What determines the maximum shear in composite beams?

The maximum shear in composite beams is primarily determined by the applied load. When loads are applied to a beam, they create internal forces, including shear forces, which act along the length of the beam. The distribution of these shear forces depends on the magnitude and location of the applied loads.

In the context of composite beams, which are typically made of different materials connected together, the shear flow and resultant shear forces are influenced by how the applied loads are distributed across the beam's sections. The geometrical properties of the beam, such as width or moment of inertia, may impact how the beam behaves under load but do not directly dictate the maximum shear that can occur, which fundamentally arises from the loads applied to the structure.

Distance to the neutral axis does affect bending and the distribution of stresses but is not the determining factor for maximum shear. Instead, it's the applied load that causes shear forces to develop in response to those loads. Thus, understanding the load conditions is crucial when evaluating the maximum shear in composite beams.