Static Forces - Simple Beam & Cantilever

Investigate support reactions, shear forces and bending moments for beams under different loading conditions.

Beam configuration

Beam type

Beam length, L: 4 m

Distributed load, w: 0 kN/m

Point load 1

Load, P₁: 5 kN

Position, x₁: 2 m

Point load 2

Load, P₂: 0 kN

Position, x₂: 3 m

Applied clockwise moment

Moment, M: 0 kN·m

Moment position: 2 m

Beam diagram

↓ Applied load ↑ Support reaction ↻ Applied moment

Support reactions

Vertical reaction at A

0 kN

Vertical reaction at B

0 kN

Support moment at A

0 kN·m

Shear force diagram (SFD)

Positive shear is plotted above the zero line. Point loads and support reactions produce jumps in the shear force.

Maximum absolute shear: 0 kN

Bending moment diagram (BMD)

Sagging moments are positive and hogging moments are negative. Applied couples cause jumps in the bending moment diagram.

Maximum absolute bending moment: 0 kN·m

Equilibrium equations

Vertical force equilibrium: ΣFᵧ = 0

Moment equilibrium: ΣM = 0

Sign convention: Upward reactions are positive and downward loads are negative in the shear calculation. Clockwise applied couples are entered as positive magnitudes. The BMD uses positive sagging and negative hogging moments. The model assumes a static beam, ideal supports and vertical loading only.