CE-228: MECHANICS OF SOLIDS-II

MODULE-3

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS

PROF. DR. MOHAMMAD ASHRAF

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR

CONTENTS
• Shear Stress in Beams
• Shear flow
• Shear Flow in Thin Section
• Shear Flow in Closed Section

• Shear Center

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SHEAR STRESS IN BEAMS
Consider a differential length dx of a beam as shown in figure. Let M1
and M2 are bending moments at section 1 and section 2 respectively.
The bending stresses at distance y from neutral axis of section 1 and
section 2 are:
M1 M2
σ1 = − y and σ2 = − y
I I
Where I is the moment of the whole inertia cross section.
Now consider a fiber at a variable distance of y from the neutral axis.
The forces applied on the shaded element shown in the figure are:
M1 M1 M1
F1 = න σ1 dA = න − ydA = − න ydA = − Q
I I I

Where Q is the first moment of shaded area in cross section about

neutral axis given by:

Q = න ydA = Ashaded yത

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SHEAR STRESS IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Similarly at section 2 the force is:
M2 M2 M2
F2 = න σ2 dA = න − ydA = − න ydA = − Q
I I I

If M2 is greater than M1 then F2 will be greater than F1. For equilibrium,

there must be a horizontal shear force dF at bottom of the shaded
element given by:
M2 M1 Q Q
dF = F2 − F1 = Q − Q = M2 − M1 = dM
I I I I

Assuming that the shear stress is uniform across the width b, the
horizontal shear stress at the bottom of the shaded element, i.e. at a
distance of y from the neutral axis is:
dF Q dM
τℎ = =
bdx Ib dx
Where b is the width of beam at the desired depth where the shear
stress is required, i.e. at a distance of y from the neutral axis.

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SHEAR STRESS IN BEAMS (CONT..)
As we know from our previous knowledge that rate of change of bending
moment (dM/dx) at a section is equal to shear force (V) at that section,
therefore the equation of shear stress in beam is:
VQ
τℎ = −−−−− −(1)
Ib
If x is along the axis of member and y is along vertical direction, i.e. in
the direction of shear force V, then the shear stress may be denoted as
τ𝑦𝑥
Relation between horizontal and vertical shear stress: Consider the
state of stress at a point in a body where the horizontal and vertical
shear stresses are τ𝑦𝑥 and τ𝑥𝑦 as shown in figure.
Fxy = τyx dy dz and Fyx = τyx dx dz

Applying moment equilibrium condition to the element:

Fxy dx = Fyx dy ⇒ τyx dy dz dx = τyx dx dz dy ⇒ τyx = τyx

Thus at any point, the horizontal shear stress is equal to the vertical
shear stress

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SHEAR STRESS IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Limitation of Shear Stress Formula: There are some limitations of shear
stress formula:

1. The shear stress formula is based on the assumption that it is

uniform across the width. However, in beams with flat sections
(having higher width to depth ratio), the stresses are no more
uniformly distributed and the shear formula is not applicable. From
theory of elasticity, the errors for b/h = 0.5 and b/h = 2 are 3% and
40% respectively.

2. The shear formula will not give accurate result where there is an
abrupt change in the cross section, e.g. at the flange-web junction,
due to the stress concentration.

3. The shear formula gives stress in vertical direction. If the boundary

of a section is not vertical, i.e. not perpendicular to the neutral axis,
the shear formula is not applicable.

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SHEAR STRESS IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example: Draw shear stress variation diagram across depth of the given
T-section as shown in the figure. The shear force is the desired section is
100 kN applied along y-axis.

Solution: The required moment of inertia about z-axis is: Iz = 518,258 mm4

The applied shear force is: Vy = 100 kN

To draw the shear stress variation diagram across the depth of flange and
web, consider two sections at a variable distance y from NA; one in flange
and other in web as shown in figure.

For flange, the first moment of area is:

24.1 + 𝑦
Q z = ෍ Ay = 50 24.1 − 𝑦 = 25 24.12 − 𝑦 2 = 25 580.8 − 𝑦 2
2

𝑉𝑦 𝑄𝑧 100,000 25 580.8 − 𝑦 2
τ𝑓 = = = 0.0965 580.8 − 𝑦 2 −−− −(1)
𝐼𝑧 b 518,258 50
At top and bottom of flange:

τf_Top = 0.0965 580.8 − 24.12 = 0

τf_Bot = 0.0965 580.8 − 14.12 = 36.86 MPa

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SHEAR STRESS IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example 3.1: Similarly for web, the first moment of area is:
14.1 + 𝑦
Q z = ෍ Ay = 50 𝑥 10 24.1 − 5 + 10 14.1 − 𝑦
2
Q z = 9550 + 5 198.8 − 𝑦 2 = 10544 − 5𝑦 2
Vy Q z 100,000 10544 − 5y 2
τ𝑤 = = = 203.45 − 0.0965y 2
Iz b 518,258 10
At top centroid and bottom of web:
2
τw_Top = 203.45 − 0.0965 14.1 = 184.26 MPa
2
τw_NA = 203.45 − 0.0965 0 = 203.45 MPa
2
τw_NA = 203.45 − 0.0965 −45.9 =0

