CHAPTER C4
STRENGTH AND DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL
AND SQUARE TUBING IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING,
TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.
C4. 1 Introduction.
Before the advent of the stressed-skin
structure for aircraft, or during the period
when fuselage and wing were fabric covered,
round, oval and square tubing were used in
designing the major structure of the fuselage
and wing. If the wing and tail were externally
braced, streamline tubing was used. The
development of the metal covered structure
eliminated the use of tubing in fuselage and
wing design, however, tUbing continued to be
used for landing gear structure, engine mounts,
control systems, fixed equipment such as
passenger seats, etc.
With the opening of the space age, tUbing
as a structural unit in space vehicles is
again being widely used because drag in space
is not an important factor. Round tubing is
the best shape for transmitting torsional
forces and thus is widely used in control
systems. Round and square tUbing permit simple
connection or end fitting design. The metals
industry has made available a large number of
diameter and wall thicknesses and thus the
structural designer has a large number of sizes
to select from.
C4. 2 Design for Tension.
In general the strength design require-
ments are that the limit loads must be carried
without exceeding the tensile yield stress
(Fty) of the material and the ultimate design
load which is equal to the limit load times a
factor of safety must be carried without
failure, which means the tensile stress cannot
exceed the (Ftu) of the material. In general
for aircraft, the factor of safety is 1.5.
For unmanned missiles and space vehicles the
factor of safety may be as low as 1.2. Since
the ratio of Ftu to Fty for materials varies
widely, sometimes the yield under limit loads
is more critical than failure under the
ultimate design loads, thus the student should
always be sure he has the critical situation.
Since elevated temperature and time of
exposure effect the yield and ultimate strength
of materials, the problem of material selection
relative to light weight becomes an important
design factor. Fig. C4.1 shows a plot of the
Ftu/w ratio versus elevated temperatures up
to 800 degrees, where w is the density of the
material. The tube materials are AISI alloy
C4.1
steel and 2024 aluminum alloy. Observation of
Fig. C4.1 shows that for temperatures below
350 oF, a1Qminum alloy is lighter unless the
steel is heat-treated to Ftu = 180,000 or
above. Above 350 oF, the ultimate strength of
aluminum alloy falls off rapidly, but steel
continues its rather uniform decrease in
tensile strength.
The graph explains why aluminum alloy
cannot be used entirely for the surface of
supersonic airplanes flying at speeds around
2000 miles per hour, as aerodynamic heating
would produce surface temperatures in the
region where the strength of aluminum alloy
decreases rapidly.
700
600
0
0
0
,...., 500
~
~ 4'00
')
r<.
300
200
100
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Temp. of. 1/2 Hr. Exposure
Fig. C4.1
Practically every structural tubular
member in a flight vehicle structure must be
fastened or attached to another adjacent
member. The connection can be made by using
some sort of end fitting which is fastened to
the tube by rivets or bolts or by welding. If
rivets or bolts are used, holes are cut in the
tube walls which means the tube is weakened
since tube area is cut away, thus net area on
any tube cross-section must be used in calcu-
lating the tube tensile strength. If welding
is used in the connection, the welding heat
causes grain growth in the tube material
adjacent to the weld area, which decreases the
tube strength, thus a welding correction factor
must be used in calculating the ultimate tensile
strength. Designing for tension will be
illustrated later in this chapter.
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.2 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.
C4. 3 Design for Compression.
The strength of members With stable cross-
sections when acting as columns can be cal-
culated by Euler's equation if the bending
failure is elastic, or E is constant (eq. C4.1)
and for inelastic bending failure, Euler's
equation With the tangent modulus Et replacing
E (eq. C4.2) checks test reSUlts. (The stUdent
should refer to Chapters A18 and C2 for theory
on column strength.)
- - - - - - - - - - - (C4.1)
L' is the effective length and equals
L/~ where c is the column end fixity
coefficient.
Long and Short Columns
For many years the problem or subject of
inelastic column strength or failure was
treated almost entirely from a consideration
of test results. That is, sufficient tests
were made to establish the shape of the failing
stress curve in the region where the failure
was at stresses above the proportional limit
stress of the material. Mathematical curves
were then derived to fit the test results.
Engineers referred to the columns which failed
by inelastic bending as short columns, and
thus referred to the equations that fit the
test data as short column equations. The
columns that failed by elastic bending were
then referred to as long columns. The test
curve for long columns would follow the Euler
column equation (C4.l) and thus tests were
not necessary to establish allowable failing
stresses in the so-called long column range.
Thus over the years short column equations
based on test results have been presented by
official government agencies for use in
structural design. The official publication
for the aerospace field is the Military
Handbook MIL-HDBK (Ref. 1).
C4. 4 Column Formulas for Round Steel Tubes.
From (Ref. 1) the basic short column
equations are:-
Fc = Fco [l-F co (V/p)lil/4n lil EJ - - - - - (C4.3)
Fc = Fco { 1- 0.3027 [(L' /p )/n
J E/F co J 1.0 IS} - - -
Where Fco is the column yield stress
(upper limit of column stress for primary
failure). It can be determined from test
reSUlts by extending the short column curve to
a point corresponding to zero length, ignoring
any tendency of the test curve to rise rapidly
for very short lengths where failure is by
block compression. Table C4.l shows the
reSUlting short and long column equations
after values of Fco and E have been SUbstituted
in equations C4.3 and C4.4 and E in the Euler
equation. The column headed transitional
L' /p, represents the value of L' /p where failure
change from inelastic to elastic failure or, in
other words, it is the dividing point between
the so-called long and short column range.
Thus if the equations are used, the L'/p value
must be known in order to select the proper
equation.
(C4.2) C4. 5 Column Formulas for Aluminum Alloy Tubes.
From (Ref. 1), the basic short column
equations for aluminum alloys are:-
FC - Fco [1 - 0.385 (L' /p)/n) E/FcoJ (C4.5)
Fc = Fco [1 0.333 (L'/p)/nv E/FcoJ (C4.6 )
Fc - Fco [1 - 0.272 (L'/p)/n"; E/F co ] (C4.7)
For long columns:-
Fc = n lil E/(L'/p)2 ------- - (C4.8)
The equations for determining Fco are
given in Table C4.2 (from Ref. 1). The table
also indicates which of the three short column
equations to use for the various aluminum alloy
materials.
To illustrate the use of Table C4.2, the
column formula for 2024-T3 aluminum alloy
tubing will be derived:-
From Chapter B2, we find the following
strength properties for 2024-T3 tubing,
Ftu = 64000, Fcy = 42000
From Table C4.2, the equation for Fco is,
Fco = Fcy (1 + ..; Fcy/lOOO SUbstituting,
Fco = 42000 (1 + ..; 42/1000 = 42000 (1 + .205)
= 50600
From Table C4.2, we note that short
column equation C4.5 applies.
SUbstituting in this equation,
(C4.4)
Fc = 50600 [1 - 0.385(L' /p/n"; 10,500,000/50600]
or Fc = 50600 - 431 L'/p - - - - - - - - (C4.9)
C4. 6 Column Formulas for Magnesium Alloys.
From (Ref. 1) the following short column
equations for various magnesium alloy materials
 C4.3

Table C4. 1 Column Formulas for Round Steel Tubes

Short columns (a)

Transi- Local
Material Ftu, ksi Fty, ksi Fco, ksi tional (C) Long columns (b)
Basic failure
Column formula (b) V/p
equation

1025 ...•,••.•..•.... 55 36 36 36, 000-1. 172(L'/p)'" .•• C4.3 122 286 x 1Q6/(V/p) 2 .... (d)
4130 ••.....•••.•••• 95 75(e) 79.5 79,500-51. 9(V /p) 1.6•• C4.4 91 286 x 10 6/(V/p)'" .... (d)
Heat-treated e alloy
steel ••....•..... 125 103 113 113,000-11. 15(L'/p) '" .• C4.3 73 286 x 10 6/(V/p)2 .... (d)
Heat-treated alloy
steel ............ 150 132 145 145,000-18. 36(V/p)'" .. C4.3 63 286 x 10"/(V/p)'" .... (d)
Heat-treated alloy 2
steel ..•••..•.•.. 180 163 179 179, 000-27. 95(L'/p) .. C4.3 56 286 X 10 6/(V/p)'" .... (d)

a Equation C4.1 may be used in the short column range if E
is replaced by Et obtained from the combined stress-
strain curves for the material.
b L'/p = L/p.,;C: L'/p shall not exceed 150 without specific
authority from the procuring or certificating agency.
c Transitional L/p is that above which columns are "long"
and below which they are "short." These are approximate
values.
d Not necessary to investigate for local instability when
D/t<: 50.
e This value is applicable when the material is furnished
in condition N (MIL-T-6736) but the yield strength is
reduced when normalized subsequent to welding to 60
ksi.

are given in Tables C4.4 and C4.4a. or inelastic instability of the column as a
whole. As the slenderness ratio L'/p gets
Table C4. 4 Column Formulas for Magnesium- smaller, the Fc stress increases. Now if the
Alloy Extruded Open Shapesa diameter of the tube is relatively large and
GENERAL FORMULA the wall thickness relatively small or, in
n other words, if the diameter/thickness (D/t)
K(Fcy) ratio is large, failure will result by local
F c = (V/p)m crippling or crushing of the tube wall and
this local failing stress is usually repre-
(Stress values are in ksi) sented by the symbol Fcc. The values of Fcc
in general have been determined by tests (see
Alloy K n m Max. Fc design charts for Fcc versus D/t ratio).
MIA .• ...... ... 180 1/2 1.0 0.90 F cy C4. 9 Design Column Charts.
AZ3lB, AZ61A, AZ80A. 2,900 1/4 1.5 Fc~
AZ80A-T6, ZK60A-T5 • 3,300 1/4 1.5 O. 6 F cy In design, column strength charts are a
a Formulas given above are for members that do not fail by great time-saver as compared to SUbstituting
local buckling. in the various column equations, thus a number
of column charts are presented in this chapter
to facilitate the strength check of columns
Table C4. 4a Column Formula for AZ31B-H24 and the strength design of columns. Fig.
Magnesium-Alloy Sheet C4.2 is a chart of L'/p versus Fc for heat
treated round alloy steel tubing. Fig. C4.3
is a similar type of chart for aluminum alloy
round tubing. Fig. C4.4 gives column charts
Max. F c = F cy for magnesium alloy materials. All three
charts are taken from (Ref. 1). Figs. C4.5
and C4.6 represent a further simplication for
the design of steel and aluminum round tubing.
C4. 7 Short Column Equations for Other Materials.
C4. 10 Section Properties of Round Tubing.
For other metals for which short column
equations are not available, the use of Euler's Table C4.3 gives the section properties
equation, using the tangent modulus Et can be of round tUbing. A tube is designated by
used (eq. C4.2). Refer to Chapter C2 for giving its outside wall diameter (D) and its
information on how to construct column strength wall thickness (t). Thus a 2-1/4 - .058 means
curves using this equation. a tube with 2-1/4 inch outside diameter and a
wall thickness in inches of .058. Since a tUbe
C4. 8 Column Failure Due to Local Failure. is symmetrical about any axis, the polar moment
of inertia, which is needed in torsion problems,
The equations as presented give the equals twice the rectangular moment of inertia
allowable stress due to failure by bending of as given in Table C4.3. For weight comparison,
the column as a whole and the action is elastic the weight of steel and aluminum tubing is
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.4 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

Table C4. 2 Column Formulas for Aluminum Alloys

Alloy and Temper Product F•• Short Transitional Long

Columns L'/p Columns

2014-T3, T4, T451 Sheet and Plate·;

2024-T3, T35l, T36, T4, Rolled Rod, Bar and
T42 Shapes;
Drawn Tube

5052-All Tempers
5083-All Tempers
5086-All Tempers
5454-All Tempers All Products Fcu(l +.../ F.u/lOOO) Equation 1.732r.../E/F•• Equation
5456-All Tempers C4.5 C4.8
6061-T4, T451, T451O,
T4511

All Cast Alloys and Sand and Permanent

Tempers Mold Castings
-
2024-T3510, T3511, T4, Extrusions
T42

2014-T6, T651
2024-T6, T81, T86, T851 Sheet and Plate·;
7075-T6, T651 Rolled Rod, Bar and F eu(l + .../ F eu/1333) Equation 1.346r.../E/F•• Equation
7178-T6, T651 Shapes; Drawn C4.6 C4.8
Tube

6061-T6, T651 Sheet and Plate·

2014-T6, T651, T6510,

T6511, T652
2024-T6, T81, T851O,
2024-T6, T81, T851O,
T8511, T852
7075-T6, T6510, TtiStl, Extrusions, Forgings
T652
7079-T6, T6510, T6511 ,
T652
7178-T6, T651O, T6511

Rolled Rod, Bar and F.u(l +..; F .u/2OOO) Equation 1.224r.../ElFe. Equation
Shapes; C4.7 C4.8
6061-T6, T651, T651O, Drawn Tube;
T6511 Extrusions

X2020-T6, T651 Sheet and Plate·

·Includes clad as well as bare sheet and plate. Equation C4. 8 may be used In the short column range If E' Is
Transitional L'lp Is that above which the columns are "long" and replaced by E, obtained (rom the compressive stress-strain curve (or the
below which they are "short". material.
 C4.5

given in the last two columns of the table. Table C4. 5

C4. 11 Some General Facts in Tubing Design. Tension Allowables Near Welds in Steel TUbing (X-4130)

Normalized Welded after HT HT after

1. For a given area, the larger the tube Type of Weld
Tube Welded or Norm. after Weld Welding
diameter, the greater the column strength
if failure due to local crippling is not *Tapered Welds
critical. of 300 or Less .947 Ftu 90,000 psi .90 Ftu

All others .841 Ftu 80,000 psi .80 Ftu

2. The higher the D/t ratio of tube the lower
the crippling or local failure strength.
3. If columns fall within the long column
category, the use of higher strength alloy
steel or aluminum alloy will not increase
strength of column since E is practically
constant for all chrome-moly steel alloys
and likewise for all aluminum alloys.
Failure is due to elastic buckling of the
column as a whole and is therefore a
function only of I, L' and E.
* Note: Gussets or plate inserts considered 00 "taper"
with ~ .
** For (X-4130) Special, comparable, values to the Ftu,
equal to 90, 000 and 80, 000, are stresses 94, 500 and
84, 100 psi, respectively.
Ref. Anc-5
C4. 13 lllustrative Problems in Strength t;:hecking
and Design of Round Steel Tubes as Columns
and Tension Members.

