# Bending Equation Derivation

Bending equation is a sub-section 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 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 in question 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 = 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 = $\frac{{{\text{change in lenght}}}}{{{\text{original length}}}}$

= $\frac{{A'B' - AB}}{{AB}}$    [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.

= $\frac{{\left( {R + y} \right)\theta - R\theta }}{{R\theta }} = \frac{{R\theta + y\theta - R\theta }}{{R\theta }} = \frac{y}{R}$

Yet, $\frac{{{\text{Stress}}}}{{{\text{Strain}}}}$= 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 –

σ = $\frac{E}{R}y$

However, if the shaded 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 –

F $y = \frac{E}{R}{y^2}\delta A$

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 suggests 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.

1. What is Bending Theory?

Ans. Bending theory, also termed as flexure theory, involves the concept of axial deformation of a homogenous beam resulting from the application of a perpendicular load on a longitudinal axis.

2. What do E and σ stand for in the Bending Equation?

Ans. In the bending equation derivation, E denotes Young’s Modulus of elasticity and σ signifies stress of the fibre at a distance ‘y’ from the neutral/centroidal axis.

3. What is the Bending Equation?

Ans. The bending equation stands as σ/y = E/R = M/T.