1. What is a Shear Force and Bending Moment Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the internal shear forces (V) and bending moments (M) in beams under distributed loads.

Purpose: Essential for structural engineers and designers to analyze beam behavior and ensure structural integrity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental relationships:

Where:

• \( V \) — Shear force (Newtons, N)
• \( M \) — Bending moment (Newton meters, N·m)
• \( w(x) \) — Distributed load (N/m)
• \( x \) — Position along beam (m)

Explanation: For a simply supported beam with uniform load, the shear force varies linearly while the bending moment follows a parabolic distribution.

3. Importance of Shear and Moment Calculations

Details: These calculations help determine:

• Maximum stress locations
• Required beam strength
• Deflection characteristics
• Potential failure points

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the distributed load (w) in N/m, beam length in meters, and position along beam where you want the values calculated.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between shear force and bending moment?
A: Shear force is the internal force parallel to the cross-section, while bending moment is the rotational force causing the beam to bend.

Q2: Where does maximum bending moment occur?
A: For a simply supported beam with uniform load, maximum moment occurs at the midpoint.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Consistent SI units are recommended (N for force, m for length, N/m for distributed load).

Q4: Can this calculator handle point loads?
A: This version calculates for uniform distributed loads only. Point loads require different calculations.

Q5: How accurate are these calculations?
A: Results are theoretically exact for ideal simply supported beams with uniform loads. Real-world conditions may vary.