Challenge 2- Comparing the performance of three types of beams under bending load.

Aim: - Comparing the performance of three types of beams under bending load

In the given problem first, three beams of different cross-sectional areas are to be modeled in Solidworks. Next, the beam models are to be supplied with necessary boundary conditions, the loading conditions, and the meshing conditions.

Finally performing the simulation for all the three beams and comparing the resulting Stress, Strain, and Displacement in all three beams and based on that selecting the best one.

The three cross-sections of the beam Result in Solidworks are shown below

Result: -

1. Rectangular Cross-Section:

a) Stress:

The plot showing the stress distribution throughout the beam is shown below:

From the figure, it is seen that the stresses induced are quite less than the yield strength of the material.

The maximum stress is seen to be present at the corners of the beam at the fixed section and its value is equal to 8.3587 MPa. This is because in a cantilever beam all the load is supported by the fixed end only.

Hence the corner points of the cantilever beam are the critical points.

b) Strain:

The plot showing the strain distribution throughout the beam length is shown below:

It can be seen from the plot that the maximum strain values are also seen at the corner elements of the beam. This is because these points experience the maximum stress values. The strain values at the critical points are seen to be equal to 2.4877 x 10^-5.

The strain values are seen to gradually decrease when moving from the fixed end toward the free end.

 c) Displacement:

The plot for displacement is shown below:

As it can be seen from the plot, the maximum displacement is seen at the free end of the beam which is equal to 0.03101 mm.

Moving from the free end towards the fixed end the displacement value tends to decrease and is equal to zero at the fixed end.

All the results combined are shown below:

 2. I-SECTION:

 a) Stress:

The maximum stress values are seen at the fixed end along the Flanges of the cross-section. The value of the maximum stress in this section is equal to 22.6052 MPa. This is quite higher than the previous beam because in this beam the cross-section area is very less and thus the material bearing the load at a particular cross-section is less. So, the stress-induced is greater.

b) Strain:

Here also, the maximum strain is obtained at the flanges of the cross-section and its value is 7.6882 x 10^-5. It is greater than the maximum strain developed in the previous beam because the stress value in this beam is higher.

Strain at the free end is zero because it is unconstrained and displaces along with the force.

c) Displacement:

The displacement is maximum at the free end and its value at the location is 0.08557 mm. again this value is greater than the previous beam. This is because in this beam the material at a particular section supporting the load is less than the rectangular beam. As a result, these sections displace more than the rectangular beam.

The combined view of the results is shown below:

3. C-SECTION:

a) Stress:

In this beam, the maximum stress is seen to be acting at the corner of the fixed section at the junction of the flange and web. The value of the maximum stress is seen to be 39.2258 MPa. This stress value is the maximum of all three beams.

b) Strain:

The strain is also maximum at the same location where the stress is maximum and its value is 1.381 x 10^-4 which is the maximum out of the three beams.

Displacement:

The displacement is seen to be maximum at the free end at the tip of the flange and the value of maximum displacement is 0.30331 mm.

A combined view of the result is mentioned below:

 Conclusion : - 

the load acting on all the beams is the same (1500 N), but due to the different cross-sections of each beam, the stress-induced are different for different beams.

The maximum stress is seen to be acting in the C-Section beam, also the strain and maximum displacement values are maximum for the C-Section beam. So it can be said that the C-Section Beam is worst loaded.

On the other hand, the rectangular beam is having all minimum values of stress, strain, and displacement out of the three.

From the results it appears that a rectangular beam is the most obvious choice, however, in general, the I-section beam is preferred. This is because both sections will bear the load but the I-section beam consumes lesser material and give satisfactory results. So, I-Section Beams are more economical to use.

Attached Model Link for model review & grading : - 

1.Rectangular Section : - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tNvdYMbeDC8VrlabWMoNHGYYEBtbpMxI/view?usp=drive_link

2.I-Section : - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dLjufkb_jcrdmNyovGA4KzypkcU2rpe4/view?usp=drive_link

3.C-Section : -https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R3_DfthiLJLs33ciuGVcUEx8J0w08T9t/view?usp=drive_link