4. The column end restraint affects the neces- PROBLEM 1

sary tube size. Consult the design require-
ments of the Army, Navy, and C.A.A. in this
matter. In general with welded steel
tubular trusses a coefficient of C = 2 is
permissible except for engine mount and
Nacelle structures. For trusses with
riveted joints a value of not over 1 5 is
generally permissible.
Tube size = 1-1/2 - .058, Length L = 30 in
End fixity coefficient C 1. =
Material:- Alloy steel, Ftu = 95000. The
tube is welded at ends.
Ultimate design loads are:- P -14,500 =
lbs. compression, and P = 18500 lbs. tension.
Required the Margin of Safety (M.S.)

5. The student should realize that practical Solution: The compressive (M.S.) will be
limitations such as clearance requirements determined first. As the simplest solution,
may determine the diameter of the tube we can use the column curves in Fig. C4.5.
instead of strength-weight considerations. =
For a length of 30 and C 1, from the upper
Thus design can consist of checking the right chart we project upward to the inter-
tubes available under the given section with the 1-1/2 diameter tube and then
restrictions. horizontally to the left hand scale to read
the column strength of 14800 lbs. which we
C4. 12 Effect of Welding of steel Tubes Upon the Tension will call the allowable failing Pa.
and Column Strength.
S = Pa _ 1 = 14800 _ 1 = 02
Since welding affects the grain structure
11..
M
P 14500 •
of the tube material adjacent to the weld, The tube strength could also be found by
tests show the strength of the material using Fig. C4.2 as follows:
adjacent to the weld is decreased as compared
to the unwelded material. If a tapered weld L' = L/Y-C- = 30/y-r- = 30
is used, the effect of the weld is decreased.
Table C4.5 shows the allowable stresses in L'/p =
30/.5102 =
58.7. P is found from
tension to use when tension loads are carried. Table C4.3 as well as the tube area 0.2628
sq. in. Using 58.7 for L'/p on lower scale
In short columns, the primary column and projecting upward to the Ftu = 95000
failing stress may be greater than the local curve, which is the lower curve, and then
crippling strength of the tube adjacent to horizontally to left hand scale we read
the weld at the end of the tube. This local Fc =56500 psi.
failing stress due to welding is referred to
as the weld cut-off stress and the column Whence, Pa = FcA = 56500 x .2628 =
compressive stress Fc should not exceed this 14850 lb.
value. This cut-off weld stress is shown by
the horizontal lines in Fig. C4.2 and C4.5. The solution obViously could be made by
SUbstituting in the short column equation for
steel having Ftu =
95000, or
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.6 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

180
.... , I I
Tobie of Weld Cutoffs
I
\
170 Heat Treated After Weldina I--
~.Ftu= 180 ksi
Heat Treated Cutoff,ksi Reference
160
\ to Ftu. ksi

\\ 180
150
144
120
REF. 1
150 125 95 I--
~ \ Normalized
140 ' ... '-\ Cutoff heat treated 100 76.6
f--
95 67.5
after weld ing

130
\ \ Ftu= 150 ksi

120 \' 60 ~ 50
on
on
~

, r\\~/
- - - _ Unwelded column
~ ii> 40
110
r- ...... aliowobles .A 0'
C
on
~
:c.on
Ftu=125 ksi
\ ii>
c
S 30
100 E u
~ \ ::0 IE
-0 30
1\ u
90
'"
\'
:0
0
'J 20
E
80

, <i
,,-0
10

"'-",,\
70
-"weld cutoff after heat
treat 4130 0
60 0 20 4Q 60 80 100 120 140
I L'lp
f t Y=75 ksi
50
Ftu=95 ksi Fig. C4.3 2024-T3 and 6061-T6
~~ round aluminum alloy tubing.
40

30

20

0
I0 20 40 60
""
80 100 120
"-I'-
140 160 180 200 220
L'/p

Fig. C4.2 Allowable column stress for heat-treated

alloy-steel round tubing.

50

Euler curve, E: 6.5 xl0 6 psi

40 -
.s

VV
AZ80A-T5 and ZK60A-T5
III extruded shapes (except hollow)
III
~ 30 _ 0 96Fcy I I I -

~
in AZ80A-F extruded shapes
c
E
.2 20
o
:/ (except hollow)
I I I
/' Round tubes, Fcy : 10 ksi

"'t2(
U'
0
IJ...
10
Fcy
:'--- ~

o I
o 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
LIP

Fig. C4.4 Allowable column stresses for magnesium-alloy columns.

 ::t:
Eo<
t:J 4
Z
\i::l
ll::
Eo<
rn
2
~p
,.J
0
t.l
C=2
C=l
rn

~ 20
Po<
r-.. o 20 40 60 80
0
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES
~ 16
~
g 12 36
Eo<

20 40 60 80
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES
rn

~
Po<
50

S
~ 40

8 4
~ 30

::t:
Eo< C=2
~ 20 C=l 20 40 60 80 100
\i::l
~
rn
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES

~ 10
Fig. C4.5
6
t.l STRENGTH OF CHROME MOLY ROUND STEEL TUBES
C=2 FTY = 75, 000 PSI FTU = 95, 000 PSI
C=l 40 80 120 160
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.8 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

7000 "'\"
,
(J)
24000 ".'- ...... ", ,'''" ' ,A.., 1/4
~ 6000 (J) ll- 3/B
'C ~1/2;
5
Po< ~ 0- 5/B
E - S/4
I 5000 ~ 20000 F -7/S
0-1
~o-l A.:1/4 H - 1-1/s
, I _ 1-1/4

1'<1 4000
a- 3/8
C - l/Z'
J) • 5/8'*
~o-l 16000 J - I-S/S
K - 1-1/2;
o-l L - 1.5/B
, E - S/•• 1'<1
~ F - 7/8' o-l
N- 1-3/4
N -1-7/B
~ 3000
0-'1·
H-l-1/B
~ 12000 0-2
P - 2;-1/4
o-l
o-l
1 -1-1/4'
J - l-S/B
~ Q - 2-I/Z"
< K - 1-1/2
o-l R - 2;-3/.'
:;i 8-30.0"

[:~.
8000
1'<1
Eo<

'0 g 4000

.'
~ C ' Eo<
=3
rmARD SIZES
o 10 20 30 40 50 o 20 40 60 80 100 120
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES (C = 1) COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES (C = 1)
35000
14000 A - S/8
(J)
B - 1/2;
(J)
~ 30000 C - 5/S

~ 12000
A- 1/4 Oc 3/4
B - 3/B 0 E -7/S
0 C - 1/2 Po< Y-I
Po< 0- 5/B I G· 1-1/S
E - 3/4 ~ 25000 Ii - 1-1/4
.049 F - 7/B I - l-:VS
~ 10000 G -'1 0 J - 1-1/2
H-l-1/B o-l , K- 1-5/s
0
, L - 1-3/4
o-l I - 1-1/."
J - 1-3/8 ~ 20000 M- 1-7/B
1'<1 iII
o-l 8000 K - 1-1/2' N-Z
iII
<
L - 1-5/S
M- 1-S/4* ~ 0- 2-1/4
P - 2;-1/2
~
o-l 6000
N - 1-7/S
0-2
315000
o-l
'Q.2-3/4 '
R- s* 0.0.
o-l P -2-1/4 <
Q - 2-1/2 0. D.
< 1'<1
1'<1
Eo<
~ 10000
g 4000
~
o-l
Eo< ~ 5000
o-l
~

*AN STArfuARDSIZES
*AN STANDARD SIZES o 20 40'" 60 8() 10() 120
o 20 . 4()6() 80 100 120 COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES (C = 1)
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES (C = 1) 35000

24000 A- 1/4 (J) A-IVa

B-l/2
~
(J)
B - 3/8
30000
~~ 20000
C - 1/2 C - 5/S
0-5/8
, E - 3/4
5Po< 0- S/4
E-7/B
F - 7/B F-l
0-1
H-1-1/B
~ 25000 G~ 1-1/8
H - 1-1/4
q
I - 1-1/4 o I - 1-3/8
<516000 J - 1-3/S o-l J - 1-1/2
o-l K - 1-1/2 K - 1-5/S
1'<1 L - 1-5/S ~ 20000 L - 1-3/4
o-l M- 1-3/4 N-I-7/8
~ 12000 N - 1-7/S
0-2' ~ N·Z
0-
~o-l P-2-1/4"
Q - 2-1/2
o 15000
o-l
p - 2;
Q-2
R - 2-3/4 o-l R-30.,0.
:;i 8000 8 -3 0.0. <
1'<1 ~ 10000
g
Eo<
4000
g
Eo<
Eo< o-l
o-l ~
~
* AN STANDARD SIZES
o 20 40 60 80 100 120
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES (C = 1) o 20 40 60 80 100 120
COLUMN LENGTH - INCHES (C = 1)
 Weight Weight
Lb/l00 ins. Lb/l00 ins.
Dia. Gage A I I/Y D/t Steel Dural Dia. Gage A .? I I/Y D/t Steel Dural
.?
1/4 .022 .01576 .0810 .000103 .000825 11.38 .45 .16 1 7/8 .035 .2023 .6507 .08565 .09136 53.60 5.73 2.04
.028 .01953 .0791 .000122 .000978 8.3a .55 .20 .049 .2811 .6458 .11720 .12500 38.25 7.95 2.84
.058 .3311 .6427 .13677 .14589 32.30 9.38 3.35
3/8 .028 .03063 .1231 .000462 .002466 13.39 .86* .31 .065 .3696 .6404 .15156 .16166 28.80 10.47 3.74
.035 .03739 .1208 .000546 .002912 10.72 1. 06 .38 .083 .4673 .6342 .18797 .20050 22.60 13.25 4.73
.049 .06018 .1166 .000682 .003636 7.65 1.43 .51
2 .049 .3003 .6900 .14299 .14299 40.80 .50 3.04
1/2 .SQ8 .04152 .1672 .001160 .004641 17.85 1.17 .42 .058 .3539 .6869 .16696 .16696 34.45 10.03* 3.58·
.035 .05113 .1649 .001390 .005559 14.28 1.45* .52* .065 .3951 .6845 .18514 .18514 30.75 11.19 4.00
.040 .06943 .1576 .001786 .007144 10.20 1.96 .70 .083 .4999 .8783 .2300 .2301 24.10 14.16 5.06
.095 .5885 .6744 .2586 .2586 21.05 16.11 5.76
5/8 .028 .05252 .2113 .002345 .007503 22.30 1.49 .54
.035 .06487 .2090 .002833 .009065 17.85 1.84* .66* 2 1/4 .049 .3388 .7783 .2052 .1824 45.90 9.59 3.43
.049 .08867 .2044 .003704 .011852 12.77 2.51 .90 .058 .3994 .7753 .2401 .2134 38.80 11.30* 4.05*
.058 .10331 .2016 .004195 .013425 10.79 2.93 1.05 .065 .4462 .7728 .2665 .2369 34.60 12.64 4.52
.083 .5651 .7667 .3322 .2953 27.15 16.01 5.72 >-:l
III
3/4 .028 .06351 .2555 .004145 .011052 26.80 1.80 .65 .095 .6432 .7626 .3741 .3325 23.70 18.22 6.51 g
.035 .07862 .2531 .005036 .013429 21.42 2.23* .80* co
.049 .10791 .2485 .006661 .017762 15.30 3.06 1.09 2 1/2 .049 .3773 .8667 .2834 .2267 51.00 10.68 3.82 (')
.058 .12609 .2455 .007601 .02027 12.94 3.57 1.28 .058 .4450 .8635 .3318 .2655 43.10 12.60 4.50 ~
.065 .13988 .2433 .008278 .02208 11.53 3.96 1.42 .065 .4972 .8613 .3688 .2950 38.45 14.09* 5.03* c.:>
.083 .6302 .8550 .4607 .3686 30.10 17.85 6.38
.095 .7178 .8509 .5197 .4158 26.30 20.34 7.27 '1j
7/8 .028 .07451 .2996 .006689 .015289 31.23 2.11 .76
.035 .09236 .2973 .008161 .018653 25.00 2.62* .94* ::c
.049 .12715 .2925 .010882 .02487 17.85 3.60 1. 29 2 3/4 .049 .4158 .9551 .3793 .2759 56.10 11. 78 4.20 o
.058 .14887 .2896 .012484 .02853 15.10 4.22 1. 51 .058 .4905 .0521 .4446 .3233 47.40 13.90 4.96 '1j
.065 .16541 .2865 .013653 .03121 13.47 4.66 1. 68 .065 .5483 .9496 .4944 .3596 42.30 15.50* 5.55* l:zJ
.083 .6954 .9434 .6189 .4501 33.15 19.70* 7.04 ::c
1 .035
.049
.058
.065
.10611
.14640
.17164
.19093
.3414
.3367
.3337
.3314
.012368
.016594
.019111
.020970
.02474
.03319
.03822
.04193
28.56
20.40
17.25
15.38
3.01*
4.15
4.86
5.41
1.07*
1. 48
1. 74
1. 93
3
.095

