1. What is Bending Moment?

Bending Moment is the reaction induced in a structural element when an external force or moment is applied to the element, causing the element to bend. It is a crucial parameter in structural engineering for designing beams and other structural components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bending moment formula for a simply supported beam carrying uniformly distributed load:

Where:

• \( M \) — Bending Moment (N·m)
• \( w \) — Load per Unit Length (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of Beam (m)
• \( x \) — Distance from Support (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the bending moment at any point along a simply supported beam carrying a uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Bending Moment Calculation

Details: Accurate bending moment calculation is essential for structural design, ensuring beams can withstand applied loads without failure, and for determining appropriate beam dimensions and materials.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load per unit length in N/m, beam length in meters, and distance from support in meters. All values must be valid (positive values, and x must be between 0 and L).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a simply supported beam?
A: A simply supported beam is a beam that rests on two supports at its ends, allowing rotation but not translation at the supports.

Q2: What is uniformly distributed load (UDL)?
A: UDL is a load that is distributed evenly along the length of the beam, measured in force per unit length (N/m).

Q3: Where does maximum bending moment occur?
A: For a simply supported beam with UDL, maximum bending moment occurs at the center of the beam (x = L/2).

Q4: What are the units of bending moment?
A: Bending moment is typically measured in Newton-meters (N·m) or pound-feet (lb·ft).

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other beam types?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for simply supported beams carrying uniformly distributed loads.