Beam Calculator

The Beam Calculator allows users to input beam dimensions, load parameters, and material properties to compute key structural metrics such as moment of inertia, bending moment, shear force, deflection, section modulus, and bending stress for structural analysis.

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How to Use the Beam Calculator

This guide will walk you through the process of using the Beam Calculator to determine important parameters of a beam based on input specifications. Follow the steps outlined below to effectively utilize the calculator.

Step 1: Inputting Beam Dimensions

Begin by entering the geometric dimensions of your beam:

  • Beam Length (m): Enter the length of the beam in meters. Ensure the value is between 0.1 and 100 meters.
  • Beam Width (mm): Provide the width of the beam in millimeters, with an acceptable range from 10 to 1000 mm.
  • Beam Height (mm): Input the height of the beam in millimeters. The height should fall between 10 and 2000 mm.

Step 2: Defining the Load

Configure the load applied to the beam:

  • Load Type: Select the type of load affecting the beam from the options provided – either “Point Load” or “Uniformly Distributed Load”.
  • Load Value (kN): Enter the load value in kilonewtons. The value should range from 0.1 to 1000 kN.

Step 3: Specifying Material Properties

Provide the material property of the beam:

  • Elastic Modulus (GPa): Input the elastic modulus in gigapascals. Valid values are between 1 and 300 GPa.

Step 4: Calculating Results

Once all necessary inputs are provided, the calculator will compute and display the following results:

  • Moment of Inertia: This is calculated using the formula: (beamWidth * pow(beamHeight, 3)) / 12000000000. The result is displayed in cubic meters (m⁴).
  • Maximum Bending Moment: Depending on the load type, the calculation logic is:
    • Point Load: (loadValue * beamLength) / 4
    • Uniformly Distributed Load: (loadValue * pow(beamLength, 2)) / 8

    The result is shown in kilonewton-meters (kN·m).

  • Maximum Shear Force: Calculated with the logic:
    • Point Load: loadValue / 2
    • Uniformly Distributed Load: loadValue * beamLength / 2

    Results are presented in kilonewtons (kN).

  • Maximum Deflection: The calculation depends on the load type:
    • Point Load: (loadValue * pow(beamLength, 3) * 1000) / (48 * elasticModulus * 1000000000 * momentOfInertia)
    • Uniformly Distributed Load: (5 * loadValue * pow(beamLength, 4) * 1000) / (384 * elasticModulus * 1000000000 * momentOfInertia)

    Deflection is displayed in millimeters (mm).

  • Section Modulus: Computed as (beamWidth * pow(beamHeight, 2)) / 6000000, with results given in cubic meters (m³).
  • Maximum Bending Stress: Determined using (maxBendingMoment / sectionModulus) / 1000000, with outcomes shown in megapascals (MPa).

By following these steps and inputting accurate data, you will be able to analyze the structural performance of your beam efficiently.