.058
.065
.083
.7924

.5361
.5993
.7606
.9393

1.0403
1. 0380
1.0318
.6991

.5802
.6457
.8097
.5084

.3868
.4305
.5398
28.95

51. 70
46.20
36.15
22.48

16.18
16.95
21.55*
8.03

5.42
6.06
7.70*
-
>-:l
l:zJ
00

1 1/8 .035 .11985 .3856 .01782 .03168 32.10 3.40* 1.21 .095 .8670 1.0276 .9156 .6104 31.58 24.56 8.78 o
.02402 22.95 4.68* 1. 68 .120 1. 0857 1.0191 1.1276 .7518 25.00 30.76 11.00 'z:1
.049 .16564 .3808 .04270
.058 .19442 .3780 .02775 .04933 19.40 5.51 1. 97
.065 .21650 .3755 .03052 .05425 17.30 6.14 2.20 3 1/4 .058 .5816 1.1287 .7410 .4560 56.10 16.47 5.89 ::c
.065 .6504 1. 1263 .8251 .5077 50.00 18.40 6.58 o
1 1/4 .035 .13360 .4297 .02467 .03948 35.70 3.78* 1.35* .083 .8258 1.1201 1.0361 .6376 39.15 23.38* 8.35* c::::
.049 .18488 .4250 .03339 .05342 25.50 5.23* 1.87* .095 .9416 1.1160 1.1727 .7217 34.20 26.66 9.52 Z
.058 .2172 .4219 .03867 .06187 21.55 6.15 2.20 .120 1.1800 1.1074 1.4472 .8906 27.10 33.43 11.95 t:::l
.065 .2420 .4196 .04260 .06816 19.22 6.86 2.45
3 1/2 .065 .7014 1.2147 1.0349 .5914 53.80 19.85 7.09 >-:l
1 3/8 .035 .1473 .4739 .03309 .04814 39.25 4.17 1. 49 .083 .8910 1. 2085 1.3012 .7435 42.20 25.20 9.01 c::::
.049
.058
.065
.2041
.2400
.2675
.4691
.4661
.4638
.04492
.05213
.05753
.06534
.07583
.08367
28.05
23.70
21.15
5.78* 2.07
6.80
7.58
2.43
2.70
3 3/4
.095
.120

.065
1. 0162
1.2742

.7525
1.2043
1.1958
1. 3031
1.4739
1. 8220
1.2777
.8422
1.0411
.6814
36.85
29.15

57.60
28.70*
36.00
21.30
10.25*
12.89

7.60
-
t:Jj

Z
Q
1 1/2 .035 .1611 .5181 .04324 .05765 42.80 4.56 1.63 .083 .9562 1.2968 1.6080 .8576 45.20 27.06 9.67
.049 .2234 .5132 .05885 .07847 30.60 6.32* 2.26* .095 1. 0908 1.2927 1.8228 .9722 39.50 30.84* 11.04*
.058 .2628 .5102 .06841 .09121 25.85 7.45 2.66 .120 1. 3685 1.2841 2.2565 1.2035 31.25 38.70 13.82
.065 .2930 .5079 .07558 .10079 23.05 8.30 2.97
.083 .3695 .5018 .09305 .12407 18.08 10.47 3.74 4 .065 .8035 1.3915 1.5557 .7779 61.50 22.75 8.12
.083 1.0214 1.3852 1.9597 .9799 42.20 28.95 10.32
1 5/8 .035 .1748 .5622 .05528 .06803 46.40 4.95 1.77 .095 1.1655 1.3810 2.2228 1.1114 42.10 32.95 11.78
.049 .2426 .5575 .07540 .09279 33.15 6.87* 2.46 .120 1.4627 1.3725 2.7552 1.3776 33.33 41.40* 14.80lt
.058 .2855 .5544 .08776 .10801 28.00 8.09 "2.89
.065 .3186 .5520 .09707 .11948 25.00 9.05 3.23 4 1/4 .134 1.7327 1.4557 3.6732 1.7408 31. 75 49.10* 17.55*
.083 .4021 .5459 .11985 .14751 19.58 11.40 4.06
4 1/2 .156 2.1289 1. 5369 5.0282 2.2347 28.80 60.40* 21. 5511-
1 3/4 .035 .1885 .6065 .06936 .07927 50.00 5.32 1. 91
.049 .2618 .6017 .09478 .10832 35.70 7.42* 2.65* 4 3/4 .188 2.6944 1.6143 7.0213 2.9563 25.25 76.25* 27.20*
.058 .3083 .5986 .11046 .12624 30.20 8.73* 3.12
.065 .3441 .5962 .12230 .13977 26.90 9.75 3.48 * AN STANDARD TUBING
.083 .4347 .5901 .1fi36 .17299 21.10 12.32 4.40 (')
~
co
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.10 IN TENSION COMPRESSION BENDING TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS

Fe = 79500 - 51.9 {L' /p)~'~ L' = L/...;G = 40/v'2: = 28.4

= 79500 - 51.9 {58.7)~·~ = 56500 psi In Fig. C4.5 we can use L = 40 and c = 2
scale at bottom of chart or use c 1 scale =
The short column equation applies since, and L' = 28.4. Reading the chart we obtain
as shown in Table C4.1, the transitional L'/p Pa = 9200 Ibs. Thus the c = 2 fixity
is 91 and the value for our tube is 58.7. increased the strength of the tube from 6000
to 9200.
Tensile Strength
Case 4. Same as Case 3 but heat treated to
Since the tube is welded, the tUbe Ftu = 150,000 after welding.
material adjacent to the weld is weakened.
The weld correction values are given in Table L'/p = 28.4/.425 = 66.8
C4.5. We will assume a weld other than
tapered. Let Pa ~ allowable or failing tensile From Fig. C4.2 using 150,000 curve, we
strength of tube. read Fc =
63000, whence

Pa = Ftu (weld factor) (area of tUbe) Pa = FcA = 63000 x .1849 = 11650 lb.
= 95000 x .841 x .2628 = 21000 Ibs. In this case heat treating produced
additional strength, whereas in Case 2 it did
M.S. = {Pa/p)-l = (21000/18500) - 1 = not. The reason for this is that failure
0.13, thus compression is critical. occurs in the inelastic stress range and heat
treating raises the material propertiBs in the
PROBLEM 2 inelastic range. The end fixity changed the
column from a so-called long column to a short
Case 1. Tube size 1-1/4 - .049, L = 40 in. column.
c =1
Material: Alloy steel, Ftu = 95000 The strength could be found also by sub-
Find ultimate compressive load it will stituting in the short column equal for
carry. 150,000 steel as given in Table C4.1,

Solution: From Fig. C4.5, Pa = 6000 Ibs. Fc = 145000 - 18.36 {L'/p)2

Case 2. If tube was heat treated to Ftu = = 145000 - 18.36 {66.8)2 =63000 psi.
150,000, what compressive load would
it carry. PROBLEM 3
Solution: Fig. C4.5 cannot be used since Case 1. Tube size 2 - .065, L 24, c = 1.5 =
Ftu = 150,000, thus we will use Fig. C4.2. Material Ftu = 95000. Welded at ends.
L' = L/...;G = 40/VT = 4. From Table C4.3, Ultimate design load = 25000 Ibs.
p = .425 and area (A) .1849. = What is M.S.

L'/p = 40/.425 = 94. From Fig. C4.2, Solution: L' = L/ve : 24/~ = 19.7
using the 150,000 curve, we find Fc 32500. = = =
Then Pa = FcA =
32500 x .1849 = 6000 lb. Thus From Fig. C4.5 for L 19.7 on c 1
scale, we project upward to the 2 inch tube
heat treating the tUbe from 95000 to 150,000
for Ftu did not increase the column strength. and note that it intersects the horizontal
For a L'/p = 94, it is a long column and weld cut-off line which gives an allowable
failure is elastic and E is constant. column load at left scale of Pa = 26700 lb.
Failure in this case is local crippling
The strength could also be calculated by adjacent to welds at the tube ends.
Euler's equation from Table C4.I.
M.S. = Pa / p = 26700/25000 - 1 = .07
Fc =286,000,000/{L'/p)2 Case 2. Assume tUbe is heat treated to Ftu
= 286,000,000/(94)2 = 32500 psi, the = 125000 after welding. What is tube
same as previously calculated.------ strength.

Case 3. Same as Case 1, but assume tube is L'/p = 19.7/.6845 = 28.8

welded to several other tUbes at its
end and that the end fixity developed
is c = 2.
Using Fig. C4.2 With L'/p = 28.8
and pro-
jecting up to 125000 curve, we again note that
horizontal weld cut-off line is intersected

giving Fc = 95000, whence Pa = 95000 x .3951
= 37500 Ibs.
If the tube had not been welded at ends
the dashed part of the column curve could have
been used, thus giving additional strength.
PROBLEM 4
Fig. C4.7 shows a steel tubular ,engine
mount structure for a 1050 H.P. radial engine.
The ultimate design tension and compressive
load in each member as determined from a stress
analysis for the various flying and landing
conditions are shown in ( ) adjacent to each
member. The true length L of each member is
also shown. Using chrome-moly steel tUbes,
Ftu = 95000, select tube sizes for the given
loads. It is common practice to assume the
column end fixity c = 1 for engine mount
members, since the mount is subjected to
considerable vibration and the true rigidity
given by the engine mount ring is difficult
to accurately determine.
Front View
Fig. C4.7
Consider member (3). Ultimate design load =
- 9250. Referring to the column charts of
Fig. C4.5, we find for C = 1 and L = 31.4 the
following tube sizes for a strength near
- 9250 Ibs.
1-1/2 - .035, Pa = 8850 (weak). (Note - Pa =
allowable load).
1-3/8 - .049, Pa - - 10350,weight=5.78 Ib./100",
M.S. = (10350/9250) - 1 = .12
1-1/4- .058, Pa = -10000, weight = 6.15, M.S.
= 10000/9250) - 1 = .08
Thus use 1-3/8 - .049 since it is the lightest
as well as the strongest.
Consider member (4), Load = - 5470, L = 30,
c 1=
From Fig. C4.5:
1-1/8- .049, Pa = -7100, wt.= 4.68, M.S.= .30
1-1/4- .035, Pa = -6500, wt.= 3.78, M.S.= .19
1" - .058, Pa = -6000, wt.= 4.86, M.S.= .10
C4.11
The results show that 1-1/4 - .035 is the
lightest. Since there is danger in welding
.035 thickness to the other heavier tube gauges
particularly the engine mount ring which is
usually relatively heavy for this size engine,
a minimum tUbe thickness of .049 will be used,
hence the 1-1/8 - .049 tube will be selected.
Consider Member (2)
Design loads 11650 tension and 4250
compression. Since the tension load appears
critical, the tube will be designed for the
tension load and then checked for the
compressive load. The Ftu of the material
equals 95000 psi. Since the engine mount in a
welded structure, the strength of the tube ad-
jacent to the end welds must be reduced to .841
x 95000 = 80000 psi (see Table C4.5).
Hence tube area required = 11650/80000 =
0.146 sq, in. From Table C4.3, which gives
the section properties of round tUbes, we
select the following sizes:
1- .049, Area = .146, M.S. = ( .146/ .146) - 1 = 0
1- .058, Area = .172, M.S. = ( .172/ .146) - 1 = .19
1-1/8 .049, Area = •166, M.S • = .14
1-3/8 •035, Area = .147, M.S . = 0
To obtain a reasonable margin of safety, the
1-1/8 - .049 will be selected.
Many structural designers prefer to have
large margins of safety on engine mount members
as conSiderable trouble has been encountered in
the failure or cracking of engine mount members.
The strength of the 1-1/8 - .049 tube as a
column for length = 31.4 and c = 1 equals -6700
Ibs. from Fig. C4.5 which gives a margin of
safety of (6700/4250) - 1 = .58 on the maximum
compressive load. The student should select a
tube size for member (1).
C4. 14 TIlustrative Problems Using Aluminum Alloy
and Magnesium Round Tubes as Columns and
Tension Members.
In general alloy steel round tubes must
be heat treated to around 180,000 to 200,000
ultimate tension strength before they can com-
pare favorably with aluminum round tubes on a
material weight basis. However, aluminum
alloy as used for tubes cannot be welded
satisfactorily and thus in a truss structure
the end connections involving riveted and
bolted connections add weight and design
difficulties as compared to welded connections
in steel trusses.
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.12 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

PROBLEM 1 C4.15 Strength of Streamline Tubing.

