Learning Goal:

For straight members having a constant cross$-$section that is

symmetrical with respect to an axis with a moment applied

perpendicular to that axis, the maximum normal stress in the cross$-$

section can be calculated using the flexure formula:

${}_{\text{m}\text{a}\text{x}}=\frac{Mc}{\text{I}}$

where $M$ is the magnitude of the internal moment with respect to

the neutral axis, $c$ is the perpendicular distance from the neutral

axis to the point farthest from the neutral axis, and I is the moment

of inertia of the cross$-$section about the neutral axis. The maximum

normal stress will always occur on the top or bottom surface of the

beam; in fact, one of these surfaces will experience a maximal

tensile stress while the other experiences the same magnitude of

ctraca in nnmnraccinn

Figure