calculate sag in aluminum sheet ?

[cyclestart]

Any carpenter knows a sheet of material sags due to it's own weight. How is the amount of sag calculated for aluminum sheet up to and including fractional inch thicknesses? Google hasn't been much help, probably because "sag" is not the correct technical term.

[Geof]

Try looking for simple beam deflection with distributed load.

You have to calculate the moment of inertia (I) from the cross section of the plate and use the formula for a simply supported beam with the weight of the plate being your distributed load.

I can't give you any links to find the equation(s) but you should be able to find them through Google.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Try "Beam Boy", free on line.

Dick Z

[vegipete]

This link might be useful.