Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

Introduction:
Every section is not symmetrical about both the centroidal axes. Some sections are symmetrical
only about one axis, whereas many sections as angle sections are not symmetrical about both
the centroidal axes. In theory of simple bending, the section of the beam is symmetrical about
the plane of bending. The simple flexural formula derived in theory of simple bending is not
applicable when the section is not symmetrical about the plane of bending. In such sections, the
principal axes and principal moments of inertia and the product of inertia are determined.
Stresses developed in such sections of a beam are dependent on these parameters.
If the load line on a beam does not coincide with one of the principal axes of the section, the
bending takes place in a plane different from the plane of principal axes. This type of
bending is known as unsymmetrical bending.
The two reasons of unsymmetrical bending are as follows:
1. The section is symmetrical about two axes like I-section, rectangular section, circular
section but the load-line is inclined to both the principal axes.
2. The section itself is unsymmetrical like angle section or a channel section (with
vertical-web) and load-line along vertical any centroidal axes.
Figure 18.1(a) shows a beam with I-section with load-line coinciding with YY principal axis. Isection has two axes of symmetry and both these axes are the principal axes. Section is
symmetrical about YY plane, i.e., the plane of bending. This type of bending is known as
symmetrical bending.
Figure 18.1(b) shows a cantilever with rectangular section, which has two axes of symmetry
which are principal axes but the load-line is inclined at an angle with the YY axis. This is the
first type of unsymmetrical bending.
Then, Fig. 18.1(c) shows a cantilever with angle-section which does not have any axis of
symmetry but the load-line is coinciding with the YY axis. This is the second type of
unsymmetrical bending.
Figure 18.1(d) shows a channel section subjected to a vertical load passing through its
centroid G. This member has been subjected to bending and twisting under the applied vertical
load W. Now, the question arises; is it possible to apply the vertical load W in such a way that the
channel member will bend without twisting and, if so, where the load W should be applied?

Yatin Kumar Singh

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Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

Figure 18.1 (a) Symmetrical bending, (b) unsymmetrical bending symmetrical section but
oblique load, (c) unsymmetrical bending (unsymmetrical section) and (d) unsymmetrical
bending(section not symmetrical about bending plane) (e) Channel section(not symmetrical
about yy axis, (f) Bending without twisting
Shear force in the flanges and web of the channel section is F1, F2 and F1, respectively, as shown
in Fig. 18.1(e). Forces F1 constitute a couple F1 h about centroid G. This couple is responsible
for twisting of the member. Now, if the vertical load W or the shear force in the section is shifted
from G, such that W e = F1 h, then the twisting couple is eliminated. So, it can be concluded
that if the vertical load W, or vertical shear F is moved to the left in the channel section through
a distance e, such that, F1 h = We = Fe, the member will bend without twisting as shown
in Fig.18.1(f).
Principal Axes:
Figure 18.2 shows a beam section which is symmetrical about the plane of bending YY, a
requirement of the theory of simple bending or symmetrical bending. G is the centroid of the
section. XX and YY are the two perpendicular axes passing through the centroid. Say, the

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Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

bending moment on the section (in the plane YY of the beam) is M, about the axis XX. Consider a
small element of area dA with (x, y) co-ordinates.

Figure 18.2 Plane of bending yy

Stress on the element , =

M
y (18.1)
I xx

Forceon the element , dF=

MydA
I xx

Bending moment about YY axis , dM =

Total moment , M 1=

MyxdA
I xx

MyxdA
(18.2)
I xx

If no bending take place about YY axis, then

M1 = 0

MyxdA
=0
I xx

M
xydA=0
I xx

xydA=0(18.3)
The

expression

xydA

is

called

the

product

of

inertia

of

the

area

about XX and YY axes, represented by Ixy. If the product of inertia is zero about the two coordinate axes passing through the centroid, then the bending is symmetrical or pure bending.
Such axes (about which product of inertia is zero) are called principal axes of the section and
moment of inertia about the principal axes are called principal moments of inertia.
The product of inertia may be positive, negative or zero depending upon the section and coordinate axes. The product of inertia of a section with respect to two perpendicular axes is zero if
either one of the axis is an axis of symmetry.
Parallel Axes Theorem for Product of Inertia:
Figure 18.6 shows a section with its centroid at G, and GX and GY are the two rectangular coordinates passing through G. Say, the product of inertia about XY is

