Beam bending problem, calculate deflection of a beam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum deflection of a beam when a person stands on it. Participants explore various aspects of beam bending, including the effects of load positioning, shear center, and relevant equations. The scope includes theoretical considerations and mathematical reasoning related to beam mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Robin expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem, noting the asymmetry of the beam and its expected bending direction.
  • Robin suggests that placing the person at the midpoint of the beam would yield maximum deflection and questions the process of translating force to the shear center.
  • Another participant questions how moving the load from the shear center would affect the deflection result and expresses confusion about the relevance of the stress equation.
  • Robin proposes a formula for maximum deflection and seeks clarification on calculating the moment of inertia (I) and the neutral axis.
  • A participant explains the existence of two centroidal axes and the need for a twisting moment if the load is not at the shear center, suggesting further reading on torsion for clarity.
  • Robin acknowledges the mention of Poisson's ratio, questioning its relevance in the context of the problem.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding shear and moment diagrams for solving the problem.
  • Robin later indicates that they have successfully passed the course, suggesting they found the assistance helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the relevance of different factors in calculating deflection, such as the shear center and Poisson's ratio. There is no consensus on the best approach or the importance of certain equations, indicating ongoing uncertainty and exploration of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for background reading on torsion and the implications of load positioning, which may affect the calculations. There are unresolved questions regarding the application of Poisson's ratio in this specific problem.

Robin91
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Homework Statement



The problem is to determine the maximum deflection when a person is standing on the beam in the attachment.

E= 206.8 GPa, v=0.3

Homework Equations


fd061a8f3cdea89c026c7e28952b45b3.png
(although I am not completely sure if this one is relevant)

The Attempt at a Solution


I've thought a bit about the problem, but I don't know exactly where to start. The beam is asymmetical, which implies that it will most likely bend into the negative z direction and twist a bit.

If you could steer me into the right direction it will be most appreciated!

Thanks,
Robin
 

Attachments

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I've thought a bit more about it, but I'd like to know if I'm thinking in the right direction.. I think the person should stand on the spot of the picture, exactly in the middle (seen longtitudinal perspective) of the beam for maximum deflection. Then the beam will rotate and bend. Am I supposed to translate the force to one colinear with the shear center and then have a force and a moment? And what is next then?

Thanks in advance,
Robin
 

Attachments

  • beam.png
    beam.png
    291 bytes · Views: 513
Suppose you put the person at the shear centre and obtain that deflection (without twist). If you then move the person to another position in the cross-section, how will that change the result you already have? I can't see the relevance of the stress equation, btw.
 
I guess the beam then bends with

[tex]\delta_{max}=\frac{Pl^3}{48EI}[/tex]

Is that correct? But how can I calculate the [tex]I[/tex], what is the neutral axis? Is that just the horizontal line through the centroid (because I use the deflection with a force in the shear center)..? And how do I use the Poisson ratio in this problem?

Thanks in advance,
Robin
 
There are two centroidal axes, x-x and y-y, origin at the centroid, not corresponding to the shear centre, When the load is passing through the shear centre, the neutral axis is the x-x axis and the I is Ixx obtained using the parallel axis theorem. If take account of the load not being at the shear centre, then you need to add a twisting moment, the angular twist requiring a formula similar to delta max you quote but involving the torgue T, and J instead of I. If you don't know what I am talking about, you need to do some background reading on torsion of open sections, and then it should become clearer. I can't see how Poisson's ratio is involved.
 
Ok, thanks, that should get me started. I only wondered about the poisson's ratio because it is given in the exercise... ([tex]\nu=0.3[/tex])
 
general idea to understand:did you have any idea how shear and moment diagram look like?if so it will be a great help!SAYING:ONE PICTURE'S WORTH A THOUSAND WORD,LEADING TO THE WAY I think,thank you, I 'll get back----
 
Hi Diflection,

Indeed that's a good thing to remember. However, in the few months that passed by since I posted it, I already passed the course :).

Thanks for your help,
Robin
 

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