6.5 Shape Factor
        Shape Factor

» Shape Factor
The SHAPE FACTOR of a cross-section gives us an idea of how effective the cross-section is in carrying load per its weight (squared). The idea of Shape Factors presented here was developed in detail by Dr. Michael F. Ashby, of Cambridge University. The Shape Factor for Elastic Bending (fBe) - i.e. the stiffness - is defined as:

Values for various shapes are given below (from Materials Selection in Mechanical Design, M.F. Ashby). The shape factors are, from left to right, for: (1) Elastic Bending Stiffness, (2) Elastic Torsional Stiffness, (3) Bending Strength and (4) Torsional Strength.