Calculate critical structural properties for metal beams, including load capacity, bending stress, and deflection. Essential for structural engineering and construction projects.
Beam Properties Calculator
Enter the total length of the beam in meters.
Point Load (P)
Uniformly Distributed Load (w)
Select the type of load applied.
Enter the magnitude of the point load in Newtons (N).
Enter the magnitude of the uniform load in Newtons per meter (N/m).
Young's Modulus for the material (e.g., steel is ~200 GPa). Units: Pascals (Pa).
Moment of Inertia of the beam's cross-section. Units: m^4.
Simply Supported
Cantilever
Select the beam's support conditions.
Calculation Results
Max Shear Force: — kN
Max Bending Moment: — kNm
Max Bending Stress (σ): — MPa
Max Deflection (δ): — mm
Formulas Used (Simplified):
Shear Force (V): Depends on load type and support. For simply supported with uniform load w, V_max = wL/2. For point load P at center, V_max = P/2. For cantilever, V_max = Total Load.
Bending Moment (M): Depends on load type and support. For simply supported with uniform load w, M_max = wL²/8. For point load P at center, M_max = PL/4. For cantilever, M_max = wL²/2 or PL (at support).
Bending Stress (σ): Calculated using the flexure formula: σ = M * y / I, where y is the distance from the neutral axis to the outer fiber. We use a typical y for common sections or assume a value for demonstration. For simplicity, we often consider the maximum stress at the outer fiber. Here, we approximate σ_max = M_max / S, where S is the section modulus. If S is not provided, we use a representative value or indicate it's a critical factor. For this calculator, we'll use σ_max = M_max / (I / y_max), assuming y_max is half the beam depth for a rectangular section, or a typical value for I-beams.
Deflection (δ): Depends on load, support, E, and I. For simply supported with uniform load w, δ_max = (5 * w * L^4) / (384 * E * I). For point load P at center, δ_max = (P * L^3) / (48 * E * I). For cantilever, δ_max = (w * L^4) / (8 * E * I) or (P * L^3) / (3 * E * I).
Note: These are simplified formulas. Actual engineering calculations involve more complex factors, safety margins, and specific section properties.
Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram
Bending Moment (kNm) Shear Force (kN)
What is a Metal Beam Calculator?
A metal beam calculator is a specialized engineering tool designed to analyze the structural behavior of metal beams under various loading conditions. It helps engineers, architects, and builders determine critical parameters such as load-bearing capacity, maximum bending stress, shear force, and deflection. By inputting specific properties of the beam (like length, material, cross-sectional shape, and applied loads), the calculator provides essential data to ensure structural integrity, safety, and compliance with building codes. This tool is fundamental in structural design, preventing failures and optimizing material usage.
Who should use it:
Structural Engineers: For designing new structures and verifying existing ones.
Mechanical Engineers: For designing machinery frames and supports.
Architects: To understand the structural implications of design choices.
Construction Managers & Builders: To verify material specifications and installation procedures.
DIY Enthusiasts: For smaller projects requiring robust structural elements (with caution and professional advice).
Common Misconceptions:
"Any metal beam is strong enough": Different metal alloys and shapes have vastly different strengths and stiffnesses. A calculator clarifies these differences.
"Calculations are too complex for online tools": While advanced analysis requires specialized software, a good online calculator provides accurate results for common scenarios based on established engineering principles.
"Deflection is always negligible": Excessive deflection can cause aesthetic issues, damage to finishes, or functional problems, even if the beam doesn't fail.
Metal Beam Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of a metal beam calculator relies on fundamental principles of structural mechanics, primarily beam theory. The calculations involve determining the internal forces (shear force and bending moment) and their effects (stress and deflection) within the beam.
Key Formulas:
Shear Force (V): The internal force acting perpendicular to the beam's axis. It's calculated by summing the vertical forces acting on one side of a section of the beam.
Bending Moment (M): The internal moment acting about the beam's neutral axis. It's calculated by summing the moments of forces acting on one side of a section.
