Steel Tube Deflection Calculator

Deflection Formula:

\[ \delta = \frac{5 \times W \times L^4}{384 \times E \times I} \]

Load (W):

Length (L):

Modulus of Elasticity (E):

Moment of Inertia (I):

m⁴

Deflection (δ):

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1. What is the Steel Tube Deflection Formula?

The deflection formula calculates the maximum deflection of a simply supported steel tube under a uniformly distributed load. It provides an accurate assessment of structural deformation, which is crucial for engineering design and safety evaluations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the deflection formula:

\[ \delta = \frac{5 \times W \times L^4}{384 \times E \times I} \]

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum vertical displacement at the center of a simply supported beam under uniform loading, accounting for material properties and geometric dimensions.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Accurate deflection calculation is crucial for structural engineering, ensuring that steel tubes meet design specifications, maintain structural integrity, and prevent excessive deformation that could lead to failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load in Newtons, length in meters, modulus of elasticity in Pascals, and moment of inertia in meters to the fourth power. All values must be positive and valid for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a simply supported beam?
A: A simply supported beam is supported at both ends with one support allowing rotation and the other allowing both rotation and horizontal movement.

Q2: What are typical values for modulus of elasticity for steel?
A: For most steel types, the modulus of elasticity is approximately 200 GPa (200 × 10⁹ Pa).

Q3: How do I calculate moment of inertia for a steel tube?
A: For a circular tube, \( I = \frac{\pi}{64}(D_o^4 - D_i^4) \), where \( D_o \) is outer diameter and \( D_i \) is inner diameter.

Q4: What are acceptable deflection limits?
A: Deflection limits vary by application, but typically range from L/240 to L/360 of the span length for building structures.

Q5: Does this formula account for shear deformation?
A: No, this formula only considers bending deformation. For short, deep beams, shear deformation may need to be considered separately.