Chapter Objectives: 2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte LTD

7.
Transverse Shear
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
• Develop a method for finding
the shear stress in a beam
having a prismatic x-section
and made from homogeneous
material that behaves in a
linear-elastic manner
• This method of analysis is
limited to special cases of x-
sectional geometry
• Discuss the concept of shear flow, with shear stress
for beams and thin-walled members
• Discuss the shear center
2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 1
7. Transverse Shear
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1. Shear in Straight Members
2. The Shear Formula
3. Shear Stresses in Beams
4. Shear Flow in Built-up Members
5. Shear Flow in Thin-Walled Members
6. *Shear Center

7. Transverse Shear
7.1 SHEAR IN STRAIGHT MEMBERS
• Shear V is the result of a transverse shear-stress

distribution that acts over the beam’s x-section.
• Due to complementary property of shear,
associated longitudinal shear stresses also act
along longitudinal planes of beam

7. Transverse Shear
• As shown below, if top and bottom surfaces of each

board are smooth and not bonded together, then
application of load P will cause the boards to slide
relative to one another.
• However, if boards are bonded together,
longitudinal shear stresses will develop and distort
x-section in a complex manner

7. Transverse Shear
• As shown, when
shear V is applied,
the non-uniform
shear-strain
distribution over x-
section will cause it
to warp, i.e., not
remain in plane.

7. Transverse Shear
• Recall that the flexure formula assumes that x-

sections must remain plane and perpendicular to
longitudinal axis of beam after deformation
• This is violated when beam is subjected to both
bending and shear, we assume that the warping is
so small it can be neglected. This is true for a
slender beam (small depth compared with its
length)
• For transverse shear, shear-strain distribution
throughout the depth of a beam cannot be easily
expressed mathematically

7. Transverse Shear
• Thus, we need to develop the formula for shear

stress is indirectly using the flexure formula and
relationship between moment and shear
(V = dM/dx)

7. Transverse Shear
7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA
• By first principles, flexure formula and V = dM/dx,

we obtain
VQ
=
It Equation 7-3
 = shear stress in member at the
pt located a distance y’ from
the neutral axis. Assumed to
be constant and therefore
averaged across the width t of
member
V = internal resultant shear force, determined from
method of sections and equations of equilibrium
7. Transverse Shear
• By first principles, flexure formula and V = dM/dx,

we get:
VQ
=
It Equation 7-3
I = moment of inertia of entire x-sectional area
computed about the neutral axis
t = width of the member’s x-sectional area,
measured at the pt where  is to be determined
Q = ∫A’ y dA’ = y’A’, where A’ is the top (or bottom)
portion of member’s x-sectional area, defined from
section where t is measured, and y’ is distance of
centroid of A’, measured from neutral axis
7. Transverse Shear
• The equation derived is called the shear formula

• Since Eqn 7-3 is derived indirectly from the flexure
formula, the material must behave in a linear-
elastic manner and have a modulus of elasticity
that is the same in tension and in compression
• Shear stress in composite members can also be
obtained using the shear formula
• To do so, compute Q and I from the transformed
section of the member as discussed in section 6.6.
Thickness t in formula remains the actual width t of
x-section at the pt where  is to be calculated

7. Transverse Shear
7.3 SHEAR STRESSES IN BEAMS
Rectangular x-section
• Consider beam to have rectangular
x-section of width b and height h as
shown.
• Distribution of shear stress
throughout x-section can be
determined by computing shear
stress at arbitrary height y from
neutral axis, and plotting the
function. Hence,
1 h2 2
Q = (  y )b
2 4
7. Transverse Shear
• After deriving Q and applying the
shear formula, we have
6V h2 2
= 3 ( y )
bh 4 Equation 7-4
• Eqn 7-4 indicates that
shear-stress distribution
over x-section is parabolic.

7. Transverse Shear
• At y = 0, we have
V
max = 1.5
A Equation 7-5
• By comparison, max is 50%

greater than the average
shear stress determined
from avg = V/A.

