remaining principal stresses, and using Mohr’s circle is
therefore simplified. For example, when y ¼ 90
(i.e., the x
3
-axis lies in the plane of
interest), all stress states lie on the circle centered at B in Figure 2.11.2. The stresses
then depend only on s
1
and s
2
and on the angle f, and we need only draw the single
circle, as shown in Figure 2.11.3.
Uses
Mohr’s circle is used for graphical determination of normal and shear tractions acting
on a plane of arbitrary orientation relative to the principal stresses.
2.12 Static and dynamic moduli
In a uniaxial stress experiment (Figure 2.12.1), Young’s modulus E is defined as
the ratio of the axial stress s to the axial strain e
a
, while Poisson’s ratio n is defined
as the (negative) ratio of the radial strain e
r
to the axial strain:
E ¼
e
a
; n ¼
e
r
e
a
It follows from these definitions that Poisson’s ratio is zero if the sample does not
expand radially during axial loading and Poisson’s ratio is 0.5 if the radial strain is
half the axial strain, which is the case for fluids and incompressible solids. Poisson’s
ratio must lie within the range 1 < n 0:5.
The speeds of elastic waves in the solid are linked to the elastic moduli and the
bulk density r by the wave equation. The corresponding expressions for Poisson’s
ratio and Young’s modulus are:
P
30⬚
f =158
45⬚
60⬚
75⬚
Figure 2.11.3 Two-dimensional Mohr’s circle.
76 Elasticity and Hooke’s law