How to Determine Deflection in Steel Tubing
- 1). Measure the length (L), width (W), outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) of the tube .
- 2). Calculate the modus of elasticity (E) by using the following formula: E = stress ÷ strain = psi ÷ in/in = psi.
- 3). Calculate the second moment of inertia (I) by using the formula: (pi x (OD^4 - ID^4)) ÷ 64.
- 4). Use the figures gathered in Steps 1-6 to perform the following calculation: Deflection = W x L^3 ÷ 3 x E x I.