A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally across the beam's axis (an element designed to carry a load pushing parallel to its axis would be a strut or column). Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending, as loads produce reaction forces at the beam's support points and internal bending moments, shear, stresses, strains, and deflections. Beams are characterized by their manner of support, profile (shape of cross-section), equilibrium conditions, length, and material.
Beams are traditionally descriptions of building or civil engineering structural elements, where the beams are horizontal and carry vertical loads. However, any structure may contain beams, such as automobile frames, aircraft components, machine frames, and other mechanical or structural systems. Any structural element, in any orientation, that primarily resists loads applied laterally across the element's axis is a beam.Historically a beam is a squared timber, but may also be made of metal, stone, or a combination of wood and metal[1] such as a flitch beam. Beams primarily carry vertical gravitational forces, but they are also used to carry horizontal loads such as those due to earthquake or wind, or in tension to resist rafter thrust (tie beam) or compression (collar beam). The loads carried by a beam are transferred to columns, walls, or girders, then to adjacent structural compression members, and eventually to the ground. In light frame construction, joists may rest on beams.Loads on a beam induce internal compressive, tensile and shear stresses (assuming no torsion or axial loading). Typically, under gravity loads, the beam bends into a slightly circular arc, with its original length compressed at the top to form an arc of smaller radius, while correspondingly stretched at the bottom to enclose an arc of larger radius in tension. This is known as sagging; while a configuration with the top in tension, for example over a support, is known as hogging. The axis of the beam retaining its original length, generally halfway between the top and bottom, is under neither compression nor tension, and defines the neutral axis (dotted line in the beam figure).
Above the supports, the beam is exposed to shear stress. There are some reinforced concrete beams in which the concrete is entirely in compression with tensile forces taken by steel tendons. These beams are known as prestressed concrete beams, and are fabricated to produce a compression more than the expected tension under loading conditions. High strength steel tendons are stretched while the beam is cast over them. Then, when the concrete has cured, the tendons are slowly released and the beam is immediately under eccentric axial loads. This eccentric loading creates an internal moment, and, in turn, increases the moment-carrying capacity of the beam. Prestressed beams are commonly used on highway bridges.
3. Load Handling in
Automobiles
• Load handling is a crucial
aspect of automobile
design.
• Beams play a vital role in
efficient load
handling, distributing
weight evenly across
the vehicle.
• Understanding the concept
of beams is essential for
designing safe and reliable
automobiles.
4. • Beam Concepts play a crucial role in load handling efficiency.
• A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the
beam's axis.
• Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending.
6. Chassis beams
• Chassis beams form the
backbone of the automobile's
frame.
• They provide structural support
and distribute the weight of the
vehicle and its payload.
• Chassis beams are typically
made of high-strength steel and
are designed to withstand
various loads and stresses.
7. Cross beams:
• Cross beams, also known as
crossmembers, are horizontal
beams that connect the left and
right sides of the vehicle's frame.
• They help distribute the load
evenly across the chassis and
enhance the overall rigidity of
the vehicle.
• Cross beams are commonly
used in truck frames and SUVs to
support the cargo weight.
8. Cargo beams:
• Cargo beams are specifically
designed for load handling in trucks
and vans.
• These beams are typically installed
in the cargo area and provide
support for securing and organizing
the transported goods.
• Cargo beams often have
attachment points for hooks, straps,
or other securing devices to
prevent cargo movement during
transportation.
9. Crane beams:
• When you need to lift a heavy
load like a die, these can be
single or double girder cranes
with wire rope hoists to do the
lifting.
• Die handling cranes do a variety
of jobs including automatically
positioning, storing and retrieval
of dies and managing parts of
the process.
10. Applications:
• The chassis of an automobile provides structural
support and helps distribute the weight of the
vehicle and its payload.
• Beams are employed in the design of suspension
systems to handle the loads and forces
generated by the vehicle's weight, as well as
road irregularities.
• Beams are utilized in the design of load-bearing
components, such as roof racks, truck beds, and
cargo platforms.
11. • Beams play a crucial role in enabling
automobiles to tow trailers or carry heavy
loads.
• Beams can also be employed in the design of
roll over protection systems, such as roll
cages or roll bars, which enhance the safety
of occupants in the event of a rollover
accident.
12. Conclusion
Efficient load handling is essential in automobile design, and
beams play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Understanding the different types of beams, factors affecting
beam design, and the beam design process is critical in
designing safe and reliable automobiles.
