A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON SOLID MECHANICS: EKTU SCIENTISTS PROPOSE TO ACCOUNT FOR “QUASI-FORCES”

A new concept has emerged in the world of engineering science that could change the way we calculate the strength and reliability of structures. Researchers from D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University have developed a theory of a new type of body force in the mechanics of elastically deformable solids.

Traditionally, elasticity theory and strength of materials take into account magnetic, electromagnetic, inertial, and gravitational forces. The EKTU scientists expanded this classification by introducing the concept of a quasi-elastic volumetric load, which arises between infinitesimal particles of a material during deformation.

According to the authors, this addition makes it possible to more accurately describe the stress–strain state of structures — from machine and automotive parts to aerospace and railway components.

“Our study shows that during deformation an additional internal force arises in the body, which was previously ignored in engineering calculations. Yet it largely determines how stresses are distributed and where potential failure may occur,” the researchers note.

As an example, the authors considered the problem of uniaxial tension of a beam. It turned out that the new quasi-force directly depends on the geometry of the body, the external load, and the material’s Poisson’s ratio. Moreover, when μ = 0.5 (typical of nearly incompressible materials), this force disappears, while for materials with a small Poisson’s ratio, it manifests itself most strongly.

The practical significance of the discovery is clear: accounting for quasi-forces allows for more accurate predictions of the strength, stiffness, and stability of structures. This opens prospects for optimizing calculations, reducing safety factors, and increasing the reliability of engineering objects.

Thus, the new theory not only refines classical concepts of material strength but also lays the foundation for future engineering developments in mechanical engineering, construction, and transportation.

More details about this research can be found in Issue 2.