1. What is Maximum Shear Force?

Maximum shear force (V_max) is the highest internal shear force that occurs in a simply supported beam under uniform load. It occurs at the supports and is crucial for structural design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the maximum shear force formula:

Where:

• \( V_{max} \) — Maximum shear force (N)
• \( w \) — Uniform load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Beam length (m)

Explanation: For a simply supported beam with uniform load, the maximum shear force occurs at the supports and equals half of the total load.

3. Importance of Shear Force Calculation

Details: Calculating maximum shear force is essential for structural design to ensure beams can withstand applied loads without failure. It helps determine required beam dimensions and material properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter uniform load in N/m and beam length in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a simply supported beam?
A: A beam supported at both ends with pinned and roller supports, free to rotate at the supports but not to translate.

Q2: Where does maximum shear occur in a simply supported beam?
A: Maximum shear occurs at the supports for a simply supported beam with uniform load.

Q3: How does shear force vary along the beam?
A: Shear force decreases linearly from the maximum at the supports to zero at the center of the beam.

Q4: What units should I use for input values?
A: Use consistent units - N/m for uniform load and meters for beam length to get shear force in Newtons.

Q5: Can this formula be used for other beam types?
A: No, this specific formula applies only to simply supported beams with uniform load. Other beam configurations have different shear force distributions.