It has been several years since i last worked on strength of materials, and i can't be certain of what seem to be a simple problem:
Suppose i have a rectangle block. Inside the block is a rectangle cavity with the long side horizontal. Consider the secanarios whereby the interior cavity is rotated 30, 45 , 60 and 90 degrees. In which case is the compressive strength the highest?
Since the max shear is at 45 degrees, the weakest block should be the one with the cavity align at 45. Right? And 30 and 60 should be the same??
philip