1. What is the Deflection Formula?

The deflection formula calculates the maximum deflection of a rectangular steel plate with a center load. It considers the plate's material properties and dimensions to determine how much it will bend under a specific load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the deflection formula:

Where:

• \( \delta \) — Deflection (m)
• \( P \) — Load (N)
• \( L \) — Length (m)
• \( \nu \) — Poisson's ratio
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (Pa)
• \( t \) — Thickness (m)
• \( b \) — Width (m)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the plate's material properties (E and ν) and geometric dimensions (L, t, b) to calculate deflection under a central load P.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Accurate deflection calculation is crucial for structural design, ensuring that plates can withstand expected loads without excessive bending that could lead to failure or serviceability issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Ensure all inputs are positive values. Typical values for steel: E = 200 GPa (2e11 Pa), ν = 0.3.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical Poisson's ratio for steel?
A: For most steels, Poisson's ratio is approximately 0.3.

Q2: What is the modulus of elasticity for steel?
A: Typically around 200 GPa (200,000,000,000 Pa or 2e11 Pa).

Q3: What are acceptable deflection limits?
A: Deflection limits depend on the application. For structural plates, deflection is often limited to L/360 or L/240 of the span length.

Q4: Does this formula account for boundary conditions?
A: This formula assumes simply supported boundary conditions with a central point load.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other materials?
A: Yes, but you must use the appropriate material properties (E and ν) for the specific material.