Experiment # 2

1. Title:
To investigate the relationship between shear stress and shear strain for rubber and to determine
the modulus of rigidity of the material.

2. Problem Statement:
This experiment aims to investigate and establish the relationship between shear stress and shear
strain for a rubber sample, with the objective of determining the modulus of rigidity (also known
as the shear modulus or G) of the material.

3. Objective:
To find out the modulus of rigidity of the material and to check that how shear stress is
related to shear strain and how shear stress depends on the shear strain.
4. Apparatus:
 Shear modulus apparatus
 Rubber block
 Hanger
 Weights
 Dial Gauge
 Meter rod

5. Apparatus Diagrams:

Figure 3 Shear modulus apparatus

A rubber block 12 x 4 x 1 inch is attached to two metal plates. One plate is screwed to
the wall, while the other plate has a shear load applied by a loaded weight hanger. A dial
gauge (attached at the top of rubber block) measures the deflection of the block. Weights
are applied on hanger in order to deform the rubber block.
6. Theory:
6.1. Modulus of rigidity:
“In material science, modulus of rigidity is defined as the ratio of shear stress to shear
strain.” [1]Modulus of rigidity is concerned with the deformation of a solid when it
experiences a force parallel to one of its surfaces while its opposite face experiences an
opposing force.
It is denoted by “G”.
It is also known as shear modulus.
This term lies within the proportional limit of the material.
It is the property of a material so it varies from material to material.
It tells about the stiffness of the material. It means that stiffer materials have
greater shear modulus.

Shear Modulus = Shear stress

Shear strain

6.2. Shear stress:

When forces are applied parallel to the plane of section of a member then reaction forces
are developed in the member in order to resist the external forces. These forces are called
elementary forces. The average stress produced in the member due to these forces is
called shear stress. [2]
Cutting action of scissor is the example of shear stress.
Mathematically:
Shear stress = P/A

Figure 4 shear stress Figure 5 shear stress

6.3. Shear strain:
“When a member is subjected to shear stresses, they have no direct effect on the normal
strains as long as all the deformations involved remain small. These shearing stresses,
however, will tend to deform a cubic element of material into an oblique parallelpiped.
This change in the angle of the face is called shear strain.” [3]

Figure 6 Shear Strain

Shear Stress Vs Shear Strain:

No. Shear stress Shear strain

1. The two equal and opposite forces The two equal and opposite forces
acting Tangentially across the acting Tangentially across the section
section which result body get which result body get shear off and
shear off and stress induced that corresponding to that strain induced,
stress called as Shear stress. that strain called as shear strain.
2. Shear stress = shear Shear strain = shear stress / modulus of
strain × modulus of rigidity or rigidity or shear modulus.
shear modulus.
3. Mathematically, Mathematically,
Ꞇ=ꬾ×G ꬾ = Ꞇ /G
Ꞇ = shear stress Ꞇ = shear stress
ꬾ = shear strain ꬾ = shear strain
G = Modulus of rigidity G = Modulus of rigidity

4. Unit of Shear stress is N/ mm2 Shear strain has no unit.

5. Shear stress measure Tangential Shear strain measure Angular changes
force quantity. of body.
Rubbers used in engineering:
Rubber materials are widely used in engineering processes and various industries due to their
unique properties, including elasticity, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear.
 Natural Rubber (NR):
Natural rubber is used in various engineering applications, including automotive tires, conveyor
belts, suspension systems, vibration dampeners, and seals.
 Synthetic Rubber (SBR, NBR, EPDM, etc.):
Different types of synthetic rubbers, such as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Nitrile Rubber
(NBR), and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), are used in automotive components
(gaskets, hoses, and seals), O-rings, grommets, and electrical insulation.
 Butyl Rubber (IIR):
Butyl rubber is known for its excellent gas and moisture resistance. It is used in applications such
as inner tubes, tire inner liners, and seals for refrigeration units.
 Neoprene (CR):
Neoprene rubber is resistant to oil, ozone, and weathering. It is used in gaskets, seals, hoses, and
wetsuits, as well as in the automotive industry for timing belts and transmission belts.[4]

6.4. Hooke’s Law:

This principle of physics was named after 17 th century British physicist Robert Hooke.
This law states that:
The force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is directly
proportional to that distance.
OR
Stress is directly proportional to the strain within the elastic limit of the material.