7. Transverse Shear
Wide-flange beam
• A wide-flange beam consists
of two (wide) “flanges” and a
“web”.
• Using analysis similar to a
rectangular x-section, the
shear stress distribution
acting over x-section is shown

7. Transverse Shear
Wide-flange beam
• The shear-stress distribution also varies
parabolically over beam’s depth
• Note there is a jump in shear stress at the flange-
web junction since x-sectional thickness changes
at this pt
• The web carries significantly
more shear force than the flanges

7. Transverse Shear
Limitations on use of shear formula
• One major assumption in the development of the
shear formula is that shear stress is uniformly
distributed over width t at section where shear
stress is to be determined
• By comparison with exact mathematical analysis
based on theory of elasticity, the magnitude
difference can reach 40%
• This is especially so for the flange of a wide-flange
beam

7. Transverse Shear

• The shear formula will also give inaccurate results
for the shear stress at the flange-web junction of a
wide-flange beam, since this is a pt of sudden x-
sectional change (stress concentration occurs
here)
• Furthermore, inner regions of flanges are free
boundaries, thus shear stress at these boundaries
should be zero
• However, shear formula calculated at these pts will
not be zero

7. Transverse Shear

• Fortunately, engineers are often interested in the
average maximum shear stress, which occurs at
the neutral axis, where b/h ratio is very small
• Also, shear formula does not give accurate results
when applied to members having x-sections that
are short or flat, or at pts where the x-section
suddenly changes
• It should also not be applied across a section that
intersects the boundary of a member at an angle
o
other than 90

7. Transverse Shear
IMPORTANT
• Shear forces in beams cause non-linear shear-
strain distributions over the x-section, causing it to
warp
• Due to complementary property of shear stress,
the shear stress developed in a beam acts on both
the x-section and on longitudinal planes
• The shear formula was derived by considering
horizontal force equilibrium of longitudinal shear
stress and bending-stress distributions acting on a
portion of a differential segment of the beam

7. Transverse Shear
IMPORTANT
• The shear formula is to be used on straight
prismatic members made of homogeneous
material that has linear-elastic behavior. Also,
internal resultant shear force must be directed
along an axis of symmetry for x-sectional area
• For beam having rectangular x-section, shear
stress varies parabolically with depth.
• For beam having rectangular x-section, maximum
shear stress is along neutral axis

7. Transverse Shear
IMPORTANT
• Shear formula should not be used to determine
shear stress on x-sections that are short or flat, or
at pts of sudden x-sectional changes, or at a pt on
an inclined boundary

7. Transverse Shear
Procedure for analysis
Internal shear
• Section member perpendicular to its axis at the pt
where shear stress is to be determined
• Obtain internal shear V at the section
Section properties
• Determine location of neutral axis, and determine
the moment of inertia I of entire x-sectional area
about the neutral axis
• Pass an imaginary horizontal section through the
pt where the shear stress is to be determined
7. Transverse Shear
Section properties
• Measure the width t of the area at this section
• Portion of area lying either above or below this
section is A’.
• Determine Q either by integration, Q = ∫A’ y dA’, or
by using Q = y’A’.
• Here, y’ is the distance of centroid of A’, measured
from the neutral axis. (TIP: A’ is the portion of the
member’s x-sectional area being “held onto the
member” by the longitudinal shear stresses.)

7. Transverse Shear
Shear stress
• Using consistent set of units, substitute data into
the shear formula and compute shear stress 
• Suggest that proper direction of transverse shear
stress be established on a volume element of
material located at the pt where it is computed
•  acts on the x-section in the same direction as V.
From this, corresponding shear stresses acting on
the three other planes of element can be
established

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.3
Beam shown is made from two boards. Determine
the maximum shear stress in the glue necessary to
hold the boards together along the seams where
they are joined. Supports at B and C exert only
vertical reactions on the beam.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.3 (SOLN)
Internal shear
Support reactions and shear diagram for beam are
shown below. Maximum shear in the beam is 19.5 kN.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.3 (SOLN)
Section properties
The centroid and therefore the neutral axis will be
determined from the reference axis placed at bottom
of the x-sectional area. Working in units of meters,
we have  yA
y= = ... = 0.120 m
A
Thus, the moment of inertia, computed about the
neutral axis is,
I = ... = 27.0(10-6) m4

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.3 (SOLN)
Section properties
The top board (flange) is being held onto the bottom
board (web) by the glue, which is applied over the
thickness t = 0.03m. Consequently A’ is defined as
the area of the top board, we have
Q = y’A’ = [(0.180 m  0.015 m  0.120 m]
(0.03 m)(0.150 m)
Q = 0.2025(10-3) m3