I xy

. Let us determine

the product of inertia about the axis OX and OY, i.e., Ixy.
Say, distance of G from OX axis =
Yatin Kumar Singh

, and distance of G from OY axis =

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Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

Consider a small element of area dA = dx.dy

Figure 18.6
Say, co-ordinates of the element about the centroidal axis GX, GY are x, y.
Then, co-ordinates of the element about XY axis are,
'

x= x + x y= y + y '
Therefore, the product of inertia,
'

'

dA+ y x dA + x y dA
I xy = xydA= ( x + x ' ) ( y + y ' ) dxdy = x' y ' dA + x y
I xy + x y A+0+ 0 because x ' dA= y ' dA=0, about centroidal axis
I xy =I xy + A x y
i.e., the product of inertia of any section with respect to any set of co-ordinate axes in its plane is
equal to the product of inertia of the section with respect to the centroidal axes parallel to the
co-ordinate axes plus the product of the area and the co-ordinates of the centroid of the section
with respect to the given set of co-ordinate axes.
Determination of Principal Axes:
In the section Introduction, we have learnt that principal axes pass through the centroid of a
section and product of inertia of the section about principal axes is zero. Figure 18.9 shows a
section with centroid G and XX and XX are two co-ordinate axes passing through G. Say, UU
and VV is another set of axes passing through the centroid G and inclined at an angle to the X
Y co-ordinate.
Consider an element of area dA at point P having co-ordinates (x, y). Say, u,v are the coordinates of the point P in UV co-ordinate axes.
So,
u = GA = GD + DA = GD + AE
where GD = GA cos = x cos
AE = DA = y sin
or, u = x cos + y sin
v = GB = PA = PE AE
= PE AD since AE = AD = PA cos x sin = y cos x sin
Similarly, x, y co-ordinates can be written in terms of u, v co-ordinates.
x = GC AC = GC AF = u cos v sin
(as PA = v and GA = u)
y = GB = PA = AF + FP = AC + FP = u sin + v cos

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Unsymmetrical Bending

Figure 18.9 Co-ordinates along principal axes

Second moment of area about UU axis,

I uu = v 2 dA= ( y cos x sin )2 dA= y 2 cos 2 dA+ x 2 sin2 dA 2 xysincosdA

on simplifying,

1
1
I uu= ( I xx + I yy ) + ( I xx I yy ) cos 2 I xy sin 2 (18.4)
2
2
Second moment of area about VV,

1
1
I vv = ( I xx + I yy ) + ( I yyI xx ) c os 2 + I xy sin 2 (18.5)
2
2
From Eqs.(18.4) and (18.5),
Iuu + Ivv = Ixx (sin2 + cos2) + Iyy (sin2 + cos2) = Ixx + Iyy

(18.6)

Product of inertia about UV axes,

I uv = uvdA= ( x cos + y sin ) ( y cos x sin ) dA

2

xy (cos sin ) dA+ y sincosdA x sincosdA

I uv =I xy cos 2 + I xx

sin
sin
I yy
2
2

However, as per the condition of pure bending or symmetrical bending Iuv = 0, then U and V will
be the principal axes
or,
2Ixy cos 2 + (Ixx Iyy)sin 2 = 0

tan 2 =

2 I xy
I xy
=
(18.7)
I yyI xx ( I yyI xx )
2

Say, 1 and 2 are two values of given by Eq. (18.7)

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Unsymmetrical Bending

2= 1+ 900

( I yyI xx)
sin 2 1=

I xy

( I yyI xx )

cos 2 1=

+I

2
xy

( I yy I xx )
2

+ I 2xy

Substituting these values of sin 21 and cos 21 in Eq. (18.4)

1
1
I xx I yy ) ( I yy I xx )
(
2
2

( I uu) = 2 ( I xx + I yy ) +

1
( I uu) = 2 ( I xx + I yy )
1

1
2
I yy I xx ) + I xy
(
2

I xy I xy

1
2
( I yy I xx ) + I 2xy
2

1
2
( I I ) + I xy (18.8)
2 yy xx

Similarly,

1
( I vv ) = 2 ( I xx + I yy ) +
1

1
2
( I I ) + I xy (18.9)
2 yy xx

Now, for 2 = 1 + (/2)

sin 22 = sin(21 + ) = sin 21
cos 22 = cos(21 + ) = cos 21
Substituting these values in Eqs.(18.4) and (18.5)

