Those veneers are without doubt book-matched, but I would say in a very specific method, "Architectural end matching" (End or Butt Matching):
P.S. That is some top quality veneering, the attention to detail is almost pure art (the cabinet maker that did that work is an artisan).
This morning on twitter, I asked a few woodworking experts (at least I consider them experts) to take a look at your question:
I'd go with @Aarthi's load bearing table resource for a general idea of what's reasonable.
If you're looking for equations though, you can start with these:
Beam Deflection Formulas
Beam Deflection and Stress Calculator
Area Moments of Inertia
Using the Parallel Axis Theorem
Wood Material Properties (Modulus of Elasticity (E) found in Table 4-3a)
For the dynamic loading, you'll want to do something similar to the fun I had on this question.
...and you may want to consult a good Mechanics of Materials book. (cheaper paperback international edition on Ebay)
As @Ian points out, the problem is not a simple one and is best solved by simply using what's worked for other people in the past. Go take a look at the swings at your local park and use the same size of beam, provided the span is comparable.
Also, if you're really worried, you could always make the rope into a 'Y' to eliminate bending stress on the beam, leaving it solely in shear. This way, the beam is bearing the compression load from the lateral tension on the 'Y', which will keep the trees from bowing toward each other.
Diagram:
| |______________________| |
| | | | | |
| tree | | | | tree |
| |__|_________________|_| |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | \ / | |
| | Y | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
...more rope and trees...
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | ----- | |
| | / ___ \ | |
| | | / \ | | |
| | | \___/ | | |
| | \ / | |
| | ----- | |
Best Answer
Thanks for all the fantastic effort attempting to identify the photographed fitting!
I found that it's a bolt assembly, like those used in flat pack furniture. The holes at 90 deg are actually four, could only see two initially. They're in the bolt head and the metal box acts as a retention plate.
If anyone is interested I can post an image of the bolt partially unscrewed.
Thanks again!