What is a cantilever beam characterized by?

A cantilever beam is primarily characterized by being fixed at one end and free at the other. This unique configuration allows the beam to extend beyond its support while being able to support loads applied along its length. In engineering terms, this means that the fixed end anchors the beam and provides resistance against bending, while the free end does not have any support, enabling the beam to experience deflection when a load is applied.

The design of a cantilever beam is crucial in various structural applications, such as in balconies, overhanging roofs, and bridges, where definitive support on only one end is needed. The analysis of the forces acting on such beams typically involves understanding how the fixed support can resist moments and shear forces while factoring in how the load distribution affects the beam's performance.

Alternatives to the correct answer describe different types of beams. For instance, a beam supported at both ends describes a simply supported beam, while a beam that bends under load addresses flexural behavior which is not exclusive to cantilever beams. Similarly, a beam with a uniform cross-section refers to geometry and manufacturing uniformity, which doesn’t specifically define a cantilever beam’s load-supporting characteristics.