392

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*7.5 Shear Center for Open

Thin-Walled Members
In the previous section, it was assumed that the internal shear V was applied along a principal centroidal axis of inertia that also represents an axis of symmetry for the cross section. In this section we will consider the effect of applying the shear along a principal centroidal axis that is not an axis of symmetry. As before, only open thin-walled members will be analyzed, so the dimensions to the centerline of the walls of the members will be used. A typical example of this case is the channel section shown in Fig. 723a. Here it is cantilevered from a fixed support and is subjected to the force P. If this force is applied along the once vertical, unsymmetrical axis that passes through the centroid C of the cross section, the channel will not only bend downward, it will also twist clockwise as shown.

(qmax)f

(qmax)w P

7
(qmax)f C (a) Shear-ow distribution (b)

Ff A V P Ff

P e

A P

(c)

(d)

(e)

Fig. 723

7.5

SHEAR CENTER FOR OPEN THIN-WALLED MEMBERS

393

To understand why the member twists, it is necessary to show the shearflow distribution along the channels flanges and web, Fig. 723b.When this distribution is integrated over the flange and web areas, it will give resultant forces of Ff in each flange and a force of V = P in the web, Fig. 723c. If the moments of these forces are summed about point A, it can be seen that the couple or torque created by the flange forces is responsible for twisting the member. The actual twist is clockwise when viewed from the front of the beam as shown in Fig. 723a, since reactive internal equilibrium forces Ff cause the twisting. In order to prevent this twisting it is therefore necessary to apply P at a point O located an eccentric distance e from the web of the channel, Fig. 723d. We require MA = Ffd = Pe, or e = Ffd P

Using the method discussed in the previous section, Ff can be evaluated in terms of P 1 = V2 and the dimensions of the flanges and web. Once this is done, then P will cancel upon substitution into the above equation, and it becomes possible to express e simply as a function of the cross-sectional geometry (see Example 7.9). The point O so located is called the shear center or flexural center. When P is applied at the shear center, the beam will bend without twisting as shown in Fig. 723e. Design handbooks often list the location of this point for a variety of beams having thin-walled cross sections that are commonly used in practice. From this analysis, it should be noted that the shear center will always lie on an axis of symmetry of a members cross-sectional area. For example, if the channel is rotated 90 and P is applied at A, Fig. 724a, no twisting will occur since the shear flow in the web and flanges for this case is symmetrical, and therefore the force resultants in these elements will create zero moments about A, Fig. 724b. Obviously, if a member has a cross section with two axes of symmetry, as in the case of a wide-flange beam, the shear center will then coincide with the intersection of these axes (the centroid).

Demonstration of how a cantilever beam deflects when loaded through the centroid (above) and through the shear center (below).

P Ff Ff A V P 2 (b) A

V
(a)

P 2

Fig. 724

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Important Points
The shear center is the point through which a force can be applied
which will cause a beam to bend and yet not twist.

The shear center will always lie on an axis of symmetry of the

cross section.

The location of the shear center is only a function of the

geometry of the cross section, and does not depend upon the applied loading.

Procedure for Analysis

The location of the shear center for an open thin-walled member for which the internal shear is in the same direction as a principal centroidal axis for the cross section may be determined by using the following procedure. Shear-Flow Resultants.

By observation, determine the direction of the shear flow

7

through the various segments of the cross section, and sketch the force resultants on each segment of the cross section. (For example, see Fig. 723c.) Since the shear center is determined by taking the moments of these force resultants about a point (A), choose this point at a location that eliminates the moments of as many force resultants as possible. The magnitudes of the force resultants that create a moment about A must be calculated. For any segment this is done by determining the shear flow q at an arbitrary point on the segment and then integrating q along the segments length. Realize that V will create a linear variation of shear flow in segments that are perpendicular to V, and a parabolic variation of shear flow in segments that are parallel or inclined to V.

Shear Center.

Sum the moments of the shear-flow resultants about point A and

set this moment equal to the moment of V about A. Solve this equation to determine the moment-arm or eccentric distance e, which locates the line of action of V from A. If an axis of symmetry for the cross section exists, the shear center lies at the point where this axis intersects the line of action of V.

