How to calculate radius of curvature of beam?

In summary, the radius of curvature of a bent beam can be determined by the formula EI/M, where E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the moment of inertia, and M is the applied moment. Alternatively, a cubic spline curve can also be used to determine the radius of curvature for a thin and flexible beam.
  • #1
Aeroslicer821
8
0
If I start out with a flat beam of length a and then I fix one side and then bend the other side up to form an arc with height h, is that enough information to determine the radius of curvature of the bent beam? If so, how would I do it?

Thanks!

rcurv.jpg


https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=51838&stc=1&d=1350076942
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If I start out with a flat beam of length a and then I fix one side and then bend the other side up to form an arc with height h, is that enough information to determine the radius of curvature of the bent beam? If so, how would I do it?

Don't you mean fix one end?
And doesn't this belong in an engineering or physics forum?

The radius of curvature at any point on a prismatic beam is equal to EI/M,

Where E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the moment of inertia of the cross section and M is the applied moment at that point. M depends upon the loading regime, E and I are characteristic properties of the beam itself.

Alternatively, if your 'beam' was thin and flexible enough you could use a spline curve. A cubic spline would be usual. These are the curves taken up by old fashioned draftsmen's splines used for drawing such curves.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the radius of curvature of a beam?

The formula for calculating the radius of curvature of a beam is R = EI/M, where R is the radius of curvature, E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the moment of inertia, and M is the bending moment.

2. How do you determine the bending moment in a beam?

The bending moment in a beam can be determined by taking the product of the load applied to the beam and the distance from the support to the point where the bending moment is being calculated.

3. Can the radius of curvature of a beam be negative?

Yes, the radius of curvature can be negative. This indicates that the beam is experiencing a reverse curvature, or is concave downwards.

4. What is the significance of calculating the radius of curvature of a beam?

Calculating the radius of curvature of a beam is important in determining the amount of stress and deflection the beam will experience under a certain load. This information is crucial in designing safe and efficient structures.

5. Are there any other methods for calculating the radius of curvature of a beam?

Yes, there are other methods for calculating the radius of curvature of a beam such as the differential equation method and the strain energy method. However, the formula R = EI/M is the most commonly used and accurate method.

Similar threads

  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • General Engineering
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
581
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top