Question about Shear Stress in Simply Supported Beam

In summary, the scenario is that there is a simply supported beam with supports located an equal distance from the outer edges, making the beam symmetrical. The beam is also uniformly loaded. The question is whether there will be a shear force at the free end of the beam, with the focus on the concept rather than calculations. The answer is that there will not be a shear force at the very ends of the beam. This is not a homework question.
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Master1022
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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 of its length.

My question is: Will there be a shear force at the free end of the beam?
This is more about the concept, than about any calculations.

I was thinking that there won't be. I was imagining the left most section of the beam (from the edge to the first support). If you take a cut at the edge, there will be no vertical forces to balance. Would this be correct?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. this is not a homework question.
 
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  • #2
Yes, you are correct. There are no shear forces at the very ends of a simply supported beam.
 
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Chestermiller said:
Yes, you are correct. There are no shear forces at the very ends of a simply supported beam.
Thank you
 

1. What is shear stress in a simply supported beam?

Shear stress in a simply supported beam is the internal force that acts parallel to the cross-sectional area of the beam. It is caused by the external loads applied to the beam and is responsible for the deformation and failure of the beam.

2. How is shear stress calculated in a simply supported beam?

Shear stress in a simply supported beam can be calculated by dividing the shear force by the cross-sectional area of the beam. The shear force can be determined by taking the sum of all the external loads acting on the beam at a particular point.

3. What factors affect shear stress in a simply supported beam?

The main factors that affect shear stress in a simply supported beam are the magnitude and location of the external loads, the cross-sectional area of the beam, and the material properties of the beam such as its shear modulus and yield strength.

4. How does shear stress impact the design of a simply supported beam?

Shear stress is an important consideration in the design of a simply supported beam as it can cause the beam to deform or fail. Engineers must ensure that the shear stress does not exceed the maximum allowable value for the material and cross-sectional area of the beam.

5. What are some common methods for reducing shear stress in a simply supported beam?

Some common methods for reducing shear stress in a simply supported beam include increasing the cross-sectional area of the beam, redistributing the external loads to reduce the shear force, and using materials with higher shear modulus or yield strength. Adding support structures such as braces or trusses can also help to reduce shear stress in a beam.

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