7.5

SHEAR CENTER FOR OPEN THIN-WALLED MEMBERS

395

EXAMPLE 7.9
Determine the location of the shear center for the thin-walled channel section having the dimensions shown in Fig. 725a.
t h b

SOLUTION Shear-Flow Resultants. A vertical downward shear V applied to the section causes the shear to flow through the flanges and web as shown in Fig. 725b. This causes force resultants Ff and V in the flanges and web as shown in Fig. 725c. We will take moments about point A so that only the force Ff on the lower flange has to be determined. The cross-sectional area can be divided into three component rectanglesa web and two flanges. Since each component is assumed to be thin, the moment of inertia of the area about the neutral axis is I = 1 3 h 2 th2 h th + 2 B bta b R = a + bb 12 2 2 6

t (a)

(qmax)w (qmax)f Shear ow distribution

From Fig. 725d, q at the arbitrary position x is V1h>22[b - x]t V1b - x2 VQ q = = = 2 I h[(h>62 + b] 1th >22[1h>62 + b] Hence, the force Ff is V Vb2 Ff = q dx = 1b - x2 dx = h[1h>62 + b] L 2h[1h>62 + b] 0 0 L This same result can also be determined by first finding 1qmax2f , Fig. 725b, then determining the triangular area 1 b1qmax2f = Ff . 2 Shear Center. require Summing moments about point A, Fig. 725c, we
h
b b

(b)

P A Ff e

V A

V Ff (c)

Ve = Ffh = Thus, e =

Vb2h 2h[1h>62 + b]
N q h 2 dx b (d) A

b2 [1h>32 + 2b]

Ans.

As stated previously, e depends only on the geometry of the cross section.

Fig. 725

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EXAMPLE 7.10
Determine the location of the shear center for the angle having equal legs, Fig. 726a. Also, find the internal shear force resultant in each leg.
t

b 45 45 b

qmax

qmax

t (a) V F

Shear-ow distribution (b)

(c)

Fig. 726

SOLUTION When a vertical downward shear V is applied at the section, the shear flow and shear-flow resultants are directed as shown in Fig. 726b and 726c, respectively. Note that the force F in each leg must be equal, since for equilibrium the sum of their horizontal components must be equal to zero. Also, the lines of action of both forces intersect point O; therefore, this point must be the shear center since the sum of the moments of these forces and V about O is zero, Fig. 726c. The magnitude of F can be determined by first finding the shear flow at the arbitrary location s along the top leg, Fig. 726d. Here Q = yA = 1 22 a1b - s2 + s 1 s bts = ab - bst 2 2 22

7.5

SHEAR CENTER FOR OPEN THIN-WALLED MEMBERS

397

t s b q 45 _ y b ds y 45 s

(d)

(e)

Fig. 726 (cont.)

The moment of inertia of the angle, about the neutral axis, must be determined from first principles, since the legs are inclined with respect to the neutral axis. For the area element dA = t ds, Fig. 726e, we have
b

I =

L A

y2 dA = 2

0 L

1 22

1b - s2R t ds = tab2s - bs2 +

1 3 b tb3 s b` = 3 3 0

Thus, the shear flow is q = VQ V 1 s = a b - bst R B 3 I 2 1tb >32 22 = 3V 22b

3

sab -

s b 2

The variation of q is parabolic, and it reaches a maximum value when s = b as shown in Fig. 726b. The force F is therefore
b

F =

0 L

q ds = = =

3V
0 22b L 3

sab -

s b ds 2

3V 1 22

22b

b 3

b s2 1 - s3 ` 2 6 0

Ans.

NOTE: This result can be easily verified since the sum of the vertical components of the force F in each leg must equal V and, as stated previously, the sum of the horizontal components equals zero.

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PROBLEMS
750. A shear force of V = 300 kN is applied to the box girder. Determine the shear flow at points A and B. 751. A shear force of V = 450 kN is applied to the box girder. Determine the shear flow at points C and D. 754. The aluminum strut is 10 mm thick and has the cross section shown. If it is subjected to a shear of, V = 150 N, determine the shear flow at points A and B. 755. The aluminum strut is 10 mm thick and has the cross section shown. If it is subjected to a shear of V = 150 N, determine the maximum shear flow in the strut.

90 mm C A D

90 mm 100 mm

200 mm B V

10 mm 190 mm 40 mm 10 mm B A V 40 mm 10 mm

200 mm 180 mm 10 mm

10 mm 30 mm

30 mm 10 mm

Probs. 754/55

Probs. 750/51 7 *752. A shear force of V = 18 kN is applied to the symmetric box girder. Determine the shear flow at A and B.
753.

*756. The beam is subjected to a shear force of V = 5 kip. Determine the shear flow at points A and B.
757.

A shear force of V = 18 kN is applied to the box girder. Determine the shear flow at C.

The beam is constructed from four plates and is subjected to a shear force of V = 5 kip. Determine the maximum shear flow in the cross section.

10 mm 30 mm 10 mm 100 mm C 100 mm 10 mm 10 mm

A 0.5 in. C B 5 in. 0.5 in. 150 mm 0.5 in. V 150 mm 10 mm 125 mm 10 mm V B 2 in. D 8 in. A 0.5 in. 5 in.

Probs. 752/53

Probs. 756/57

7.5 758. The channel is subjected to a shear of V = 75 kN. Determine the shear flow developed at point A. 759. The channel is subjected to a shear of V = 75 kN. Determine the maximum shear flow in the channel.

