SHEAR STRESSES IN BEAMS

Source: Gere & Goodno

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 ; ;

The quantity dM/dx is equal to the shear force V (see Eq.

4-6), and therefore the preceding expression becomes

The integral in this equation is evaluated over the shaded

part of the cross section (Fig. 5-28d), as already explained.
Thus, the integral is the first moment of the shaded area with
respect to the neutral axis (the z axis). In other words, the
integral is the first moment of the cross-sectional area above
the level at which the shear stress t is being evaluated. This
first moment is usually denoted by the symbol Q:
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Distribution of Shear Stresses in a Rectangular Beam

The maximum value of the shear stress occurs at the neutral

axis (y1 = 0) where the first moment Q has its maximum value.
Substituting y1 = 0

in which A = bh is the cross-sectional area. Thus, the maximum

shear stress in a beam of rectangular cross section is 50% larger
than the average shear stress V/A.

Note: they are valid only for beams of linearly elastic materials
with small deflections. A common error is to apply the shear
formula to crosssectional shapes for which it is not applicable.
For instance, it is not applicable to sections of triangular or
semicircular shape.

To avoid misusing the formula, we must keep in mind the following

assumptions that underlie the derivation: (1) The edges of the
cross section must be parallel to the y axis (so that the shear
stresses act parallel to the y axis), and (2) the shear stresses
must be uniform across the width of the cross section. These
assumptions are fulfilled only in certain cases, such as those
discussed in this and the next two sections.
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Shear Flow in Built-Up Members

The integral represents Q, that is, the moment of the

segment’s area A’ about the neutral axis for the entire cross
section. Since the segment has a length dx, the shear flow, or
force per unit length along the beam, is q = dF/dx. Hence
dividing both sides by dx and noting that V = dM/dx; thus

Shear flow is a measure of the force per unit length along

the axis of a beam.This value is found from the shear formula
and is used to determine the shear force developed in fasteners
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and glue that holds the various segments of a composite beam

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together.

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