Concept of Shear Force and Bending moment in beams:

When the beam is loaded in some arbitrarily manner, the internal forces and moments are developed and the
terms shear force and bending moments come into pictures which are helpful to analyze the beams further. Let
us define these terms

Fig 1

Now let us consider the beam as shown in fig 1(a) which is supporting the loads P1, P2, P3 and is simply
supported at two points creating the reactions R1 and R2 respectively. Now let us assume that the beam is to
divided into or imagined to be cut into two portions at a section AA. Now let us assume that the resultant of loads
and reactions to the left of AA is ‘F' vertically upwards, and since the entire beam is to remain in equilibrium, thus
the resultant of forces to the right of AA must also be F, acting downwards. This forces ‘F' is as a shear force.
The shearing force at any x-section of a beam represents the tendency for the portion of the beam to one side of
the section to slide or shear laterally relative to the other portion.

Therefore, now we are in a position to define the shear force ‘F' to as follows:

At any x-section of a beam, the shear force ‘F' is the algebraic sum of all the lateral components of the forces
acting on either side of the x-section.

Sign Convention for Shear Force:

The usual sign conventions to be followed for the shear forces have been illustrated in figures 2 and 3.
 Fig 2: Positive Shear Force

Fig 3: Negative Shear Force

Bending Moment:
 Fig 4

Let us again consider the beam which is simply supported at the two prints, carrying loads P1, P2 and P3 and
having the reactions R1 and R2 at the supports Fig 4. Now, let us imagine that the beam is cut into two potions at
the x-section AA. In a similar manner, as done for the case of shear force, if we say that the resultant moment
about the section AA of all the loads and reactions to the left of the x-section at AA is M in C.W direction, then
moment of forces to the right of x-section AA must be ‘M' in C.C.W. Then ‘M' is called as the Bending moment
and is abbreviated as B.M. Now one can define the bending moment to be simply as the algebraic sum of the
moments about an x-section of all the forces acting on either side of the section

Sign Conventions for the Bending Moment:

For the bending moment, following sign conventions may be adopted as indicated in Fig 5 and Fig 6.
 Fig 5: Positive Bending Moment

Fig 6: Negative Bending Moment

Some times, the terms ‘Sagging' and Hogging are generally used for the positive and negative bending moments
respectively.

Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagrams:

The diagrams which illustrate the variations in B.M and S.F values along the length of the beam for any fixed
loading conditions would be helpful to analyze the beam further.

Thus, a shear force diagram is a graphical plot, which depicts how the internal shear force ‘F' varies along the
length of beam. If x dentotes the length of the beam, then F is function x i.e. F(x).

Similarly a bending moment diagram is a graphical plot which depicts how the internal bending moment ‘M' varies
along the length of the beam. Again M is a function x i.e. M(x).

Basic Relationship Between The Rate of Loading, Shear Force and Bending Moment:

The construction of the shear force diagram and bending moment diagrams is greatly simplified if the relationship
among load, shear force and bending moment is established.

Let us consider a simply supported beam AB carrying a uniformly distributed load w/length. Let us imagine to cut
a short slice of length dx cut out from this loaded beam at distance ‘x' from the origin ‘0'.
Let us detach this portion of the beam and draw its free body diagram.

The forces acting on the free body diagram of the detached portion of this loaded beam are the following

•  The shearing force F and F+ F at the section x and x + x respectively.

•  The bending moment at the sections x and x + x be M and M + dM respectively.

•  Force due to external loading, if ‘w' is the mean rate of loading per unit length then the total loading on this slice
of length x is w. x, which is approximately acting through the centre ‘c'. If the loading is assumed to be
uniformly distributed then it would pass exactly through the centre ‘c'.

This small element must be in equilibrium under the action of these forces and couples.

Now let us take the moments at the point ‘c'. Such that
Conclusions: From the above relations,the following important conclusions may be drawn

•  From Equation (1), the area of the shear force diagram between any two points, from the basic calculus is the
bending moment diagram

•  The slope of bending moment diagram is the shear force,thus

Thus, if F=0; the slope of the bending moment diagram is zero and the bending moment is therefore constant.'

•  The maximum or minimum Bending moment occurs where 

The slope of the shear force diagram is equal to the magnitude of the intensity of the distributed loading at any
position along the beam. The –ve sign is as a consequence of our particular choice of sign conventions
Procedure for drawing shear force and bending moment diagram:
Preamble:

The advantage of plotting a variation of shear force F and bending moment M in a beam as a function of ‘x'
measured from one end of the beam is that it becomes easier to determine the maximum absolute value of shear
force and bending moment.

