Maximum Shear Stress given Total Load Carried by Plates in Compound Weld Calculator

Shear Stress Formula:

\[ \tau = \frac{W - 0.707 \times \sigma_t \times L_{single} \times t_{plate}}{1.414 \times L_{parallel} \times t_{plate}} \]

Load on Weld (W):

Tensile Stress (σₜ):

Length of Single Fillet Lap Weld (Lₛ):

Thickness of Plate (t):

Length of Parallel Fillet Weld (Lₚ):

Tolerance:

Shear Stress (τ): Pa

1. What is Maximum Shear Stress in Compound Weld?

Definition: This calculator determines the maximum shear stress in a compound weld configuration considering both single fillet lap weld and parallel fillet weld.

Purpose: It helps engineers evaluate weld strength and ensure structural integrity in welded connections.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \tau = \frac{W - 0.707 \times \sigma_t \times L_{single} \times t}{1.414 \times L_{parallel} \times t} \]

Where:

\( \tau \) — Maximum shear stress (Pascals)
\( W \) — Total load on weld (Newtons)
\( \sigma_t \) — Tensile stress (Pascals)
\( L_{single} \) — Length of single fillet lap weld (meters)
\( L_{parallel} \) — Length of parallel fillet weld (meters)
\( t \) — Thickness of plate (meters)

3. Importance of Shear Stress Calculation

Details: Proper shear stress calculation ensures weld joints can withstand applied loads without failure, considering both tensile and shear components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters including optional tolerance percentage (default ±5%). All dimensional values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a 0.707 factor in the formula?
A: This accounts for the 45° angle in fillet welds where the effective throat thickness is 0.707 times the weld size.

Q2: What's the significance of the 1.414 factor?
A: This is √2, accounting for the diagonal in the parallel fillet weld stress calculation.

Q3: How does plate thickness affect the result?
A: Thicker plates reduce shear stress as the load is distributed over a larger area.

Q4: When would I adjust the tolerance?
A: Increase tolerance for conservative estimates or when material properties have significant variability.

Q5: What units should I use?
A: Consistent SI units are required - Newtons for load, Pascals for stress, and meters for lengths.