1
( I uu) = 2 ( I xx + I yy ) +
2

[
[

1
( I vv ) = 2 ( I xx + I yy )
2

1
2
I yyI xx ) + I xy (18.10)
(
2

1
I yyI xx ) + I 2xy (18.11)
(
2

From Eqs.(18.8) to (18.11), we learn that

( I uu) =( I vv ) ;( I vv ) =( I uu )
1

Maximum and minimum values of Iuu and Ivv

1
1
I uu = ( I xx + I yy ) + ( I yy I xx ) cos 2 + I xy sin 2
2
2
For maximum value of Iuu,

d I uu
=0
d

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Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

I yyI xx +

1
i .e.
2
tan 2 =

I xy
( I yyI xx )
2

This shows that the values of (Iuu)1 and (Iuu)2 are the maximum and minimum values of Iuu
and Ivv. These values are called the principal values of moment of inertia as Iuv = 0. The
directions 1 and 2 are called the principal directions.
Moment of Inertia about Any Axis:
If the principal moments of inertia Iuu and Ivv are known, then moment of inertia about any axis
inclined at an angle to the principal axes can be determined. Say u, v are the co-ordinates of
an element of area dA in the UV principal axes system. X and Y are the co-ordinate axes
inclined at an angle to the UV axes.
x co-ordinate of element = u cos v sin
y co-ordinate of element = u sin + v cos
Moment of inertia,

I yy = x 2 dA= (ucosvsin )2 dA
on simplifying

I yy =I vv cos2 + I uu sin 2 (18.12)

Similarly,
Ixx =
(18.13)

Iuu cos2 + Ivv sin2

From Eqs.(18.12) and (18.13),

Ixx + Iyy = Iuu + Ivv = J,
where J is polar moment of inertia about an axis passing through G and normal to the section.
Stresses due to Unsymmetrical Bending:
When the load-line on a beam does not coincide with one of the principal axes of the section,
unsymmetrical bending takes place.
Figure 18.13(a) shows a rectangular section, symmetrical about XX and YY axes or
with UU and VV principal axes. Load-line is inclined at an angle to the principal axis VV, and
passing through G (centroid) or C (shear centre) of the section.

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Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

Figure 18.13
Figure 18.13(b) shows an angle section which does not have any axis of symmetry. Principal
axes UU and VV are inclined to axes XX and YY at an angle . Load-line is inclined at an angle
to the vertical or at an angle (90 ) to the axis UU. Load-line is passing through G(centroid
of the section).
Figure 18.13(c) shows a channel section which has one axis of symmetry, i.e., XX.
Therefore, UU and VV are the principal axes. G is the centroid of the section while C is the shear
centre. Load-line is inclined at an angle to the vertical (or the axis VV) and passing through the
shear centre of the section.
Shear centre for any transverse section of a beam is the point of intersection of the bending axis
and the plane of transverse section. If a load-line passes through the shear centre there will be
only bending of the beam and no twisting will occur. If a section has two axes of symmetry, then
shear centre coincides with the centre of gravity or centroid of the section as in the case of a
rectangular, circular or I-section. For sections having one axis of symmetry only, shear centre
does not coincide with centroid but lies on the axis of symmetry, as shown in the case of a
channel section.
For a beam subjected to symmetrical bending only, following assumptions are made:
1. The beam is initially straight and of uniform section throughout.
2. Load or loads are assumed to act through the axis of bending.
3. Load or loads act in a direction perpendicular to the bending axes and load-line passes
through the shear centre of transverse section.
Figure 18.14, shows the cross-section of a beam subjected to bending moment M, in the plane
YY. G is the centroid of the section and XX and YY are the two co-ordinate axes passing
through G. Moreover, UU and VV are the principal axes inclined at an angle to the XX and
YY axes, respectively. Let us determine the stresses due to bending at the point P having the coordinates u, v corresponding to principal axes. Moment applied in the plane YY can be resolved
into two components M1 and M2.