Case 1. Tube size 1 - .049 round. If a round tube is exposed to the air-
L = 24, c =
1, Material 2024-T3 stream, the air drag is about 15 times greater
Find failing compressive load. than if it were given a streamlined shape, thus
streamline tubes are used when the member is
Solution: The col1nnn curves in Fig. C4.6 are exposed to the airstream.
slightly conservative because the equation used
was slightly different from the equCLtion now Streamline tubes are drawn from round
specified in (Ref. 1). tubes. In designating a streamline tUbe, the
round tube from which it was made is used and
Use L = 24, we read for 1-049 tube a then the fineness ratio is also given. The
failing load of 2800 lb. fineness ratio is the ratio L/D, which dimen-
sions are shown in Fig. C4.8. The most common
As a second solution, we will use Fig. fineness ratio used is 2.5 to 1. Table C4.6
C4.3. L' = L/y'C: = 24/v-r- = 24. L'/P = shows the section properties of streamline
24/.3367 =
71.3. From Fig. C4.3, we read tubing haVing a fineness ratio of 2.5 to 1.
Fe = 20000. Then Pa FcA = =
20000 x .1464 = Figs. C4.9 and C4.10 give curves for finding
2930 lb. the column failing stress Fe and the local
crushing stress Fcc.
The answer could be obtained by substi-
tilting in equation C4.9, Fig. C4.8

Fe = 50600 431 L'/p B = . 944L R = . 19D

= 50600 431 (71.3) = 19900 D = • 5714d L = 2. 5D
d = Equiv. Round Dia.
Pa 19900 x .1464 = 2920 lb.

A column may also fail by local crushing PROBLEM 1. Case 1.

or crippling of the tube wall, thLlS the
crushing stress Fcc should be determined to A streamline tube made from a basic round
see if it is less than the primary bending tUbe of 2-1/2 - .065 size has a fineness ratio
failing stress for the column. of 2.5 to 1. The length L is 30 in. Take
c = 1. Material is alloy steel Fty 75000. =
For our tube the diameter over thickness Find the ultimate compressive load the member
ratio D/t = LO/ .0'19 = 20.40. Values of D/t will carry.
are given in Table C4.3.
Solution: From Table C4.6 for 2-1/2 - .065
Referring to the small chart in the u~per size we find the follOWing section properties:-
right hand corner of Fig. C4.3, we find for a Area (A) = .4972, P (major axis) = .5137 in.
D/t of 20.4 that Fcc =
47500 psi. Since this Then L' = L/V-C- =
30/v-r- = 30, and L'/p =
stress is greater than the bending failing 30/.5137 = 58.5
column stress of 20,000, it is not criticaL D/t value for tube = 2.5/.065 38.5 =
Case 2. Same as Case 1 but use c = 1.5 and From Fig. C4.9 for L'/p = 58.5
and D/t =
chan~e material to 6061-T6 alwninum 38.5, we read Fe = 46500 psi. For D/t 38.5 =
alloy. and reading from small chart in upper right
hand corner of Fig. C4.9, we read Fcc 66500. =
L' = L/V-C:= 24/~ = 19.7, L'/p = 19.7/.3367 Thus Fc is critical and Pa =
46500 x .4972 =
23000 lb.

Case 2. Same as Case 1 but change material

From Fig. C4.3, Fe = 22500 to 2024-T6 aluminum alloy.
Whence Pa = 22500 x .1464 = 3300 lb. For this material we use Fig. C4.10.
For L'/p = 58.5, we read Fc 26000 psi.
Fcc for D/t = 20.4 from Fig. C4.3 = 38500 (not
For D/t = 38.5, we read Fcc = 37500 (not
critical) . critical). Thus Pa = 26000 x .4972 = 12900 lb.
Case 3. Same as Case 2 but change material to C4. 16 Strength of Oval and Square Shaped Tubes
magnesium alloy, Fcy = 10,000. in Compression.

For L'/p =
58.5 and using lower curve on Tables C4.8 and C4.7 give the section
Fig. C4.4, we read Fc = 7600. Then Pa FcA = = properties for square and oval shaped tubes
7600 x .1464 = 1110 lb. respectively. For the design of these shaped
 C4.13
Streamline ·TABLE C4. 6 SECTION PROPERTIES OF STREAMLINE TUBING (Fineness Ratio 2. 5to 1)
Equiv. Wall Axes Wt. I Equiv. Wall Axes
Round Z p I Z p
Area per fr. Major Major Major Round Wt. I Z p I Z P
O.D. Oec'l Gage Major Minor Minor Minor Minor Minor Area per ft. Major Major Major Minor Minor
O.D. Dec'l Gage Major Minor

'l4 .035 20 1.0114 .4286 .0786 .2673 .0017 .0079 .1486 .0073 .0140 .3046 2% .049 18 3.3713 1.4285 .3773 1.283 .1018 .1425 .5194 .4063 .2343 1.0377
.049 18 .1079 .3668 .0022 .0103 .1435 .0097 .0187 .2998 .058 17 .. ..
..
.4450 1.513 .1186 .1660 .5163 .4764 .2747 1.0346
)08 .035 20 1.1800
.. .5000 .0924 .3140 .0028 .0112 .1753 .0118 .0195 .3572
.065 16
.. .4972 1.690 .1312 .1837 .5137 .5300 .3057 1.0325
.049 18 .. .1272 .4323 .0037 .0148 .1703 .0158 .0261 .3525
.083 14 .. .. .6302 2.143 .1621 .2269 .5071 .6640 .3832 1.0265
.058 17
.. .1489 .5061 .0042 .0168 .1671 .0182 .QJOI .3495
.095
.120
13
11 .. .. .7178
.8972
2.440
3.050
.1815
.2188
.2541 .5028
.3063 .4938
.7504
.9226
.4333
.5329
1.0224
1.0141
1 .035 20 1.3485 .5714 .1061 .3607 .0043 .0151 .2020 .0178 .0257 .4100 2}i .049 18 3.7085 1.5714 .4158 1.414 .1366 .1739 .5732 .5434 .2848 1.1432
.049
.058
18
17
.. .. .1464
.1716
.4977
.5835
.0057
.0065
.0200
.0228
.1972
.1939
.0239
.0278
.0345
.0402
.4044
.4023
.058 17 .. .. .4905 1.668 .159.3 .2028 .5699 .6372 .3340 1.1398
.065 16
.. .. .5483 1.864 .1765 .2247 .5674 .7099 .3723 1.1379
17S .035 20 1.5170 .6428 .1199 .4074 .0063 .0196 .2292 .0257 .0329 .4626
.083 14
.. .. .6954 2.364 .2188 .2785 .5609 .8907 .4673 1.1318
.049 18
.. .. .1656 .5631 .0083 .0258 .2240 .0347 .0445 .4573
.095
.120
13
11
.. .. .7924
.9915
2.694
3.371
.2455
.2973
.3125
.3785
.5566
.5476
1.0081
1.2427
.5289
.6523
1.1279
1.1196
.058
.065
17
16
.. .. .1944
.2165
.6609
.7359
.0094
.0103
.0292
.0320
.2205
.2182
.0402
.0443
.0516
.0569
.4549
.4525 3 .058 17 4.0455 1.7142 .5361 1.822 .2085 .2433 .6236 .8318 .3997 1.2456
1}4 .035 20 1.6857
.. .7143
.. .1336 .4542 .00118 .0246 .2559 .0355 .0409 .5154
.065
.083
16
14
.. ..
..
.5993
.7606
2037
2586
.2312
.2872
.2698
.3352
.6211
.6145
.9265
1.1645
.4452
.5599
1.2434
1.2373
..
.049 18
.. .. .1849 .6285 .0116 .0325 .2509 .0482 .0557 .5107 .095 13 .. .. .8670 2.947 .3229 .3768 .6103 1.3184 .6338 1.2332
.058
.065
17
16
.. .. .2172
.2420
.7384
.8226
.0133
.0145
.0372
.0406
.2477
.2451
.0560
.0618
.0647
.0714
.5077
.5053
.120
.156
11
%~
.. .. 1.0857
1.)959
3.691
4.746
.3925
.4824
.4580
.5630
.6013
.5879
1.6289
2.0497
.7839
.9869
1.2249
1.2118
1% .035 20 1.8543 .7857 .1473 .5009 .0118 .QJOO .2828 .0476 .0549 .5683 3)4 .058 17 4.3828 1.8571 .5816 1.977 .2668 .2873 .6773 1.0617 .4708 1.)511
.049 18 .. .. .2041 .6939 .0157 .0400 .2777 .0648 .0680 .5635 .065 16
.. .. .6504 2.211 .2961 .3189 .6747 1.1830 .5248 1.)487
.058 17 .. .. .2400 .8158 .0181
.0198
.0461 .2745
,2.719
.0754 .0791 .5604 .083 14
.. .. .8258 2807 .3689 .3973 .6684 1.4886 .6604 1.)426
.065 16 .2675 .9094 .0504 .0833 .0875 .5581 .095 13 .. .. .9416 3201 .4150 .4470 .6639 1.6873 .7489 1.)386

111 .035 20 2.0228

.. .8571 .1611 .5476 .0154 .0359 .3096 .0621 .0597 .6209
.120
.156
11
%2
.. .. 1.1800
1.5186
4.011
5.163
.5062
.6251
.5452
.6732
.6549
.6416
2.0887 .9275
2.6353 1.1707
1.)304
1.3173
.049 18
.. .. .2234 .7593 .0207 .0483 .3045 .0848 .0815 .6162
..
.058 17 .. .. .2627 .8932 .0239 .0555 .3014 .0988 .0951 .6131 311 .065 16
..
4.7200 2.0000 .7014 2.385 .3723 .3723 .7286 1.4831 .6108 1.4541
.065 16
.. .. .2934 .9962 .0262 .0611 .2989 .1093 .1052 .6108 .083 14
.. ..
..
.8910 3.029 .4645 .4645 .7220 1.8686 .7699 1.4481
.083 14 .3695 1.256 .0316 .0737 .2923 .1351 .1302 .6047 .095 13 .. 1.0162 3.455 .5234 .5234 .7177 2.1194 .8733 1.4442

1% .035 20 2.1913
.. .9285 .1748 .5943 .0198 .0426 .3365 .0793 .0704 .6736
.120
.l56
11
"
/32
.. .. 1.2742
1.6414
4.332
5.580
.6400
.7934
.6400
.7934
.7087
.6952
2.6269 1.0828
3.3221 1.3705
1.4358
1.4227
.049 18 .. .. .2426 .8248 .0266 .0573 .3314 .1085 .0964 .6689
16 5.0570 2.1428 .7525 2.558 .4604 .4297 .7822 1.8299 .7033 1.5594
.058 17 .. .. .2855 .9707 .QJ08 .0448 .3282 .1266 .1124 .6659 3)4 .065 ..
..
.065 16 ..
..
.. .3186 1.083 .OJJ8 .0728 .3256 .1402 .1245 .6634 .083 14
..
.. ..
.9562
1.0908
3.251
3.708
.5754
.6490
.5371
.5777
.7757
.7713
2.3073
2.6195
.8871
1.0075
1.5534
1.5497
.083
.095
14
13
.. .4021
.4566
1.367
1.552
.0410
.0453
.0883
.0976
.3192
.3149
.1738
.1949
.1545
.1732
.6574
.6541
.095
.120
13
11
.. .. 1.)685 4.652 .7955 .7425 .7624 3.2505 1.2502 1.5412
.156 %2 1.7641 5.997 .9894 .9235 .7489 4.1192 1.5855 1.5281
1~ .035 20 2.3600 1.0000 .1886 .6411 .0249 .0498 .3633 .0995 .0820 .7263
2.2856 .8035 2.732 .5614 .4912 .8359 2.2270 .8025 1.6648
.049 18
.. .. .2618 .8902 .0336 .0672 .3583 .1363 .1123 .7216 4 .065 16 5.3940
..
..
.. 1.0214 3.472 .7024 .6146 .8293 2.8161 1.0148 1.6604
.058 17 .. .. .3083 1.048 .0389 .0778 .3551 .1592 .1312 .7186 .083
.095
14
13 .. .. 1.1655 3962 .7933 .6941 .8250 3.1917 1.1506 1.6549
.065 16
.. .. .3441 1.170 .0428 .0856 .3525 .1765 .1455 .7163
.120 11
.. .. 1.4627 4.973 .9739 .8522 .8160 3.9661 1.4303 1.6467
.083 14 .. .. .4347 1.478 .0521 .1042 .3461 .2192 .1809 .7101
.. .. 6.414 1.2153 1.0634 .8026 5.0332 1.8164 1.6333

