Stress, Deflection for a simply supported beam with UDL applied

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating bending stress, compressive stress, and deflection for a simply supported beam subjected to a uniform distributed load (UDL). Participants explore various methods and formulas related to beam mechanics, including the implications of using UDL versus point loads, and the appropriate units for stress calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests assistance in calculating bending stress, compressive stress, and deflection for a specific beam under a UDL.
  • Another participant questions whether the inquiry is homework and prompts the original poster to attempt a solution first.
  • A participant shares their calculations for compressive stress, bending stress, and deflection, seeking validation of their results.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the conversion of UDL from N/m to total load in N for stress calculations, emphasizing the need for clarity in unit usage.
  • A participant suggests drawing shear and moment diagrams to clarify unit discrepancies in the moment equations.
  • A later reply introduces a new scenario involving a weight of 49 N distributed over multiple beams, leading to a recalculation of UDL and questioning the correctness of the approach taken.
  • Another participant points out inconsistencies in UDL values mentioned in previous posts and requests clarification on parameters and derivations used in calculations.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake in their previous UDL calculation and provides definitions for parameters used in their equations.
  • Discussion includes a reference to a formula for bending stress and a comparison between different methods for calculating bending stress in beams.
  • A participant expresses confusion over the combined stress calculation and its relation to allowable stress values according to a specific code book.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the calculations and methods used. Some participants validate certain formulas while others challenge the correctness of specific calculations and assumptions. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding the appropriate UDL values and the implications of different stress calculations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential missing assumptions in calculations, varying definitions of parameters, and unresolved discrepancies in unit conversions. The discussion reflects a range of approaches to beam stress analysis without a consensus on the correct methodology or results.

buytree
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Could anyone please tel me how to calculate the Bending Stress, Compressive stress and the Deflection for any beam (UB 203x102x23) subjected to Uniform Distributed Load of 8063 N/m over a 8 m long beam (simply supported beam).

Thanks all.
 
Last edited:
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This sounds like a pretty straightforward question, is it homework? Have you tried coming to a solution yourself?
 
Mech_Engineer said:
This sounds like a pretty straightforward question, is it homework? Have you tried coming to a solution yourself?

Yes I did, can you check my result.

Length = 8m
UDL = 8063 N/m

Comp Stress = Load /Area
= (8063*8)/(8*.1018)
= 79204.32 N/m^2

Bending Stress = (Force * Distance)/(I/(D/2))
= (8063*8*8)/((2.11*10^-5)/(0.2032/2))
= 2484779678 N/m^2 for x-axis

For y-axis
= (8063*8*8)/((2.11*10^-5)/(.1018/2))
= (1244835488 N/m^2

Deflection at the center = 5wL^4/384EI
= (5*8063*(8^4))/(384*(200*10^9)*(2.11*10^-5)
= .1019 m

So did I do it right? Thanks for your reply.
 
Last edited:
My question is, if I apply a point load or UDL I should get the stress in N/m^2. When using UDL is N/m or N/mm, calculating Compressive Stress is Load/ Cross-section Area. The load should be given in N, so I converted N/m UDL to N by multiplying it with my length. Then I get the stress in N/m^2.

Calculating Bending Stress is Force x Distance/(Moment of Inertia/Section Modulus). Here again the force should be in N, so my UDL x length gives me load or force. I get the stress in N/m^2.

What I am doing is right or what? Any one please answer.
 
Draw a shear and moment diagram and you will find out why the units in your moment equations are not working out.
 
I don't mean to say my units are wrong. They sound right to me, but the actual problem is I have a weight of 49 N sitting on four beams connected to each other. And the beam ends are supported by columns (fixed firmly to the columns) restraining the moment in all directions and the beams are held at 5 mts. If you imagine there are four beams connected each other to make a rectangular connection and four columns at each ends of 5 mt height. With load of 49 N, I am converting it into N/m (UDL). I used this formula ( I don't know if it is right or not).
W(UDL) = ws/3 * (3-m^2)/2, m=S/L, S= 4 m, L=8 m, w = 49.
W(UDL) = 89.83 N/m This is the weight over all the beams. When I apply it in the formula for Compressive Stress and Bending Stress, I have to convert it into N to get the units in N/m^2.

My question is, what I am doing is right?? This I came up with my own solution, but I just want to verify it.
 
buytree: I am currently not understanding your explanation. In post 1, you said UDL = 8063 N/m, but in post 6, you said UDL = 89.83 N/m. That is a big difference. Figuratively speaking, a load of 49 N is nothing. Is this a school assignment?

Also, you did not define your parameters in post 6. And you did not explain how you derived the equation in post 6. Hint 1: In your bending stress calculation in post 3, didn't you forget to divide by 8? Try again.
 
1#The UDL is 89.83 N/m (In post #1 my calculation is wrong). The load 49N is what I used in my old project, I just considered the same load.
2#Parameters for #6, L-Length of the section, S-Width, w-load over the support. The equation W (UDL) was taken from structural hand book which I downloaded from web. I am not sure how did they derive it.
3#I did a project when in school which included similar calculation but with a point load. One of my juniors had some question about my project, then I started thinking how does it change with UDL applied.
4#I remember the formula for bending stress, (WL^2)/8. But I tried to used the actual bending stress formula which is Bending Stress = (Force * Distance)/(I/(D/2)), I-moment of inertia, D-Depth of the beam. I am pretty sure this is the right formula. I really don't know how different these two formulas are.
 
buytree: Bending stress for a simply-supported beam with a UDL (w) would be, sigma = M*c/I = [(w*L^2)/8](0.5*D)/I. By the way, N/m^2 is called Pa. And 10^6 Pa is called MPa.
 
  • #10
Thanks nvn. The Bending Stress formula you gave makes sense to me.
The compressive stress is Force/Crossection Area, Weight(49)/(Length(8)*Width(0.2036)) which gives unit in Pa.
I am finding the combined stress for beam, which is
=(cal compressive stress/allowable comp stress) +(cal bending stress in x/allow bend stress)+(cal bending stress in y/allow bend stress) which should be less than 1 according to IS800 code book. It is not giving a value less than 1. Am I doing anything wrong. If needed I don't mind attaching my work sheet. Thanks again.
 

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