Bending Stress (σ): The stress induced within the beam due to bending. It's calculated using the flexure formula:
σ = (M * y) / I
Where:
M = Maximum Bending Moment
y = Distance from the neutral axis to the point of interest (typically the outer fiber for maximum stress)
I = Moment of Inertia of the beam's cross-section
Often simplified to σ_max = M_max / S, where S is the Section Modulus (S = I / y_max).
Deflection (δ): The displacement of the beam from its original position under load. The formula varies significantly based on load type, support conditions, beam length, material's Modulus of Elasticity (E), and Moment of Inertia (I). A common form is:
δ_max = (C * Load * L^n) / (E * I)
Where 'C' is a constant dependent on load and support type, 'n' is an exponent (typically 3 or 4), and 'Load' is the applied load magnitude.
Variables Table:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
L
Beam Length
meters (m)
0.1 – 50+
P
Point Load
Newtons (N)
100 – 1,000,000+
w
Uniform Load
Newtons per meter (N/m)
100 – 50,000+
E
Modulus of Elasticity
Pascals (Pa)
~70 GPa (Al) to ~200 GPa (Steel)
I
Moment of Inertia
meters^4 (m^4)
10^-6 – 10^-2
y
Distance from Neutral Axis
meters (m)
Depends on cross-section
S
Section Modulus
meters^3 (m^3)
Depends on cross-section
V_max
Maximum Shear Force
Newtons (N)
Calculated
M_max
Maximum Bending Moment
Newton-meters (Nm)
Calculated
σ_max
Maximum Bending Stress
Pascals (Pa)
Calculated
δ_max
Maximum Deflection
meters (m)
Calculated
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Understanding the application of a metal beam calculator is crucial. Here are two practical examples:
Example 1: Simply Supported Steel Beam for a Floor Joist
Scenario: A structural engineer is designing a floor system. A single steel I-beam (W8x21) spans 6 meters between two support columns. It needs to support a uniformly distributed load from the floor structure, including live and dead loads, totaling 80 kN (80,000 N). The Modulus of Elasticity for steel is approximately 200 GPa (200 x 10^9 Pa). The Moment of Inertia (I) for a W8x21 section about its strong axis is approximately 0.000075 m^4.
Inputs:
Beam Length (L): 6 m
Load Type: Uniformly Distributed Load (w)
Uniform Load Magnitude (w): 80,000 N / 6 m = 13,333 N/m
Modulus of Elasticity (E): 200 x 10^9 Pa
Moment of Inertia (I): 0.000075 m^4
Support Type: Simply Supported
Calculated Results (using the calculator):
Max Shear Force (V_max): Approx. 53.3 kN
Max Bending Moment (M_max): Approx. 106.7 kNm
Max Bending Stress (σ_max): Approx. 142 MPa (assuming y_max ≈ 0.1m for W8x21)
Max Deflection (δ_max): Approx. 15.6 mm
Interpretation: The calculated maximum bending stress (142 MPa) is well below the yield strength of typical structural steel (e.g., 250-350 MPa), indicating the beam is safe from yielding. The maximum deflection (15.6 mm) is approximately L/385 (6000mm / 15.6mm ≈ 385), which often meets typical deflection limits (e.g., L/360 or L/240) for floor joists, ensuring the floor feels rigid.
Example 2: Cantilevered Aluminum Beam for a Balcony Extension
Scenario: An architect wants to add a small cantilevered balcony extension using an aluminum rectangular tube section. The extension projects 2 meters (L) from the main building. It needs to support a concentrated point load (P) of 5,000 N at the tip, representing people and furniture. The Modulus of Elasticity for aluminum is approximately 70 GPa (70 x 10^9 Pa). The Moment of Inertia (I) for the chosen 100mm x 50mm x 5mm thick rectangular tube is approximately 0.000035 m^4.
