Gerber beam

Expose and verify normal force, shear force, and bending moment using independent isolated-body calculations.

Interactive engineering simulation

Gerber Beam with Internal-Hinge Transfer

Transfer the suspended-span hinge reaction and verify equal-and-opposite hinge forces and zero hinge moments.

Tension-positive N · sagging-positive M

Sign convention: positive tension. On the left cut face, positive shear acts downward and positive moment counterclockwise; arrows reverse on the right face. Downward distributed load is positive, so

dV/dx=-w(x)

and

dM/dx=V(x)

Solve the suspended span first. Its hinge reaction acts upward on that span and downward with equal magnitude on the supported overhang. Both ideal hinge faces have zero bending moment.

Supported overhang moment0.00 kN·m

Suspended-span moment0.00 kN·m

Hinge force on left

-7.500 kN

Hinge force on right

7.500 kN

Action-reaction residual

0.00e+0

Largest hinge moment

0.00e+0 kN·m

Reference load20 kN

8–60

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

\frac{dV}{dx}=-w(x)

\frac{dM}{dx}=V(x)

Model scope and verification

Use the displayed units and idealizations, then verify the governing balance or compatibility equation before interpreting the result.

Movable section cut Axial-force diagram Determinate-frame diagrams Point-load internal forces

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