What is a cantilever beam?

A cantilever beam is fixed at one end and free at the other. All loads are resisted by the fixed support, which develops both a vertical reaction and a resisting moment.

What is the maximum moment in a cantilever with UDL?

For a cantilever of length L with uniform distributed load w, the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed end: M = wL²/2.

What is the tip deflection formula for a cantilever?

For UDL: δ_max = wL⁴/(8EI). For a point load at the free end: δ_max = PL³/(3EI). These assume small deflections and elastic material behaviour.

Cantilever Beam Calculator

Calculate fixed-end moment, shear, and tip deflection.

Span L (m)

Load type

UDL w (kN/m)

Fixed-end shear

30.00 kN

Fixed-end moment

45.00 kN·m

Tip deflection formula

wL⁴ / (8EI)

Relative δ (EI=1)

101.2500 kN·m³

Bending Moment Diagram (hogging = negative)

Cantilever beam analysis

Analyse cantilever beams under UDL or point loads. Calculate fixed-end moment, shear force, and tip deflection with bending moment diagram visualization.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cantilever beam?: A cantilever beam is fixed at one end and free at the other. All loads are resisted by the fixed support, which develops both a vertical reaction and a resisting moment.
What is the maximum moment in a cantilever with UDL?: For a cantilever of length L with uniform distributed load w, the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed end: M = wL²/2.
What is the tip deflection formula for a cantilever?: For UDL: δ_max = wL⁴/(8EI). For a point load at the free end: δ_max = PL³/(3EI). These assume small deflections and elastic material behaviour.

Cantilever beam analysis

Frequently asked questions

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