Constructing the Perfect Balsa Wood Beam: Tips & Tricks

[BordZ]

Homework Statement

I'm first yar civil/struc student, we have to make a balsa wood beam with marks awarded for the mass/beam weight ratio. Anyway I'm curious as to the best way to go about this. I'm aiming for the highest moment of interia in the y direction but would also like to be able to calculate an approxominte load. i;m currently missing the youngs modulus and the yield strengh of balsa wood (ultimate strength would be nice to know to). I'm aware that these values vary but a range or an average would be nice.

Homework Equations

Whilst I'm here ill also ask about the best design for the beam. dimensions have to be within, 100mm(h)*100mm(w)*540mm(l) . The actual beam is only 500mm long the exra 40 is for the supports.

The Attempt at a Solution

so far i have an I beam that's got 50*5mm flanges and a web of 90*10.

Please any help would be nice.

 

[KataKoniK]

my first recommendation would be to gather as much information as possible about the properties of balsa wood. I would suggest reaching out to your professor or doing some research to find the values for Young's modulus, yield strength, and ultimate strength for balsa wood. These values will be crucial in determining the best design for your beam.

Once you have this information, you can use equations such as the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation to calculate the moment of inertia and approximate load for your beam design. It would also be helpful to consult with your peers or seek advice from more experienced engineers or scientists to get feedback on your design and make any necessary adjustments.

In terms of the best design for your beam, there are many factors to consider such as the material properties, loading conditions, and desired outcome. It may be helpful to use software or simulations to analyze different designs and determine the most efficient one for your project.

Overall, the key to success in this project will be thorough research, careful calculations, and possibly seeking advice from others in the field. Good luck!

 

[piercas]

I would first suggest conducting thorough research on the properties and characteristics of balsa wood. This includes determining its Young's modulus, yield strength, and ultimate strength. These values can vary depending on the specific type of balsa wood being used, so it may be helpful to obtain a range or average from reputable sources.

Once you have a better understanding of the material, you can begin to design your beam. It is important to consider the dimensions and constraints given in the homework statement, but also keep in mind the purpose of the beam and the load it will be subjected to.

In terms of design, there are various approaches that can be taken. One option is to use a truss design, where the load is distributed evenly across multiple smaller members. Another option is to use an I-beam design, as you have mentioned in your attempt at a solution. This design is known for its high moment of inertia in the y direction, which can help support a larger load.

Ultimately, the key to constructing a perfect balsa wood beam is to carefully balance the dimensions, design, and material properties to achieve the desired mass/beam weight ratio and load-bearing capacity. It may also be helpful to conduct tests and experiments on smaller scale models to determine the most effective design before constructing the final beam.