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David Lewis said:Thanks for your reply. The spar sees a distributed load -- the load diagram is a semi-ellipse. I approximated the distributed load as point loads. I'd like to know the formula to calculate the bending moment, e.g. F1 * d + F2 * 2d...
A bending moment diagram is a graphical representation of the internal forces acting on a beam at various points along its length. It shows the bending moment, which is the amount of force that causes a beam to bend, at different points along the beam.
A bending moment diagram is calculated using the equations for shear force and bending moment. The shear force is the sum of all the external forces acting on the beam at a given point, and the bending moment is the product of the shear force and the distance from that point to the end of the beam.
A bending moment diagram can provide information about the maximum bending moment, maximum shear force, and location of these maximum values on the beam. It can also show the points where the shear force and bending moment are zero, called the points of contraflexure.
The shape of an overhanging beam can significantly impact its bending moment diagram. Beams with different cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, circular, or I-beam, will have different bending moment diagrams. The length and support conditions of the beam will also affect its bending moment diagram.
Understanding the bending moment diagram for an overhanging beam is essential for designing and analyzing structures. It can help engineers determine the appropriate size and shape of beams for different types of structures and ensure that they can withstand the expected loads. It is also crucial for identifying potential weak points in a structure to prevent failure.