Theory of Simple Bending

When a beam is subjected to a loading system or by a force couple acting on a plane passing
through the axis, then the beam deforms. In simple terms, this axial deformation is called as
bending of a beam. Due to the shear force and bending moment, the beam undergoes deformation.
These normal stress due to bending are called flexure stresses.

Assumptions to calculate bending stress

These stresses formed in the material due to bending can be calculated using certain assumption,
they are

 Beam is initially straight, and has a constant cross-section.

 Beam is made of homogeneous material and the beam has a longitudinal plane of
symmetry.
 Resultant of the applied loads lies in the plane of symmetry.
 The geometry of the overall member is such that bending not buckling is the primary cause
of failure.
 Elastic limit is nowhere exceeded and ‘E’ is same in tension and compression.
 Plane cross – sections remains plane before and after bending.
Formula for Flexural Stress

Where,

M= bending moment

I = moment of inertia of the section about the bending axis.

=fibre stress at a distance ‘y’ from the centroidal/neutral axis.

E = Young’s Modulus of the material of the beam.

R = radius of curvature of the bent beam.

If y is replaced by c, the distance, then

Where, Z= section modulus and is given by, Z = I/c

Area moment of inertia

The moment of a force (P) about a point, is the product of the force and perpendicular distance (x)
between the point and the line of action of the force (i.e. P.x). This moment is also called first
moment of force. If this moment is again multiplied by the perpendicular distance (x) between the
point and the line of action of the force i.e. P.x (x) = Px2, then this quantity is called moment of
the moment of a force or second moment of force or moment of inertia (briefly written as M.I.).

Sometimes, instead of force, area or mass of a figure or body is taken into consideration. Then the
second moment is known as second moment of area or second moment of mass. But all such
second moments are broadly termed as moment of inertia.
MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A PLANE AREA

Consider a plane area, whose moment of inertia is required to be found out. Split up the whole area
into a number of small elements.

Let

a1, a2, a3, ... = Areas of small elements, and

r1, r2, r3, ... = Corresponding distances of the elements from the line about which
the moment of inertia is required to be found out.

Now the moment of inertia of the area,

I = a1 r12 + a2 r22 + a3 r32 + ...

I= Σ a r2

UNITS OF MOMENT OF INERTIA

As a matter of fact, the units of moment of inertia of a plane area depend upon the units of the area
and the length. e.g.,

 If area is in m2 and the length is also in m, the moment of inertia is expressed in m4.
 If area in mm2 and the length is also in mm, then moment of inertia is expressed in mm4.

MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A RECTANGULAR SECTION

Consider a rectangular section ABCD as shown in Fig. 7.2 whose moment of inertia is required to
be found out
ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE REACTIONS OF A BEAM

TYPES OF END SUPPORTS OF BEAMS

Though there are many types of supports, for beams and frames, yet the following three types of
supports are important from the subject point of view:

1. Simply supported beams

2. Roller supported beams
3. Hinged beams.
SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAMS

It is a theoretical case, in which the end of a beam is simply supported over one of its support. In
such a case the reaction is always vertical as shown in Fig. 12.6.
OVERHANGING BEAMS

A beam having its end portion (or portions) extended in the form of a cantilever, beyond its
support, as shown in Fig. 12.11 is known as an overhanging beam.