/sci/ - Science & Math

Assuming square cross-section on both beams (shelf and support), and same material properties;

axial compression is preferred to a bending moment (imagine a tube of paper, stronger to compress length ways than as a 'bridge')

Assuming a Uniform Distributed Load (UDL), A will have more force resolved by the support. B will have a greated bending moment on the shelf.

Under a UDL im standing underneath A. A point load, such as a hanging sign on the end, I'd take B.

t. Not autistic