Topic: Strength of Materials
A simply supported beam is shown in the figure below. The location is the point of maximum moment in the beam from reaction R_L is
- A. 3/8 meter
- B. 8/3 meter
- C. 18/5 meter
- D. 21/5 meter
Answer: B. 8/3 meter
Explanation: The maximum bending moment in a beam occurs at the section where the shear force is zero. The beam has a left reaction R_L = 8 kN and is subjected to a uniformly distributed load w = 3 kN/m. Taking a section at a distance x from the left support, the shear force equation is SF_x = R_L - w * x. Setting this to zero: 8 - 3 * x = 0. Solving for x gives the location x = 8/3 meters.