1. What Is Beam Rotation?

Beam rotation (deflection angle) is the angular displacement of a beam under load. It represents how much the beam rotates from its original position when subjected to external forces.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the beam rotation formula:

Where:

• \( w \) — Uniformly distributed load (lb/ft)
• \( L \) — Length of the beam (ft)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (psi)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (in^4)

Explanation: This formula calculates the rotation angle at the supports of a simply supported beam with uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance Of Rotation Calculation

Details: Calculating beam rotation is essential for structural analysis to ensure that deflections and rotations remain within acceptable limits for safety and serviceability of structures.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Load (w) in lb/ft, length (L) in ft, modulus (E) in psi, and inertia (I) in in^4. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What are typical values for modulus of elasticity?
A: For steel, E is approximately 29,000,000 psi; for wood, it varies between 1,000,000-1,800,000 psi depending on species.

Q3: How does beam rotation affect structural design?
A: Excessive rotation can lead to serviceability issues, cracking in supported elements, and discomfort for occupants.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula assumes linear elastic material behavior, small deflections, and specific support conditions.

Q5: How is moment of inertia determined?
A: Moment of inertia depends on the cross-sectional shape and is calculated based on geometric properties of the beam section.