Can the Deflection of Mild Steel Straps Support a 500kg Load?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BMX56
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Failing
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the structural integrity of mild steel straps used to support a mobile camera system, specifically evaluating their ability to handle a 500kg load. The straps, measuring 35mm x 5.5mm, are analyzed as simply supported beams under a point load of 1000kg. The calculated deflection of 1.3684mm raises concerns about accuracy, especially given the design's safety factor of 5 and maximum component load of 1500kg. Participants emphasize the importance of consulting a qualified engineer for precise evaluations and recommendations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beam deflection calculations
  • Familiarity with structural engineering principles
  • Knowledge of material properties of mild steel
  • Experience with safety factor calculations in engineering design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research beam deflection formulas for simply supported beams
  • Learn about the mechanical properties of mild steel
  • Explore safety factor applications in structural design
  • Consult engineering design software for load analysis
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, structural designers, and anyone involved in the design and safety assessment of load-bearing systems, particularly in filming and similar applications.

BMX56
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I'm building a filming system that uses two parallel cables to support a mobile camera system.
The cable supports need to fail in bending to reduce the load on the cables.

The supports are a mild steel strap, section dimensions 35mm x 5.5mm, distance between cables 200mm.

Can deflection for such a small structure be calculated by treating it as a simply supported beam with a point load at 100mm?

The results I have don't seem to be right, 1.3684mm deflection for cable loading of 500kg total load 1000 kg.

I'll probably have the supports tested in a lab but I want to be in the right ball park. For the system I'm building the maximum loading for some components is 1500kg, I aiming for failure at 300kg, with a safety factor of 5. The cables are rated at 2500kg each.

Thanks for your help.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
With big loads to support and an always risky 'fail safe' design logic you should really consult an engineer who can see what you are doing first hand and give proper advice .
 
Nidum makes a good point about consulting a trained opinion on this topic.
I would only like to say that by your descrition alone I have around 6 setups in mind, all different. If you would like an answer a drawing will be more explicit for anyone.
 

Similar threads

Calculate Load of Mild Steel Column
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How much weight can 1 x 3 11 gauge rectangular steel support before bending?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K