".
.095 13 .4939 1.679 .0577 .1154 .3418 .2463 .2034 .7061 .156 %2 1.8867
.188 2.2457 7.635 1.4109 1.2345 .7926 5.9364 2.1431 1.6259
1)08 .035 20 2.5285 1.0714 .2023 .6878 .0308 .0575 .3902 .1227 .0943 .7789
.065 16 5.7313 2.4285 .8546 2.905 .6761 .5568 .8895 2.6784 .9082 1.7704
.049 18 .. .. .2811 .9556 .0417 .0779 .3851 .1685 .1296 .7743 4)4
.083 14
.. .. 1.0866 3.694 .8473 .6978 .8830 3.3817 1.1471 1.7641
.058 17 .. .. .3311 1.126 .0482 .Q900 .3815 .1969 .1515 .7712
.095 13 .. .. 1.2400 4.216 .9574 .7885 .8787 3.8426 1.3035 1.7604
.065 16 .. .. .3696 1.257 .0532 .0993 .3794 .2186 .1683 .7690
.120 11
.. .. 1.5570 5.293 1.1779 .9701 .8698 4.7789 1.6216 1.7519
.083 14 .. .. .4673 1.589 .0650 .1214 .3729 .2719 .2093 .7624
..
".
6.0748 2.0628 1.7387
.095 13 .5312 1.806 .0722 .1348 .3687 .3598 .2770 .7523 .156
.188
%2 .. 2.0095
2.3930
6.832
8.135
1.4729 1.2131
1.7144 1.4120
.8573
.8464 7.1732 2.4365 1.7314
2 .035 20 2.6970 1.1428 .2161 .7345 .0376 .0658 .4170 .1494 .1076 .8313 .7860 4.0256 1.2894 1.8696
411 .083 14 6.0683 2.5713 1.1517 3.915 1.0105 .9367
.049 18
.. .. .3003 1.021 .0510 .0893 .4120 .2053 .1480 .8269
.095 13 .. .. 1.)147 4.469 1.1429 .8889 .9324 4.5759 1.4662 1.8656
.. ..
.058
.065
.083
.095
17
16
14
13
..
..
..
..
.3539
.3951
.4999
.5685
1.203
1.)43
1.699
1.933
.0591
.0652
.0799
.0889
.1034
.1141
.1398
.1556
.4088
.4062
.3998
.3954
.2402
.2668
.3325
.3744
.1732
.1925
.2399
.2703
.8238
.8217
.8156
.8115
.120
.156
.188
11
%,
%.
..
..
..
..
..
..
1.6512
2.1322
2.5403
5.613
7.249
8.636
1.4082 1.0953
1.7650 1.3728
2.0580 1.6007
.9235
.9098
.9001
5.6952
7.2508
8.5740
1.8254
2.3247
2.7498
1.8572
1.8441
1.8372
.219 %2 2.9421 10.Q! 2.3221 1.8061 .8884 9.8001 3.1451 1.8251
2X .049 18 3.0343 1.2857 .3388 1.152 .0735 .1144 .4657 .2946 .1887 .9325
.058 17 .. .. .399~ 1.358 .0854 .1329 .4625 .3450 .2212 .9294
.065 16
.. .. .4462 1.517 .0944 .1469 .4600 .3835 .2458 .9271
80
LLU-LW.~'-

o .: 80,000
.083 14
.. .. .5650 1.921 .1161 .1807 .4533 .4794 .3075 .9223 ...;
.095
.120
13
11
.. .. .6432
.8030
2.186
2.730
.1298
.1556
.2020
.2421
.4492
.4402
.5409
.6629
.3470
.4255
.9170
.9086
rn
P<
j-
+
~ ~~-
c :I::
rz. D/t 20 rn
~
0 70
rn ~ rn 70,000
&:l u rn
riI
Z 30 I
OJ p:;
4; OJ
rn Eo-<
60 ~ 50
:::> 60 rz. rn 60,000
li
\
40
0
~ 1
:I:: "-n1J
til 4 If
50~
Eo-< 50
~ '"
t:
"0-, ~
10 ~ 50,000
V> ::> rn 50
40f----203O~ rn 0 25 50
V>
U, 30 f
~ Iitt', I I IIIII

""'-
riI "

til p:; D/ of Basic Round

,
U
t:
D/t 4 u. U
t
~I Eo-< Tube
E
.2
30
"'" 20
0 2040 60 80 100
rn 40
z
..
0

"'" I
u D/t t
~
:0 20 :::>
0
........ ..:l
3 0
51
<i 10 ~ U
riI
30
NOTE: Higher values of allowable
u.U """'"- t--- ..:l stress can be used in short column
D' BaSIC round tube diameter
I:l:I range if substantiated by tests
0 I I II 4;
20
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 :::
0
"-
L'lp ..:l Fig. C4.9 tHttltt
..:l ~

<>::
I 10 ALLOWABLE COLUMN AND CRUSHING STRESSES
Fig. C4.10 Streamline 2024-T3 Tubing OJ CHROME MOLYBDENUM STREAMLINE TUBING.
rz. F ty = 75000 PSI

0
o 20 40 60 100 120 140
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.14 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

Squares TABLE C4. 8 SECTION PROPERTIES OF STREAMLINE TUBING

Size Wall W.Jl Wt.
Dist. Area
Wt. z
Side Area
per ft. z
Dec'I Gage
A,,,,,, Dec'I Gage per ft.
Flats
1~ .035 20 .1926 .6549 .0661 .0881 ·5859
.022 24 .0294 .0998 .0006 .0031 .1415 .049 18 .2675 .9095 .0902 .1203 ·5807
.028 22 .0368 .1252 .0007 .0038 .1396 .058 17 .31SO 1.071 .1051 .1401 ·5776
.035 20 .0453 .1589 .0009 .0045 .1372 .065 16 .3516 1.195 .1162 .15SO ·57SO
.049 18 .0612 .2081 .001I .0057 .1318 .083 14 .4443 1.510 .1436 .1915 ·5686
.022 24 .0396 .1348 .0016 .0065 .2023 .095 13 .S050 1.717 .1608 .2144 .5643
.028 22 .0499 .1697 .0020 .0079 .1991 .120 11 .6284 2.136 .1940 .2586 ·5556
.035 20 .0616 .2096 .0024 .0094 .1956
.049 18 .0841 .2861 .0030 .0120 .1892 1~ .049 18 .3134 1.065 .1451 .1658 .6804
.058 17 .0980 .3330 .0033 .0134 .1853 .058 17 .3693 1.255 .1691 .1932 .6766
.065 16 .1084 .3684 .0035 .0141 .1804
.065 16 .4124 1.402 .1877 .2146 .6747
.022 24 .0483 .1641 .0033 .0104 .2600 .083 14 .5220 1.774 .2331 .2663 .6682
.028 22 .0630 .2143 .0040 .0129 .2526 .095 13 .5938 2.019 .2618 .2992 .6640
.035 20 .0780 .2652 .0048 .0155 .2489 .120 11 .7307 2.484 .3175 .3628 .6592
.049 18 .1071 .3640 .0063 .0201 .2420
.058 17 .1251 .4253 .0071 .0227 .2379
16 .0077 .0245 .2348 .049 18 .3592 1.221 .2180 .2180 .7790
.065 .1388 .4717
.058 17 .4236 1.440 .2557 .2557 .7769
.028 22 .0761 .2588 .0064 .0168 .2890 .065 16 .4732 1.609 .2838 .2838 .7744
.035 20 .0944 .3209 .0078 .0206 .2866 .083 14 .5996 2.038 .3536 .3536 .7679
.049 18 .1300 .4419 .0103 .0274 .2816
.058 17 .1522 .5175 .0118 .0313 .2784 .095 13 .6827 2.321 .3981 .3981 .7636
.065 16 .1692 .5751 .0129 .0342 .2760 .120 11 .8530 2.900 .4859 .4856 .7548
.083 14 .21I3 .7184 .0154 .0408 .2700 .156 'h 1.0912 3.710 .6010 .6010 .7422
.028 22 .0892 .3033 .0103 .0236 .3390 .3080
20 .1I08 .3766 .0125 .0288 .049 18 .4051 1.377 .2738 .8721
.035 .3364
.049 18 .1528 .5193 .0168 .0386 .3320 .058 17 .4778 1.624 .3607 .3207 .8689
.058 17 .1794 .6098 .0193 .0445 .3283 .065 16 .5341 1.816 .4000 .3556 .8654
.065 16 .1996 .6785 .0212 .0487 .3528 .083 14 .6773 2.302 .5007 .4451 .8598
.083 14 .2502 .8504 .0255 .0588 .3194 .095 13 .7716 2.623 .5640 .SOB .8549
.028 22 .1023 .3479 .0154 .0309 .3883 .120 11 .9652 3.281 .6918 .6149 .8466
.035 20 .1271 .4322 .0190 .0380 .3867 .156 li• 1.2372 4.206 .8765 .7791 .8418
.049 18 .1758 .5978 .0256 .051I .3813
.058 17 .2065 .7020 .0295 .0591 .3782 .058 17 .5321 1.809 .5074 .4035 .9757
.065 16 .2300 .7819 .0324 .0649 .3756 .065 16 .5949 2.022 .5643 .4488 .9739
.083 14 .2890 .9824 .0394 .0788 .3693
.3272 U12 .0436 .0873 .3652 .083 14 .7549 2.566 .7071 .5625 .9678
.095 13
.095 13 .8605 2.925 .7981 .6530 .9631
.035 20 .1435 .4878 .0275 .0489 .4340 .120 11 1.0775 3.663 .9809 .7806 .9541
.049 18 .1988 .6757 .0369 .0657 .431I .156 1.3831 4.702 1.2256 .9760 .9413
.058 17 .2336 .7942 .0427 .0759 .4265 'h
.065 16 .2604 .8852 .0471 .0838 .4241 .188 H• 1.6479 5.602 1.4257 1.3183 .9301
.083 14 .3278 1.1I4 .0576 .1024 .4191
.095 13 .3716 1.263 .0640 .1I38 .4151 .058 17 .5864 1.993 .6792 .4940 1.0763
.120 II .4600 1.564 .0760 .1351 .4064 .065 16 .6557 2.229 .7559 .5497 1.0737

1" .035
.049
.058
20
18
17
.1599
.2217
.2608
.5435
.7536
.8865
.0378
.0513
.0595
.0604
.0821
.0952
.4891
.4831
.4778
.083
.095
.120
14
13
11
.8326
.9494
1.1898
2.830
3.227
4.045
.9481
1.0724
1.3213
.6896
.7799
.8653
1.0671
1.0628
1.0541
.065 16 .2908 .9886 .0657 .1051 .4753 .156 li. 1.5291 5.198 1.6569 1.1121 1.0410
.083 14 .3666 1.246 .0806 .1290 .4960 .188 H• 1.8238 6.200 1.9334 1.3264 1.0296
.095 13 .4161 1.414 .0899 .1438 .4647
.120 II .5161 1.755 .1074 .1718 .4S61 .9860
.065 16 .7166 2.436 .6573 l.l730
1% .035 20 .1763 .5992 .0506 .0736 .5360 .083 14 .9102 3.094 1.2394 .8263 l.l669
.049 18 .2446 .8316 .0689 .1003 .5309 .095 13 1.0383 3.530 1.4032 .9355 l.l625
.058 17 .2879 .9787 .0801 .1I66 .5276 .120 11 1.3021 4.426 1.7325 1.1550 l.l544
.065 16 .3212 1.092 .0886 .1288 .5251
.083 14 .4055 1.378 .1091 .1587 .5187 .156 li. 1.6750 5.694 2.1793 1.4529 l.l406
.095 13 .4605 1.S66 .1219 .1773 .5145 .188 H• 1.9997 6.798 2.5S03 1.7002 l.l381
.120 II .5723 1.946 .1464 .2130 .5058 .219 H. 2.3081 7.847 2.8873 1.9249 l.l184

00
r:il
....
Eo<
~
r:il
Po.
o
~(
o.} ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~%~~ ~~~~~~
Po. z ,:ll--t-------------------------------------i
Z ....
01Il
.... ::>
Eo< Eo<
U,.J
r:il..:
00>
<-0
"':r..
uO
~: ....
r:il
,.J
oi
III
..: ~: ~:
Eo<
.
~ ~?a~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ;!::!::;;e ~::;:!::~ ~::;:!::~~::;:s~:::;'!:;:!::;!;";::;';::: :!::;!;"~:::ooI:~;!;.::~-{:oo!=:!::;!;~:::_="!::!::;!;~;:::ooI:~

~I-t-----------------------------------------;
~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~q~~
 C4.15

tubes the primary column strength can be found
by using the curves in Figs. C4.9 and C4.10.
The crushing stress Fcc for oval shaped tubes
can conservatively be taken as that for
streamline tubes as given in Figs. C4.9 and
C4.10. For square tubes the local crushing
stress Fcc can be taken as the crippling stress
of a flat plate. For this stress refer to the
chapter which covers the buckling and crippling
stress of flat plates with various widths,
thickness and boundary edge conditions.
ULTIMATE BENDING STRENGTH
C4. 18 Problems InvolVing Bending Strength of Tubes.
PROBLEM 1
A 1-1/4 - .058 round tube is used as a
simply supported beam with the supports at the
ends. The span or length of the beam is 24
inches. It carries a uniform distributed load
w in pounds per inch. Find the value of w to
cause the tube to fail in bending if the tube
is made from the following materials:- alloy
steel Ftu =
95000, 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, and
6AL-4V titanium.

