Shear Modulus (Modulus of Rigidity) (G = F/(A × θ) = (F × L)/(A × Δx))
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G = F/(A × θ) = (F × L)/(A × Δx)
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| A | Area of face on which force is applied (m²) |
| F | Tangential force applied (N) |
| G | Shear modulus or modulus of rigidity (Pa) |
| L | Height/length perpendicular to displacement (m) |
| θ | Shearing strain ≈ Δx/L for small angles (rad) |
| Δx | Lateral displacement of the face (m) |
When to use this
Only applicable to solids — fluids have zero shear modulus. For small deformations, tan θ ≈ θ. Generally G ≈ Y/3 for most materials. Shearing stress is tangential (parallel to surface), unlike tensile stress which is perpendicular.