Shear force

Simple shear in 2D

Shear crack

Shear force

Shear force is a force that acts on a material in a direction parallel to its surface. It is a critical concept in the field of mechanics and is particularly important in the study of structural engineering, materials science, and geophysics. Shear force is responsible for the deformation of materials and plays a significant role in the analysis of beams, plates, and shells.

Definition

Shear force is defined as the force per unit area exerted parallel to the plane of interest. It is typically measured in Newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf). The concept of shear force is closely related to shear stress, which is the internal resistance of a material to shear force.

Shear Force in Beams

In the context of beams, shear force is the force that causes one section of the beam to slide past an adjacent section. This force is crucial in the design and analysis of beams, as it affects the beam's ability to carry loads without failing. The shear force diagram is a graphical representation of the variation of shear force along the length of the beam.

Shear Force in Fluids

In fluid mechanics, shear force is the force per unit area exerted by a fluid against a surface. This force is responsible for the viscosity of the fluid and plays a significant role in the study of laminar flow and turbulent flow.

Applications

Shear force is a fundamental concept in various engineering applications, including:

• Structural engineering: Analysis and design of beams, columns, and other structural elements.
• Materials science: Study of material deformation and failure.
• Geophysics: Understanding of tectonic forces and earthquake mechanics.
• Biomechanics: Analysis of forces in biological tissues and structures.

Related Concepts

• Shear stress
• Bending moment
• Torsion (mechanics)
• Normal force
• Strain (mechanics)

See Also

• Structural analysis
• Mechanics of materials
• Continuum mechanics
• Finite element method