Further, the determination of value of M as a function of ‘x' becomes of paramount importance so as to determine
the value of deflection of beam subjected to a given loading.

Construction of shear force and bending moment diagrams:

A shear force diagram can be constructed from the loading diagram of the beam. In order to draw this, first the
reactions must be determined always. Then the vertical components of forces and reactions are successively
summed from the left end of the beam to preserve the mathematical sign conventions adopted. The shear at a
section is simply equal to the sum of all the vertical forces to the left of the section.

When the successive summation process is used, the shear force diagram should end up with the previously
calculated shear (reaction at right end of the beam. No shear force acts through the beam just beyond the last
vertical force or reaction. If the shear force diagram closes in this fashion, then it gives an important check on
mathematical calculations.

The bending moment diagram is obtained by proceeding continuously along the length of beam from the left
hand end and summing up the areas of shear force diagrams giving due regard to sign. The process of obtaining
the moment diagram from the shear force diagram by summation is exactly the same as that for drawing shear
force diagram from load diagram.

It may also be observed that a constant shear force produces a uniform change in the bending moment, resulting
in straight line in the moment diagram. If no shear force exists along a certain portion of a beam, then it indicates
that there is no change in moment takes place. It may also further observe that dm/dx= F therefore, from the
fundamental theorem of calculus the maximum or minimum moment occurs where the shear is zero. In order to
check the validity of the bending moment diagram, the terminal conditions for the moment must be satisfied. If
the end is free or pinned, the computed sum must be equal to zero. If the end is built in, the moment computed
by the summation must be equal to the one calculated initially for the reaction. These conditions must always be
satisfied.

Illustrative problems:

In the following sections some illustrative problems have been discussed so as to illustrate the procedure for
drawing the shear force and bending moment diagrams

1. A cantilever of length carries a concentrated load ‘W' at its free end.

Draw shear force and bending moment.

Solution:

At a section a distance x from free end consider the forces to the left, then F = -W (for all values of x) -ve sign
means the shear force to the left of the x-section are in downward direction and therefore negative

Taking moments about the section gives (obviously to the left of the section)

M = -Wx (-ve sign means that the moment on the left hand side of the portion is in the anticlockwise direction and
is therefore taken as –ve according to the sign convention)

so that the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed end i.e. M = -W l

From equilibrium consideration, the fixing moment applied at the fixed end is Wl and the reaction is W. the shear
force and bending moment are shown as,
2. Simply supported beam subjected to a central load (i.e. load acting at the mid-way)

By symmetry the reactions at the two supports would be W/2 and W/2. now consider any section X-X from the
left end then, the beam is under the action of following forces.

.So the shear force at any X-section would be = W/2 [Which is constant upto x < l/2]

If we consider another section Y-Y which is beyond l/2 then

 for all values greater = l/2

Hence S.F diagram can be plotted as,

If we just take the moments to the left of the cross-section,

Which when plotted will give a straight relation i.e.

It may be observed that at the point of application of load there is an abrupt change in the shear force, at this
point the B.M is maximum.
3. A cantilever beam subjected to U.d.L, draw S.F and B.M diagram.

Here the cantilever beam is subjected to a uniformly distributed load whose intensity is given w / length.

Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the free end. If we just take the resultant of all the
forces on the left of the X-section, then

S.Fxx = -Wx for all values of ‘x'. ---------- (1)

S.Fxx = 0

S.Fxx at x=1 = -Wl

So if we just plot the equation No. (1), then it will give a straight line relation. Bending Moment at X-X is obtained
by treating the load to the left of X-X as a concentrated load of the same value acting through the centre of
gravity.

Therefore, the bending moment at any cross-section X-X is

The above equation is a quadratic in x, when B.M is plotted against x this will produces a parabolic variation.

The extreme values of this would be at x = 0 and x = l

Hence S.F and B.M diagram can be plotted as follows:

The total load carried by the span would be

= intensity of loading x length

=wxl

By symmetry the reactions at the end supports are each wl/2

If x is the distance of the section considered from the left hand end of the beam.