Inputs:
Beam Length (L): 2 m
Load Type: Point Load (P)
Point Load Magnitude (P): 5,000 N
Modulus of Elasticity (E): 70 x 10^9 Pa
Moment of Inertia (I): 0.000035 m^4
Support Type: Cantilever
Calculated Results (using the calculator):
Max Shear Force (V_max): Approx. 5 kN
Max Bending Moment (M_max): Approx. 10 kNm
Max Bending Stress (σ_max): Approx. 286 MPa (assuming y_max ≈ 0.05m for the 100mm depth)
Max Deflection (δ_max): Approx. 48.5 mm
Interpretation: The maximum bending stress (286 MPa) is very high for standard aluminum alloys (which typically yield around 50-300 MPa depending on the alloy and temper). This suggests the chosen section might be inadequate or require a higher-strength alloy. The deflection (48.5 mm) is significant (L/41), potentially exceeding acceptable limits for a balcony, impacting user comfort and safety. Further analysis or a larger/stronger beam section would be necessary.
How to Use This Metal Beam Calculator
Using this metal beam calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get accurate structural insights:
Input Beam Length (L): Enter the total span of the beam in meters.
Select Load Type: Choose whether the primary load is a single Point Load (P) or a Uniformly Distributed Load (w).
Enter Load Magnitude:
If Point Load: Enter the total force in Newtons (N) acting at a specific point (often the center for simplified calculations).
If Uniform Load: Enter the force per unit length in Newtons per meter (N/m) spread across the entire beam.
Input Material Properties:
Modulus of Elasticity (E): Enter the material's stiffness in Pascals (Pa). For steel, 200 GPa (200e9 Pa) is common. For aluminum, 70 GPa (70e9 Pa) is typical.
Moment of Inertia (I): Enter the beam's cross-sectional resistance to bending in meters to the fourth power (m^4). This value depends heavily on the beam's shape (I-beam, rectangular tube, etc.) and dimensions. You can find these values in engineering handbooks or manufacturer specifications.
Select Support Type: Choose 'Simply Supported' (beam rests on supports at both ends) or 'Cantilever' (beam is fixed at one end and free at the other).
Click 'Calculate Properties': The calculator will process your inputs and display the results.
How to Read Results:
Max Shear Force (kN): Indicates the maximum internal shear stress. High shear can be critical in shorter, heavily loaded beams.
Max Bending Moment (kNm): Represents the maximum internal bending effect. This is often the primary driver for selecting beam size, as it directly relates to bending stress.
Max Bending Stress (MPa): The highest stress experienced by the beam material due to bending. Compare this to the material's yield strength. If stress exceeds yield strength, the beam will permanently deform.
Max Deflection (mm): The maximum amount the beam will sag or bend under load. Excessive deflection can lead to serviceability issues (e.g., sagging floors, cracked finishes).
Decision-Making Guidance:
Stress Check: Ensure Max Bending Stress is significantly lower than the material's yield strength (apply a safety factor, typically 1.5 to 2 or more, depending on codes).
Deflection Check: Compare Max Deflection against allowable limits specified by building codes (e.g., L/360 for floors, L/240 for roofs).
Load Capacity: If the calculated stress or deflection is too high, you may need a stronger beam section (larger Moment of Inertia), a different material (higher E or yield strength), or reduced span/load.
Key Factors That Affect Metal Beam Results
Several factors significantly influence the calculated results of a metal beam analysis. Understanding these helps in accurate design and interpretation:
Beam Length (Span): Longer beams generally experience higher bending moments and greater deflections, as these often scale with L² or L⁴. Shorter beams might be more susceptible to shear failure.
Load Magnitude and Type: Higher loads directly increase shear force, bending moment, stress, and deflection. The distribution of the load (point vs. uniform) also critically affects the location and magnitude of maximum values. A point load at the center typically creates a higher peak bending moment than a uniformly distributed load of the same total magnitude.
Material Properties (Modulus of Elasticity – E): A higher 'E' value means a stiffer material, resulting in less deflection. Steel has a higher 'E' than aluminum, making steel beams more resistant to deflection for the same geometry and load.
Cross-Sectional Shape and Size (Moment of Inertia – I): This is arguably the most crucial geometric factor. A larger Moment of Inertia (I) significantly reduces both bending stress and deflection. Efficient shapes like I-beams maximize 'I' relative to their weight and material usage.
