Shear

Shear stress (τ) is the internal resistance to sliding between adjacent layers of a material. For beams, shear stress varies across the cross-section and is maximum at the neutral axis. The average shear stress is τ_avg = V/A, but the actual distribution depends on the section shape. Shear flow (q) is used in thin-walled sections.

Governing Formulaτ = V Q / (I b), τ_avg = V / A

Knowledge Check

10 Questions

1.What is the average shear stress in a circular rod of diameter 20 mm subjected to a shear force of 30 kN?

2.For a rectangular beam, the shear stress distribution is:

3.In a rectangular beam, the maximum shear stress is what multiple of the average shear stress?

4.Where is the shear stress maximum in a solid circular cross-section?

5.What is the formula for shear stress in a beam at a point using the shear formula?

6.The shear flow (q) at a point in a thin-walled section is given by:

7.A 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep rectangular beam carries a shear force of 150 kN. What is the maximum shear stress?

8.At the top surface of a beam, the shear stress is:

9.The first moment of area (Q) about the neutral axis for a rectangular section is maximum at:

10.A bolt in single shear with a diameter of 12 mm carries a load of 20 kN. What is the shear stress in the bolt?