Shear Strain Calculator
Calculate shear strain γ from lateral displacement and height, with the shear angle in degrees.
How it works
- 1Enter the lateral displacement (Δx) and the height or thickness (h) of the element.
- 2The calculator applies γ = Δx ÷ h, which approximately equals tan θ.
- 3Read the dimensionless shear strain plus the shear angle in degrees and radians.
Use cases
- Quantifying the angular distortion of a bonded or bolted joint.
- Relating shear stress to shear strain through the shear modulus G.
- Studying the deformation of rubber mounts and elastomer pads.
Frequently asked questions
What is shear strain?
Shear strain γ is the angular distortion of a material element under shear: γ = Δx ÷ h, where Δx is the sideways displacement and h is the height. For small angles γ ≈ tan θ ≈ θ in radians.
Is shear strain measured in degrees?
Shear strain itself is dimensionless (a ratio). It can be expressed as the equivalent shear angle θ = arctan(γ) in degrees or radians, which this calculator also reports.
How is shear strain related to shear stress?
In the elastic range they are proportional through the shear modulus G: shear stress τ = G × γ. Shear strain is the deformation; shear stress is the internal force per area causing it.
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