S.F at any X-section X-X is

Giving a straight relation, having a slope equal to the rate of loading or intensity of the loading.
The bending moment at the section x is found by treating the distributed load as acting at its centre of gravity,
which at a distance of x/2 from the section

So the equation (2) when plotted against x gives rise to a parabolic curve and the shear force and bending
moment can be drawn in the following way will appear as follows:

5. Couple.
When the beam is subjected to couple, the shear force and Bending moment diagrams may be drawn exactly in
the same fashion as discussed earlier.

6. Eccentric loads.

When the beam is subjected to an eccentric loads, the eccentric load are to be changed into a couple/ force as
the case may be, In the illustrative example given below, the 20 kN load acting at a distance of 0.2m may be
converted to an equivalent of 20 kN force and a couple of 2 kN.m. similarly a 10 kN force which is acting at an
angle of 300 may be resolved into horizontal and vertical components.The rest of the procedure for drawing the
shear force and Bending moment remains the same.

6. Loading changes or there is an abrupt change of loading:

When there is an aabrupt change of loading or loads changes, the problem may be tackled in a systematic
way.consider a cantilever beam of 3 meters length. It carries a uniformly distributed load of 2 kN/m and a
concentrated loads of 2kN at the free end and 4kN at 2 meters from fixed end.The shearing force and bending
moment diagrams are required to be drawn and state the maximum values of the shearing force and bending
moment.

Solution
Consider any cross section x-x, at a distance x from the free end

Shear Force at x-x = -2 -2x          0 < x < 1

S.F at x = 0 i.e. at A = -2 kN

S.F at x = 1 = -2-2 = - 4kN

S.F at C (x = 1) = -2 -2x - 4    Concentrated load

= - 2 - 4 -2x1 kN

= - 8 kN

Again consider any cross-section YY, located at a distance x from the free end

S.F at Y-Y = -2 - 2x - 4         1< x < 3

This equation again gives S.F at point C equal to -8kN

S.F at x = 3 m = -2 -4 -2x3

= -12 kN

Hence the shear force diagram can be drawn as below:

Bending Moment at xx = -2x - 2x.x/2 valid upto AC

B.M at x = 0 = 0

B.M at x =1m = -3 kN.m

For the portion CB, the bending moment equation can be written for the x-section at Y-Y .

B.M at YY = -2x - 2x.x/2 - 4( x -1)

This equation again gives,

B.M at point C = - 2.1 - 1 - 0 i.e. at x = 1

= -3 kN.m

B.M at point B i.e. at  x = 3 m

=-6-9-8

= - 23 kN-m

The variation of the bending moment diagrams would obviously be a parabolic curve

Hence the bending moment diagram would be

In this there is an abrupt change of loading beyond a certain point thus, we shall have to be careful at the jumps
and the discontinuities.

For the given problem, the values of reactions can be determined as

R2 = 3800N and R1 = 5400N

The shear force and bending moment diagrams can be drawn by considering the X-sections at the suitable
locations.
8. Illustrative Problem :

The simply supported beam shown below carries a vertical load that increases uniformly from zero at the one
end to the maximum value of 6kN/m of length at the other end .Draw the shearing force and bending moment
diagrams.

Solution

Determination of Reactions

For the purpose of determining the reactions R1 and R2 , the entire distributed load may be replaced by its
resultant which will act through the centroid of the triangular loading diagram.

So the total resultant load can be found like this-

Average intensity of loading = (0 + 6)/2

= 3 kN/m

Total Load = 3 x 12

= 36 kN

Since the centroid of the triangle is at a 2/3 distance from the one end, hence 2/3 x 3 = 8 m from the left end
support.
Now taking moments or applying conditions of equilibrium

36 x 8 = R2 x 12

R1 = 12 kN

R2 = 24 kN

Note: however, this resultant can not be used for the purpose of drawing the shear force and bending moment
diagrams. We must consider the distributed load and determine the shear and moment at a section x from the left
hand end.

