Find Ratio of d/b for Minimum Stress in Beams & Bending

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the optimal ratio of diameter (d) to width (b) of a beam to minimize maximum stress (σmax). The maximum stress is defined by the equation σmax=Ymax(M/I), where I is the moment of inertia for a rectangle, calculated as I=bh³/12. Participants explore the relationship between d and b, concluding that the ratio d/b approaches √2 for minimal stress conditions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding geometric constraints and differentiation in solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beam stress and bending theory
  • Familiarity with moment of inertia calculations for rectangular sections
  • Knowledge of differentiation and optimization techniques
  • Basic geometry involving circles and rectangles
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  • Study beam bending theory and stress analysis in structural engineering
  • Learn about moment of inertia for various shapes, including circles and rectangles
  • Explore optimization techniques in calculus, particularly for constrained problems
  • Investigate the implications of geometric constraints in structural design
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Structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and students studying mechanics of materials who are interested in optimizing beam design for minimal stress conditions.

Dell
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find the ratio of d/b such that the largest stress in the beam will be minimum
Capture.JPG


i know that the maximum stress is

σmax=Ymax\frac{M}{I}

and i know that for a rectangle I=bh3/12

now in the question i am asked to find the ration of the (diameter of the log)/(the width of the rectangle) such that σmax is minimal

since the rectangle is contained in the circle

d2=b2+h2
where h is the height of the rectangle

σmax=Ymax\frac{M}{I}

σmax=(h/2)*(12M/(bh2)
σmax=6M/(b*h2)
σmax=6M/(b*(d2-b2)

basically from here i need to find the ratio d/b so that (b*(d2-b2) is maximum,

but how can i do this??

d/b=K

(b*(d2-b2)
=(bd2-b3)

=d/b*(d*b2-b4/d)

but i can't get to the ratio, i feel i am so close but just not getting it
 
Last edited:
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That is not shear stress. Your comment does not make sense. [EDIT: OK, you edited your post in response to my comment, without letting anyone know, thereby making my above comment appear as nonsense.]

You seem to not understand what d is, as if you have not looked at the diagram.
 
Last edited:
at first i thought that d was the height of the rectangle, but thatdidnt make sense to me, if that is so what is the circular log given for?? it is not 100% clear to me in the diagram what they mean by d.

as far as i know that is the equation for stress,

how would you have gone about solving it??
 
Use a straightedge to see what d is.
 
so you say that d is the height of the beam, if so why do they need to tell me that the beam is taken from a log,

if i take the height as d

I=bd3/12

σmax=(h/2)*(12M/(bd3)
σmax=6M/(b*d2)

now i need b*d2 to be maximum

but i still can't get to the ratio??

i supose that b*d2 will be maximum when d/b-->infinity
but that doesn't seem right at all
 
never mind, i think i got it

b2+d2=D2

i differentiate the stress equation adn compare to 0 and i get sqrt(2)
 
They don't tell you the size of the log, but the ratio r= d/b is constrained by the circular boundary. In my experience, if a problem says to find a ratio, then the first line should be: Let r be the ratio. Then work everything towards equations in r.
 
thanks but i got it already sqrt(2)
 

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