Beam Deflection Calculator
Calculate maximum deflection for simply-supported and cantilever beams with various load configurations
Beam Deflection Calculator
Beam Configuration
Beam Dimensions
Load Parameters
Material Properties
Beam Deflection Results
Beam Type: Simply Supported
Load Configuration: Point Load at Center
Span Length: 0 m
Material: E = 0 GPa
Cross-section: I = 0 m^4
Applied Load: 0 kN
Understanding Beam Deflection
Key Concepts
Beam Deflection
Vertical displacement of a beam under applied loads
Flexural Rigidity (EI)
Product of modulus of elasticity and moment of inertia
L/δ Ratio
Span-to-deflection ratio indicating structural performance
Superposition Method
Combining deflections from multiple load cases
Beam Types
Common Deflection Formulas
Simply Supported - Point Load Center:
δ = PL³/(48EI)
Simply Supported - Uniform Load:
δ = 5wL⁴/(384EI)
Cantilever - Point Load End:
δ = PL³/(3EI)
Cantilever - Uniform Load:
δ = wL⁴/(8EI)
Design Guidelines
L/δ ≥ 300
Excellent performance for most applications
L/δ = 250-300
Standard building code requirements
L/δ = 180-250
Acceptable but monitor performance
L/δ < 180
Excessive deflection - redesign required