Flexural Rigidity

Flexural Rigidity can be defined as the resistance of a structure which is undergoing bending, or as a force couple required to bend a non-rigid structure.

The formula is:

Here are demonstrated three arrangements of load F, each creating a distribution of moment M(x):

And if we integrate: we could obtain a solution to the bending stiffness S (for a rectangular beam), such as:

Use of Flexual rigidity:

Flexural rigidity is a very needed property in industry.

• One example of this is a sandwich structure, which is a special class of composite materials that is fabricated by attaching two thin but stiff skins to a lightweight but thick core. It combines both lightweight and high flexural rigidity but can be not easily recycled, core and skins being from hybrid materials.

  • It is also used in Automotive applications.

  • Building: doors, decorative panels and facade panels.

• Another one is composite rollers, which have high flexual rigidity and light weight when compared to rollers made out of steel or other metals.