1. What is Maximum Bending Stress?

Maximum bending stress is the highest stress experienced by a beam under load, occurring at the point farthest from the neutral axis. For a simply supported beam with uniform load, this occurs at the mid-span at the top and bottom surfaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bending stress formula:

Where:

• \( \sigma \) — Maximum bending stress (Pa)
• \( w \) — Uniform load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Beam length (m)
• \( d \) — Beam depth (m)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (m⁴)

Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum stress in a simply supported beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Bending Stress Calculation

Details: Calculating bending stress is crucial for structural design to ensure beams can safely support applied loads without exceeding material strength limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter uniform load in N/m, beam length in m, beam depth in m, and moment of inertia in m⁴. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a simply supported beam?
A: A beam supported at both ends, free to rotate at supports but not to translate vertically.

Q2: Where does maximum bending stress occur?
A: At mid-span, at the top and bottom surfaces of the beam (farthest from the neutral axis).

Q3: What is moment of inertia?
A: A geometric property that measures a beam's resistance to bending, dependent on cross-sectional shape.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent SI units: Newtons for force, meters for length, Pascals for stress.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other beam types?
A: No, this formula is specifically for simply supported beams with uniform load. Other support conditions require different formulas.