1. What is Beam Deflection?

Beam deflection refers to the displacement of a beam under load. For square tubing, this calculation helps engineers determine how much a beam will bend when subjected to various loads, ensuring structural integrity and safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the beam deflection formula:

Where:

• \( \delta \) — Deflection (m)
• \( w \) — Uniformly distributed load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of the beam (m)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (Pa)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (m⁴)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum deflection at the center of a simply supported beam with uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Accurate deflection calculation is crucial for structural design, ensuring beams don't deflect beyond acceptable limits that could compromise safety or functionality.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load in N/m, length in meters, modulus of elasticity in Pascals, and moment of inertia in m⁴. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical modulus of elasticity for steel?
A: For most steel alloys, E ≈ 200 GPa (200 × 10⁹ Pa).

Q2: How do I calculate moment of inertia for square tubing?
A: For a square tube: I = (b⁴ - h⁴)/12, where b is outer dimension and h is inner dimension.

Q3: What are acceptable deflection limits?
A: Typically L/360 for floors, L/240 for roofs, but specific requirements vary by application and building codes.

Q4: Does this formula work for other beam types?
A: This specific formula is for simply supported beams with uniformly distributed load. Other support conditions require different formulas.

Q5: What if my load is concentrated rather than distributed?
A: For concentrated loads, use δ = (P L³)/(48 E I) where P is the point load in Newtons.