Support Conditions: How a beam is supported (simply supported, fixed, cantilevered) dramatically changes the distribution of internal forces and resulting stresses and deflections. Cantilever beams typically experience higher stresses and deflections at the support compared to simply supported beams of the same span and load.
Section Modulus (S): Directly related to 'I' and the distance to the outermost fiber (y_max), the section modulus (S = I/y_max) is key for calculating maximum bending stress (σ_max = M_max / S). Different shapes have different S values even with the same 'I'.
Buckling Potential: For slender beams, especially under compression or bending, local or global buckling can occur before the material reaches its yield strength. This requires separate checks (e.g., Lateral Torsional Buckling) not always covered by basic calculators.
Stress Concentrations: Abrupt changes in geometry, holes, or concentrated loads can create localized areas of much higher stress than predicted by simple beam theory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between shear force and bending moment?
Shear force is the internal force acting perpendicular to the beam's axis, tending to cause sliding failure. Bending moment is the internal rotational effect, tending to cause bending or flexing. Both are critical in determining beam behavior and failure modes.
Q2: How do I find the Moment of Inertia (I) for my beam?
The Moment of Inertia (I) is a geometric property of the beam's cross-section. You can find standard values for common shapes (I-beams, channels, tubes, angles) in engineering handbooks, steel construction manuals (like AISC), or manufacturer catalogs. For custom shapes, it needs to be calculated.
Q3: What is a reasonable safety factor for beam design?
Safety factors vary depending on the application, building codes, material reliability, and consequences of failure. Typically, a factor of safety (FoS) of 1.5 to 3 is applied to the material's yield strength when comparing against calculated maximum stress. Deflection limits are usually absolute (e.g., L/360) rather than factor-based.
Q4: Can this calculator handle complex load combinations?
This calculator is designed for single load types (point or uniform) and simple support conditions. For structures with multiple simultaneous loads, dynamic loads, or complex geometries, specialized structural analysis software is required.
Q5: What units should I use for the inputs?
The calculator is configured for SI units: Length in meters (m), Force in Newtons (N), Load per unit length in N/m, Modulus of Elasticity in Pascals (Pa), and Moment of Inertia in meters to the fourth power (m^4). Results are displayed in kilonewtons (kN), kilonewton-meters (kNm), megapascals (MPa), and millimeters (mm) for convenience.
Q6: What does it mean if my calculated stress is higher than the material's yield strength?
It means the beam is likely to undergo permanent deformation (bending or buckling) and may fail under the applied load. You must select a stronger beam section, a different material, or reduce the load/span.
Q7: Is deflection always bad?
Not necessarily. Some deflection is expected and acceptable. However, excessive deflection can lead to aesthetic problems (sagging appearance), damage to non-structural elements (like drywall or finishes), or functional issues (e.g., doors not closing properly). Building codes specify maximum allowable deflection limits.
Q8: Does this calculator account for the beam's self-weight?
This basic calculator does not automatically include the beam's self-weight. For accurate analysis, especially with long or heavy beams, you should calculate the self-weight (based on material density and cross-sectional area) and add it as an additional uniformly distributed load to the total load.
Access a comprehensive database of common steel shapes, including their dimensions, weight, and key engineering properties like Moment of Inertia and Section Modulus.
Quickly convert between different units of measurement commonly used in engineering and construction.
