Bøjemoment

Bøjemoment, also known as bending moment, is a fundamental concept in structural engineering and mechanics of materials. It quantifies the internal force within a structural element, such as a beam or column, that resists the effect of external forces causing it to bend. Specifically, it represents the tendency of these forces to cause rotation at a particular cross-section of the element.

The bending moment arises when a force or a system of forces acts on a structural member in such a way that it creates a moment about a given point. This moment is typically calculated by summing the product of forces and their perpendicular distances from the point of interest. For example, a load applied at a distance from a support on a beam will induce a bending moment within that beam.

The unit of bending moment is typically force multiplied by distance, such as Newton-meters (Nm) in the SI system or pound-feet (lb-ft) in the imperial system. The distribution of bending moment along the length of a structural element is crucial for design. Engineers use bending moment diagrams to visualize these variations, which helps in identifying critical sections where the bending stress is highest. Understanding and calculating the bending moment is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of buildings, bridges, and other engineered structures by preventing excessive deformation or failure due to bending.