Flexural rigidity: Definition, Formula, Unit, Significance

The term flexural rigidity is an important factor while the design of beams. Therefore in this article, we have tried to explain flexural rigidity along with its importance and numerical.

What is Flexural rigidity?

The flexural rigidity is the product of the modulus of elasticity (E) and moment of inertia (I) of the beam about the neutral axis. As we increase the value of flexural rigidity, the strength of the beam to resist bending also increases.

Flexural Rigidity = E x I

The flexural rigidity of components can be increased by raising the moment of inertia of the cross-section or by choosing the material with a higher modulus of elasticity.

wooden beam and I beam under loading

Flexural rigidity formula:

The flexural rigidity is given by,

F.R. = E × I

Where,
E = modulus of elasticity of the material
I = Moment of Inertia at the neutral axis

As per the bending equation,

`\frac{E}{R} = \frac{M}{I}`

E × I = M × R

therefore the flexural rigidity is also given by,

F.R. = M × R

Where,
M = Bending moment
R = radius of curvature

Units of Flexural rigidity:

The SI unit of the modulus of elasticity is N/m² and the SI unit of moment of inertia is m4. Therefore the SI unit of flexural rigidity (FR) can be derived as,

F.R. = E x I = (N/m2) x (m4) = N.m2

Hence the SI unit is N.m2. While the FPS unit of flexural rigidity is lb.ft2.

It is also denoted by the unit Pa.m4.

Significances of Flexural rigidity:

The significances are as follows:-

  1. The resistance of the beam for the bending depends on flexural rigidity.
  2. The beam with a higher value of flexural rigidity has less value of deflection.

Flexural rigidity vs Torsional rigidity:

Sr. No.Flexural RigidityTorsional Rigidity
1It indicates the resistance offered by the beam to Bending.It indicates the resistance of an object to twisting.
2It is considered when the object is subjected to a bending load.Torsional rigidity is considered when the object is subjected to the torsional or twisting load.
3It depends on the modulus of elasticity (E) and moment of inertia (I).It depends on shear modulus (G) and polar moment of inertia (J).

Solved examples:

1] Find the flexural rigidity of the beam if the beam is made of timber with a modulus of elasticity of 13 GPa and a moment of inertia of 5.2 x 10-3 m4.

Solution:

Given:-
Modulus of elasticity, E = 13 GPa = 13 x 109 N/m2
Moment of inertia, I = 5.2 x 10-3 m4

The flexural rigidity of the beam is,

FR = E x I

= (13 x 109) x (5.2 x 10-3)

= 67.6 x 10⁶ Nm²

FAQ’s:

  1. What mean by high flexural rigidity?

    Higher flexural rigidity indicates high resistance to bending, thus showing less deflection.

  2. How to find flexural rigidity?

    Flexural rigidity (F.R.) can be found by,
    F.R. = Modulus of elasticity (E) × Moment of inertia (I)

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Pratik is a Graduated Mechanical engineer. He enjoys sharing the engineering knowledge learned by him with people.

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