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Bending Equation Derivation

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Introduction about Bending Equation Derivation

Bending equation is a subsection within the purview of bending theory. This theory, in turn, primarily suggests that a beam is subject to deformation when a force acts upon a point that passes through the longitudinal axis of the beam. Therefore, bending theory refers to a study of axial deformation caused due to such stresses and consequently also known as flexure theory. 

 

What is the Bending Stress Equation? 

Bending stress equation, or simply bending equation implies a mathematical equation that aims to find the amount of stress on the beam. However, the bending moment equation stipulates a set of assumptions that one has to take into account to arrive at the exact data of flexure stresses. 


The comprehensive assumptions of bending equation are thus as follows – 


  • The beam has to be straight. Besides, it has to possess a constant cross-section without aberrations. 

  • The construction of the beam has to be with a homogenous material. It must also possess a symmetrical longitudinal plane. 

  • The bending moment equation derivation states that the point of the applied load has to lie on its longitudinal plane of symmetry. 

  • One of the most essential assumptions in the bending equation is that failure should be a result of buckling and not bending. 

  • ‘E’ or the elastic limit remains constant for both tension and compression. 

  • The plane cross-section continues to be a plane throughout the bending process. 

 

What are the Factors in Bending Equation Derivation? 

The factors or bending equation terms as implemented in the derivation of bending equation are as follows – 


  • M = Bending moment. 

  • I = Moment of inertia exerted on the bending axis. 

  • σ = Stress of the fibre at a distance ‘y’ from neutral/centroidal axis. 

  • E = Young’s Modulus of beam material. 

  • R = Curvature radius of this bent beam.


However, if the distance to the remotest element c replaces y, then 


\[\frac{M}{I}\]=\[\frac{\sigma max}{c}\]


\[therefore \sigma max\]=\[\frac{MC}{I}\]=\[\frac{M}{Z}\]


Where \[Z=\frac{I}{c}\]. This Z is the section modulus of this beam


How is Bending Stress Formula Derivation Done? 

Bending stress formula derivation fundamentally computes the figure of bending stresses that develops on a loaded beam. 


Therefore, the bending equation of stress includes the following steps – 


Strain in fibre AB=\[\frac{change in lenght}{orginal length}\]


\[\frac{A'B'-AB}{AB}\] but AB = CD and CD=C’D’


Therefore,strain=\[\frac{A'B'-C'D'}{C'D'}\]


With the presence of CD and C’D’ on neutral axis, the stress on neutral axis comes to be zero. Thus, this neutral axis is devoid of any strain from the applied force.

\[\frac{(R+y)\theta -R\theta }{R\theta }\]=\[\frac{R\theta +y\theta -R\theta }{R\theta }\]=\[\frac{y}{R}\]


Yet, \[\frac{Stress}{Strain}\]=E(E=Young’s Modulus of elasticity)


Thus, equation of the two strains based on the two relations is \[\frac{\sigma}{y}\]=\[\frac{y}{R}\]


Or \[\frac{\sigma}{y}\]=\[\frac{E}{R}\]................(i)


On the other hand, let us assume any arbitrary cross-section of the beam. Strain on the fibre is at a distance of ‘y’ from the N.A. Thus, the following expression is -


\[\sigma=\frac{E}{R}y\]


Hoever, if the shaped strip has an area of ‘dA’, the following equation denotes force on strip -


F=\[\sigma\delta A=\frac{E}{R}y\delta A\]


Consequently, moment of the bending equation on the neutral axis will amount to -


\[Fy=\frac{E}{R}y^2\delta A\]


Therefore, the total moment for the entire cross-section equals to -


M=\[\sum \frac{E}{R}y^2\delta A\]=\[\frac{E}{R}\sum y^2\delta A\]


Here, Σy²δA is the beam material’s property and suggest the second moment of area of cross-section.

The symbol I further denotes  it.


As a result,


M=\[\frac{E}{R}l\]..................(ii)


Thus, when we combine equation (i) and (ii), we arrive at the following bending equation -


\[\frac{\sigma }{y}\]=\[\frac{M}{T}\]=\[\frac{E}{R}\]


The above equation thus refers to bending equation derivation. It is, however, pure bending because the bending results despite the lack of a force.

 

For further information on this topic, keep an eye on our website. You can also download our Vedantu app for added convenience.


Different regions of the Stress-Strain Graph 

The different regions in the stress-strain graph are:


  • Proportional Limit- The proportional limit is the region of the Stress-Strain Graph that follows Hooke’s Law,  which means that, in this region, the stress-strain ratio shows a constant proportionality. This constant value is called Young’s modulus. 

  • Elastic Limit- Elastic Limit is that point in the Stress-Strain graph, up to which the material returns to its initial position when a load is acting on it, is completely removed. Further Elastic limit, plastic deformation starts to appear in it.

