A bending moment is a measure of the internal forces that cause a beam or structural element to bend. It occurs when an external load is applied to the beam, creating a moment that tries to rotate the beam around a point. The bending moment varies along the length of the beam, depending on the position and magnitude of the applied loads.
In engineering, understanding bending moments is crucial for designing safe and effective structures. Engineers use bending moment diagrams to visualize how moments change along a beam, helping them determine the appropriate materials and dimensions needed to withstand the applied loads without failure.