SHEAR CENTER FOR OPEN THIN-WALLED MEMBERS

399

762. Determine the shear-stress variation over the cross section of the thin-walled tube as a function of elevation y and show that t max = 2V>A, where A = 2prt. Hint: Choose a differential area element dA = Rt du. Using dQ = y dA, formulate Q for a circular section from u to (p - u) and show that Q = 2R2t cos u, where cos u = 2R2 - y2>R.

30 mm 400 mm 200 mm ds du y A V 75 kN t 30 mm R 30 mm

Probs. 758/59 Prob. 762 763. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having the cross section shown where b2 7 b1. The member segments have the same thickness t.

*760. The angle is subjected to a shear of V = 2 kip. Sketch the distribution of shear flow along the leg AB. Indicate numerical values at all peaks.

A 5 in. 45 0.25 in. B V 45 t 5 in. h e O

Prob. 760
761.

b2

b1

The assembly is subjected to a vertical shear of V = 7 kip. Determine the shear flow at points A and B and the maximum shear flow in the cross section.

Prob. 763 *764. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having the cross section shown. The member segments have the same thickness t.
b

0.5 in.

d 45

B V 2 in. 0.5 in. 6 in. 2 in. 0.5 in. 0.5 in. 6 in.

O e 45

0.5 in.

Prob. 761

Prob. 764

400

CHAPTER 7

TRANSVERSE SHEAR *768. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the beam having the cross section shown. The thickness is t.

765. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having a slit along its side. Each element has a constant thickness t.

a e O

1 r 2

e r

Prob. 765
O

1 r 2

766. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having the cross section shown.

Prob. 768
769. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having the cross section shown. The member segments have the same thickness t.

a 60 O a 60 a e

h1

O e h1 b

Prob. 766 767. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having the cross section shown. The member segments have the same thickness t.
b t h 2 O e h 2 b
r

Prob. 769 770. Determine the location e of the shear center, point O, for the thin-walled member having the cross section shown.
t

a a

Prob. 767

Prob. 770

CHAPTER REVIEW

401

CHAPTER REVIEW
Transverse shear stress in beams is determined indirectly by using the flexure formula and the relationship between moment and shear 1V = dM>dx2. The result is the shear formula t = VQ It
N

Area

_ y
t

In particular, the value for Q is the moment of the area A about the neutral axis, Q = yA . This area is the portion of the cross-sectional area that is held on to the beam above (or below) the thickness t where t is to be determined.

If the beam has a rectangular cross section, then the shear-stress distribution will be parabolic, having a maximum value at the neutral axis. The maximum V shear stress can be determined using t = 1.5 . A
A

N tmax V Shearstress distribution

Fasteners, such as nails, bolts, glue, or welds, are used to connect the composite parts of a built-up section. The shear force resisted by these fasteners is determined from the shear flow, q, or force per unit length, that must be carried by the beam. The shear flow is q = VQ I

A y

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CHAPTER 7

TRANSVERSE SHEAR

If the beam is made from thin-walled segments, then the shear-flow distribution along each segment can be determined. This distribution will vary linearly along horizontal segments, and parabolically along inclined or vertical segments.

(qmax)f 2(qmax)f

(qmax)w

]
(qmax)f Shear-ow distribution 2(qmax)f

Provided the shear-flow distribution in each element of an open thin-walled section is known, then using a balance of moments, the location O of the shear center for the cross section can be determined. When a load is applied to the member through this point, the member will bend, and not twist.

P e O

REVIEW PROBLEMS

403

REVIEW PROBLEMS
771. Sketch the intensity of the shear-stress distribution acting over the beams cross-sectional area, and determine the resultant shear force acting on the segment AB. The shear acting at the section is V = 35 kip. Show that INA = 872.49 in4.
C

The member is subjected to a shear force of V = 2 kN. Determine the shear flow at points A, B, and C. The thickness of each thin-walled segment is 15 mm.

773.

200 mm B 100 mm
V 8 in. B

A C V 2 kN

300 mm

6 in. 3 in.

A 3 in.

Prob. 773 774. The beam is constructed from four boards glued together at their seams. If the glue can withstand 75 lb>in., what is the maximum vertical shear V that the beam can support? 775. Solve Prob. 774 if the beam is rotated 90 from the position shown. 7

2 in.

Prob. 771 *772. The beam is fabricated from four boards nailed together as shown. Determine the shear force each nail along the sides C and the top D must resist if the nails are uniformly spaced at s = 3 in. The beam is subjected to a shear of V = 4.5 kip.

1 in. 1 in. 10 in. A 1 in. 12 in. V 0.5 in. 1 in. V 4 in. B 3 in.

3 in. 0.5 in. 3 in. 0.5 in. 3 in.

0.5 in.

Prob. 772

Probs. 774/75