What is Beam: Definition and 1000 Discussions

An I-beam, also known as H-beam (for universal column, UC), w-beam (for "wide flange"), universal beam (UB), rolled steel joist (RSJ), or double-T (especially in Polish, Bulgarian, Spanish, Italian and German), is a beam with an I or H-shaped cross-section. The horizontal elements of the I are flanges, and the vertical element is the "web". I-beams are usually made of structural steel and are used in construction and civil engineering.
The web resists shear forces, while the flanges resist most of the bending moment experienced by the beam. The Euler–Bernoulli beam equation shows that the I-shaped section is a very efficient form for carrying both bending and shear loads in the plane of the web. On the other hand, the cross-section has a reduced capacity in the transverse direction, and is also inefficient in carrying torsion, for which hollow structural sections are often preferred.

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  1. B

    Can energy be extracted from a proton beam using a current transformer?

    Suppose there exists a proton beam that is pulsed on and off. If this beam is aimed through a current transformer as in the attached image (the proton beam would act as the main primary conductor in this case), what would be the output of the transformer, and how would it affect the beam...
  2. Harperchisari

    Thermodynamics in an ion beam?

    Hi there, I'm trying to design an ion beam source, but having some issues with the thermodynamics of it. I'm no expert in thermodynamics, but I do understand some. I'm trying to find an equation which I can use to find the amount of energy I need to put into a set mass of a set material in order...
  3. H

    How far will the middle point of the beam sag under load?

    I tried to use F/S = E.ε to find the new length after deformation and than use pytagoras theorem in right angled triangle to find how much did the middle point lower. But it was said to me that my method is wrong and that there exists some formula to solve it. Can you please tell me where could...
  4. V

    How Do You Calculate the Safe Work Load of a T Beam?

    Hi Guys, I want to determine the safe work load (SWL) capacity of a trestle in my workshop. It is a T Beam with width (W), height (h), thickness (t) and length (L). It is welded each end to two legs - what kind of support would this be considered as? Fixed or pin? Can someone walk me through...
  5. N

    Linear array beam forming and phase response troubleshooting

    Hi all I am working on beam forming of high frequency (>400 KHz) linear array for imaging sonar. I have gathered sensor data of 80 channel linear array sub merged halfway in 8 m deep water tank with a transmitting probe 6 m away from it at same depth. I recorded multiple pulses and perform...
  6. Molloy

    Light Beam fired 1 AU into space

    Thanks for being here, this is my first post. Imagine on a dark night a very powerful beam of light was aimed at the sun from earth and switched on, at 23:00. I am observing from side on, in space, at a distance far enough away to get a good view of the beam as it travels out into space on its...
  7. P

    Finding the unitary matrix for a beam splitter

    Hello, I have some trouble understanding how to construct the matrix for the beam splitter (in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer). I started with deciding my input and output states for the photon. I then use Borns rule, which I have attached below: To get the following for the state space...
  8. FEAnalyst

    Castigliano's method for the deflection of a cantilevered beam

    Hi, it may look like a homework but believe me that it's not. Castigliano's method was omitted when I was attending mechanics of materials course at my university and now I'm catching up. Another reason why I want to solve this is that I'm just curious what's the formula for the deflection of...
  9. S

    Deflection of Prismatic Beam With Fixed Ends and Single Load

    I've been refreshing my mind with regards to solving statically indeterminate beam deflection problems. In an effort to achieve confidence over my solutions, I attempted to recreate the standard equations in Figure 1. In my problem, I changed it so that: a = b = L/2 Ay = R1 By = R2 etc...
  10. K

    Need help finding the restraining reaction force for a beam

    1. The illustrated structure is affected by a known couple, and try to figure out the restraining reaction force of the hinge A and hinge E. We should analyse ECD instead. Since arm CD is a two force members, so N(C) in in the direction where CD connects by these two points. The distance from...
  11. kelvin scott

