Question

The component τxy denotes ___________

(a) normal stress in x-direction

(b) normal stress perpendicular to y-axis

(c) shear stress acting perpendicular to x-axis

(d) shear stress acting perpendicular to y-axis

The question was asked by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

The doubt is from Elasticity topic in division Elements of Elasticity of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) shear stress acting perpendicular to x-axis

To explain I would say: The shear stresses in the stress tensor are represented by τ. The shear stress τxy denotes a stress acting in the face of the element perpendicular to x-axis and acting in the direction of the y-axis.