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.3 (SOLN)
Shear stress
Using above data, and applying shear formula
yields
VQ
max = = ... = 4.88 MPa
It
Shear stress acting at top of
bottom board is shown here.
It is the glue’s resistance to this
lateral or horizontal shear stress
that is necessary to hold the
boards from slipping at support C.
7. Transverse Shear
7.4 SHEAR FLOW IN BUILT-UP MEMBERS
• Occasionally, in engineering
practice, members are “built-up” from
several composite parts in order to
achieve a greater resistance to
loads, some examples are shown.
• If loads cause members to bend,
fasteners may be needed to keep
component parts from sliding relative
to one another.
• To design the fasteners, we need to
know the shear force resisted by
fastener along member’s length
7. Transverse Shear
• This loading, measured as a force per unit length,
is referred to as the shear flow q.
• Magnitude of shear flow along any longitudinal
section of a beam can be obtained using similar
development method for finding the shear stress in
the beam

7. Transverse Shear
• Thus shear flow is
q = VQ/I Equation 7-6
q = shear flow, measured as a force per unit length
along the beam
V = internal resultant shear force, determined from
method of sections and equations of equilibrium
I = moment of inertia of entire x-sectional area
computed about the neutral axis
Q = ∫A’ y dA’ = y’A’, where A’ is the x-sectional area
of segment connected to beam at juncture where
shear flow is to be calculated, and y’ is distance
from neutral axis to centroid of A’
7. Transverse Shear
• Note that the fasteners in (a) and (b) supports the
calculated value of q
• And in (c) each fastener supports q/2
• In (d) each fastener supports q/3

7. Transverse Shear
IMPORTANT
• Shear flow is a measure of force per unit length
along a longitudinal axis of a beam.
• This value is found from the shear formula and is
used to determine the shear force developed in
fasteners and glue that holds the various
segments of a beam together

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.4
Beam below is constructed from 4 boards glued
together. It is subjected to a shear of V = 850 kN.
Determine the shear flow at B and C that must be
resisted by the glue.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.4 (SOLN)
Section properties
Neutral axis (centroid) is located from bottom of the
beam. Working in units of meters, we have
yA
y= = ... = 0.1968 m
y
Moment of inertia about
neutral axis is
I = ... = 87.52(10-6) m4

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.4 (SOLN)
Section properties
Since the glue at B and B’ holds the top board to the
beam, we have
QB = y’B A’B = [0.305 m  0.1968 m](0.250 m)(0.01 m)
QB = 0.270(10-3) m3
Likewise, glue at C and C’ holds

inner board to beam, so
QC = y’C A’C = ... = 0.01025(10-3) m3

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.4 (SOLN)
Shear flow
For B and B’, we have
q’B = VQB /I = [850 kN(0.270(10-3) m3]/87.52(10-6) m4
q’B = 2.62 MN/m
Similarly, for C and C’,
q’C = VQC /I = [850 kN(0.0125(10-3) m3]/87.52(10-6) m4
q’C = 0.0995 MN/m

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.4 (SOLN)
Shear flow
Since two seams are used to secure each board,
the glue per meter length of beam at each seam
must be strong enough to resist one-half of each
calculated value of q’. Thus
qB = 1.31 MN/m
qC = 0.0498 MN/m

7. Transverse Shear
7.5 SHEAR FLOW IN THIN-WALLED MEMBERS
• We can use shear-flow equation q = VQ/I to find the

shear-flow distribution throughout a member’s x-
sectional area.
• We assume that the member has thin walls, i.e.,
wall thickness is small compared with height or
width of member

7. Transverse Shear
• Because flange wall is thin, shear stress will not

vary much over the thickness of section, and we
assume it to be constant. Hence,
q =   t Equation 7-7
• We will neglect the vertical

transverse component of shear
flow because it is approx. zero
throughout thickness of element

7. Transverse Shear
• To determine distribution of shear flow along top

right flange of beam, shear flow is
Vt d
q= (b/2  x)
2I Equation 7-8

7. Transverse Shear
• Similarly, for the web of the beam, shear flow is

Vt db
q = [ +0.5(d2/4  y2)]
I 2 Equation 7-9

7. Transverse Shear
• Value of q changes over the x-section, since Q will

be different for each area segment A’
• q will vary linearly along segments (flanges) that
are perpendicular to direction of V, and
parabolically along segments (web) that are
inclined or parallel to V
• q will always act parallel to the walls of the
member, since section on which q is calculated is
taken perpendicular to the walls