    Statics engineering: Beam bending problem

    Homework Statement a beam is 10 m long with point loads of 10kN at 3m from left and 20kN 10m from left. R1 and R2 these supports are 2m in from either end of the beam. The beam has a UDL of 5kN/m-1 along its length. Homework Equations (a) determine the vertical reaction at the support(b)...
  12. O

    Bending a beam from straight to an arc with axial force

    Hi, If I have a straight beam and I start to push its ends towards each other with force F, the beam will obviously bend into an arc. What is the height/amplitude at the center of the arc when the beam length is l and the beam ends have been displaced by d. How much force (P) the center part...
  13. E

    Beam width: connected vs dispersed

    I am working off the estimation that a simple beam of width w will be roughly half the strength of a beam of width 2w. (linear relationship, unlike beam depth). I am wondering if the cohesion of that beam matters tremendously (at practical scales), or if its width can be considered in a...
  14. A

    Finite Element Model of Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory

    In the formulation of Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory, there are two degrees of freedom at a point, w and dw/dx. Typically, the finite element model of this theory uses cubic polynomial for interpolation of $w$ using a two noded element as given in Chapter 5 of this book [1]. This element is a...
  15. dRic2

    Neutron density of a beam

    Homework Statement Show that the neutron density distribution function at any point in a monodirectional beam of monoenergetic neutrons moving along the x-axis is given by $$n(x, \mathbf \omega) = \frac n {\pi} \delta( \mu -1)$$ where ##n## is the neutron density, ##\delta( \mu -1)## is the...
  16. D

    Moment of inertia of a branched cantilever beam

    Hey there! I am working on a project concerning the mathematical modeling of nano-swimmers in a viscous medium. Assuming the nano-swimmers to be cantilever beams, the project involves calculation of moment of inertia of the said nano-swimmers. While calculating the moment of inertia of a simple...
  17. J

    How do I Calculate Maximum Length for a W24 X 94 Beam with Moment Loads?

    I have a W24 X 94 beam (50KSI) that is loaded with a 3,500,000 in-lb moment load at each end. How do i calculate the maximum length of the beam that can support the moment loads?
  18. M

    Question about Shear Stress in Simply Supported Beam

    The scenario is: we have a simply supported beam, with the supports being an arbitrary distance inward from the outer edge of the beam (both are the same distance from their edges such that the beam is symmetrical about its centre). The beam also experiences uniform loading across the entirety...
  19. J

    Beam with two supports + spring

    Homework Statement I have beam supported in three points (one of the support is spring) . What i know: PR = 100kN/m spring constant Z = 10kN/m I have to calculate bending moments and shear forces in points A, B and Z. Homework Equations [/B] ΣM = 0 ΣF = 0 Spring force : Fz=-zx This is not...
  20. J

    How Does Preloading Affect a Cantilever Beam's Structural Integrity?

    Hello, everyone.I have been trying to understand the meaning of the question from the posted image.I think that preloading has to do with adding bolts to the cantilever beam such that it can withstand the force from above, but I am not sure how exactly these bolts should be implemented.I would...
  21. Frederick T

    B Travel at 0.5c & Observe Redshifted Light Traveling at c

    It's come to my attention that if we were to travel in a spaceship at 0.5c directly away from our sun, I would observe that the light from the sun as being red shifted. What I would also observe was that this red shifted electromagnetic wave would in fact travel away from me in the spaceship...
  22. Tone L

    B Force exerted at the end of a beam

    Hi all. Please see image I created as reference to this question.I have a uniform rod which is fixed to a structure, at the end of the rod there is a point mass attached to it. I am trying to calculate the downward force (torque) made at the end of the rod where the mass resides. I want to know...
  23. Michael1234513423643

    Steel I Beam Falling Through Water

    So I'm going to try to keep this as brief as possible, but I have a somewhat advanced physics question that my nuclear background hasn't prepared me for and I need an argument settled at work. Say you have a 30 ft deep pool and you need to protect the contents, which comprise the bottom ~10 ft...
  24. A

    A Influence on Neutron spectrum due to energy loss of beam

    Suppose some protons are impacted on a Lithium target to produce neutrons with energies close to the proton energy. If one considers Energy-loss due to proton-target collision (ionization of the target atoms), will this kind of energy loss influence neutron energy spectrum? I am asked by my...
  25. Raihan amin

    How does a dielectric interact with a laser beam?