7. Procedure:
 Set the dial indicator so that its anvil rests on the top and middle of the loading
plate.
 Set the dial indicator at zero.
 With the apply a load to the hanger and read the vertical displacement of the loading
plate relative to the fixed plate from the dial indicator.
 Repeat the experiment for increasing load and record the vertical displacement of the
loading plate in each case.
 Unload and note the corresponding readings with the load decreasing.
 Calculate the “Modulus of Rigidity (G)” of the rubber material.

8. Graph:
 Fig shear stress-shear strain curve

9. Observations & calculations:

Length of rubber block (l) = 12 inches
Width of rubber block (w) = 4 inches
Thickness of rubber block (t) = 1inches
Least count of dial indicator
=0.01inches

Shear Deformation-δs
Load Shear Shear Modulus of Rigidity
No. (inches) Stress Strain
of P G =τ/γ G
Obs. Loading Unloading Average τ=Ps/l.t γ = δs / w (lb/inch2)
(lb) (lb/inch2) From
2
(lb/inch ) Graph
1. 0 0.02 0.02 0.02 3.64 0.00006 55151.52
2. 0.25 0.03 0.04 0.035 11.02 0.000115 95826.09 200
3. 0.75 0.05 0.06 0.055 18.24 0.000180 101333.33
4. 1.25 0.073 0.081 0.077 25.52 0.000253 100869.57
5. 1.75 0.10 0.105 0.10 32.81 0.000328 100030.49
6. 2.25 0.12 0.123 0.123 40.12 0.000404 99306.93

10.Sample Calculations:
Modulus of Rigidity (G): τ/γ
Shear Stress τ=Ps/l.t
= (0.75) . (3.36)/0.3048
= 11.02 N/m2
Shear Strain γ = δs / w
= 0.035/304.8
= 0.000115
G= 11.02/0.00015
G= 9586.09 N/m2

11.Graph:

Load Extension
0 0
Extension
1.11 0.02 0.15 0.123
0.1
3.36 0.035 0.1 0.077
Load (N)

0.055
5.56 0.055 0.05 0.035
0.02
0
7.78 0.077 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

10 0.10 Extension (mm)

2.75 0.123

12.Graph Explanation:
 In the initial stages of shear stress application, the relationship between shear stress (τ) and
shear strain (γ) will be linear. This linear portion represents the elastic behavior of the rubber.
 The slope of this linear segment on the graph represents the modulus of rigidity (G) of the
rubber material. Mathematically, G = τ/γ.
 Beyond a certain point, the rubber material may exhibit non-linear behavior, indicating the
onset of plastic deformation or permanent shear strain.
 In this region, the relationship between shear stress and shear strain may deviate from
linearity, and the material may undergo irreversible changes.

12. Results & conclusions:

From this experiment it is found that the modulus of the rigidity of the rubber is (on
average) 200 lb/inch2 within the proportional limit of the rubber. It is also observed that
shear strain is directly proportional to the shear stress. It means that they are related
linearly. The straight line in the graph shows the linear relationship between shear stress
and shear strain. The modulus of rigidity can be found from graph simply by taking the
slope.

13.Comments:
This experiment is pretty simple and easy to perform but results can deviate a little bit
due to some reasons that are stated below:
 The anvil of the dial gauge may not be at middle so value can vary a bit.
 The eye level of the observer may not be exactly in line with dial.
 The weights should not be applied abruptly or not thrown on the hanger carelessly.
 The applied load must not exceed the proportional limit of the rubber.
 After applying load, rubber block, hanger or anvil of the dial should not be
touched. The rubber block should be checked before the experiment. If it is
plastically deformed, change the block.

14.References:
[1] The “Gold book” compiled by A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson.
[2] Mechanics of materials by Ferdinard P. Beer, E. Russell Johnston 6th edition.
[3] Mechanics of materials by Gere, Timoshenko 2nd edition.

[4] https://www.sciencedoze.com/2022/04/types-of-rubber-their-properties-applications.html