OF ROUND TUBES Solution: The maximum bending moment occurs

at the midpoint of the span and equals wL 2 /8 =
C4. 17 Charts for Finding Modulus of Rupture Stress. w x 24 2 /8 =
72 w in. lb.
Chapter C3 was concerned with the theory The section properties for the tube are
and methods of determining the ultimate yield D/t =21.55, and I/y =
.06187 obtained from
and failing stress of a section in pure Table C4.3.
bending. It was concerned with finding a
fictitious stress Fb which, when substituted The beam equation involving the modulus
=
in the well known beam formula M FbI/c, would of rupture Fb is M = FbI/y. SUbstituting 72w
give the value of the bending moment which for M, we obtain:
would cause failure.
FbI
w = 72y
Consider the alloy steel, Ftu =
95000. From
Fig. C4.11 for D/t = 21.55, we read Fb =
=
117000. Then w (117000 x .06187)/72 100.2 =
lb. per inch. Consider tube material as -----
6061-T6 which has a Ftu = 42000 psi.
From Fig. C4.12 for D/t =
21.55, we read
that Ft/Ftu = l.06. Thus Fb = 42000 x l.06 =
44500.

Then w =
(44500 x .06187)/72 =38.1.
Tube material 6AL-4V titanium. ----

\ From Fig. C4.14 for D/t = 21.55, we read

\ •
Fb = 191600. Then w =
(191600 x .06187)/72 =
\ .. _.- 118.7 Ibs. per in.

PROBLEM 2
A beam simply supported at its ends has
a span of 30 inches. The ultimate design load
consists of two equal loads of 2000 Ibs. each.
The beam is symmetrically loaded with each
load located 12 inches from the ends.

Select the lightest round tUbe when made

from the following material: (1) alloy steel
Ftu =220000, (2) 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
Compare the resulting tube weights.

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Solution: The maximum bending moment is

O/t
constant and occurs between the load points.

Fig. C4. 14 Bending modulus of rupture for round M = 2000 x 12 =24000 in. lb.
6A1-4V tubing. (Titanium)
 1.7 ()
\ ~
1.6 ....
\\ 0>

5 ~0..
1.4
~ ,>., . ~
3 ,

li..ol ~
LL
I
I I
2 '~I-
,, ~
, -.'
.... """ ....
ro __

r--..... -- -- 6061-T6
45 )

z~
1.0)
~ . """" t--......
~~
. . . ---i . . . . . . . _ 1\
1\ >-'l~
~Z5
0.9~ 400)
~~
~-T6ond7075-T6
O. ~
2024-T3,T4 ~~
---I... ..":"::- , 1'\
~>-'l
@::c
O. 7 • Ii\"

0'-0 • .~
10 ft~
20 ~~
30 40 50 -- -- --
60 70 80 90
350I , I\. "- I......
()t::l
Otz:l
is:~
Oil "dO
I'. ::tlZ
tz:l

'"......'"
1\ O
Fig. C4. 12 Bending modulus of rupture for aluminum-alloy round tubing. f2"'.j
]

~
::l
300I
, I\. I'.
I'.
'"t-- ...... .....
~ r-
@el
• c::
Q.
::l .... ..... r- ..... "' t-- ......
~~
Z-
0: ~
'0 250)
on
::l
:;
.....
t--
I'to.. "..... "to.."""
.... Flu, 260 ksi
Ftu. 240 ksi
t::l oo
Z>-'l
O::tl
• tz:l
"- I'"' to.. Flu. 220 ksi
>-'l~
'0
o I...... 1-10- 1'"'"""
- - ~r-
:::E Flu, 200 ksi
t--
1\ """t-

, - ....Otz:lZ
'"
c 200 '\ Flu. 180 ksi
'iii
.>r.
60) \
.
'0
C
CD
I......
t--
...
l-
f-I-.
Z·
>Q
01' -f-_
2
~
50
,\ 150 , Flu. 150 ksi
~~
(»

~f'.....
CL
~ "-
~ r-to..
Flu ,125 ksi
~~
'0 40 r"-ot- r-
~~
~\\l"~r--
<Jl
f'cy 100) Flu ,95 ksi tz:lc::
~ 30 ksJ Flu. 90 ksi t::l~

---- /
'3
'8 ~ ~ l25 ksi_ r-tz:l

~~
30 ....... I I I I
r----..r---.
~ I'.... r--
~O ksi
~ I"---
~ I I IT

! ~ 10 ksi r-- 15 ksi 50 Z~

c
ell
CD

lL..o
20

10
) I'"
~

r-.
r--
- ~
~
~ ksi
o 10

Fig. C4. 11 Bending modulus of rupture for round alloy-steel tubing.

20 30
Oil
40 50 60
?Ao

00 .~

10 -- --30
20 40 50 --
60 70 -- 90--
80
Dtt

Fig. C4. 13 Bending modulus of rupture of magnesium-alloy round tubing.

 C4.17

Since the allowable or failing bending Therefore we will select a tube from Table
stress is a function of D/t, and since we do C4.3 that has a I/y value in the region of .30
not have a tube size, the design or solution to .37.
procedure is by trial and error.
Try 2-3/4 - 058. I/y =
.3233, D/t = 47.4.
Observation of the modulus of rupture From Fig. C4.12, Fb/Ftu =
0.90. Then Fb = .90
curves show that as D/t increases Fb decreases. x 77000 =
69300 psi. Then Ma Fb I/y =69300 =
This is due to the fact that failure in bending x .3233 =
22400. This is less than the design
is a local failure and the thinner the wall and bending moment of 24000 so this tube is weak.
larger the diameter, the lower the buckling or
crushing stress. However, the larger the D/t Try 3-058. I/y =
.3868, D/t 51.7 =
value the greater the section modulus I/y of Fb/Ftu =
.885 , Fb =
.885 x 77000 68000 =
the tUbe, which means increasing bending =
Ma Fb I/y = 68000 x .3868 26300 =
resistance. Thus we have two influences which M.S. =
(26300/24000)-1 = .09.
act oppositely relative to effecting the bending
strength. A study of other tubes in Table C4.3
shows that no other tube would be lighter in
There are many ways of guessing a tube weight.
size for checking purposes. In this example
problem we will assume two values for D/t and Tube weight =
30 x .5361 x .101 1.70 =
see what I/y would calculate to be. The two lbs., as against 2.22 lbs. for the alloy steel
values of D/t will be 45 and 25. heat treated to 220,000. Thus aluminum alloy
tubes from a weight standpoint usually yield
Consider the material alloy steel Ftu=220000:- results better than most materials. This
conclusion applies to only low temperatures,
For D/t = 45 from Fig.C4.11, Fb=232000 below 2500 F, as aluminum alloys lose strength
Then I/y = M/Fb = 24000/232000 = .103 rapidly for temperatures above 250 0 to 3000 F.
For D/t = 25, Fb = 266000 The student should calculate the lightest
Then I/y = 24000/266000 = .089 titanium tube and the lightest magnesium tube
using Figs. C4.14 and C4.13 respectively and
Therefore we will refer to Table C4.3 and compare the weight results with the steel and
select tubes that have an I/y value near the aluminum as found above •
•089 to .103 range and then find their true
bending strength. Table (A) shows the ULTIMATE TORSIONAL
selection and the necessary calculations,
using Fig. C4.11. STRENGTH OF ROUND TUBES
C4. 19 Torsional Modulus of Rupture.
Table A
In Article A6.2 of Chapter A6, the torsion
Tube Size IIY Area D/t Fb 1n..I/y (Ma/M)-l
M=~u M. S. = formula for circular sections, f s = Tr/J, was
1-7/8 -.035 .09136 .2023 53.6 227000 20800 -0.13
derived. This equation assumes the maximum
shear stress on the cross-section of a round
1-3/4 -.049 .1083 .261835.7 248000 26400 +0.10 bar or tube does not exceed the proportional
1-5/8 -.049 .0928 .2426 33.15 250000 23200 -0.04 limit of the material, or the stress variation
is linear as shown in Fig. C4.15 and this
The lightest available tube with a situation exists under the flight vehicle limit
positive margin of safety is 1-3/4 - .049 and loads. Before a round bar made of ductile
its weight for a 30 inch length is 30 x .2618
x 0.283 = 2.22 lbs.
Consider the tube made from 7075-T6 aluminum
alloy material which has a Ftu = 77000.

From Fig. C4.12:-

For D/t =
60, Fb/Ftu = .84, thus Fb = .84 x
77000 = 64700
I/y =M/Fb = 24000/64700 = .37
Fig. C4.15 Fig. C4.16
For D/t = 30, Fb/Ftu = 1.045, thus Fb = 1.045 x
77000 = 80500 material fails in torsion, the shear stresses
I/y = 24000/80500 = .30 fall in the inelastic or plastic range and
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.18 IN TENSION. COMPRESSION BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

thus the internal shear stress distribution is 2~

Specification WW - T- 825
~
similar to that indicated in Fig. C4.16. The
shear stress-strain curve is similar in shape 'i 20 ""'- ~'36
I .r---t----1--i
kSI

to the tension stress-strain curve.and is ~

a: 1----
equal to approximately 0.6 of the ordinates. '5
~
I~

Thus to find the ultimate internal torsional .,~

resisting moment, we can divide the cross- 0
::0 10
section into a number of circular elements. g
0
From the stress curve in Fig. C4.16, the stress .~
~
~
at the midpoints of the circular elements can ..?
be found. Multiplying the area of the element 0
0 ~ 10 I~ 20 2~ 30 3~ 40
by this stress times the distance of the
l},
element from the center axis gives the moment
developed, and adding up the moment of the Fig. C4.31 Torsional modulus of rupture for magnesium-alloy
shear force on all the circular elements gives round tubing.
the total allowable or ultimate internal
resisting moment Ta. will it develop if made of the following
materials: (1) alloy steel Ftu = 95000,
If this moment Ta is to be used in the (2) aluminum alloy 2024-T3.
torsion equation, we must replace the true
stress curve in Fig. C4.16 by a triangular Solution: D/t = 25. J/r = 2(I/y) = 2 x
stress curve With maximum value Fst which will 0.11948 - 0.2390. L/D = 16.25/1.625 = 10.
produce the same internal resisting moment as For alloy steel, Ftu = 95000, we use Fig.
the true stress curve. Thus C4.17 where for D/t = 25 and L/D 10, we read =
Fst/lOOO =
47.3. Thus Fst 47300. =
Ta = Fst J/r, or Fst = Ta r/J - - - - (C4.10)
Ta = Fst J/r = 47300 x 0.2390 = 11300 in. lb.
Fst is called the torsional modulus of
rupture stress. It is a fictitious stress, For 2024-T3 aluminum alloy, we refer to Fig.
being higher than the ultimate shear stress C4.26 where we read Fst = 29000.
of the material. TUbes SUbjected to torsion
usually fail by inelastic or plastic instability Then Ta = Fst J/r = 29000 x 0.2390 =
or by elastic instability if the D/t ratio is 6930 in. lb.
large. To obtain reliable values of Fst,
resort is usually made to tests, and since the Problem 2.
round tUbe or rod is the most efficient and
most available shape, much testing has been A round tube 10 inches long is to carry
done over the years thus design curves are an Ultimate torsional moment of 7000 in. lb.
readily available for round tubes of the most Select the lightest tube if made from aluminum
common flight vehicle materials. alloy 2024-T4 and alloy steel Ftu = 200,000
and compare the resulting weight of each.
C4. 20 Torsional Modulus of Rupture Curves.
Solution: Since the modulus of rupture
Figs. C4.17 to C4.24 inclusive present depends on D/t and L/D and since the tube size
curves for finding the modulus of rupture is unknown, we will use the trial and check
stress Fst for steel alloys from Ftu = 95000 approach. The design calculations can con-
to 260,000 psi. It should be noted that the veniently be made in table form as follows:
torsional strength is influenced by the D/t
and the L/D values of the tube. Figs. C4.25 Trial T _ M.S. =
Tube Area D/t J/r L/D Fst a - Ta
to C4.30 inclusive give curves for the various FstJ / r 1'-1
Size
aluminum alloys and Fig. C4.31 gives informa-
tion for one magnesium alloy. All of these Alum. Alloy 2024-T4 (Fig. C4.27)
curves were taken from (Ref. 1).
1-1/2 -.065 .2930 23.05 .2016 6.7 30000 6050 -. 14
The curves are based on a theoretical 1-3/4 -.058 .3083 30.20 .2525 5.7 28000 7060 .01
investigation by Lee and Ades (see Ref. 2), 1-7/8 -.049 .2811 38.25 .2500 5.3 26000 6500 -.07
and have been found to be in good agreement
with experimental results. 2.0 -.049 .3003 40.30 .2860 5.0 26000 7440 .06

