The equation for the mid-span deflection of a simply supported beam carring a uniformly distributed load can be determined from.
M=5WL^3 / 384EI AND I=bd^3 / 12
where: M = mid-span deflection
W = total load
L = span
E = Young's modulus of elasticity
I = second moment of area
1. Transpose this equation to make L the subject.
2. Taking care with units, use this transposed equation to find the maximum length of beam that can be used if the midspan deflection is to be limited to 7 mm.
W= 12kN
E= 10,000 N/mm2
b= 75mm
d= 200mm