Max Load of .500" to .750" steel plate before bending

[schmidthead]

Looking for the max load of a 12" x 5" x .5" or .75" sheet of mild steel. It needs to hold roughly 1700 to 1800 lbs without bending. Should I go thicker or could I go thinner.

Thanks.

 

[TVP]

Which direction is the bending applied? What is the degree of fixity/contraint?

 

[schmidthead]

The force will be applied in the middle of the plate. The plate will be supported on each end by about 2" and will be welded into place.

 

[metengr]

Use the web site below to find the applicable formula for rectangular plate supported and type of load

http://www.xcalcs.com/

 

[Dinosaur]

When you say you want to avoid bending, what do you really expect? Do you not want any deflection? Do you want to avoid yeilding of the plate? How do you define "No Bending?"