Maximum Tensile Stress in Cantilever Beam

The maximum tensile stress in a cantilever beam with a concentrated load acting downwards on the span is caused at the point where the load is applied. This is because the load creates a bending moment in the beam which causes the beam to bend downwards. As a result, the top portion of the beam experiences tension while the bottom portion experiences compression. The maximum tensile stress occurs at the point of the beam where the cross-sectional area is the smallest, which is usually at the top surface of the beam.

Explanation

When a concentrated load is applied to a cantilever beam, it creates a bending moment in the beam which causes the beam to bend downwards. This bending moment creates a normal stress in the beam, which is a combination of tensile and compressive stresses. The tensile stress occurs on the top surface of the beam while the compressive stress occurs on the bottom surface of the beam. The maximum tensile stress occurs at the point where the cross-sectional area of the beam is the smallest because the stress is inversely proportional to the area.

The maximum tensile stress in a cantilever beam can be calculated using the bending moment and the second moment of area of the beam. The bending moment is the product of the load and the distance between the load and the fixed end of the beam. The second moment of area is a measure of the beam's resistance to bending and is calculated using the beam's cross-sectional dimensions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the maximum tensile stress in a cantilever beam with a concentrated load acting downwards on the span is caused at the point where the load is applied. This stress occurs on the top surface of the beam where the cross-sectional area is the smallest. The maximum tensile stress can be calculated using the bending moment and the second moment of area of the beam.

Caused at external top fiber.