Shear Wave Velocity Calculator

Find the shear (S-wave) velocity in a solid.

Shear wave velocity 3,192.35

Formula: v_s = √(G ÷ ρ)

Step-by-step with your numbers:
1. Values used:
2. Shear modulus = 80 GPa
3. Density = 7,850 kg/m³
4.
5. Shear wave velocity = 3,192.35
Did we solve your problem today?

Shear (S) waves travel through solids at a speed set by the shear modulus and density.

The math behind it

v_s = √(G ÷ ρ). S-waves are slower than P-waves and can't pass through liquids.

Worked example

Steel (G 80 GPa, ρ 7850) → about 3192 m/s.

FAQ

Why can't S-waves cross the outer core?

Liquids have no shear modulus, so shear waves can't propagate through them.