Consider any X-section X-X at a distance x, as the intensity of loading at this X-section, is unknown let us find out
the resultant load which is acting on the L.H.S of the X-section X-X, hence

So consider the similar triangles

OAB & OCD

In order to find out the total resultant load on the left hand side of the X-section

Find the average load intensity

Now these loads will act through the centroid of the triangle OAB. i.e. at a distance 2/3 x from the left hand end.
Therefore, the shear force and bending momemt equations may be written as
9. Illustrative problem :

In the same way, the shear force and bending moment diagrams may be attempted for the given problem

10. Illustrative problem :

For the uniformly varying loads, the problem may be framed in a variety of ways, observe the shear force and
bending moment diagrams

11. Illustrative problem :

In the problem given below, the intensity of loading varies from q1 kN/m at one end to the q2 kN/m at the other
end.This problem can be treated by considering a U.d.i of intensity q1 kN/m over the entire span and a uniformly
varying load of 0 to ( q2- q1)kN/m over the entire span and then super impose teh two loadings.
Point of Contraflexure:

Consider the loaded beam a shown below along with the shear force and Bending moment diagrams for It may
be observed that this case, the bending moment diagram is completely positive so that the curvature of the beam
varies along its length, but it is always concave upwards or sagging.However if we consider a again a loaded
beam as shown below along with the S.F and B.M diagrams, then
It may be noticed that for the beam loaded as in this case,

The bending moment diagram is partly positive and partly negative.If we plot the deflected shape of the beam
just below the bending moment

This diagram shows that L.H.S of the beam ‘sags' while the R.H.S of the beam ‘hogs'

The point C on the beam where the curvature changes from sagging to hogging is a point of contraflexure.

OR

It corresponds to a point where the bending moment changes the sign, hence in order to find the point of
contraflexures obviously the B.M would change its sign when it cuts the X-axis therefore to get the points of
contraflexure equate the bending moment equation equal to zero.The fibre stress is zero at such sections

Note: there can be more than one point of contraflexure.

Simple Bending Theory OR Theory of Flexure for Initially Straight Beams

(The normal stress due to bending are called flexure stresses)

Preamble:

When a beam having an arbitrary cross section is subjected to a transverse loads the beam will bend. In addition
to bending the other effects such as twisting and buckling may occur, and to investigate a problem that includes
all the combined effects of bending, twisting and buckling could become a complicated one. Thus we are
interested to investigate the bending effects alone, in order to do so, we have to put certain constraints on the
geometry of the beam and the manner of loading.

Assumptions:

The constraints put on the geometry would form the assumptions:

1. Beam is initially straight , and has a constant cross-section.

2. Beam is made of homogeneous material and the beam has a longitudinal plane of symmetry.

3. Resultant of the applied loads lies in the plane of symmetry.

4. The geometry of the overall member is such that bending not buckling is the primary cause of failure.

5. Elastic limit is nowhere exceeded and ‘E' is same in tension and compression.

6. Plane cross - sections remains plane before and after bending.

Let us consider a beam initially unstressed as shown in fig 1(a). Now the beam is subjected to a constant
bending moment (i.e. ‘Zero Shearing Force') along its length as would be obtained by applying equal couples at
each end. The beam will bend to the radius R as shown in Fig 1(b)

As a result of this bending, the top fibers of the beam will be subjected to tension and the bottom to compression
it is reasonable to suppose, therefore, that some where between the two there are points at which the stress
is zero. The locus of all such points is known as neutral axis . The radius of curvature R is then measured to
 this axis. For symmetrical sections the N. A. is the axis of symmetry but what ever the section N. A. will always
pass through the centre of the area or centroid.

The above restrictions have been taken so as to eliminate the possibility of 'twisting' of the beam.

Concept of pure bending:

Loading restrictions:

As we are aware of the fact internal reactions developed on any cross-section of a beam may consists of a
resultant normal force, a resultant shear force and a resultant couple. In order to ensure that the bending effects
alone are investigated, we shall put a constraint on the loading such that the resultant normal and the resultant
shear forces are zero on any cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member,

That means F = 0

since   or M = constant.

Thus, the zero shear force means that the bending moment is constant or the bending is same at every cross-
section of the beam. Such a situation may be visualized or envisaged when the beam or some portion of the
beam, as been loaded only by pure couples at its ends. It must be recalled that the couples are assumed to be
loaded in the plane of symmetry.

When a member is loaded in such a fashion it is said to be in pure bending. The examples of pure bending have
been indicated in EX 1and EX 2 as shown below :
 When a beam is subjected to pure bending are loaded by the couples at the ends, certain cross-section gets
deformed and we shall have to make out the conclusion that,

1. Plane sections originally perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the beam remain plane and perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis even after bending , i.e. the cross-section A'E', B'F' ( refer Fig 1(a) ) do not get warped or
curved.