7. Transverse Shear
• Directional sense of q is such that

shear appears to “flow” through the x-
section, inward at beam’s top flange,
“combining” and then “flowing”
downward through the web, and then
separating and “flowing” outward at
the bottom flange

7. Transverse Shear
IMPORTANT
• If a member is made from segments having thin
walls, only the shear flow parallel to the walls of
member is important
• Shear flow varies linearly along segments that are
perpendicular to direction of shear V
• Shear flow varies parabolically along segments that
are inclined or parallel to direction of shear V
• On x-section, shear “flows” along segments so that
it contributes to shear V yet satisfies horizontal and
vertical force equilibrium

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.7
Thin-walled box beam shown is subjected to shear
of 10 kN. Determine the variation of shear flow
throughout the x-section.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.7 (SOLN)
By symmetry, neutral axis passes through center of
x-section. Thus moment of inertia is
I = 1/12(6 cm)(8 cm)3  1/12(4 cm)(6 cm)3 = 184 cm4
Only shear flows at pts B, C and D
needs to be determined. For pt B,
area A’ ≈ 0 since it can be thought of
located entirely at pt B. Alternatively,
A’ can also represent the entire x-
sectional area, in which case
QB = y’A’ = 0 since y’ = 0.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.7 (SOLN)
Because QB = 0, then qB = 0
For pt C, area A’ is shown dark-
shaded. Here mean dimensions are
used since pt C is on centerline of
each segment. We have
QC = y’A’ = (3.5 cm)(5 cm)(1 cm) = 17.5 cm3
qC = VQC/I = ... = 95.1 N/mm

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.7 (SOLN)
Shear flow at D is computed using the
three dark-shaded rectangles shown.
We have
QD = y’A’ = ... = 30 cm3
qC = VQD/I = ... = 163 N/mm

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.7 (SOLN)
Using these results, and symmetry of x-section,
shear-flow distribution is plotted as shown.
Distribution is linear along horizontal segments
(perpendicular to V) and parabolic along vertical
segments (parallel to V)

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
• Previously, we assumed that internal shear V was
applied along a principal centroidal axis of inertia
that also represents the axis of symmetry for the
x-section
• Here, we investigate the effect of applying the
shear along a principal centroidal axis that is not
an axis of symmetry
• When a force P is applied to a channel section
along the once vertical unsymmetrical axis that
passes through the centroid C of the x-sectional
area, the channel bends downwards and also
twist clockwise
7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
• When the shear-flow distribution is integrated over
the flange and web areas, a resultant force of Ff in
each flange and a force of V=P in the web is
created
• If we sum the moments of these forces about pt A,
the couple (or torque) created by the flange forces
causes the member to twist
• To prevent the twisting, we need to apply P at a pt
O located a distance e from the web of the channel,
thus
 MA = Ff d = Pe e = (Ff d)/P

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
• Express Ff is expressed in terms of P (= V) and
dimensions of flanges and web to reduce e as a
function of its x-sectional geometry
• We name the pt O as the shear center or flexural
center
• When P is applied at the shear center, beam will
bend without twisting
• Note that shear center will always lie on an axis of
symmetry of a member’s x-sectional area

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
IMPORTANT
• Shear center is the pt through which a force can be
applied which will cause a beam to bend and yet
not twist
• Shear center will always lie on an axis of symmetry
of the x-section
• Location of the shear center is only a function of
the geometry of the x-section and does not depend
upon the applied loading

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
Shear-flow resultants
• Magnitudes of force resultants that create a
moment about pt A must be calculated
• For each segment, determine the shear flow q at
an arbitrary pt on segment and then integrate q
along the segment’s length
• Note that V will create a linear variation of shear
flow in segments that are perpendicular to V and a
parabolic variation of shear flow in segments that
are parallel or inclined to V

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
• Determine the direction of shear flow through the
various segments of the x-section
• Sketch the force resultants on each segment of
the x-section
• Since shear center determined by taking the
moments of these force resultants about a pt (A),
choose this pt at a location that eliminates the
moments of as many as force resultants as
possible

