What determines the sign/direction of shear stress?

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SUMMARY

The direction of shear stress arrows in Mohr's circle is determined by the convention used in mechanics of materials. In standard practice, shear stress is represented as positive when it causes a clockwise rotation of the material element. This convention ensures consistency in analysis and interpretation of stress states. The discussion highlights the importance of adhering to established conventions to avoid confusion in engineering applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Mohr's Circle for stress analysis
  • Familiarity with mechanics of materials
  • Knowledge of stress and strain concepts
  • Basic principles of engineering mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Mohr's Circle for two-dimensional stress states
  • Learn about the sign conventions for shear and normal stresses
  • Explore applications of Mohr's Circle in failure analysis
  • Investigate the relationship between shear stress and material failure criteria
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, civil engineers, students studying mechanics of materials, and professionals involved in structural analysis will benefit from this discussion.

srk999
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What determines the sign/direction of shear stress arrows in Mohr's circle? Please see pictures below. Why are the shear stress arrows drawn the way it is and not in the opposite directions?

DVsQ3H3.png

xcFNenC.png
 
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I agree with you. It seems to me that they are drawn in the wrong directions.

Chet
 

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