C4.21 Problems lllustrating Use of Torsional Modulus

Alloy Steel Ftu = 200,000 (Fig. C4.21)
of Rupture Curves. 1 - .035 .1061 28.56 .0495 10 98000 4850 -.31
1 - .049 .1461 20.40 .0664 10 106000 7050 .01
Problem 1. A 1-5/8 - .065 round tube is 16.25
inches long. What Ultimate torsional moment 1-1/4 -.035 .1336 35.70 .0790 8 94000 7430 .06
 I I I I I 1
150 ~u=200 ksi '-+- 1\
1\ "iu=220 ksi f-+-
150I
I'\. (")
I\. 'f"
r-...
I~
130 LID ~ LID
130 ......
o ...... I- 0
t--. r-t- 1-1- I- 1/4 :-.... r- 1/4
I'..: f' ~ l- 1'-1- 8 r-I-
110
...... .... .... I- .... 1/2
0

) 110 I- r-I-I- 1/2

"" 1"-1- t-I-- i""- 1-1-

§ I--- I- 1-1- l"- I- 1
) 90
t-.... ..... I--- 1-1- 1"-1-
l- 90 r.. r"-I- 2
.~~
1'-.
I
I"
I---
1"'-
I'-
l-
l-
l-
'" t-
0-3~
tzJ
70
70 IZO
z
t-.. 5
~0-3
1'-
" 0D::
50 " '" I'-
10 50
1'0 r-..
~
10
~Z~
I(")t::l
OtzJ
I t--. S::fJ)
I I- r"-I-... 'dO
I~Z
20
I 30 20
30
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 o 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 ~O
.... ":1
D/, oil @:xl
Fig. C4. 22 Torsional modulus of rupture -
~ g
Fig. C4.21 Torsional modulus of rupture - IJ:lZ
alloy steels heat treated to Ftu = 200 ksi. alloy steels heat treated to Ftu = 220 ksi. tzJt::l
Z~
t::lfJ)
190 "iu=240 ksi f--+- 190 ~u= 260 ksi - ~0-3
~
O:xl
tzJ
\
0-3>
-I- oS::
1\ 1'\
170 170 ~t'"
~
lo-
-- - LID I.. .
0 52
Z~
tzJ
150 LID 150 N' o >0
.\
I\. "- ...... t-....
e3~
"
-l-
0 (,,)t'"
r.... l"- t--. I-... l-
...... l- 1/4
I" I" 1'-1-... 1/2 I~~
- ....
130 130
t-.... I---
r-.. r..... r... 1/2 80
...... ....... ~ ~fJ)
l"- I-... tzJ.tl
80
110
I-- FI-
) 110 -""'~ t::lS;
...... ~

-
I--- r-....
) r-.... I- " I'
t"':xl
otzJ
I'
90
"
2
90 " t;0-3
5251
I, r.....
......
" " r-..
.......
I
·0
~52
70 5 70 5
I' 1'0
I' r-.... 1'0
50
r-.... 50 ....... 10
10 .....

30
o 10 20 30 40

Oil
50 60
I-....

70
~
80
20 30
o 10 20 30 40
0/,
50 60
j--.

70
- 80
20

Fig. C4.23 Torsional modulus of rupture - Fig. C4.24 Torsional modulus of rupture -
alloy steels heat treated to Ftu = 240 ksi. alloy steels heat treated to Ftu = 260 ksi.
 C4.21

2014 e T6 FORCING so 10H-TJ TUBING

Ftu '65 kSi F'tu=64 ksi

lro .0
0
II.
112
'14
~
112
30 L2' 30

20 20
10
10

,. NOff: THE CURVE REptESfNl'ING MA11RIAl

FAILURE 11l'D~ IS COMPunD FOR
F .39.000, AND DOES NOT AllOW fOR
2.
10
2D

rm: POSSIBILITY OF RmUCEO sn(NGTH

• t~f'£lOlN~GETH~'~'''~T13N~GE'!l'3N~'E'E~fGf§f§iEiElE~f§3
• ,. 2. 30
0/.
. so . 7• 10
0
0 10 20 ,0 '0

0"
'0 60 70 .0

Fig. C4.25 Torsional modulus of rupture - Fig. C4.26 Torsional modulus of rupture -
2014-T6 aluminum alloy forging. 2024-T3 aluminum alloy tubing.

101A-,. ruetNG
Ftu '62 kSI
L'D
~

'14
.: '0
'14
112

,,,
1/2
2D

20
,.
10 ID
'0
,0
10

o
o
o '0 20 30 ..
010
so 60 70 BO

o 10 20
'0 .0 so 60 70 '0
D/I Fig. C4.28 Torsional modulus of rupture -
6061-T6 aluminum alloy tubing.
Fig. C4.27 Torsional modulus of rupture -
2024-T4 aluminum alloy tubing.

7075-T6 ROLLED RO~} 7075·T6 FORCING

Flu '17ks; F1u '75 ksi

lro 50 lro
• ,I.•
. '14

,/2 .. ,/2

20
,. I.
20
2.
10

o tmtEtmtE±t8EttmlttmlE::E±tttE
o 10 20. JO 40 30 eo o
o I. . 7D
0/,
70 20
'" 50

Fig. C4. 29 Torsional modulus of rupture - Fig. C4.30 Torsional modulus of rupture -
7075-T6 aluminum alloy rolled rod. 7075-T6 aluminum alloy forging.
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.22 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

The lightest aluminum tUbe with a positive equation C4.14 is not used.
margin of safety is 2 - .049. The weight of a
10 in. length = .3003 x .101 x 10 =
.303 lbs.
The lightest steel tube is 1-1/4 - .035 and its 1.1
weight is 0.1336 x .283 x 10 = .378 lbs.
Although the steel is heat treated to Ftu = 1.0
200,000, it still is heavier than the aluminum
alloy tube. .9
.8 " . , , , , ,
STRENGTH OF ROUND TUBES r» .• " , •.• " '1

.7
UNDER COMBINED LOADINGS
Reference should be made to Artiale Cl.15 .6
Rc
of Chapter Cl for general explanation of
.5
stress-ratios and interaction equations as
used in determining the ultimate strength of .4
structural members under combined loadings.
.3
C4.22 Combined Bending & Compression.
.2
In tUbes subjected to combined bending .1
and compression, the stress due to compression
is uniform over the cross-section whereas the
bending stress is not uniform over the cross- .1 .2 .3
section. The following stress ratio equation
is possibly somewhat conservative but is C4.23 nIustrative Problem InvolVing Combined Bending
recommended by (Ref. 1). and Compression.

Rc + Rb' =1 - - - - - - - (C4.11) Fig. C4.33 shows a round 2024-T3 tube

acting as a beam-column. It is supported at
which can be written pin A and by the inclined strut BC at point C.
Let 1t be reqUired to determine the margin of
~ + fb' = 1.0 - - - - - - - - - - - - (C4.12) safety when carrying a uniform lateral load of
10 lb./in.
Fc Fb
To find the axial load in tube AC, take
Where f b ' equals the maximum bending stress moments about point (B).
inclUding the secondary moments due to axial
load times beam deflection
~MB =- 40 x 10 x 20 + 20 RAH = 0, hence
Fb = Bending modulus of rupture stress RAH = 400 lb.
fc = Compressive column axial stress Thus axial load in tube is 400 lb. compression.
Fc =Allowable column stress
The column strength of a 2024-T3 1-1/4 -
Equation C4.12 could also be written, .049 round tube 40 inches long with end fixity
=
C 1 is obtained from Fig. C4.6 and equals
P M
-P + -
- 2100 lb., hence stress ratio
a Ma= 1 . 0 - - - - - - - - (C4.13)
R - Column load -400
Where P = column load c - Column strength ::> -2100 = .191
Pa = allowable column load at failure
The bending moment will be maximum at the
M =
bending moment center of span because of symmetry of loading
and the value of the moment is obtained from
Ma =allowable ultimate bending moment the following equation which includes the
secondary moments due to deflection. (Refer-
Fig. C4.32 shows a plot of equation C4.11. ence table A5.1 of Chapter A5.)
The margin of safety equation is,
!'1max = wj" (1 - sec ...b..)
2j - - - - - - - - - - (A)
1
M.S. = Rc
Rb' - 1
- - - - - - - - - (C4.14)
lEI = j
+
Fig. C4.32 shows margin of safety curves
j =I~ 10,700,OOOx.0334
400
= V860= 29 3
•
for estimating closely the M.S. values i f
 C4.23

40" bending and tension on round tubes, wilieh is

w = 10#/in. widely used, is

Rb + Rtl.· 6 =1 (C4.15)(Ref.2)

This equation is plotted in Fig. C4.34.

Th9 stress ratio Rt = ft/Ftu. The figure is
based on D/t = 10 and in general is conserva-
Fig. C4.33
tive for other D/t ratios.

1.1
Bt
1.0
wj2 = 10 x 860 = 8600 .9
L _ 40 L 1
2j - 58.6 = .683 sec 2T = L .8
cos 2j
.7

From Table A5.2 of Chapter A5 cos of .683 = I\ .6

.7757.
.5
1
hence cos L/2j = 1/.7757 = 1.29 .4

SUbstituting in equation (A) .3

.2
~nax. = 8600 (1-1.29) =- 2490 in. lb.
.1
From Fig. C4.12 for D/t =
25.5, we read
Fb/Ftu = 1.03. Hence Fb = 1.03 x 62000 = 64000 o .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0 1.1
psi. Then M = FbI/y =
64000 x .0534 = 3420
in. lbs. Rt

C4. 24 Combined Bending and Torsion.

2490
Stress ratio in bending Rb = 3420 = .728 The interaction equation for combined
bending and torsion from (Ref. 1) is,
Rc + Rb = .191 + .728 = .917 which shows that
member is not weak. -(C4.16)

1 1 This equation is plotted in Fig. C4.35 for

Margin of safety M.S.= (Rc + Rb )-1 = (0191 + .728) M.S. = O. Curves showing various M.S. values
-1 = .09
1.1
The margin of safety could be read directly
from curves in Fig. C4.32. 1.0 ,--~

.9'--~
The student should notice that the maximQ~
bending moment of 2490 in. lb. is 24 percent
greater than the primary moment which equals
wL 2/8 = 10 x 40 2/8 = 2000. The lateral de- .7
flection at the midpoint of the tube thus equals
490/400 =
1.22 inch. of .6
.5
The secondary moments due to lateral de-
flection do not vary linearly, so if design
loads were increased the calculation of the .4
maximum bending should be repeated instead of
.3
assu~ing that the moment would increase directly
as the applied load to the beam. .2

C4.23a Combined Bending and Tension .1

The interaction equation for combined o .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0 1.1

Rst
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.24 IN TENSION, COMPRESSION, BENDING, TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

for various values of Rb and Rst are also shown
on the figure.
The expression for Margin of Safety is,
1 - - - (C4.17)'
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM 1
A 1-1/2 - .• 058 round steel tube (Ftu
125000) is 30 inches long. It is subjected to
an ultimate design bending moment of 10,000
in. Ibs. and a torsional moment of 6000 in.
Ibs. Find the Margin of Safety.
Te = MIl + (TIM)" - -- - - - - - - - (C4.21)
Having the value of Te , select tube sizes
that will develop this torsional moment Te as
was done in Problem 2 of Art. C4.21. These
sizes are then checked for combined bending and
torsion as illustrated above in the example
problem.
C4.24a Ultimate Strength in Combined Compression,
Bending and Torsion.
=
The interaction equation for combined
compression, bending and torsion from (Ref. 1)
is,

Solution: D/t = 25.85, I/y = .0912, L/D = 20

Figs. C4.36 and 37 show a plot of this
To find Fb, we refer to Fig. C4.11 where equation. The expression for the Margin of
for D/t = 25.85 and Ftu = 125000 we read Safety is,
Fb = 148000. Then Ma = FbI/y = 148000 x .0912
= 13500 in. lb. 1
M.S. =----;:::::::;:==::::;::: - 1 - - - - - (C4.23)
M 10000 Rc + J R~, + R~t
Then Rb = M
a
= 13500 = .74
To illustrate the use of the interaction
To find Fst, we refer to Fig. C4.18 where curves, let us assume the following values for
for D/t = 25.85 and L/D = 20 we read Fst/1000 the three stress ratios: -
to be 61, whence Fst = 61000.
= .333, Rb = .20, Rst = .20
Rc
R - T - 6000 - 54
st - Ta - 11120 - • Then Rst/R c = .20/.333 = .60.

