Deflection values

admin

I've looked around the net for those handy online calculators for finding your deflection values of beam, pipe, ect... But I havnt found any for aluminum channel.I'm trying to find out what kind of deflection, mounted 24' on center, there would be on 6" aluminum channel on edge.  The channel specks out at 6 x 2.034 x .314 6061 T6.Lets say there was 300lbs in the center. Any help would much be appriciated.-MikeCommon sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:Most of the calculators will probably use the shape and properties of the material as opposed to a specific material.  It may be a matter of looking at what is "plugged in" for steel and finding the corresponding value for your material.Still anything that would cause harm would be best left for engineers but if thats not the case, then changing the numbers may work.Have a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:It isn't difficult to calculate. Machinery's handbook has all the info needed for any statically determinate case (oversimplified: no redundant supports)The tough part with web vertical channel, as well as angle and other shapes without a plane of symmetry in the load direction, is that there will also be a horizontal component due to the asymmetry.
Reply:As mentioned, asymmetrical cross-sections are often kind of tricky because loads applied in one plane/direction cause a twist/deflection due to the asymmetry.  Even with the end of the beam/section fixed/restrained.And once the section twists in the real world, the formerly vertical 'web' is no longer vertical and thus the section properties change because of the twist.http://www.engineersedge.com/beam_calc_menu.shtmlhttp://www.engineersedge.com/beam_be...m_bending2.htmhttp://www.efunda.com/designstandard...annelsRlts.cfmSimple case of a beam supported by the ends and a single load hanging in the middle, maximum deflection is: (W x L3) / (48 x E x I)as per link #2 above (see link for what the variables are/mean).  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...