    Homework Statement A laser tweezer is a laboratory instrument, which uses highly focused laser beams to ‘trap’, hold or move small sized objects. The principle of the operation is that in the focal spot, the light intensity is inhomogeneous, and acts on the particle with a force that points...
  26. Mentz114

    I Polarization and the beam splitter

    When 2 identical photons are incident at the same time at the input channels of a 50:50 beam splitter, quantum interference causes the elimination of the both reflected and both transmitted outcomes ##\hat{a}_{1H}^{\dagger}\hat{a}_{2H}^{\dagger}|0\rangle_1|0\rangle_2 \ne...
  27. S

    Pure bending of a perfectly elastic cantilever beam

    Hi, My question is: If a constant load is applied at the free end of a perfectly elastic cantilever beam, would the beam oscillate about a mean position? Or would it eventually come to rest at the equilibrium position? There are no damping effects. Thank you.
  28. R

    Angled beam support reaction loads

    Hi, Im trying to find the method for working out the support reaction loads on a beam at given angle. example: a 6m beam with a point load 600kg or UDl of 100kg/m perpendicular to the beam. Suspended at each end by a chain hoist, "a" and "b". "b" is 2m higher than "a". I believe using angle is...
  29. P

    I Boundary condition 1D beam

    Hi! I have a question related to boundary condition in a one dimensional beam subject to compression and traction efforts. In my class notes I have the following: If we consider a 1D beam of length L which is fixed at x=0 and subject to an effort F at x=0 we have the following boundary...
  30. A

    Off-Axis Torque To A Cantilever Beam

    I'm interested in understanding how to deal with a torque applied to an angled cantilever beam. The torque is being applied along a horizontal axis at the location of the end of a cylindrical beam. I am interested in how this torque will cause twist along the beam's axis, as well as any...
  31. D

    Suitable Motor Selection for Lifting a Part using a Beam

    Hello I am new to this forum. I need to lift a part with the use of a motor and was looking for some advise in selecting a suitable one. The part being lifted weighs 275kg and is being lifted using lugs at one end of the part. The part is a total length of 2291mm and the location for holes in...
  32. Ramazan Duzgun

    Stopping Light in Air: Myth or Reality?

    is it possible, i mean can we hold it at a certain distance we want ?
  33. D

    Restrained / unrestrained beam

    What are the advantages or purpose of restrained steel beam compared to restrained steel beam ?
  34. yecko

    (Matlab) beam deflection solution using symbolic simultaneous equations

    I have tried to searched for functions online and apply it, but still it does not work well. May I ask how can I solve symbolic simultaneous equations with Matlab? Or is there anything went wrong with my program? Homework Statement Consider a stepped beam shown in below. The beam is...
  35. T

    Solving Beam Deflection with Singularity Equations

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Singularity equations for beam deflection $$\sum M_B=0=-M_0-R_AL-M_0$$ $$R_A=-\frac{2M_0}{L}$$ The Attempt at a Solution I know how to use singularity equations and all that but my problem is calculating the force especially when moment is involved. For...
  36. K

    Using Macaulay's method of deflection on a cantilever beam

    Homework Statement i) Determine the slope of the beam 1m from the wall. ii) Calculate the deflection at the free end of the beam. Homework Equations Macauly's method of deflection: M = -RX + W[X-a] Integrate once for slope Integrate twice for deflection The Attempt at a Solution [/B] It...
  37. D

    Casting of ground beam and ground slab

    Homework Statement Guys, I was told that the ground beam can't cat together with ground slab ? Why ? Why for first floor , the beam can be casted together with ground slab ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I think the ground beam can be casted together with ground slab ... Am i...
  38. K

    Why Euler-Bernoulli beam theory does not work in this case?

