Understanding the concept of Axial Loading/Force

[tomtomtom1]

TL;DR Summary

Understanding the concept of Axial Loading/Force.

Hello all

I was wondering if some could help me understand the concept of Axial Loading/Force.

From research Axial loading can be defined as a load that passes through the centre of gravity of a members cross section, this causes either compression or tension.

The bit I don't fully understand is that if I applied a uniformly distributed load on a column then regardless of which orientation the column is places and which direction the load it applied the load will always pass through the columns centre of gravity as shown below:-

The black dot is meant to represent the centre of gravity.

From the two shapes shown can someone tell which forces are axial and why?

(I have assumed that gravity is acting downwards on both shapes)

Also on a side note are Axial forces and Normal Forces the same thing?

Thank you.

 

[Chestermiller]

Where does it say that the axial load passes through the center of gravity? An axial load on a cylinder is simply a tension or compression force (distributed load as you have drawn it) on the end of the cylinder, parallel to the axis of the cylinder.

 

[tomtomtom1]

ttp://www.wikiengineer.com/Structural/Axial

"What is an Axial Force?
If the load on a column is applied through the center of gravity of its cross section, it is called an axial load."

 

[Chestermiller]

ttp://www.wikiengineer.com/Structural/Axial

"What is an Axial Force?
If the load on a column is applied through the center of gravity of its cross section, it is called an axial load."

This makes no sense to me, and, in my judgment, is inciorrect.

 

[mfig]

I agree with Chestermiller. I think a better definition is the following, from Structural and Stress Analysis by Megson:

"Axial loads are applied along the longitudinal or centroidal axis of a structural member."

 

[tomtomtom1]

Thank you all.