M.S. = In Fig. C4.36 locate point (a) at the

.J
1
Rb + Rs t
2
1
Intersection of Rc .333 and Rb =
.20. Since =
the intersection point (a) lies inside the
Rst/R c =
.60 curve, we know that a positive
=----;::====1==== -1 = _1__ 1 = .09 margin of safety exists. A line is now drawn
-I 2 2
.74 + .54 .917 through (0) and (a) and extended to an inter-
section with the Rst/R c = .60 curve at point
thus the ultimate strength of the tube has 9 (b). Projecting vertically downward to Rc
percent Margin of Safety under the combined scale, we read Rc =
.538. Then M.S. = (.538/
loading. .333) - 1 .62. =
In a design problem which involves a trial 1.0
and error procedure, using an equivalent
torsional moment Te which will produce the .9
same torsional stress as produced by the
.8
combined bending and torsional loads is quite
useful in shortening the trial and error .7 ~

procedure.
.6
Let f s (max ) =Ter/2I (C3.18) ~ .5
+-L
,.-t

f s (max ) also equals .j f2s + (f /2)" (C4.19 )

b .4
-J-'

Also f s = Tr/2I, and fb =Mr/I .3

SUbstituting these values in C4.18, .2

.1 +
- - (C4.20) t
1.0 .9 ,8 .7 .6 .5 .4 .3 .2 .1 0
Equating C4.20 and C4.18 and solving for Te , Rc
 C4.25

Projecting horizontally from point (b) to L

2j
=2 25
x 12.43
= ~ = 1. 005
24.86
Rb scale, we read Rb .323. Then M.S. = =
(.323/.200) - 1 = .62, which checks value
previously found. If the ratio of Rst/Rc is sec ~
2j
= cos 1L/2j - 1 - 1 87 (See Table
- .5361 - . A5.2)
greater than one, we use the curves in Fig.
C4.37 and use the ratio Rc/Rst.
hence,
SUbstituting in equation C4.23,
1
Mmax. = 10x154.7 (1-1.87) = -1347 in. lb.
M.S. = ----;.========= - 1 = .62, as given
.333 + J .20" + .20 2 The column strength for a 25 inch length
from use of curves. and end fiXity c =
1 can be read from Fig.
C4.6 and equals 3700 lb. Then Rc P/Pa = =
1.0 1600/3700 = .432.
.9 To find the Ultimate bending strength,
we refer to Fig. C4.l2, where for D/t =
.8
1.125/.049 = 22.95, we read Fb/Ftu 1.04. =
.7 Then Fb =
1.04 x 62000 = 64500. Thus Ma =
FbI/y =
64500 x .0427 =
2760 in. lb.
.6 1347
R'b Therefore Rj) = 2760 = .487.
.5
To find the ultimate torsional strength
.4
+- we refer to Fig. C4.26 where for D/t = 22.95
.3
-i and estimating location of L/D = 25/1.125 =
22.2 line, we read Fst 27500 • =
.2
... --
Then Ta = FstJ/r = 27500 x .0427 x 2 = 2350
.1
+-
T 650
Whence Rst = T = 2350
a
= .276
o .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
Rst
M.S.
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM

A 1-1/8 - .049 round tube made from = _ _-r==l==:~==::::- 1 =-.9-19-2

2024-T3 aluminum alloy carries the ultimate .432 + J 2 2
.487 + .276
design loads as shown in Fig. C4.38. Find the
margin of safety under the combined loading. -1 = .01
't~of:lQ
16~ + f • f +• • + f !++
w = 10#/in.
f " • • f '1 f ~OO#
C4.25 Ultimate Strength in Combined Bending and
Flexural Shear.

tfoe-- 25" 1-1/8 -.049 2024-T3 Rd. TUbe~ o.,,-Q"* The interaction curve from this type of
- .'t~"'J
combined loading from (Ref. 2) is,
Fig. C4.38
Rb + R~ =1 (C4.24)
Solution:
1
M.S. =--;:::.=:=== - 1 (C4.25)
The maximum bending moment due to symmetry J Rb + R;
will occur at midpoint of tube. For a beam
column carrying a uniform side load with no end The allowable flexural or transverse shear
moments, the maximum moment is given by the stress is taken as 1.2 times the allowable
following expression. (See Chapter A5, Table torsional stress of the tube (Fst).
A5.1) .
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM
M
max. = Wj" (1
- s e c 2j
L)
A 1-1/4 - .058 round aluminum alloy

j = J¥ = 10,300,000 x .0240 =
1600
2024-T3 tube is used as a simple beam and
..; 154.7 = 12.43 carries an Ultimate design load of 600 lb.
as shown in Fig. C4.39.
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.26 IN TENSION COMPRESSION BENDING TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.

Interaction curves for this equation are

given in Fig. C4.40, where Rs the stress ratio
3001-/.,..-/.,.../.,.../.,.../.,..-/..,.....,,/
I'--!-'--!.....L.!.tz:::z::z::z:;/~ Shear Diagram
for flexural shear can be found as explained in
the previous article.
'"""'=--L.!..~'--!.....L-.L-t....I:"""Bend ing Moment
Diagram
J
Fig. C4.39
The critical section is adjacent to the
midpoint of beam where shear and bending forces
are largest.

The Ultimate bending strength can be found

from Fig. C4.26 where for D/t = 21.60 we read
Fb/Ftu =
1.07. Then Fb 62000 x 1.07 66300 = =
and therefore Ma = FbI/y = 66300 x .06187 =
4100. Then Rb = M/Ma = 3750/4100 .915. =
The allowable shear stress Fs can be taken
as 1.2 Fst (Ref. 2).

To find Fst, we refer to Fig. C4.26 where

for D/t =
21.6 and L/D 20, we read Fst = =
28400. Then Fs = 1.2 x 28400 = 34000.

The maximum shear stress in a round tUbe

which occurs at the centerline axis is given
by the equation,

where V = vertical beam shear load

A tube area =
D = outside diameter
d =
inside diameter
An approximate formula is
V
fs = 2 A' for D/t :> 10 error less than 1%.
Using the approximate equation,

fs = 2 .2172
x 300
= 2760 psi.
_ f s _ 2760 _
C4. 27 Ultimate Strength in Combined Tension and Torsion.
Rs - Fs - 34000 - .081
1 1
The interaction equation for this type of
M. S. =--;::::::::;::::=::;: - 1 = ---;::-==;;===~ 1 loading as presented in Ref. 3 is,
VRb + R~ V.915 2
+ .081
2

= .09 - - - - - - - - - - - (C4.27)

The effect of the shear stress is less Where Rt = ft/Ftu

than 1 percent. In using Fs 1.2 Fst, if the = 1
result is greater than Fsu for the material, M.S. =r=-~=~:-- 1 - - - - - - - - (C4.28)
use Fsu for Fs ' VRt + R~t
C4. 26 Ultimate Strength in Combined Compression, C4. 28 Ultimate Strength in Combined Tension, Torsion
Bending, Flexural Shear and Torsion. and Internal Pressure p in psi.
The interaction equation for this combined Ref. 3 gives the following interaction
loading as presented in Ref. 2 is, equation,
 C4.27

Rt + R~t + R; =1 (C4.29) (3) If the truss of Fig. 2 is heat treated to

180000 psi after welding, how much weight
Where Rp = p/Pmax where p
max
= 2tFtu
d
could be saved over the results obtained
in problem (2).
where t = wall thickness and d =tUbe diameter.
(4) Same as problem (2) but change material
The expression for Margin of Safety is, to 2024-T3 aluminum alloy round tubes.
Members to be fastened together by rivets
M.S. = 1 _ 1 and gusset plates. For design of tension
- - - (C4.30) members assume that rivet or bolt holes
/Ft+F~t+R; cutout 10% of tube area.
PROBLEMS (5) Fig. 3 shows a typical tubular engine
mount structure. The engine is supported
(1) Fig. 1 shows a portion of a steel tUbular at points A and B. For design purposes
fuselage of a small airplane. The assume that engine torque is reacted 60%
critical tension and compression load is
shown adjacent to each truss member. at A and 40% at B. TUbe material is steel
Assuming and end fixity coefficient c = 2 Ftu = =
95000 psi. Use C 1 for all
for all members, select tube sizes for all members. Determine tUbe sizes for the
following design conditions:
members of the truss. The minimum size to
be used is 3/4 - .035. The top and bottom Condition I Vertical Load factor = 10
longerons should be spliced at least once (down)
using telescoping sizes. The material is
alloy steel Ftu =
95000 and truss is
Thrust Load factor = 2
welded. (forward)
Engine Torque Load factor =2

Condition II {Same as I except vertical

load factor is 5 up.

General Data: Weight of power plant in-

stallation = 440 lb.

Maximum engine thrust = 400 lb. Engine

H.P. =
120 at 2000 R.P.M.

Fig. 1

(2) For the cantilever welded steel tubular

truss of Fig. 2, select the lightest
members for the truss loading as shown.
~t- 22
4000#

T t
30"
T
20

1 -l
(6) The loads shown in Fig. 4 are to be
30" 30"
transmitted to the support at the left, or
1000# 2000#
in other words, a cantilever structure.
Fig. 2

The top and bottom longerons should be
continuous members. Minimum size 3/4 -
=
.035. Use C 2 for web members and C
1.5 for longerons. Material (chrome-moly
steel Ftu = 95000 psi).
The problem is to design the lightest
truss configuration using round tUbes of
alloy steel Ftu = 95000 and welded to-
= gether at the truss joints. Use C 1.5 =
for end fixity of all members. There are
 STRENGTH & DESIGN OF ROUND, STREAMLINE, OVAL AND SQUARE TUBING
C4.28 IN TENSION COMPRESSION BENDING TORSION AND COMBINED LOADINGS.
no restrictions on type of truss or
arrangement of members, however, the goal
is the lightest truss. Omit consideration
of weight of any gusset plates at truss
joints.
1500 1400 1200
Fig. 4
(7 ) Same as problem (6), but instead of a
cantilever truss use a simply supported
truss With supports at points (A) and (B).
(8) Fig. 5 shows a front beam and front lift
strut in an externally braced monoplane.
The wing beam and lift strut are in the
same vertical plane. The ultimate design
loads on the beam for the critical
conditions are w = 50 Ib./in. and w -30 =
Ibs. per inch. Minus means load is acting
down.
(a) Design a streamline tUbe to act as
the lift strut. Material is 2024-T3
aluminum alloy.
(b) Same as (a) but made from alloy steel
Fty= 75000. Compare the weights of
the two designs.
(9) Fig. 6 illustrates the strut and wire
bracing for attaching float to fuselage of
a seaplane. Determine the necessary sizes
for the streamline struts AC and BD for
the following load conditions.
Condition 1. V = -32000 Ibs.,
H = - 8000 Ibs.
Condition 2. V =-8000 Ibs.,
H .. -28000 Ibs.
Material 2024-T3 aluminum alloy. Use C=l.
(10) Tube size 2 - .065 round. L = 44 in.,
C = 1.5. Material alloy steel Ftu =
95000, welded at ends. Design ultimate
loads equal 22000 lb. compression and
28000 Ibs. tension. Find margin of safety.
(11) Same as Problem 10 but heat treated to
Ftu = 150000 after welding.
C',D'
A',B'
Fig. 6
(12) The ultimate design load if 20,000 Ibs.
compression. L = 30 in. Use C = 1.
Design the lightest round tube from the
following materials and compare their
weights.
(a) Aluminum alloy 2024-T3
(b) Alloy steel Ftu = 180,000
(c) Magnesium alloy Fcy = 10,000
(13) Same design load as in problem (10) but
design the lightest streamline tube from
2024-T3 aluminum alloy material.
(14) A round tube is to carry an Ultimate pure
bending moment of 14000 in. Ibs. Select
the lightest tube size from the following
materials and compare their weights.
(a) Alloy steel Ftu =
240,000, (b) 2024-T3
aluminum alloy, (c) Magnesium alloy
Fcy = 30000, (d) Titanium 6AL-4V
alloy.
(15) A round tube 20 inches long is to carry
an Ultimate torsional moment of 15000 in.
lb. Select the lightest tube size from
the following materials and compare their
weights.
(a) Alloy steel Ftu =
180,000,
(b) Aluminum alloy 2024-T3, (c) Mag-
=
nesium alloy Ftu 36000.
(16) Determine the lightest 2024-T3 aluminum
alloy round tube 10 inches long to carry
a combined bending and torsional design
load of 4500 and 3000 in.lbs. respectively.
(17) Same as Problem 16, but change material
to alloy steel Ftu = 95000.
(18) A 1-1/2 - .065 2024-T3 round tUbe 50 inches
long is used as a beam-column. The
distributed load on beam is 12 lb. per
inch and the axial load is 700 Ibs. What
is the M.S. under these loads.
(19) If the tUbe in problem (19) was also
subjected to a torsional moment of 1400
in.lb., what would be the M.S.
References
(1) Military Handbook. MIL-HDBK-5. March,
1961.
(2) Lockheed Report 2072.
(3) M. A. Sadowsky, "A Principle of Maximum
Plastic Resistance," Journal of Applied
Mechanics, June, 1943.