Are Displacement and Deflection the Same in Beam Analysis?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Displacement and deflection in beam analysis are distinct concepts, though they can yield the same numerical results under certain conditions. Displacement, represented by the symbol v, refers specifically to transverse displacement, while deflection is derived from beam integration techniques. When analyzing beams, particularly simple cases like cantilevers, both methods can be employed to verify results. If discrepancies arise between the two, it indicates a potential error in the analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beam theory and mechanics of materials
  • Familiarity with Bending Virtual Load concepts
  • Knowledge of beam integration techniques
  • Basic proficiency in structural analysis methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Bending Virtual Load in beam analysis
  • Learn about beam deflection calculations using integration methods
  • Explore examples of cantilever beam analysis for practical understanding
  • Investigate complementary energy methods in structural analysis
USEFUL FOR

Structural engineers, civil engineering students, and professionals involved in beam analysis and design will benefit from this discussion.

EngineeringDave
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hi I am tackling a question which combines Beam deflection with Bending Virtual Load.
I am wondering whether the displacement found at a point through complementary energy (virtual load) is the same an the deflection through beam integration at that same point?

It maybe a stupid question but I'm struggling to tell the difference!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Sorry just to clarify when I said displacement I mean the transverse displacement (usual symbol is v).
 
EngineeringDave said:
Hi I am tackling a question which combines Beam deflection with Bending Virtual Load.
I am wondering whether the displacement found at a point through complementary energy (virtual load) is the same an the deflection through beam integration at that same point?

It maybe a stupid question but I'm struggling to tell the difference!

If the two deflections aren't equal, then there is a problem somewhere. You can always analyze a simple problem from a beam table (like a cantilever, for instance) using the two methods to check.
 

Similar threads

Deriving Strain in Cantilever Beam with Known Deflection
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Cantilever beam with curved beam on the end.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Cantilever beam deflection with point mass and point load at the end
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate Deflection in a Simply Supported Overhanging Beam?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K
Correlating Displacement and Strain in a Cantilever Beam System
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K
Engineering 2nd Degree Inderteminacy for Structure Using Force Method
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How do I determine the K value from a cantilever beam deflection test?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
What's the easiest way to solve this portal frame with braces?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Engineering Struggling with a Structural Analysis Problem?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Bending moment on multi beam sign post
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K