In addition to the pure bending case, beams are often subjected to transverse loads which generate

both bending moments M(x) and shear forces V(x) along the beam. The

bending moments cause bending normal stresses σ to arise through the depth of the beam, and the

shear forces cause transverse shear-stress distribution through the beam cross section as shown in

Fig. 1.

If we look at a typical beam section with a transverse stress as in Fig. 1, the top and bottom

surfaces of the beam carries no longitudinal load, hence the shear stresses must be zero here.

In other words, at top and bottom surfaces of beam section τ = 0. As a consequence of this, in

determining the shear stress distribution, note the shear stress is NOT EQUAL TO:

Flexural Stresses or Bending Stresses In Beams

(Derivation of Bending Stress Equation)

When a member is being loaded similar to that in figure one bending stress (or flexure stress) will result.
Bending stress is a more specific type of normal stress. When a beam experiences load like that shown
in figure one the top fibers of the beam undergo a normal compressive stress. The stress at the
horizontal plane of the neutral is zero. The bottom fibers of the beam undergo a normal tensile stress. It
can be concluded therefore that the value of the bending stress will vary linearly with distance from the
neutral axis.

Derivation:

Pure Bending Assumptions:

1. Beam is straight before loads are applied and has a constant cross-sectional
area.

2. Beam has a longitudinal plane of symmetry and the bending moment lies within

this plane.

3. Beam is subjected to pure bending (bending moment does not change along the

length).

4. Beam material is homogeneous and isotropic.

Experiments show that beams subjected to pure bending (see above) deform is such a

way that plane sections remain plane. In other words, planes perpendicular to the

longitudinal axis before loading remain plane and perpendicular to the axis after loading.

Beam sections rotate relative to one another when the beam deforms.

Consider the following rubber beam with grid lines subjected to pure bending.

Torsional Stress

TORSIONAL STRESS Shear stress produced when we apply the twisting moment to the end of a shaft
about its axis is known as Torsional stress.

Derivation: