1. What is Beam Deflection?

Beam deflection refers to the displacement of a beam under load. The maximum deflection formula calculates the greatest displacement that occurs in a uniformly loaded beam supported at both ends.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the maximum deflection equation:

Where:

• \( \delta_{max} \) — Maximum deflection (m)
• \( w \) — Uniform load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of beam (m)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (Pa)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (m⁴)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum deflection at the center of a simply supported beam with uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Calculating beam deflection is crucial for structural design to ensure that beams don't deflect excessively under load, which could lead to structural failure or serviceability issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter uniform load in N/m, length in meters, modulus of elasticity in Pascals, and moment of inertia in m⁴. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of beams does this formula apply to?
A: This formula applies to simply supported beams with uniformly distributed load.

Q2: What are typical deflection limits?
A: Deflection limits vary by application, but typically range from L/180 to L/360 for floor beams and L/240 to L/480 for roof beams.

Q3: How does material affect deflection?
A: Materials with higher modulus of elasticity (stiffer materials) will deflect less under the same load conditions.

Q4: What if the load is not uniform?
A: Different formulas are used for point loads, triangular loads, or other load distributions.

Q5: How does beam shape affect deflection?
A: The moment of inertia (I) depends on the cross-sectional shape and size of the beam, which significantly affects deflection.