var canvas = document.getElementById('beamDiagramChart');
var ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
var chart = null;
function updateChart(maxShear, maxMoment, length, loadType, pointLoadVal, uniformLoadVal) {
if (chart) {
chart.destroy();
}
var shearData = [];
var momentData = [];
var labels = [];
var numPoints = 50;
var step = length / numPoints;
var w = 0;
var p = 0;
var supportType = document.getElementById('supportType').value;
if (loadType === 'uniform') {
w = uniformLoadVal;
p = 0;
} else {
w = 0;
p = pointLoadVal;
}
for (var i = 0; i <= numPoints; i++) {
var x = i * step;
labels.push(x.toFixed(2));
var currentShear = 0;
var currentMoment = 0;
if (supportType === 'simply_supported') {
var R_A = 0; // Reaction at support A
if (loadType === 'uniform') {
R_A = (w * length) / 2;
currentShear = R_A – (w * x);
currentMoment = (R_A * x) – (w * x * x) / 2;
} else { // Point load
// Assume point load P is at the center for simplicity in this chart
if (x <= length / 2) {
R_A = p / 2;
currentShear = R_A;
currentMoment = R_A * x;
} else {
R_A = p / 2;
currentShear = R_A – p;
currentMoment = (R_A * x) – p * (x – length / 2);
}
}
} else { // Cantilever
if (loadType === 'uniform') {
currentShear = w * (length – x);
currentMoment = (w * (length – x) * (length – x)) / 2;
} else { // Point load at the tip
currentShear = p;
currentMoment = p * (length – x);
}
}
shearData.push(currentShear / 1000); // kN
momentData.push(currentMoment / 1000); // kNm
}
chart = new Chart(ctx, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: labels,
datasets: [{
label: 'Shear Force (kN)',
data: shearData,
borderColor: '#004a99',
backgroundColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 0.1)',
fill: false,
tension: 0.1
}, {
label: 'Bending Moment (kNm)',
data: momentData,
borderColor: '#dc3545',
backgroundColor: 'rgba(220, 53, 69, 0.1)',
fill: false,
tension: 0.1
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: false,
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Position along Beam (m)'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Force (kN) / Moment (kNm)'
}
}
},
plugins: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagram'
},
tooltip: {
mode: 'index',
intersect: false,
}
},
hover: {
mode: 'nearest',
intersect: true
}
}
});
}
function validateInput(id, errorId, min, max) {
var input = document.getElementById(id);
var errorElement = document.getElementById(errorId);
var value = parseFloat(input.value);
if (isNaN(value)) {
errorElement.textContent = "Please enter a valid number.";
return false;
}
if (value max) {
errorElement.textContent = "Value cannot be greater than " + max + ".";
return false;
}
errorElement.textContent = "";
return true;
}
function calculateBeamProperties() {
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('beamLength').value);
var loadType = document.getElementById('loadType').value;
var pointLoad = parseFloat(document.getElementById('pointLoad').value);
var uniformLoad = parseFloat(document.getElementById('uniformLoad').value);
var materialModulus = parseFloat(document.getElementById('materialModulus').value);
var momentOfInertia = parseFloat(document.getElementById('momentOfInertia').value);
var supportType = document.getElementById('supportType').value;
var valid = true;
valid &= validateInput('beamLength', 'beamLengthError', 0.01);
valid &= validateInput('materialModulus', 'materialModulusError', 1e6); // Min E ~ 1 GPa
valid &= validateInput('momentOfInertia', 'momentOfInertiaError', 1e-9); // Min I ~ 1 mm^4
if (loadType === 'point') {
valid &= validateInput('pointLoad', 'pointLoadError', 0.01);
} else {
valid &= validateInput('uniformLoad', 'uniformLoadError', 0.01);
}
if (!valid) {
document.getElementById('maxShearForce').textContent = '–';
document.getElementById('maxBendingMoment').textContent = '–';
document.getElementById('maxBendingStress').textContent = '–';
document.getElementById('maxDeflection').textContent = '–';
return;
}
var maxShearForce = 0;
var maxBendingMoment = 0;
var maxBendingStress = 0;
var maxDeflection = 0;
var shearForceUnit = 'kN';
var bendingMomentUnit = 'kNm';
var stressUnit = 'MPa';
var deflectionUnit = 'mm';
var loadValue = (loadType === 'point') ? pointLoad : uniformLoad;
var loadUnitMultiplier = (loadType === 'point') ? 1 : 1; // N vs N/m
