Select your beam shape and enter the required information calculator the bending stress.

Bending Stress Calculator

Use the beam-shape mode for the main workflow, or switch to the direct My/I stress mode for a quick section-property check.

Beam Shape Calculator
My/I Stress Calculator
Rectangle uses strong-axis bending about the section height, so stress is based on width and height.

Bending Stress Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the bending stress of a typical geometry. 

σ = M * y / I
  • Where M is the bending moment
  • y is the vertical distance from the neutral axis
  • I is the moment of inertia about the neutral axis

To calculate bending stress, multiply the bending moment by the vertical distance from the neutral axis, then divide by the moment of inertia about the neutral axis,

Bending Stress Definition

Bending stress is stress along the length of an object that arises from a bending force.

Bending Stress Example

How to calculate bending stress

  1. First, determine the bending moment

    Calculate or measure the bending moment of the object.

  2. Next, determine the distance from the neutral axis.

    At the point being analyzed, measure the vertical distance from the axis.

  3. Next, determine the moment of inertia.

    Calculate or measure the moment of inertia about the neutral axis.

  4. Finally, calculate the bending stress.

    Calculate the total bending stress using the formula above.

FAQ

What is a bending stress?

Bending stress is a particular type of stress that occurs in an object when it is subject to a large enough force that causes the object to bend and fatigue.

What type of force causes bending stress?

Bending stress is caused by tensile forces and loads.