For maximum shear stress in web:

dτ
= 0 ⇒ 0 − 0.0965 2y = 0 ⇒ y = 0
dy
Therefore the shear stress is maximum at NA.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 8

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS
The concept of shear flow is used in the design of connection between
various parts of a built-up section. For example if a wide flange section
is made with individual plates joint together using welding or
bolting/riveting. The weld requirement or the number/spacing of
bolts/rivets can be determined using the concept of shear flow.
Another application of shear flow is the determination of shear center
of unsymmetrical sections.
The shear flow in a beam is the shear force per unit length. It is denoted
by q and is given by:
dF Q dM
q= =
dx I dx
VQ
q= −−−−− −(2)
I
Relation between shear stress and shear flow:
VQ VQ
q= = b
I Ib
q = τ b −−−−− −(3)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 9

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example 3.2: Draw shear flow variation diagram across depth of the given
T-section as shown in the figure. The shear force is the desired section is
100 kN applied along y-axis.

Solution: The required moment of inertia about z-axis is: Iz = 518,258 mm4

The applied shear force is: Vy = 100 kN

To draw the shear stress variation diagram across the depth of flange and
web, consider two sections at a variable distance y from NA; one in flange
and other in web as shown in figure.

For flange, the first moment of area is:

24.1 + 𝑦
Q z = ෍ Ay = 50 24.1 − 𝑦 = 25 24.12 − 𝑦 2 = 25 580.8 − 𝑦 2
2

𝑉𝑦 𝑄𝑧 100,000 25 580.8 − 𝑦 2
q𝑓 = = = 4.824 580.8 − 𝑦 2 −−− −(1)
𝐼𝑧 518,258
At top and bottom of flange:

𝑞f_Top = 4.824 580.8 − 24.12 = 0

𝑞f_Bot = 4.824 580.8 − 14.12 = 1843 N/mm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 10

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example 3.2: Similarly for web, the first moment of area is:
14.1 + 𝑦
Q z = ෍ Ay = 50 𝑥 10 24.1 − 5 + 10 14.1 − 𝑦
2
Q z = 9550 + 5 198.8 − 𝑦 2 = 10544 − 5𝑦 2
Vy Q z 100,000 10544 − 5y 2
q𝑤 = = = 2030.45 − 0.965y 2
Iz 518,258
At top centroid and bottom of web:
2
q w_Top = 2030.45 − 0.965 14.1 = 1839 N/mm
2
q w_NA = 2030.45 − 0.965 0 = 2030 N/mm
2
q w_NA = 203.45 − 0.0965 −45.9 =0

For maximum shear flow in web:

dq
= 0 ⇒ 0 − 0.0965 2𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑦 = 0
dy
Therefore the shear flow is maximum at NA.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 11

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example 3.3: In example 3.2, if the flange is connected to web
through bolts, then calculate the spacing of bolts required to
transfer the shear between flange and web. Capacity of single
bolt is 100 kN

Solution: The shear flow at the junction of flange and web is:
q = 1843 N/mm

Capacity of single bolt is, F = 100 kN

Therefore spacing, s between bolts at this location is:

F F 100,000
q= ⇒s= = = 54.2 mm
s q 1843
Note that the spacing between bolts varies with the magnitude
of shear force. Therefore, the spacing will vary along the length
of beam

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 12

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example 3.4: A simple beam of 6-m span carries a load of 3 kN/m including its own
weight. The beam cross section is to be made from several wooden pieces as shown in
figure. Specify the spacing of 10 mm lag screws shown to fasten the beam together at a
section1.5-m from the support. Capacity of single screw is 1-kN.
Solution: The support reaction at the support is, 3x6/2 = 9-kN. The shear force, V at the a
section 1.5-m from the support is:
V = 9.0 − 3 1.5 = 4.5kN = 4500 N
The moment of inertia of the section is:
100 400 3 200 50 3
2
50 100 3
2
Iz = +2 + 200x50 225 +4 + 50x100 200
12 12 12
= 2.367 10 9 mm4
For shear flow at the junction of web and flange:
Q = 200x50 225 + 2 50x100 200 = 4.25 10 6 mm3
6
VQ 4500 4.25 10
q= = = 8.08 N/mm
Iz 2.367 10 9
Spacing of the screw is: s = 1000/8.08 = 124 mm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 13