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Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

Figure 18.14
M1, moment in the plane UU = M sin
M2, moment in the plane VV = M cos
The components M1 and M2 have their axis along VV and UU, respectively.
Resultant bending stress at the point P,

b=

M 1 u M 1 v Msinu Mcosv
v cos u sin
+
=
+
=M
+
+ (18.14)
I vv
I uu
I vv
I uu
I uu
I vv

The exact nature of stress (whether tensile or compressive) depends upon the quadrant in which
the point P lies. In other words sign of co-ordinates u and v is to be taken into account while
determining the resultant bending stress.
The equation of the neutral axis can be determined by considering the resultant bending stress.
At the neutral axis bending stress is zero, i.e.,

vcos usin
+
=0
I uu
I vv

, v=

sin I uu

u=u tan (18.15)

cos I vv

where tan =

I uu
sin I uu
=tan
cos I vv
I vv

( )

This is the equation of a straight line passing through the centroid G of the section. All the points
of the section on one side of the neutral axis have stresses of the same nature and all the points
of the section on the other side of the neutral axis have stresses of opposite nature.
Deflection of Beams Due to Unsymmetrical Bending:
Figure 18.17 shows the transverse section of a beam with centroid G. XX and YY are two
rectangular co-ordinate axes and UU and VV are the principal axes inclined at an angle to
the XY set of co-ordinate axes. Say the beam is subjected to a load W along the line YG. Load
can be resolved into two components, i.e.,
Wu = W sin (along UG direction)
Wv = W cos (along VG direction)
Say, deflection due to Wu is GA in the direction GU

K W u l3
i. e . GA= u =
E I vv
where K is a constant depending upon the end conditions of the beam and position of the load
along the beam.
Deflection due to Wv is GB in direction GV

i. e . GB= v =

K W v l3
E I uu

Total Deflection; = 2u + 2v =

Yatin Kumar Singh

K l3
E

W 2u W 2v K Wl3
+
=
E
I 2vv I 2uu

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+ 2
I 2vv
I uu

Strength of Materials (EME-302)

Unsymmetrical Bending

Figure 18.17
Total deflection is along the direction GC, at angle to VV axis.

tan =

I
CB GA W u I uu W sin I uu
=
=

=
=tan uu
GB AC I vv W v W cos I vv
I vv

Comparing this with Eq. (18.15) of the section Stresses Due to Unsymmetrical Bending

tan =tan

I uu
I vv

where is the angle of inclination of the neutral axis with respect to UU axis and

tan =tan

I uu
I vv

where is the angle of inclination of direction of with respect to VV axis. = , showing

thereby that resultant deflection takes place in a direction perpendicular to the neutral axis.
Shear Centre:
Summation of the shear stresses over the section of the beam gives a set of forces which must
be in equilibrium with the applied shear force F. In case of symmetrical sections such as
rectangular and I-sections, the applied shear force is balanced by the set of shear forces
summed over the rectangular section or over the flanges and the web of I-section and the shear
centre coincides with the centroid of the section. If the applied load is not placed at the shear
centre, the section twists about this point and this point is also known as centre of twist.
Therefore, the shear centre of a section can be defined as a point about which the applied shear
force is balanced by the set of shear forces obtained by summing the shear stresses over the
section.
For unsymmetrical sections such as angle section and channel section, summation of shear
stresses in each leg gives a set of forces which should be in equilibrium with the applied shear
force.
Figure 18.19(a) shows an equal angle section with principal axis UU. We have learnt in previous
examples that a principal axis of equal angle section passes through the centroid of the section
and the corner of the equal angle as shown in the figure. Say this angle section is subjected to
bending about a principal axis UU with a shearing force F at right angles to this axis. The sum of
the shear stresses along the legs, gives a shear force in the direction of each leg as shown. It is
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Unsymmetrical Bending

obvious that the resultants of these shear forces in legs passes through the corner of the angle
and unless the applied force F is applied through this point, there will be twisting of the angle
section in addition to bending. This point of the equal angle section is called its shear centre or
centre of twist.
For a beam of channel section subjected to loads parallel to the web, as shown in Fig. 18.19(b),
the total shearing force carried by the web must be equal to applied shear force F, then in
flanges there are two equal and opposite forces say F1 each. Then, for equilibrium, F e is equal
to F1 h and we can determine the position of the shear centre along the axis of symmetry, that
is, e = (F1 h/F).

Figure 18.19

Similarly, Fig. 18.19(c) shows a T-section and its shear centre. Vertical force in the web F is equal
to the applied shear force F and horizontal forces F1 in two portions of the flange balance each
other at shear centre.

Yatin Kumar Singh

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