A beam is said to be of uniform strength when which internal response remains constant along its length under the given loading?
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Abending stress is same throughout the beam
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Bbending moment is same throughout the beam
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Cdeflection is same throughout the beam
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Dshear stress is same throughout the beam
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Enone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: bending stress is same throughout the beam
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The concept of a beam of uniform strength guides tapered or profiled beams where the cross-section varies so that material is used efficiently; the maximum allowable stress is reached everywhere along the beam.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Beam may have varying cross-section.
- Allowable stress is the design limit.
- Loading and support conditions define the bending moment diagram.
Concept / Approach:Uniform strength means the extreme-fiber bending stress σ = M / Z is constant along the member. Since M varies with x, Z must vary so that M/Z remains constant, leading to a variable section (e.g., parabolic depth variation for UDL).
Step-by-Step Solution:Define target stress σ_allow.At any section: σ_allow = M(x) / Z(x).Thus choose Z(x) ∝ M(x) to keep σ constant.For rectangular sections, Z ∝ b h^2; shaping h(x) to match M(x) achieves uniform strength.
Verification / Alternative check:Check that at each x, computed σ(x) equals σ_allow within tolerance; this confirms uniform strength.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Bending moment same throughout: rarely true except for trivial cases; not the definition.
- Deflection same throughout: physically impossible; deflection is zero at fixed supports, etc.
- Shear stress same throughout: not a standard design goal for uniform strength.
Common Pitfalls:
- Confusing constant bending stress with constant bending moment.
Final Answer:bending stress is same throughout the beam