The Mechanical Engineering Handbook



Bending Moment of Simply Supported Beam with Point Load

Bending Moment Equations



Maximum Bending Moment: $$ M_{max} = \frac{P \cdot a \cdot (L - a)}{L} $$ Bending moment for 0 ≤ x ≤ L/2: $$ M_{x} = \frac{P \cdot (L - a) \cdot x}{L} $$ Bending moment for L/2 < x ≤ L: $$ M_{x} = \frac{P \cdot a (L-x)}{L} $$ where:

M   =   Bending Moment   (Nm)

P   =   Load   (N)

L   =   Distance between the two supports   (m)

x   =   Some distance from the left support   (m)

a   =   Distance of applied load from the left support   (m)


Calculator







 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 





Equation Assumptions



  • The beam behaves according to Hook's Law.
  • The load is concentrated at a single point.
  • Deflections of the beam are assumed to be small relative to its length.
  • The cross-section is uniform.
  • The weight of the beam is negligible.