Shear Coefficients for Timoshenko Beam Theory

The Timoshenko beam theory includes the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia on the vibrations of slender beams. The theory contains a shear coefficient which has been the subject of much previous research. In this paper a new formula for the shear coefficient is derived. For a circular cross section, the resulting shear coefficient that is derived is in full agreement with the value most authors have considered “best.” Shear coefficients for a number of different cross sections are found.