Strength of Materials Prof. M. S.

Sivakumar

Problem 1: Derivation of Shear stress in rectangular crosssection

Problem 2: Computation of Shear stresses

Problem 3: Computation of Shear stresses

Problem 4: Computation of Shear stresses

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

Problem 1: Derivation of Shear stress in rectangular crosssection

Derive an expression for the shear stress distribution in a beam of solid rectangular cross-

section transmitting a vertical shear V.

The cross sectional area of the beam is shown in the figure. A longitudinal cut through the

beam at a distance y1, from the neutral axis, isolates area klmn. (A1).

Shear stress,

VQ
τ=
It
V
It ∫
= y.dA
A1
d/2
V
=
Ib ∫ by dy
y1
V⎡
= ⎢
⎣
( d / 2 )2 − ( y1 )2 ⎤⎥⎦ ---------------------- (1)
2I

The Shear Stress distribution is as shown below

Max Shear Stress occurs at the neutral axis and this can be found by putting y = 0 in the

equation 1.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

Vd 2
τmax =
8I
3 V
=
2 bh
3V
=
2A

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

Problem 2: Computation of Shear stresses

A vertical shear force of 1KN acts on the cross section shown below. Find the shear at the

interface (per unit length)

Solution:

Formula used: q = VQ/I

We first find the distance of the neutral axis from the top fiber.

All dimensions in mm

20 × 100 × 10 + 20 × 100 × 70
y NA = = 40mm
20 × 100 + 20 × 100

Q = ∫ ydA of shaded area about neutral axis.

Q = 20 x 100 x 30 = 6 x 104

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

V = 1KN

20 × 1003 2 100 × 20
3
I= + 20 × 100 × 30 + + 100 × 20 × 302
12 12
= 5.33 × 106
VQ 103 × 6 × 104 × φ(10−3 )3 N
q= = = 1.125 × 104
( )
I 4 m
5.33 × 106 × 10−3
KN
= 11.25
m

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

Problem 3: Computation of Shear stresses

A 6m long beam with a 50 mm × 50 mm cross section is subjected to uniform loading of

5KN/m. Find the max shear stress in the beam

Solution:

3V
τmax =
2A

We first find the section of maximum shear force. We know this is at the supports and is

equal to

5× 6
= 15KN
2

We also know that max.shear stress occurs at the centre (for a rectangular cross section)

and is 1.5 times the average stress.

3 × 15 × 103
So, τmax = = 9 Mpa
2 × 50 × 50 × 10−6

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

Problem 4: Computation of Shear stresses

The cross section of an I beam is shown below. Find the max.shear stress in the flange if it

transmits a vertical shear of 2KN.

Solution:

VQ
Formula used: τ=
It

V = 2KN
10 × 1003 ⎛ 100 × 103 ⎞
I= +⎜ + 100 × 10 × 552 ⎟ × 2 = 6.9 × 106 mm 4
12 ⎜ 12 ⎟
⎝ ⎠

Q is maximum at the midpoint as shown below

Q = 50 × 10 × 55

( )
3
2 × 103 × 50 × 10 × 55 × 10−3
τmax = = 0.79 MPa
( 6.9 × 10 )(10 )
6 −3 4
× 10 × 10 −3

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Strength of Materials Prof. M. S. Sivakumar

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras