1. What is Shear Force?

Shear force is the internal force in a beam that acts parallel to the cross-section. For a simply supported beam with uniformly distributed load, the maximum shear force occurs at the supports and equals wL/2.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the shear force formula:

Where:

• \( w \) — Load per unit length (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of the beam (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum shear force at the supports of a simply supported beam carrying a uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Shear Force Calculation

Details: Shear force calculation is essential in structural engineering for designing beams that can withstand applied loads without failure. It helps determine the required beam dimensions and reinforcement.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load per unit length in N/m and beam length in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of beams does this formula apply to?
A: This formula applies specifically to simply supported beams with uniformly distributed loads.

Q2: How does shear force vary along the beam?
A: For a simply supported beam with UDL, shear force decreases linearly from wL/2 at supports to zero at the center.

Q3: What units should I use for input values?
A: Use consistent units - N/m for load per unit length and meters for length. The result will be in Newtons.

Q4: Can this calculator handle point loads?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for uniformly distributed loads. Different formulas are needed for point loads.

Q5: What are typical shear force values in real structures?
A: Shear force values vary widely depending on the structure. Residential beams might experience shear forces in the range of几千 to几十千 Newtons, while large bridges can experience millions of Newtons.