Physics

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Shear Wave Velocity Calculator.

Calculate shear-wave speed from shear modulus and density.

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Results update as you type.

Shear-wave velocity: 3,464.101615 m/s

Shear-wave velocity

0.000000m/s

Results update automatically as you type.

Use Cases

Geotechnical site characterization

Engineers use shear wave velocity to assess soil stiffness and classify sites for seismic design. This calculator helps quickly estimate Vs from lab or field data.

Example: Input G = 100 MPa, ρ = 1800 kg/m³ → Vs ≈ 235.7 m/s

Material science research

Researchers studying elastic properties of materials can compute shear wave speed to understand wave propagation in solids, aiding in non-destructive testing.

Example: Input G = 25 GPa, ρ = 2700 kg/m³ → Vs ≈ 3042.9 m/s

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shear wave velocity?
Shear wave velocity is the speed at which a shear (transverse) wave travels through a material. It depends on the material's shear modulus and density, and is calculated using the formula v = sqrt(G/ρ).
How do I use this calculator?
Enter the shear modulus in pascals (Pa) and the density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The calculator will compute the shear wave velocity in meters per second (m/s) using the formula v = sqrt(G/ρ).
What units should I use?
Use pascals (Pa) for shear modulus and kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) for density. The result will be in meters per second (m/s). Ensure consistent units for accurate results.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Ensure shear modulus is in pascals (Pa). If you have it in GPa, multiply by 10^9.
  • Density must be in kg/m³. If you have g/cm³, multiply by 1000.
  • Double-check your inputs for accuracy; small errors can significantly affect the result.
  • Use this calculator for homogeneous, isotropic materials; real-world conditions may vary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to convert units: using GPa instead of Pa or g/cm³ instead of kg/m³ leads to incorrect results.
  • Confusing shear modulus with Young's modulus; they are different properties.
  • Assuming the result is in different units; the calculator outputs m/s, not km/s or mph.

Last updated: August 13, 2026