Variation of τ in the cross-sectional plane - 2 | 24. Non-uniform Bending | Solid Mechanics
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2 - Variation of τ in the cross-sectional plane

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Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to Shear Stress Variation

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we turn our attention to the variation of shear stress, represented as τ, in the cross-sectional plane of beams under non-uniform bending. Can anyone explain what happens to shear stress when we have a non-uniform bending moment?

Student 1
Student 1

I think the shear stress would vary since the bending moments are not constant.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! As the bending moment changes along the beam’s length, it induces shear forces that create non-uniform shear stress distributions. Now, how does τ generally depend on y and z?

Student 2
Student 2

τ would be a function of both y and z, right?

Teacher
Teacher

That’s a good point, but we assume it varies only with y, simplifying our calculations. Let’s remember: this concept helps us deal with more complex stress distributions efficiently!

Teacher
Teacher

To solidify this, remember ‘Y represents the vertical variation!’ We’ll list that down!

Analyzing Shear Stress Distribution

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s analyze how we derive the distribution of shear stress, τ. Can someone remind me why we have a shear force acting on the cross-section in the first place?

Student 3
Student 3

Because of the external loads and the bending moments, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Our main equation for shear stress variation, τ, is derived from summing forces acting on an element of the beam. V(x) represents the total shear force acting at a section, while Q(y) represents the first moment of area. Who can guess how we combine these to express τ?

Student 4
Student 4

I think we have τ = V(x) * Q(y) / I.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Remember: larger values of shear force or a larger first moment of area will produce higher shear stresses. Always keep in mind how these relationships come together.

Teacher
Teacher

As a mnemonic, think ‘VQ/I comes to rescue shear!’

Practical Application: Rectangular Cross-Section

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s apply what we have learned to a rectangular cross-section. How does the shear stress τ vary with distance y from the neutral axis?

Student 1
Student 1

It varies linearly, right? Maximum at the neutral axis and zero at the edges.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! τ is maximum at the centroid because there’s more area contributing to the shear force there. It’s important to recognize these variations visually.

Student 2
Student 2

So for a rectangular cross-section, what are the expressions to find Q and I?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! For a rectangle, Q can be computed as the area above the point multiplied by the distance to the centroid of that area. And we have I as well, so keep in mind the formulas for calculating these values!

Teacher
Teacher

Remember: for basic shapes, we keep our Q and I simple – use the ‘Area of the base times height over 3’ as a reminder!

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses the variation of shear stress (τ) in the cross-section of beams under non-uniform bending conditions.

Standard

In this section, we explore the shear stresses present in a beam's cross-section, focusing on the conditions under non-uniform bending. It covers the derivation associated with shear stress variation due to applied bending moments, explicitly highlighting how both y and z coordinates influence shear stress distribution.

Detailed

In the context of non-uniform bending of beams, this section elaborates on the variation of shear stress (τ) within the cross-sectional plane. It introduces the assumption that τ can vary with y but is independent of z, leading to a simplified analysis of the shear distribution across the beam's cross-section. The section lays out the forces acting on a small cuboidal element cut from the beam, factoring in bending moments and shear forces. The final derived equation for τ demonstrates its dependency on the shear force (V), the first moment of area (Q), and the moment of inertia (I) of the cross-section. This is crucial in understanding how non-uniform bending produces variable shear stresses across different beam geometries, setting the stage for subsequent discussions on specific cross-sectional shapes.

Audio Book

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Introduction to Shear Stress Variation

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The shear components of traction in the cross sections are τyx and τzx. As there is an overall shear force V(x) acting on the cross section in y direction, τyx must be non-zero. Let us now try to obtain its distribution in the cross-section.

Detailed Explanation

In any beam undergoing loading, shear forces develop at the cross-section. The shear stress components τyx (shear stress in y-direction acting on the x face) and τzx (shear stress in z-direction) arise from the overall shear force acting on the beam. If the beam is bent, these stresses are important to consider since they affect the structure's integrity. The introduction suggests that we will analyze the distribution of τyx across the section to understand how it varies due to the shear force applied.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a loaf of bread. When you press down on it (applying a load), the parts of the loaf near the surface compress more than those further inside. Similarly, when a beam bends and experiences shear forces, different parts of its cross-section experience different amounts of stress due to that force.

Assumption for Shear Stress Distribution

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The stress component τyx in a cross section can be a function of both y and z in general. However, we make a simplifying assumption that it is only a function of y and not of z.