    Hello, i would like to ask You a question about difference in results between Euler-Bernoulli method of analysis of stress in short slender beam and 3D FEA method mentioned in ansys aim tutorial here: https://confluence.cornell.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=33636829 The problem looks like...
  39. T

    Why is a beam supported by two cables more stable than one?

    Imagine a steel I-girder lifted by a single wire rope. If the rope is not perfectly centered along the girder length, the girder will rotate about a horizontal latitudinal axis through its centroid. Imagine a girder pair lifted by two wire ropes, with one rope on each side of the girder...
  40. Spinnor

    B Remaining Fraction of Particle Beam After CERN Use

    When Cern is done with a particle beam, what fraction of a typical beam bunch is left having not scattered out of the bunch? Is it of order 1/2? A very rough estimate would do. Edit, I should add that I read an accelerated beam might be used for a day and at the end of the day they dispose of...
  41. Krushnaraj Pandya

    Uncertainty in the energy of a laser beam

    Homework Statement The duration of a laser pulse is 10^(-8) s. The uncertainty in its energy will be? Homework Equations ## \delta x \delta p=\frac{h}{2\pi}## The Attempt at a Solution speed of laser beam=c, duration is given so distance can be calculated exactly-shouldn't that mean delta...
  42. R

    Intensity of a Gaussian laser beam

    I have two lasers with different intensity distributions (shown below) — one is Gaussian and the other one is rectangular (having the shape of a Fresnel diffraction pattern at the target). I am trying to compare the efficacy of the two lasers for burning a certain material (I am really...
  43. V

    Capacitor problem with a beam balance -- balancing after changing the charge

    The lower plate of a parallel plate capacitor is supported on a rigid rod.The upper plate is suspended from one end of a balance.The two plates are joined together by a thin wire and subsequently disconnected.The balance is then counterpoised.Now a voltage V= 5000V is applied between the...
  44. Nemika

    Behaviour of an accelerating beam of electron.

    If a beam of electrons starts to accelerate from rest due to a uniform electric field in vacuum will the electrons feel any mutual repulsion or attraction? Will the beam first expand then contract? If yes, how does this happen? This was a question under magnetism head.
  45. Zahid Iftikhar

    Collimation of an Electron Beam by the Anode of a CRT

    Please help me in understanding the function of anode. As in image attached you see, once the electron beam is emitted from cathode and filtered by grid, it enters into the one or series of anodes. As anode is positively charged, so, to my understanding it has no electric field inside its hollow...
  46. D

    Beam and Load: Understanding Uniformly Distributed Loads and Moments

    Hi .. for a simple beam with uniformly distributed load and moment formula of w * ln /8 at center.. is it independent of thickness of the beam such that even if a beam is 1 meter depth by half meter width compare to beam half or even twice its size..the formula and moment is still the one for a...
  47. C

    Beam Deflection Calculations

    Hello, I am looking for some advice on calculating the beam deflection on a setup described below. There is an "I Beam" sitting across the back of two lorry trailers with a uniformly distributed load in the middle of the beam. I am slightly confused as to what type of support this would be if...
  48. D

    Vpr statics derivation of beam hinging

    For a beam above between two columns and bars are yield and hinging.. the formula to get the probable shear or vpr (from statics) is V= M(+) + M(-) /ln I guess it is derived from V * ln = M(+) + M(-) First of all. Why is the shear only present when it is hinging and not before (I'm talking...
  49. jonnybmac

    Understanding Beam Calculations for Engineers: Solving for Second Moment of Area

    <<moderator note, moved from a homework forum, hence the template.>> 1. Homework Statement I'm trying to work out what 2.29 is in an equation an engineer has used for what i believe is supposed to be the second moment of area. See photo for report. Homework Equations See screenshot photo...
  50. R

    Light Reflection: Understand How Light Interacts with Materials

    Hello, I have a question or perhaps a few questions regarding light and mirrors. When we point light at a mirror, it gets reflected back. But we can see the point light (assuming that it is a laser for the sake of simplicity) at a surface opposite to the reflective surface of the mirror. What...
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