Angle (L) cross-section properties (2025)

Definitions

Table of contents

- Geometry

- Moment of Inertia

- Principal axes

- Moment of inertia and bending

- Polar moment of inertia of L-section

- Elastic section modulus

- Plastic section modulus

- Around x axis

- Around y axis

- Radius of gyration

- Related pages

Geometry

The area A and the perimeter P of an angle cross-section, can be found with the next formulas:

The distance of the centroid from the left edge of the section , and from the bottom edge , can be found using the first moments of area, of the two legs:

We have a special article, about the centroid of compound areas, and how to calculate it. Should you need more details, you can find it here.

Angle (L) cross-section properties (1)

Moment of Inertia

The moment of inertia of an angle cross section can be found if the total area is divided into three, smaller ones, A, B, C, as shown in the figure below. The final area, may be considered as the additive combination of A+B+C. However, a more straightforward calculation can be achieved by the combination (A+C)+(B+C)-C. Also, the calculation is better done around the non-centroidal x0,y0 axes, followed by application of the the Parallel Axes Theorem.

First, the moments of inertia Ix0, Iy0 and Ix0y0 of the angle section, around the x0, and y0 axes, are found like this:

Angle (L) cross-section properties (2)

Application of the Parallel Axes Theorem makes possible to find the moments of inertia around the centroidal axes x,y:

where, the distance of the centroid from the y0 axis and the distance of the centroid from x0 axis. Expressions for these distances are given in the previous section.

Take in mind, that x, y axes are not the natural ones, the L-section would prefer to bend around, if left unrestrained. These would be the principal axes, that are inclined in respect to the geometric x, y axes, as described in the next section.

Principal axes

Principal axes are those, for which the product of inertia Ixy, of the cross-section becomes zero. Typically, the principal axes are symbolized with I and II and are perpendicular, one with the other. The moments of inertia, when defined around the principal axes, are called principal moments of inertia and are the maximum and minimum ones. Specifically, the moment of inertia, around principal axis I, is the maximum one, while the moment of inertia around principal axis II, is the minimum one, compared to any other axis of the cross-section. For symmetric cross-sections, the principal axes match the axes of symmetry. However, there is no axis of symmetry in an L section (unless for the special case of an angle with equal legs), and as a result the principal axes are not apparent, by inspection alone. They must be calculated, and in particular, their inclination, relative to some convenient geometric axis (e.g. x, y), should be determined.

Knowing the moments of inertia , and the product of inertia , of the L-section, around centroidal x, y axes, it is possible to find the principal moments of inertia , around principal axes I and II, respectively, and the inclination angle , of the principal axes from the x, y ones, with the following formulas:

By definition, is considered the major principal moment (maximum one) and the minor principal moment (minimum one). It follows that: .

Angle (L) cross-section properties (3)

Moment of inertia and bending

The moment of inertia (second moment or area) is used in beam theory to describe the rigidity of a beam against flexure. The bending moment M applied to a cross-section is related with its moment of inertia with the following equation:

where E is the Young's modulus, a property of the material, and the curvature of the beam due to the applied load. Therefore, it can be seen from the former equation, that when a certain bending moment M is applied to a beam cross-section, the developed curvature is reversely proportional to the moment of inertia I.

Polar moment of inertia of L-section

The polar moment of inertia, describes the rigidity of a cross-section against torsional moment, likewise the planar moments of inertia described above, are related to flexural bending. The calculation of the polar moment of inertia around an axis z-z (perpendicular to the section), can be done with the Perpendicular Axes Theorem:

where the , , the moments of inertia around axes x-x and y-y, respectively, which are mutually perpendicular to z-z and meet at a common origin.

The dimensions of moment of inertia are .

Elastic section modulus

The elastic section modulus of any cross section around centroidal axis x-x, describes the response of the section under elastic flexural bending. It is defined as:

where , the moment of inertia of the section around x-x axis and , the distance from centroid of a given section fiber (that is parallel to the axis). For the angle section, due to its unsymmetry, the is different for a top fiber (at the tip of the vertical leg) or a bottom fiber (at the base of the horizontal leg). Normally, the more distant fiber (from centroid) is considered when finding the elastic modulus. This happens to be at the tip of the vertical leg (for bending around x-x). Using the possibly bigger , we get the smaller , which results in higher stress calculations, as will be shown shortly after. This is usually preferable for the design of the section. Therefore:

where the “min” or “max” designations are based on the assumption that , which is valid for any angle section.

