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Flexure Modulus

The flexural modulus is a measure of a material's resistance to bending or deformation under load. It is calculated as the ratio of stress to strain in the outermost fibers of a specimen subjected to bending. Flexural strength represents the highest stress a material can withstand before fracture when bent. It is measured using a three-point bending test, where the specimen is bent until it breaks and the maximum stress experienced is recorded. Flexural strength may be higher than direct tensile strength for the same material due to defects concentrating stresses locally during bending. The flexural modulus is calculated based on variables like the load applied, length and dimensions of the specimen, and setup used in the bending test.

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91 views

Flexure Modulus

The flexural modulus is a measure of a material's resistance to bending or deformation under load. It is calculated as the ratio of stress to strain in the outermost fibers of a specimen subjected to bending. Flexural strength represents the highest stress a material can withstand before fracture when bent. It is measured using a three-point bending test, where the specimen is bent until it breaks and the maximum stress experienced is recorded. Flexural strength may be higher than direct tensile strength for the same material due to defects concentrating stresses locally during bending. The flexural modulus is calculated based on variables like the load applied, length and dimensions of the specimen, and setup used in the bending test.

Uploaded by

Divya Santosh
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION TO FLEXURE MODULUS:

Definition: The ratio, within the elastic limit, of the applied stress on a test specimen in flexure,
to the corresponding strain in the outermost fibers of the specimen. 
Flexural strength, also known as modulus of rupture, bend strength, or fracture strength, a
mechanical parameter for brittle material, is defined as a material's ability to resist deformation
under load. The transverse bending test is most frequently employed, in which a rod specimen
having either a circular or rectangular cross-section is bent until fracture using a three point
flexural test technique. The flexural strength represents the highest stress experienced within the
material at its moment of rupture. It is measured in terms of stress, here given the symbol σ.

When an object formed of a single material, like a wooden beam or a steel rod, is bent (Fig. 1), it
experiences a range of stresses across its depth (Fig. 2). At the edge of the object on the inside of
the bend (concave face) the stress will be at its maximum compressive stress value. At the
outside of the bend (convex face) the stress will be at its maximum tensile value. These inner and
outer edges of the beam or rod are known as the 'extreme fibers'. Most materials fail under
tensile stress before they fail under compressive stress, so the maximum tensile stress value that
can be sustained before the beam or rod fails is its flexural strength.

Fig. 1 - Beam of material under bending. Extreme fibers at B (compression) and A (tension)

Flexural and Direct Tensile Strengths


The flexural strength would be the same as the direct tensile strength (see Ultimate tensile
strength) if the material was homogeneous. In fact, most materials have small or large defects in
them which act to concentrate the stresses locally, effectively causing a localized weakness.
When a material is bent only the extreme fibers are at the largest stress so, if those fibers are free
from defects, the flexural strength will be controlled by the strength of those intact 'fibers'.
However, if the same material was subjected to direct tension then all the 'fibers' in the material
are at the same stress and failure will initiate when the weakest fiber reaches its limiting tensile
stress. Therefore it is common for flexural strengths to be higher than direct tensile strengths for
the same material. Conversely, a homogeneous material with defects only on it surfaces (e.g. due
to scratches) might have a higher direct tensile strength than flexural strength.
Fig. 2 - Stress distribution across beam

Measuring flexural strength


For a rectangular sample under a load in a three-point bending setup (Fig. 3):

 F is the load (force) at the fracture point Fig. 3 - Beam under 3 point bending

 L is the length of the support span


 b is width
 d is thickness
For a rectangular sample under a load in a four-point bending setup where the loading span is

one-third of the support span: 

 F is the load (force) at the fracture point


 L is the length of the support (outer) span
 b is width
 d is thickness
For the 4 pt bend setup, if the loading span is 1/2 of the support span (i.e. Li - 1/2 L in Fig.

4): 

If the loading span is neither 1/3 or 1/2 the support span for the 4 pt bend setup (Fig. 4):
Fig. 4 - Beam under 4 point bending

 Li is the length of the loading (inner) span

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