Detailed Explanation

To simplify the calculations, we assume that the shear stress τyx only varies with the y-coordinate of the cross-section. This means that at any given height (y), τyx is the same across all points that share that height, vertical lines parallel to the z-axis show consistent τyx. This is a crucial assumption that allows us to make calculations more straightforward when analyzing stress variations.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a tall glass of water. If you pour salt into the top, the salt dissolves and you can consider the concentration the same at any horizontal slice of water at the same height, simplifying how you might look at the salt-water mixture. This is similar to how we simplify τyx distribution as constant along horizontal lines.

Analysis of Shear Stress Distribution

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To find the distribution of τyx, we cut a small cuboid element from the beam. The bottom surface (-y plane) of this element is at a distance of y from the neutral plane where its free body diagram shows external loads acting on it.

Detailed Explanation

In analysis, we visualize a small cuboidal section of the beam, which we will examine for forces acting upon it. This section helps us to see how the applied loads and moments influence the stress distribution. The forces acting on the surfaces of this cuboid are derived from the external loads and the shear stress acting on the surfaces in relation to the beam's cross-section.

Examples & Analogies

Consider slicing a sponge to examine how water is distributed inside. You observe how much water is held at various depths within the sponge, allowing you to understand stress distribution within that sponge when pressed. The same idea applies here to the cuboid section of a beam experiencing stress.

Force Balance and Shear Stress Equation

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In order to find τyx, we just need to balance the forces on this small cuboidal element in x-direction. The forces due to σxx, τxy, and τzx acting on different faces come into play.

Detailed Explanation

To understand how shear stress varies, we perform a force balance on the cuboid. The total forces acting in the x-direction must equal zero in an equilibrium situation. This includes contributions from the different stress components acting on each face of the cuboid, which add up to explain how τyx is determined from the interactions of shear and bending stresses.

Examples & Analogies

Think of balancing scales. If you place weights on both sides, they must balance out; otherwise, one side tips. In our cuboid balance, we ensure all forces counter each other to maintain equilibrium and find the distribution of shear stress.

Final Expression for Shear Stress τ<sub>yx</sub>

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The final expression for τyx becomes τyx(x,y) = (V(x)Q(y))/Ib(y) where Q(y) is the first moment of the area and I is the moment of inertia.

Detailed Explanation

This formula gives us a way to calculate the shear stress τyx at any point in the beam's cross-section based on the shear force V(x), the first moment of area Q(y) related to y, and the moment of inertia I. It connects how internal stress varies in a solid structure due to applied loading, showing that more shear force results in greater stress on the cross-sections.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a loaded children’s swing. The heavier the child, the more tension there is in the chains and the greater the stress on the swing’s structure. This formula reflects that relationship within beams, illustrating how loading affects stress distribution.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Shear Force and Bending Moment Relationship: The connection between changes in bending moments leading to shear forces in the beam.

  • Shear Stress Distribution: Understanding how shear stress varies in the cross-section based on geometric considerations.

  • Importance of First Moment of Area (Q): A key factor in calculations for shear stress in beams.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • For a cantilever beam subjected to a point load at the free end, the shear force decreases linearly from the fixed support to the free end, affecting the shear stress distribution accordingly.

  • In a rectangular beam cross-section, shear stress is maximum at the centroid and decreases to zero at the edges, illustrating the effect of geometry on stress distribution.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • For shear stress, use τ; it varies, in beams it won't skew.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a beam at rest, with forces pulling at each crest. The shear they make spreads and flows - understanding that, shear stress shows.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • VQ/I: 'Very Quick Internal' - reminds us of the shear stress formula.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Shear force, Q for moment, I for inertia, together they show how stress can change in a beam!

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Shear Stress (τ)

    Definition:

    The component of stress coplanar with a material cross-section, often resulting from shear force.

  • Term: Shear Force (V)

    Definition:

    The internal force that acts parallel to the cross-section of a material, perpendicular to the length of the beam.

  • Term: First Moment of Area (Q)

    Definition:

    The integral of the area of the cross-section above a specific point, essential for calculating shear stress.

  • Term: Moment of Inertia (I)

    Definition:

    A measure of an object's resistance to bending or flexural deformation, crucial in determining beam resistance.

  • Term: Neutral Axis

    Definition:

    The line in a beam where the material experiences no tension or compression during bending.