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
Shear center
• Sum the moments of the shear-flow resultants
about pt A and set this moment equal to moment
of V about pt A
• Solve this equation and determine the moment-
arm distance e, which locates the line of action of
V from pt A
• If axis of symmetry for x-section exists, shear
center lies at the pt where this axis intersects line
of action of V

7. Transverse Shear
*7.6 SHEAR CENTER
Shear center
• If no axes of symmetry exists, rotate the x-section
o
by 90 and repeat the process to obtain another
line of action for V
• Shear center then lies at the pt of intersection of the
o
two 90 lines

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.8
Determine the location of the shear center for the
thin-walled channel section having the dimensions
as shown.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.8 (SOLN)
Vertical downward shear V applied to section
causes shear to flow through the flanges and web
as shown. This causes force resultants Ff and V in
the flanges and web.

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.8 (SOLN)
X-sectional area than divided into 3 component
rectangles: a web and 2 flanges. Assume each
component to be thin, then moment of inertia about
the neutral axis is
I = (1/12)th3 + 2[bt(0.5h)2] = (0.5th2)[(h/6) + b]
Thus, q at the arbitrary
position x is
VQ V(b – x)
q= =
I h[(h/6) + b]

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.8 (SOLN)
Hence, b Vb2
Ff = ∫0 q dx = … =
2h[(h/6) + b]
The same result can be determined by first
finding (qmax)f, then determining triangular area
0.5b(qmax)f = Ff

7. Transverse Shear
EXAMPLE 7.8 (SOLN)
Shear center
Summing moments about pt A, we require
Ve = Ff h
…
b2
e=
[(h/3) + 2b]
As stated previously, e depends

only on the geometry of the x-
section.

7. Transverse Shear
CHAPTER REVIEW
• Transverse shear stress in beams is determined
indirectly by using the flexure formula and the
relationship between moment and shear
(V = dM/dx). This result in the shear formula
 = VQ/It.
• In particular, the value for Q is the moment of the
area A’ about the neutral axis. This area is the
portion of the x-sectional area that is “held on” to
the beam above the thickness t where  is to be
determined

7. Transverse Shear
CHAPTER REVIEW
• If the beam has a rectangular x-section, then the
shear-stress distribution will be parabolic,
obtaining a maximum value at the neutral axis
• Fasteners, glues, or welds are used to connect
the composite parts of a “built-up” section. The
strength of these fasteners is determined from
the shear flow, or force per unit length, that must
be carried by the beam; q = VQ/I
• If the beam has a thin-walled x-section then the
shear flow throughout the x-section can be
determined by using q = VQ/I

7. Transverse Shear
CHAPTER REVIEW
• The shear flow varies linearly along horizontal
segments and parabolically along inclined or
vertical segments
• Provided the shear stress distribution in each
element of a thin-walled section is known, then,
using a balance of moments, the location of the
shear center for the x-section can be determined.
• When a load is applied to the member through
this pt, the member will bend, and not twist

Chapter Objectives: 2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte LTD

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter Objectives: 2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte LTD

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7.

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 2

• Shear V is the result of a transverse shear-stress

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 3

• As shown below, if top and bottom surfaces of each

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 4

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 5

• Recall that the flexure formula assumes that x-

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 6

• Thus, we need to develop the formula for shear

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 7

• By first principles, flexure formula and V = dM/dx,

• By first principles, flexure formula and V = dM/dx,

• The equation derived is called the shear formula

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 10

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 12

• By comparison, max is 50%

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 13

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 14

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 15

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 16

Limitations on use of shear formula

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 17

Limitations on use of shear formula

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 18

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 19

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 20

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 21

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 23

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 24

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 25

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 26

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 27

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 28

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 31

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 33

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 34

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 35

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 36

Likewise, glue at C and C’ holds

QC = y’C A’C = ... = 0.01025(10-3) m3

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 37

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 38

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 39

• We can use shear-flow equation q = VQ/I to find the

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 40

• Because flange wall is thin, shear stress will not

• We will neglect the vertical

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 41

• To determine distribution of shear flow along top

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 42

• Similarly, for the web of the beam, shear flow is

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 43

• Value of q changes over the x-section, since Q will

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 44

• Directional sense of q is such that

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 45

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 46

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 47

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 48

qC = VQC/I = ... = 95.1 N/mm

2005 Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd 49

qC = VQD/I = ... = 163 N/mm