Section Modulus - Elastic Section Modulus

Elastic Section Modulus

For general design, the elastic section modulus is used, applying up to the yield point for most metals and other common materials.

The elastic section modulus is defined as S = I / y, where I is the second moment of area (or moment of inertia) and y is the distance from the neutral axis to any given fibre. It is often reported using y = c, where c is the distance from the neutral axis to the most extreme fibre, as seen in the table below. It is also often used to determine the yield moment (My) such that My = S × σy, where σy is the yield strength of the material.

Section modulus equations
Cross-sectional shape Figure Equation Comment
Rectangle Solid arrow represents neutral axis
doubly symmetric I-section (strong axis) NA indicates neutral axis
doubly symmetric I-section (weak axis) NA indicates neutral axis
Circle Solid arrow represents neutral axis
Circular tube Solid arrow represents neutral axis
Rectangular tube NA indicates neutral axis
Diamond NA indicates neutral axis
C-channel NA indicates neutral axis

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