How can I calculate the strain in a simply supported beam from having the maximum bending moment (25kNm) and the maximum bending stress (45MPa)?
1 Answer
From Wikipedia's page on Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory: $$ \sigma_x = -zE\cfrac{\mathrm{d}^2w}{\mathrm{d}x^2}\,,~~ M = -EI\cfrac{\mathrm{d}^2w}{\mathrm{d}x^2} \,,~~ \varepsilon_{x} = -z\cfrac{\mathrm{d}^2w}{\mathrm{d}x^2} \,. $$ Therefore, $$ \sigma_x = E\,\varepsilon_x ~,~~ M = \frac{EI}{z}\,\varepsilon_x \,. $$ You can eliminate the ratio $$ \frac{I}{z} = \frac{M}{\sigma_x} \,. $$ But you will still need to know $E$ to find the strain.
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$\begingroup$ Thats the problem. I have to calculate the Modulus Elasticity and I am only given the Maximum Bending Moment and Maximum Bending Stress. It seems like the question is impossible to solve. $\endgroup$– DhatsahOct 24, 2015 at 20:17
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1$\begingroup$ Strain is a material-dependent property. It is impossible to solve without the modulus of elasticity. $\endgroup$– Wasabi ♦Oct 24, 2015 at 20:26
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1$\begingroup$ The equation above assumes that the response to load remains within the elastic zone. The problem, as described, does not even permit this assumption to be validated. $\endgroup$– AsymLabsOct 26, 2015 at 11:48