// Calculations based on support type and load type
if (supportType === 'simply_supported') {
if (loadType === 'uniform') {
// Uniformly Distributed Load (w)
var w = loadValue; // N/m
maxShearForce = (w * length) / 2; // N
maxBendingMoment = (w * length * length) / 8; // Nm
// Deflection: delta = (5 * w * L^4) / (384 * E * I)
maxDeflection = (5 * w * Math.pow(length, 4)) / (384 * materialModulus * momentOfInertia); // m
} else {
// Point Load (P) at center
var p = loadValue; // N
maxShearForce = p / 2; // N
maxBendingMoment = (p * length) / 4; // Nm
// Deflection: delta = (P * L^3) / (48 * E * I)
maxDeflection = (p * Math.pow(length, 3)) / (48 * materialModulus * momentOfInertia); // m
}
} else { // Cantilever
if (loadType === 'uniform') {
// Uniformly Distributed Load (w)
var w = loadValue; // N/m
maxShearForce = w * length; // N
maxBendingMoment = (w * length * length) / 2; // Nm
// Deflection: delta = (w * L^4) / (8 * E * I)
maxDeflection = (w * Math.pow(length, 4)) / (8 * materialModulus * momentOfInertia); // m
} else {
// Point Load (P) at the tip
var p = loadValue; // N
maxShearForce = p; // N
maxBendingMoment = p * length; // Nm
// Deflection: delta = (P * L^3) / (3 * E * I)
maxDeflection = (p * Math.pow(length, 3)) / (3 * materialModulus * momentOfInertia); // m
}
}
// Calculate Bending Stress (sigma = M * y / I)
// We need 'y', the distance from the neutral axis to the outer fiber.
// This is highly dependent on the cross-section shape.
// For demonstration, let's assume a typical y for common sections or use a placeholder.
// A common approach is sigma_max = M_max / S, where S is Section Modulus.
// If S is not provided, we can estimate y. For an I-beam, y_max is roughly half the depth.
// Let's assume a y_max for calculation purposes if not explicitly given.
// A more robust calculator would require section shape input.
// For now, let's use a simplified approach or indicate dependency.
// Let's assume a representative y_max for demonstration, e.g., 0.1m for a large beam.
// A better approach: If I is given, estimate y based on typical beam depths.
// Or, prompt user for Section Modulus (S) if available.
// For this example, let's calculate stress assuming a typical y_max.
// A common simplification is to use S = I / y_max. If we don't have y_max, we can't calculate stress accurately.
// Let's add a placeholder calculation or a note.
// For now, let's calculate stress using a hypothetical y_max = 0.1m (100mm) for demonstration.
// This value needs to be adjusted based on actual beam dimensions.
var hypothetical_y_max = 0.1; // meters – ASSUMPTION!
if (momentOfInertia > 0) {
// If we had section modulus S, we'd use: maxBendingStress = maxBendingMoment / S;
// Since we only have I, we estimate stress:
maxBendingStress = (maxBendingMoment * hypothetical_y_max) / momentOfInertia; // Pa
} else {
maxBendingStress = 0; // Avoid division by zero
}
// Convert results to desired units
maxShearForce = maxShearForce / 1000; // kN
maxBendingMoment = maxBendingMoment / 1000; // kNm
maxBendingStress = maxBendingStress / 1e6; // MPa
maxDeflection = maxDeflection * 1000; // mm
// Display results
document.getElementById('maxShearForce').textContent = maxShearForce.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('maxBendingMoment').textContent = maxBendingMoment.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('maxBendingStress').textContent = maxBendingStress.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('maxDeflection').textContent = maxDeflection.toFixed(2);
// Update chart
var pointLoadVal = (loadType === 'point') ? pointLoad : 0;
var uniformLoadVal = (loadType === 'uniform') ? uniformLoad : 0;
updateChart(maxShearForce, maxBendingMoment, length, loadType, pointLoadVal, uniformLoadVal);
}
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById('beamLength').value = '6';
document.getElementById('loadType').value = 'uniform';
document.getElementById('pointLoad').value = ";
document.getElementById('uniformLoad').value = '13333'; // Example value for 80kN over 6m
document.getElementById('materialModulus').value = '200e9'; // Steel
document.getElementById('momentOfInertia').value = '0.000075'; // Example for W8x21
document.getElementById('supportType').value = 'simply_supported';
