What is the relationship between slope and bending moment in a penstock beam?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the bending moment in a penstock beam, emphasizing that the maximum moment occurs at the supports. The bending moment formula used is M = w * L² / 9, where w represents the unit load and L is the horizontal span between supports. A key point of confusion arises regarding the use of the slope in the calculation, specifically why the weight is divided by cos(8.306) to account for the penstock's slope. It is clarified that L is the horizontal distance between supports, while the weight is distributed along the slope of the beam. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurate bending moment calculations in penstock beams.
Zohra
Messages
6
Reaction score
1
<< Mentor Note -- Thread moved from the technical forums, so no Template is shown >>

Hi ,
Please I have to understand the solution of an exercice about calculating bending moment in penstock :
It is assumed that maximum moment from penstock beam bending occurs at supports.
The bending moment M is approximated by the formula : M =w * L² /9
where w = unit load (lb/ft) and L span (ft)

w in my case is the total weight = 13 205 lb/lin ft and L=100 ft so easily i did M= 13 205 * 100² /9 =...
but in the solution i find M = (13 205 / cos(8.306) *100 /9 !
cos(8.306) is the penstock slope
Can you please explain me why divise by the slope ? I thank you so much
Zohra
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Is L the horizontal distance between supports or is it measured along the slope?
 
PhanthomJay said:
Is L the horizontal distance between supports or is it measured along the slope?
Thank you very much for your answer .
L is the horizontal distance between supports.
 
Zohra said:
Thank you very much for your answer .
L is the horizontal distance between supports.
Okay. Thus, the beam is longer than L. Use the sloping direction as the x-x axis. What value should you then use for the portion of the uniform load that causes bending?
 
  • Like
Likes Dr.D and Zohra
PhanthomJay said:
Okay. Thus, the beam is longer than L. Use the sloping direction as the x-x axis. What value should you then use for the portion of the uniform load that causes bending?
Thank you very much
Please , by "lin ft " it means horizontal foot or foot along the slope ?
 
Please , by "lin ft " it means horizontal foot or foot along the slope ?
weight is distributed along the beam itself, along the slope
 
  • Like
Likes Zohra
PhanthomJay said:
weight is distributed along the beam itself, along the slope
Understood Thank you very much for your great help
 
Back
Top