Calculate Dimensions of a Rectangular Beam - 8280Nm, 36cm^3, 230MPa

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the dimensions of a solid rectangular beam based on given parameters: maximum bending moment, section modulus, and allowable stress. The focus is on the theoretical and mathematical aspects of beam mechanics, particularly in relation to bending stress and section modulus.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem of calculating beam dimensions using the maximum bending moment, section modulus, and allowable stress.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the workings and specific problems encountered in the calculations.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to derive dimensions from the equation relating stress to moment and section modulus.
  • Discussion includes the section modulus formula for a rectangular beam, Z = I/y, with y defined as half the depth.
  • Participants explore the relationship between the moment of inertia (I) and the dimensions of the beam, leading to the equation Z = b*d^2/6.
  • There is acknowledgment of having two unknowns (b and d) with only one equation, complicating the solution process.
  • Clarification is provided that there are actually two equations available, including the initial condition d = 2b.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the formulas and relationships involved in calculating the dimensions of the beam, but there is no consensus on how to resolve the equations due to the presence of multiple unknowns.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the number of equations relative to the unknowns, as well as the dependency on the specific definitions of variables used in the calculations.

mm391
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Hi,

Calculate the dimensions of a solid rectangular beam using the information below:

Max Bending Moment= 8280Nm

Ze = 36cm^3

Allowable Stress = 230MPa

d = 2b

Stress = moment/section modulus
 
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Where are your workings? Where is it you're having problems?
 
TaxOnFear said:
Where are your workings? Where is it you're having problems?

Sorry I did this on my phone and I didn't have time to finish it.

I have the following:

230 = 8280/36cm^3 The problem I have is am not sure where or how to go about finding the dimensions from here.
 
Last edited:
what's the section modulus formula for a rectangular beam?
 
Z= I/y with y being depth/2.

But I can't see how this will help. Sorry.
 
mm391 said:
Z= I/y with y being depth/2.

But I can't see how this will help. Sorry.
Yes, Z= I/(d/2), so what is I in terms of the base (b) and height (d), for a rectangular cross section?
 
Firstly thank you for your help and patience.

PhanthomJay said:
Yes, Z= I/(d/2), so what is I in terms of the base (b) and height (d), for a rectangular cross section?

((b*d^3)/(d/2) = b*d^2/6

Z = b*d^2/6

Z * 6 = b*d^2

But I still have two unknowns and one equation.
 
mm391 said:
Firstly thank you for your help and patience.



((b*d^3)/(d/2)
you mean (bd^3/12)/(d/2) = b*d^2/6
Z = b*d^2/6

Z * 6 = b*d^2

But I still have two unknowns and one equation.
No, you have 2 unknowns and 2 equations...the one that was given you...in your original post..

d = 2b
 

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