Answer :
Final answer:
To find the normal stress, the load is divided by the cross-sectional area of the link. The calculation with given width and thickness yields a normal stress of 12.22 lb/in² (option a).
Explanation:
The student's question involves determining the normal stress within a uniformly loaded link with a certain cross-sectional area. The normal stress (σ) can be calculated using the formula σ = P/A, where P is the load applied perpendicular to the cross-sectional area (A) of the material.
Step-by-step calculation:
- Identify the load (P): The load applied is 220 lb.
- Calculate the cross-sectional area (A): For a rectangle, A = width × thickness. Given a width of 1 in. and thickness of 18 in., A = 1 in. × 18 in. = 18 in.².
- Calculate the normal stress (σ): σ = P/A = 220 lb / 18 in.² = 12.22 lb/in².
The correct normal stress in the central portion of the link is 12.22 lb/in², which corresponds to option (A).