1. What Are Shear Force and Bending Moment?

Shear force (V) is the internal force parallel to the cross-section of a beam, while bending moment (M) is the internal moment that causes bending. These are fundamental quantities in structural analysis of beams.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental relationships:

Where:

• \( V \) — Shear force (Newtons)
• \( M \) — Bending moment (Newton-meters)
• Loads — Applied forces on the beam

Explanation: The shear force at any point equals the integral of the loads up to that point, and the bending moment equals the integral of the shear force diagram.

3. Importance of Shear and Moment Calculations

Details: These calculations are essential for designing beams to ensure they can withstand applied loads without failing in shear or bending.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select load type (point or distributed), enter magnitude in Newtons, position/length in meters, and total beam length. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between point and distributed loads?
A: Point loads act at a single point, while distributed loads act over a length of the beam.

Q2: How do supports affect shear and moment?
A: Supports create reaction forces that must be included in the calculations (this calculator assumes simple cases).

Q3: What are typical units for these calculations?
A: Shear force in Newtons (N), bending moment in Newton-meters (N·m).

Q4: How do I draw shear and moment diagrams?
A: Plot shear force along the beam length, then integrate to get the moment diagram.

Q5: What's the significance of maximum shear and moment?
A: These determine the critical sections where the beam is most likely to fail.