1. What is the Lift Force Equation?

The Lift Force Equation calculates the shear force at the supports of a simply supported beam with uniformly distributed load. It's fundamental in structural engineering for beam analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Lift Force equation:

Where:

• \( F_l \) — Lift or shear force at each support (N)
• \( w \) — Uniformly distributed load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of the beam (m)

Explanation: The total load (w × L) is equally shared between the two supports of a simply supported beam.

3. Importance of Lift Force Calculation

Details: Calculating lift/shear forces is essential for determining support reactions, designing beam supports, and ensuring structural stability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter distributed load in N/m and beam length in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this equation work for point loads?
A: No, this specific equation is for uniformly distributed loads only. Point loads require different calculations.

Q2: What if the beam has more than two supports?
A: This equation is for simply supported beams with two supports. Multiple supports require more complex analysis.

Q3: How does this relate to bending moments?
A: The lift forces are used to calculate maximum bending moments in the beam (M = wL²/8 at center).

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Consistent units are essential - typically Newtons for force, meters for length, and N/m for distributed load.

Q5: Is this valid for all beam materials?
A: Yes, the reaction forces are independent of material, though material properties affect stress and deflection.