1. What is Shear Force?

Shear Force is the force which causes shear deformation to occur in the shear plane. In beam analysis, it represents the internal force that acts parallel to the cross-section of the beam.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Fs \) — Shear Force (N)
• \( w' \) — Load per Unit Length (N/m)
• \( l \) — Length of Beam (m)
• \( x \) — Distance from Support (m)

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

3. Importance of Shear Force Calculation

Details: Shear force calculation is crucial for structural analysis and design. It helps determine the internal forces in beams, which is essential for ensuring structural integrity and safety in engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load per unit length in N/m, length of beam in meters, and distance from support in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a simply supported beam?
A: A simply supported beam is a structural element that rests on two supports at its ends and is free to rotate at these 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.

Q3: How does shear force vary along the beam?
A: For a simply supported beam with UDL, shear force decreases linearly from maximum at the supports to zero at the midspan.

Q4: What are the units for shear force?
A: Shear force is typically measured in Newtons (N) in the SI system.

Q5: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies specifically to simply supported beams carrying uniformly distributed loads and is valid for any point along the beam length.