If the beam has dimensions x and y, then x^2+y^2 = 1
so the stiffness is
s = kx(1-x^2)^(3/2)
now find where ds/dx = 0
A beam of rectangular cross section is to be cut from a log 1.00 m
in diameter. The stiffness of the beam varies directly as the width
and the cube of the depth. What dimensions will give the beam
maximum stiffness?
1 answer