1. What is Beam Deflection?

Beam deflection refers to the displacement of a beam under load. For acrylic materials, understanding deflection is crucial for structural design and ensuring material performance within safe limits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the deflection formula:

Where:

• \( \delta \) — Deflection (m)
• \( P \) — Load (N)
• \( L \) — Length (m)
• \( E \) — Modulus of Elasticity (Pa)
• \( I \) — Moment of Inertia (m⁴)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum deflection at the free end of a cantilever beam with a point load at the end.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Accurate deflection calculation is essential for structural integrity, preventing excessive deformation, and ensuring acrylic components perform as intended without failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load in Newtons, length in meters, modulus in Pascals, and moment of inertia in meters to the fourth power. All values must be positive and non-zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical modulus of elasticity for acrylic?
A: Acrylic typically has a modulus of elasticity around 2-3 GPa (2,000,000,000 - 3,000,000,000 Pa).

Q2: How do I calculate moment of inertia for different cross-sections?
A: For rectangular sections: I = (b × h³)/12, where b is width and h is height.

Q3: What is considered acceptable deflection for acrylic?
A: Generally, deflection should not exceed L/240 for visual applications and L/180 for structural applications.

Q4: Does this formula work for other materials besides acrylic?
A: Yes, this formula applies to any homogeneous, isotropic material behaving linearly elastically.

Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: This assumes small deflections, constant cross-section, and applies only to cantilever beams with end point loads.