Beam Deflection

Description:

• From PLTW:
  • Engineers must look for better ways to build structures. Less material typically means that structures will be lighter and less expensive. Knowing the area moment of inertia for different shapes is an important consideration for engineers as they strive to make designs lighter and less expensive.
  • You will determine the weight of one of your classmates using nothing more than a standard 2x4 and a measuring device. This activity will provide a better understanding of Moment of Inertia and how it can be used to determine the strength of beams.

• In this unit, it is really math heavy. An importance aspect of succeeding in this section is being organized in your work (also relevant to all future units as well!)

Assignments and Projects:

• Beam deflection in class calculations
• Beam deflection at-home practice calculations