Similarly, for the elastic section modulus , relative to the y-y axis, the minimum elastic section modulus is found with:

where the “min” designation is based on the assumptions that , which again is valid, for any angle section.

Angle (L) cross-section properties (4)

If a bending moment is applied on axis x-x, the section will respond with normal stresses, varying linearly with the distance from the neutral axis (which under elastic regime coincides to the centroidal x-x axis). Over the neutral axis the stresses are by definition zero. Absolute maximum stress will occur at the most distant fiber, with magnitude given by the formula:

From the last equation, the section modulus can be considered for flexural bending, a property analogous to cross-sectional A, for axial loading. For the latter, the normal stress is F/A.

The dimensions of section modulus are .

Plastic section modulus

The plastic section modulus is similar to the elastic one, but defined with the assumption of full plastic yielding of the cross section, due to flexural bending. In that case, the whole section is divided in two parts, one in tension and one in compression, each under uniform stress field. For materials with equal tensile and compressive yield stresses, this leads to the division of the section into two equal areas, , in tension and , in compression, separated by the neutral axis. This axis is called plastic neutral axis, and for non-symmetric sections, is not the same with the elastic neutral axis (which again is the centroidal one). The plastic section modulus is given by the general formula:

where the distance of the centroid of the compressive area from the plastic neutral axis and the respective distance of the centroid of the tensile area .

Angle (L) cross-section properties (5)

Around x axis

For the case of an angle cross-section, the plastic neutral axis for x-x bending, can be found by either one of the following two equations:

which becomes:

where , the distance of the plastic neutral axis from the bottom end of the section. The first equation is valid when the plastic neutral axis passes through the vertical leg, while the second one when it passes through the horizontal leg. Generally, it can't be known which equation is relevant beforehand.

Angle (L) cross-section properties (6)

Once the plastic neutral axis is determined, the calculation of the centroids of the compressive and tensile areas becomes straightforward. For the first case, that is when the axis crosses the vertical leg, the plastic modulus can be found like this:

which becomes:

where .

For the second case, that is when the axis passes through the horizontal leg, the plastic modulus is found with equation:

which can be simplified to:

where .

Around y axis

The plastic section modulus around y axis can be found in a similar way. If we orient the L-section, so that the vertical leg becomes horizontal, then the resulting shape is similar in form with the originally oriented one. Thus, the derived equations should have the same form, as found for the x-axis. We only have to swap for and vice-versa. This way, the exact position of the plastic neutral axis is given by the following formula:

where , the distance of the plastic neutral axis from the left end of the section. The first equation is valid when the plastic neutral axis passes through the horizontal leg, while the second one when it passes through the vertical leg (see figure below).

For the first case, that is when the y-axis crosses the horizontal leg, the plastic modulus is found by the formula:

where .

For the second case, that is when the y-axis crosses the vertical leg, the plastic modulus is found by the formula:

where .

Angle (L) cross-section properties (7)

Radius of gyration

Radius of gyration Rg of a cross-section, relative to an axis, is given by the formula:

where I the moment of inertia of the cross-section around the same axis and A its area. The dimensions of radius of gyration are . It describes how far from centroid the area is distributed. Small radius indicates a more compact cross-section. Circle is the shape with minimum radius of gyration, compared to any other section with the same area A.

Angle (L) section formulas

The following table, lists the main formulas for the mechanical properties of the angle (L) cross section.

Angle (L) section formulas
Angle (L) cross-section properties (8)
QuantityFormula
Area:
Perimeter:
Centroid:

Moments of inertia around centroid
Principal axes and moments of inertia:
Elastic modulus:

Plastic modulus:

Plastic neutral axis:

(distances from bottom or left)

where:

Related pages

Properties of a Rectangular TubeProperties of I/H sectionProperties of unequal I/H sectionMoment of Inertia of an AngleAll Cross Section tools

Liked this page? Share it with friends!