2. In the deformed section, the planes of this cross-section have a common intersection i.e. any time originally
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam becomes an arc of circle.
 We know that when a beam is under bending the fibres at the top will be lengthened while at the bottom will be
shortened provided the bending moment M acts at the ends. In between these there are some fibres which
remain unchanged in length that is they are not strained, that is they do not carry any stress. The plane
containing such fibres is called neutral surface.

The line of intersection between the neutral surface and the transverse exploratory section is called the neutral
axisNeutral axis (N A) .

Bending Stresses in Beams or Derivation of Elastic Flexural formula :

In order to compute the value of bending stresses developed in a loaded beam, let us consider the two cross-
sections of a beam HE and GF , originally parallel as shown in fig 1(a).when the beam is to bend it is assumed
that these sections remain parallel i.e. H'E' and G'F' , the final position of the sections, are still straight lines, they
then subtend some angle .

Consider now fiber AB in the material, at adistance y from the N.A, when the beam bends this will stretch to A'B'

Since CD and C'D' are on the neutral axis and it is assumed that the Stress on the neutral axis zero. Therefore,
there won't be any strain on the neutral axis

Consider any arbitrary a cross-section of beam, as shown above now the strain on a fibre at a distance ‘y' from
the N.A, is given by the expression
 Now the term is the property of the material and is called as a second moment of area of the cross-
section and is denoted by a symbol I.

Therefore

This equation is known as the Bending Theory Equation.The above proof has involved the assumption of
pure bending without any shear force being present. Therefore this termed as the pure bending equation. This
equation gives distribution of stresses which are normal to cross-section i.e. in x-direction.

Section Modulus:

From simple bending theory equation, the maximum stress obtained in any cross-section is given as

For any given allowable stress the maximum moment which can be accepted by a particular shape of cross-
section is therefore

For ready comparison of the strength of various beam cross-section this relationship is some times written in the
form

 Is termed as section modulus

The higher value of Z for a particular cross-section, the higher the bending moment which it can withstand for a
given maximum stress.

Theorems to determine second moment of area: There are two theorems which are helpful to determine the
value of second moment of area, which is required to be used while solving the simple bending theory equation.
 Second Moment of Area :

Taking an analogy from the mass moment of inertia, the second moment of area is defined as the summation of
areas times the distance squared from a fixed axis. (This property arised while we were driving bending theory
equation). This is also known as the moment of inertia. An alternative name given to this is second moment of
area, because the first moment being the sum of areas times their distance from a given axis and the second

moment being the square of the distance or  .

Consider any cross-section having small element of area d A then by the definition

Ix(Mass Moment of Inertia about x-axis) =   and Iy(Mass Moment of Inertia about y-axis) =

Now the moment of inertia about an axis through ‘O' and perpendicular to the plane of figure is called the polar
moment of inertia. (The polar moment of inertia is also the area moment of inertia).

i.e,

      J = polar moment of inertia

The relation (1) is known as the perpendicular axis theorem and may be stated as follows:

The sum of the Moment of Inertia about any two axes in the plane is equal to the moment of inertia about an axis
perpendicular to the plane, the three axes being concurrent, i.e, the three axes exist together.

CIRCULAR SECTION :

For a circular x-section, the polar moment of inertia may be computed in the following manner
 Consider any circular strip of thickness r located at a radius 'r'.

Than the area of the circular strip would be dA = 2r. r

Thus
 Parallel Axis Theorem:

The moment of inertia about any axis is equal to the moment of inertia about a parallel axis through the centroid
plus the area times the square of the distance between the axes.

If ‘ZZ' is any axis in the plane of cross-section and ‘XX' is a parallel axis through the centroid G, of the cross-
section, then

Rectangular Section:

For a rectangular x-section of the beam, the second moment of area may be computed as below :
 Consider the rectangular beam cross-section as shown above and an element of area dA , thickness dy ,
breadth B located at a distance y from the neutral axis, which by symmetry passes through the centre of section.
The second moment of area I as defined earlier would be

Thus, for the rectangular section the second moment of area about the neutral axis i.e., an axis through the
centre is given by

Similarly, the second moment of area of the rectangular section about an axis through the lower edge of the
section would be found using the same procedure but with integral limits of 0 to D .

Therefore 

These standards formulas prove very convenient in the determination of INA for build up sections which can be
conveniently divided into rectangles. For instance if we just want to find out the Moment of Inertia of an I -
section, then we can use the above relation.