SHEAR FLOW IN BEAMS (CONT..)
Example 3.4: For junction of vertical end element and flange as shown in figure:
Q = 50x100 200 = 1.00 10 6 mm3
6
VQ 4500 1.00 10
q= = = 1.90 N/mm
Iz 2.367 10 9
Spacing of the screw is: s = 1000/1.90 = 526 mm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 14

SHEAR FLOW IN THIN SECTIONS
General: Consider a thin wide flange section shown in the figure. It is
required to calculate shear flow at a section in the flange at a distance
of a from the end.
Shear flow at the section can be calculated as:
dF VQ
q= =
dx Iz
Whare Q is the first moment of the shaded area about the neutral axis.
Similar to the shear stress, as equilibrium requirement, shear flow
along the axis of the member is accompanied by shear flow in the
transverse direction as shown in the stress element.
The directions of shear flow on other four sides of the flange and also
in the web are as shown in the figure. Since it seems like a flow inside
the section, therefore the name shear flow is given to the force per
unit length.
The concept of shear flow is used in the determination of shear
center of thin section and design of built-up section.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 15

SHEAR FLOW IN THIN SECTIONS (CONT..)
Example 3.5: Draw shear flow variation diagram for the given section (V = 10 kN).
Solution:
3
10 400 2 6
I= + 2 300x10 200 = 293.33 10 mm4
12
To determine shear flow in flange, consider a section at a distance x from the end as shown
Q = 10 x 200 = 2000 x mm3
VQ 10,000 2000 x
q= = = 0.0682 x N/mm
I 293.33 10 6
The shear flow varies lineally in flanges (horizontal elements of the section).
Shear flow in flange at the flange-web junction is:
q = 0.0682 150 = 10.23 N/mm

For shear flow in web at a variable distance of y from the NA:

200 + 𝑦
Q = 3000 200 + 10 200 − 𝑦 = 600,000 + 5 2002 − 𝑦 2
2
Q = 600,000 + 5 2002 − 𝑦 2 = 800,000 − 5𝑦 2

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 16

SHEAR FLOW IN THIN SECTIONS (CONT..)
Example 3.5 (Cont..):
VQ 10,000 800,000 − 5𝑦 2 −6 2
q= = = 27.27 − 170.45 10 𝑦
I 293.33 10 6
Thus the shear flow in web varies as 2nd degree curve. The shear flow in web at the web-
flange junction is:
−6 2
q = 27.27 − 170.45 10 200 = 20.46 N/mm
At the NA:
−6 2
q = 27.27 − 170.45 10 0 = 27.27 N/mm

The shear flow variation diagram for the section is shown in the figure. Note that the shear
flow at the web-flange junction from two side of the flanges (10.23 N/mm) when combined,
becomes equal to the shear flow in web at the junction (20.46 N/mm). Also note that the
shear flow in maximum at the NA.
When the shear flow in web is integrated over the depth, it results in V = 10 kN.
200 200
−6 2 −6
𝑦3
න qdy = න 27.27 − 170.45 10 y dy = 27.27y − 170.45 10
−200 −200 3
200 −6
170.45 10
න qdy = 27.27 200 + 200 − 2003 + 2003 = 10,000 N
−200 3

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 17

SHEAR FLOW IN THIN SECTIONS (CONT..)
Shear Flow in Closed Section: Shear flow at a certain location in a closed symmetric
section can be obtained by calculating the first moment of area of a portion of the
section between two symmetrically placed desired locations.
Example 3.6: Draw shear flow variation diagram for the given rectangular box
section (V = 10 kN).
Solution:
3
10 400 2 6
I=2 + 2 300x10 200 = 346.67 10 mm4
12
To determine shear flow in flange, consider a section at a distance x from the end as
shown
Q = 10 2x 200 = 4000 x mm3
1 VQ 1 10,000 4000 x
q= = = 0.0577 x N/mm
2 I 2 346.67 10 6
Shear flow in the corner of box section is:
q = 0.0577 150 = 8.65 N/mm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 18

SHEAR FLOW IN THIN SECTIONS (CONT..)
Example 3.6 (Cont..):
For shear flow in web at a variable distance of y from the NA:
200 + 𝑦
Q = 3000 200 + 2 10 200 − 𝑦 = 600,000 + 10 2002 − 𝑦 2
2
Q = 600,000 + 5 2002 − 𝑦 2 = 1000,000 − 10𝑦 2
1 VQ 1 10,000 1000,000 − 10𝑦 2 −6 2
q= = = 14.423 − 144.23 10 𝑦
2 I 2 346.67 10 6
The shear flow at the corner is:
q = 14.423 − 144.23 10 −6 200 2 = 8.65 N/mm
The shear flow at the NA is:
q = 14.423 − 144.23 10 −6 0 2 = 14.42 N/mm
The shear flow variation diagram for the section is shown in the figure. Note
that the shear flow at the corner is same for both flange and web. Also note
that the shear flow in maximum at the NA.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 19

SHEAR CENTER
Shear center is point such that if the shear force applied on the section passes
through this section, twisting moment will not produce in the section.