// Hide point load input initially if uniform is selected
toggleLoadInput();
// Clear errors
document.getElementById('beamLengthError').textContent = ";
document.getElementById('pointLoadError').textContent = ";
document.getElementById('uniformLoadError').textContent = ";
document.getElementById('materialModulusError').textContent = ";
document.getElementById('momentOfInertiaError').textContent = ";
// Reset results display
document.getElementById('maxShearForce').textContent = '–';
document.getElementById('maxBendingMoment').textContent = '–';
document.getElementById('maxBendingStress').textContent = '–';
document.getElementById('maxDeflection').textContent = '–';
// Clear chart
if (chart) {
chart.destroy();
chart = null;
}
// Optionally call calculate to show default state if needed
// calculateBeamProperties();
}
function toggleLoadInput() {
var loadTypeSelect = document.getElementById('loadType');
var pointLoadGroup = document.getElementById('pointLoadGroup');
var uniformLoadGroup = document.getElementById('uniformLoadGroup');
if (loadTypeSelect.value === 'point') {
pointLoadGroup.style.display = 'flex';
uniformLoadGroup.style.display = 'none';
} else {
pointLoadGroup.style.display = 'none';
uniformLoadGroup.style.display = 'flex';
}
}
function copyResults() {
var shear = document.getElementById('maxShearForce').textContent;
var moment = document.getElementById('maxBendingMoment').textContent;
var stress = document.getElementById('maxBendingStress').textContent;
var deflection = document.getElementById('maxDeflection').textContent;
var assumptions = "Key Assumptions:\n";
assumptions += "- Beam Length (L): " + document.getElementById('beamLength').value + " m\n";
assumptions += "- Load Type: " + document.getElementById('loadType').value + "\n";
if (document.getElementById('loadType').value === 'point') {
assumptions += "- Point Load (P): " + document.getElementById('pointLoad').value + " N\n";
} else {
assumptions += "- Uniform Load (w): " + document.getElementById('uniformLoad').value + " N/m\n";
}
assumptions += "- Modulus of Elasticity (E): " + document.getElementById('materialModulus').value + " Pa\n";
assumptions += "- Moment of Inertia (I): " + document.getElementById('momentOfInertia').value + " m^4\n";
assumptions += "- Support Type: " + document.getElementById('supportType').value + "\n";
assumptions += "- Stress Calculation uses hypothetical y_max = 0.1m (may not be accurate for all sections).\n";
var resultText = "Metal Beam Calculator Results:\n\n";
resultText += "Max Shear Force: " + shear + " kN\n";
resultText += "Max Bending Moment: " + moment + " kNm\n";
resultText += "Max Bending Stress: " + stress + " MPa\n";
resultText += "Max Deflection: " + deflection + " mm\n\n";
resultText += assumptions;
navigator.clipboard.writeText(resultText).then(function() {
alert('Results copied to clipboard!');
}, function(err) {
console.error('Could not copy text: ', err);
alert('Failed to copy results. Please copy manually.');
});
}
// Initial setup and event listeners
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
toggleLoadInput(); // Set initial visibility
document.getElementById('loadType').addEventListener('change', toggleLoadInput);
// Trigger calculation on input change for real-time updates
var inputs = document.querySelectorAll('.loan-calc-container input, .loan-calc-container select');
inputs.forEach(function(input) {
input.addEventListener('input', calculateBeamProperties);
input.addEventListener('change', calculateBeamProperties); // For select elements
});
// Initial calculation on load
calculateBeamProperties();
});
// Chart.js library (must be included separately or embedded)
// For this example, assume Chart.js is available globally.
// In a real WordPress setup, you'd enqueue this script.
// For a single HTML file, you'd typically embed it via CDN or inline script.
// Since we are restricted to pure HTML/JS/CSS, we'll assume Chart.js is available.
// If not, the canvas will remain blank.
// For a self-contained solution, Chart.js CDN link would be needed in .
// Example CDN:
// Adding CDN for completeness if running standalone:
var chartJsScript = document.createElement('script');
chartJsScript.src = 'https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js';
document.head.appendChild(chartJsScript);