\[\tau=\frac{q}{t}\]
Variables
tau[τ]horizontal shear stress (Pa)
qshear flow (N/m)
tmaterial thickness at the location considered (m)
Description
What is this formula?
Horizontal shear stress calculates the shear stress developed within a structural element due to shear flow. It is particularly important in thin-walled members, webs of plate girders, and built-up structural sections.
When to use it
Use this formula when determining local shear stresses caused by a known shear flow. It is commonly applied in steel structures, aircraft structures, box girders, and welded connections.
Example
A plate girder web carries a shear flow of:
q = 30000 N/m
The web thickness is:
t = 0.010 m
Formula:
τ = q / t
Substitution:
τ = 30000 / 0.010
Result:
τ = 3.0×10^6 Pa
Result:
τ = 3.0 MPa
Applications
Plate girders, thin-walled structures, aircraft structures, welded joints, box beams, steel bridges, and shear transfer analysis.