Section Modulus calculation and optimization

	NA indicates neutral axis
Diamond			NA indicates neutral axis
C-channel			NA indicates neutral axis

Plastic section modulus

The plastic section modulus is used for materials where elastic yielding is acceptable and plastic behavior is assumed to be an acceptable limit. Designs generally strive to ultimately remain below the plastic limit to avoid permanent deformations, often comparing the plastic capacity against amplified forces or stresses.

The plastic section modulus depends on the location of the plastic neutral axis (PNA). The PNA is defined as the axis that splits the cross section such that the compression force from the area in compression equals the tension force from the area in tension. So, for sections with constant yielding stress, the area above and below the PNA will be equal, but for composite sections, this is not necessarily the case.

The plastic section modulus is the sum of the areas of the cross section on each side of the PNA (which may or may not be equal) multiplied by the distance from the local centroids of the two areas to the PNA:

the Plastic Section Modulus can also be called the 'First moment of area'

The plastic section modulus is used to calculate the plastic moment, Mp, or full capacity of a cross-section. The two terms are related by the yield strength of the material in question, Fy, by Mp=Fy*Z. Plastic section modulus and elastic section modulus are related by a shape factor which can be denoted by 'k', used for an indication of capacity beyond elastic limit of material. This could be shown mathematically with the formula :-

shape factor for a rectangular section is 1.5.

So here we are Calculating Elastic section Modulus

First Design Study

The Intersection of the design was taken and then section Inertia Analysis was done-

Moment of Inertia is studied for the design

Improving the MOI of the section

1) Offsetting the inner panel to 0.2mm makes changes in the MOI (Min)