Plan the Solution  
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The figure shows a steel bar of height 100 millimeters. The load on either end has magnitude of 40 kilo newtons and is directed away from the end surfaces. An inclined section labeled a a is shown through the bar and it is inclined at an angle of 55 degrees with the horizontal.

To determine the normal and shear stress magnitudes acting on the inclined surface a-a, three calculations must be made:

1. The horizontal force P will be resolved into force components acting perpendicular (N) and parallel (V) to section a-a.

2. The area of the rectangular bar exposed on section a-a will be computed.

3. Normal and shear stress magnitudes will be determined by dividing each force component by the area of section a-a.