In prismatic beams subject to arbitrary transverse loading, It is essential to analyze the interaction between shear forces and bending moments in order to understand stress distribution and ensure structural integrity. The highest normal or bending stress occurs at the outer fibers of the beam, decreasing linearly to zero at the neutral axis. In contrast, shear stress peaks at the neutral axis and diminishes toward the outer surfaces.

Analyzing principal stresses is crucial, especially in narrow rectangular cantilever beams under concentrated loads. Principal stresses, the maximum and minimum normal stresses at any point, occur on planes free from shear stress. These stresses are essential for identifying potential failure points. Computational studies typically show that the maximum normal stress within such beams usually does not exceed the surface stresses, except near load application points, where shear stress might overtake normal stress.

The method for calculating maximum normal stress is generally effective for rectangular cross-sections, and can be adapted for non-rectangular shapes through more advanced calculations or computational modeling. It is important to consider situations where large shearing stresses coexist with significant normal stresses near the beam's surface. These conditions can lead to unexpected failure modes, such as shear-induced cracking, highlighting the complexities of designing real-world structures.