Consider a channel section as shown in figure. The shear flow in flange at the
flange-web junction of the section is calculated as:
VQ f V h Vbht f
qf = = bt f =
I I 2 2I
As we know that the shear flow varies linearly in the flange, the average shear
flow in the flange is given by:
q f + 0 Vbht f
q ave = =
2 4I
Force in the flange is:
Vbht f Vb2 ht f
Ff = q ave b = b =
4I 4I

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 20

SHEAR CENTER (CONT..)
These forces in the flanges are creating a couple which is trying to twist the
section. The twisting couple is:
Vb2 h2 t f
T = Ff h =
4I
We know from our previous discussion that if the shear flow in web is integrated
then it results in applied shear force “V”.

To avoid twisting of the section, the applied shear force “V” shall be applied such
that it will produce twisting moment equal and opposite to the moment produced
by forces in flanges. If the shear force “V” is applied at distance “e” from the
center of web as shown, then:
Vb2 h2 t f b2 h2 t f
Ve= ⇒e=
4I 4I
Thus for channel section, the shear center lies at a distance of e from center of
web. Note that shear center lies on axis of symmetry of a section. For doubly
symmetric section shear center coincides with the centroid of section.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 21

SHEAR CENTER (CONT..)
Example 3.7: Draw shear flow diagram of the given section and
locate its shear center. The applied shear is V.
Solution:
10 300 3 10 150 3
6
I= + = 25.3125 10 mm4
12 12
There is no shear flow in the horizontal segment of the section. For
the shear flow in the left vertical segment:
75 + 𝑦
Q L = 10 75 − 𝑦 = 5 752 − 𝑦 2 = 28,125 − 5𝑦 2
2
VQ L V 28,125 − 5𝑦 2
qL = = 6
= V 1111.11 − 0.1975𝑦 2 10 −6
I 25.3125 10
At the NA, qL = V 1111.11 − 0.1975𝑦 2 10 −6 = 1111.11 10 −6 V
For shear flow in right vertical segment:
150 + 𝑦
Q R = 10 150 − 𝑦 = 5 1502 − 𝑦 2 = 112,500 − 5𝑦 2
2

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 22

SHEAR CENTER (CONT..)
Example 3.7 (Cont..):
VQ R V 112,500 − 5𝑦 2
qR = = 6
= V 4444.44 − 0.1975𝑦 2 10 −6
I 25.3125 10
At the NA, qR = V 4444.44 − 0.1975𝑦 2 10 −6 = 4444.44 10 −6 V
Now the forces in the left and right vertical segments are:
75 75
VL = න qR dy = න V 1111.11 − 0.1975𝑦 2 10 −6
dy = 0.111V
−75 −75
150 150
VR = න qR dy = න V 4444.44 − 0.1975𝑦 2 10 −6 dy = 0.889V
−150 −150

Note that V = VL + VR
Now taking moment about the left support:
V e = VR 400 = 0.889V 400
e = 356 mm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 23

SHEAR CENTER (CONT..)
Example 3.8 (Cont..): Draw shear flow variation diagram and locate shear
center for a split tube of radius “r” and thickness “t” as shown in figure.
The vertical shear force “V” is acting down ward.

Solution: Consider a differential element at angle θ making a differential

angle dθ at center of tube. Moment of inertial of the whole section is:
2π 2π 2π
1 − cos 2𝜃
Q= න 𝑦 2 dA = න r sin θ 2
rtdθ = r3t න sin θ 2 dθ
= r3t න dθ
0 0 0 2

r3t sin 2𝜃 r 3t
Q= 𝜃− = 2𝜋 − 0 = 𝜋r 3 t
2 2 2
To calculate shear flow in split tube at angle α from split, we have to
calculate first moment of area of the shaded portion:
α
Q= න y dA = න r sin θ rtdθ = r 2 t − cos θ = −r 2 t cos α − 1
0

Q=r 2 t 1 − cos α

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 24

SHEAR CENTER (CONT..)
Example 3.8 (Cont..): The shear flow is given by:
VQ V r 2 t 1 − cos α V 1 − cos α
q= = =
I πr 3 t πr
The shear flow at differential locations are:
π V 2V
At α = 0: q = 0 At α = : q= At α = π: q =
2 πr πr
The direction of shear flow is shown in the figure which cause counter
clockwise twisting moment. Consider a differential element as shown:
2π
V 1 − cos α Vr
T = න dF r = න q rdα r = න r 2 dα = α − sin α
0 πr π
Vr
T= 2π − 0 = 2Vr
π
V should be applied such that it counters balance T, i.e.
V e = T ⇒ Ve = 2Vr ⇒ e = 2r

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UET PESHAWAR 25