Angle (L) cross-section properties (2025)

FAQs

What are the properties of the cross-section? ›

Properties of Common Cross Sections

The properties calculated in the table include area, centroidal moment of inertia, section modulus, and radius of gyration. Area [in2]: Moment of Inertia [in4]: Section Modulus [in3]:

What is the L angle used for? ›

Their L-shaped cross-section and sturdy composition make them important for a wide range of applications, including framing and reinforcement, bridge construction, and warehouse support. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over the fundamentals of steel angles, including their types, sizes, applications, and rates.

What is the formula for section modulus of L section? ›

Use the section from your Hood design and calculate the section modulus using the formula S= I/y. Section Modulus: The section modulus (S) is geometry property of the cross section used for designing beams and flexural members. It does not represent anything physically.

What is the neutral axis of an L beam? ›

The Concept of Neutral Axis

In essence, the neutral axis is a line produced by the intersection of the undeformed cross-section plane and the deformed surface as shown in Fig. 3.23C. This produces a surface of zero strain oriented along the longitudinal axis of the beam-type member.

What are the 3 different types of cross sections? ›

Depending upon the relationship between the plane and the slant surface, the cross-section or also called conic sections (for a cone) might be a circle, a parabola, an ellipse or a hyperbola. From the above figure, we can see the different cross sections of cone, when a plane cuts the cone at a different angle.

What are the five important elements of a cross section? ›

The major cross section elements considered in the design of streets and highways include the pavement surface type, cross slope, lane widths, shoulders, roadside or border, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and medians.

What type of angle is L? ›

The measure of the angle in a capital letter "L" is 90°, and the angle is a right angle.

What is an L-shaped angle? ›

They are formed by bending a single angle in a piece of steel. Angle Steel is 'L' shaped; the most common type of Steel Angles are at a 90 degree angle. The legs of the “L” can be equal or unequal in length. Steel angles are used for various purposes in a number of industries.

What does L mean in angles? ›

Often students only focus on the angle that is less than 180 degrees, but for example, the letter L can be thought of as defining both an angle that is 90 degrees and one that is 270 degrees.

What is the section modulus of a cross-section? ›

For the circular shapes, Sx = Ix/R (Figures 1.48c and 1.48d). In each case, the moment of inertia is divided by half the cross-sectional height, or thickness. From Equations 1.7 and 1.10, it can be seen that the section modulus for a rectangular cross section is Sx = (BH3/12)/(H/2) = BH2/6.

What is the formula for the area of the L section? ›

The following steps outline how to calculate the area of an L-shaped figure using the formula A = (l1 * w1) + (l2 * w2). First, determine the length of the first rectangle (l1) in units. Next, determine the width of the first rectangle (w1) in units. Next, determine the length of the second rectangle (l2) in units.

What does section modulus tell us? ›

The section modulus (Z) of the cross-sectional shape is significant in designing beams. It is a direct measure of the strength of the beam. A beam that has a larger section modulus than another will be stronger and capable of supporting greater loads.

What is the neutral axis of a cross-section? ›

The neutral axis is an axis in the cross section of a beam (a member resisting bending) or shaft along which there are no longitudinal stresses or strains.

Why is the neutral axis important? ›

Resisting the applied Bending Moment acting on the section. The importance of knowing how to find the neutral axis is if you want to calculate the exact stress/strain at every point of the beam section.

Is the centroid the same as the neutral axis? ›

Neutral axis is perpendicular to the plane of the loads. If stresses are linear and within the yield stress, the neutral axis passes through the centroid (that is, the neutral axis is one of the centroidal axes).

What are the properties of cross-sectional beam? ›

By definition, the section modulus (Sx) of a beam with a symmetric section equals its second moment of area divided by half its depth at the extreme fiber. The section modulus will help determine the cross-section shape of a beam as discussed in the Chapter 9.

What are the properties of a section? ›

Section properties involve the mathematical properties of structural shapes. They are of great use in structural analysis and design. Note that these properties have nothing to do with the strength of the material, but are based solely on the shape of the section.

What does cross section include? ›

A cross section is the shape that is created by cutting straight through a figure. Cross sections can be anything from points to lines to two-dimensional shapes. Parallel and perpendicular are used to describe the direction of cross sections.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Last Updated:

Views: 5797

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Birthday: 1993-07-01

Address: Suite 763 6272 Lang Bypass, New Xochitlport, VT 72704-3308

Phone: +22014484519944

Job: Banking Officer

Hobby: Sailing, Gaming, Basketball, Calligraphy, Mycology, Astronomy, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.