Photoelastic investigation of the stresses in a capless connecting rod

For a great many years the primary method used to solve engineering problems was by the use of mathematics. However, rigorous and simple mathematical solutions are only possible if the geometry of the member and its loadings are relatively simple. When irregular shapes with complex loadings are encountered, rigorous mathematical solutions for stresses induced are either impossible or very cumbersome. In such cases, the engineer must resort to other methods which are available today. This paper attempts to show the application of the photoelastic method to such a problem. Moreover, it will show the comparative ease with which the designer can take a basic machine part, vary the dimensions, and in a short time arrive at some shape that will do the work, and do it well, by the use of the photoelastic method --Preface, page iii