Solid mechanics (shear stress) question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of shear stress in a cantilever beam with a rectangular cross-section, specifically addressing the value of the distance from the neutral axis when evaluating shear stress at that location. The conversation includes theoretical aspects of solid mechanics and practical implications for stress analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what value of y to use for shear stress at the neutral axis, suggesting it might be zero.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for additional context, such as the shape of the solid and loading conditions, to provide a confident recommendation.
  • A participant clarifies that they are working with a cantilever beam and expresses confusion about whether shear stress can be zero at the neutral axis.
  • Concerns are raised about the application of the equation SAy/bI, with a request for clarification on the definitions of the variables involved.
  • One participant reiterates the definitions of the variables in the equation but questions whether A refers to the entire cross-section or a specific region.
  • Another participant states that normal stress is zero at the neutral axis, while shear stress is at a maximum, referencing a textbook equation for shear stress in beams.
  • A later reply indicates understanding that y represents the distance from the neutral axis to the centroid of the area where the cut is made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the variables in the shear stress equation and the implications of shear stress at the neutral axis. There is no consensus on the correct application of the equation or the nature of shear stress at the neutral axis.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the definitions of variables and the specific conditions of the beam to accurately apply the shear stress equation. There are unresolved questions regarding the application of the equation and the interpretation of the variables.

milan666
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Hi, if the shear stress on an element in a solid is SAy/bI, where S is the shear force and y is the distance from the neutral axis, what value of y do i use if the point I'm calculating is on the neutral axis?
 
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On first glance, you would use zero. But it would help to know the shape of the solid, the type of loading, how you got SAy/bI, and what the other variables mean for me to be confident with this recommendation.
 
Its a cantilever beam, with a rectangular cross-section, and i have to find the shear and normal stresses on a point which is at the neutral axis. If y is zero, then the shear force would be zero. Does that mean that there are no shear stresses at a point on the neutral axis? I can't post the actual problem itself cause I am at uni and that would be plagarism.
 
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OK, so what is the loading, why are you using SAy/bI, and what do the other variables mean? If the results of an equation don't match your intuition, it could be sign that you're applying the wrong equation.
 
Thats what we were taught to use. S is the shear force at that point on the beam, A is the area of the cross section, y is the distance form the neutral axis, b is the width of the cross section, I is the second moment of area.
 
milan666 said:
Thats what we were taught to use. S is the shear force at that point on the beam, A is the area of the cross section, y is the distance form the neutral axis, b is the width of the cross section, I is the second moment of area.

Are you sure A is the area of the entire cross section and y the distance from the neutral axis, or is A the area of some region above or below the neutral axis, and y the distance from the centroid of that region to the neutral axis?
 
At the neutral axis, normal stress will be zero (strain is zero at the neutral axis, this is part of how 'neutral axis' is defined).

Also, at the neutral axis, since you have a compressive force on one side and a tensile force on the other, SHEAR stress is a maximum.

"An Introduction to the Mechanics of Solids (second edition with SI units)" by Crandall, dahl, and Lardner lists as Equation 7.27 the following for shear stress in the case of beam described as you do

[tex] \tau_{xy}=\frac{V}{2 I_{zz}} \left[\left(\frac{h}{2}\right)^2-y_1^2\right][/tex]

where h is the height, y1 is the distance from the neutral axis, V is the shear force, and Izz is the moment of inertia--or second moment of area, whichever terminology you're used to (at least I think these are right from when I took mech of matl's last semester).

The important take-away is that shear stress will have a maximum at the neutral axis (y1=0), i.e. you'll need more glue to hold it together there than anywhere else, all other things being simple in an isotropic material.
 
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Oh ok i got it now, y is the distance from the neutral axis to the centroid of the area where you make the cut. Thanks!
 

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