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Shear flow

Shear flow is:-

in a solid body, the gradient of a shear stress force through the body;

in a fluid, it is the flow induced by such a force gradient - see Viscosity for a fuller treatment.

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Dimensions

In solid mechanics, shear flow is given in dimensions of force per length. This corresponds to units of newtons per meter in the SI system and pound-force per foot in the English Engineering and British Gravitational systems.

Shear flow in semi-monocoque structures

The equation for shear flow in a particular web section of the cross-section of a semi-monocoque structure is:

$q = \frac{V_y Q_x}{I_x}$

q - the shear flow through a particular web section of the cross-section
V_y - the shear force perpendicular to the neutral axis x through the entire cross-section
Q_x - the first moment of area about the neutral axis x for a particular web section of the cross-section
I_x - the second moment of area about the neutral axis x for the entire cross-section