  • Yield Point-The yield point is the point on the Stress-Strain graph at which the material starts to bend plastically. The passing of the yield point denotes that permanent plastic deformation has occurred.

  •  Ultimate Stress Point- Ultimate Stress Point is the point on the Stress-Strain graph that describes the maximum stress that the given material can endure before the ultimate failure. 

  • Fracture or Breaking Point- Breaking Point is the point in the Stress-Strain Graph at which the collapse of the material takes place which means that it is broken.

FAQs on Bending Equation Derivation

1. What is the complete bending equation and what does each term represent?

The pure bending equation is a fundamental formula in mechanics that relates the stresses in a beam to the applied bending moment. As per the CBSE Class 11 syllabus for 2025-26, the equation is expressed as: σ/y = M/I = E/R. The terms are:

  • σ (Sigma): The bending stress at a distance 'y' from the neutral axis.
  • y: The perpendicular distance from the neutral axis to the fibre being considered.
  • M: The bending moment acting on the beam's cross-section.
  • I: The moment of inertia of the cross-sectional area about the neutral axis.
  • E: Young's Modulus of Elasticity of the beam's material.
  • R: The radius of curvature of the beam when it bends.

2. What are the key assumptions made when deriving the bending equation?

The derivation of the bending equation relies on several important assumptions to simplify the analysis. These include:

  • The material of the beam is homogeneous (uniform properties throughout) and isotropic (same properties in all directions).
  • The beam is initially straight and has a uniform cross-section.
  • The material obeys Hooke's Law, meaning it behaves elastically and stress is proportional to strain.
  • Plane cross-sections of the beam remain plane even after bending.
  • The radius of curvature of the bent beam is large compared to its cross-sectional dimensions.
  • Young's Modulus (E) has the same value in both tension and compression.

3. Can you explain the key steps to derive the bending equation?

Deriving the bending equation involves three main stages. First, a geometric relationship for strain is established. Consider a small segment of a beam that bends into an arc of radius R. The strain (ε) in a fibre at a distance 'y' from the neutral axis is found to be ε = y/R. Second, a physical relationship based on material properties is used. According to Hooke's Law, stress (σ) is proportional to strain: σ = Eε. Combining these gives σ = E(y/R) or σ/y = E/R. Finally, an equilibrium condition is applied. The total resisting moment created by the internal stresses must equal the external bending moment (M). This leads to the relationship M/I = E/R. By combining both parts, we arrive at the full bending equation: σ/y = M/I = E/R.

4. What is the significance of the 'neutral axis' in a bending beam?

The neutral axis is a critical concept in the theory of bending. It is an imaginary line along the length of a beam's cross-section that experiences zero stress and zero strain during bending. When a beam bends, the fibres on one side of the neutral axis are in compression (shortened), while the fibres on the other side are in tension (elongated). The neutral axis is the transition layer between these compressive and tensile zones, and therefore its length does not change. It serves as the primary reference axis for measuring the distance 'y' to any other fibre in the cross-section.

5. What does the 'Section Modulus (Z)' of a beam represent?

The Section Modulus, denoted by Z, is a geometric property of a beam's cross-section that indicates its resistance to bending. It is defined as the ratio of the moment of inertia (I) to the distance of the outermost fibre from the neutral axis (y_max or c), so Z = I / y_max. A higher section modulus means the beam can withstand a greater bending moment before the maximum stress reaches the material's yield point. Therefore, for a given material, a beam with a larger section modulus is stronger in bending.

6. How does bending stress vary across the cross-section of a beam?

The bending stress is not uniform across a beam's cross-section; it varies linearly. The stress is zero at the neutral axis and increases in magnitude as you move further away from it. The maximum stress occurs at the fibres farthest from the neutral axis (the top and bottom surfaces). One of these surfaces will experience maximum tensile (pulling) stress, while the opposite surface will experience maximum compressive (pushing) stress. This linear distribution is a direct consequence of the relationship σ = (E/R)y.

7. Why is Young's Modulus (E) a critical parameter in the bending equation?

Young's Modulus (E), also known as the modulus of elasticity, is a measure of a material's stiffness. In the bending equation, it provides the essential link between the geometric deformation (strain) and the internal forces (stress) within the beam. A material with a high Young's Modulus (like steel) will be very stiff and resist deformation, meaning it will bend less under a given load compared to a material with a low E (like aluminium or plastic). Essentially, E quantifies how effectively a material can resist elastic deformation.

8. What is the relationship between bending moment and shear force in a beam?

Bending moment (M) and shear force (V) are directly related concepts in beam analysis. The shear force at any point along the beam is equal to the rate of change of the bending moment at that same point. Mathematically, this relationship is expressed as a derivative: V = dM/dx, where 'x' is the position along the beam's length. Conversely, the change in bending moment between two points is equal to the area under the shear force diagram between those points. Understanding this helps in constructing bending moment diagrams from shear force diagrams.