Beam

A beam is a structural element designed to carry loads perpendicular to its long axis. This contrasts with a strut or column, which bears its load perpendicular to its short axis. A beam's mode of deflection is primarily by bending, as loads produce reaction forces at the beam's support points and internal bending moments, shear, stresses, strains, and deflections.

Beams are characterized by their manner of support, profile, equilibrium conditions, length, and material.

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Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

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