Beam Deflection: Solving with EI w''''(x) = q and Boundary Conditions

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The deflection curve of the beam can be solved using the equation EI w''''(x) = q by integrating four times and applying boundary conditions, specifically ensuring deflection and moment are zero at the supports. The shear force and bending moment are independent of the material's elastic properties and the cross-section's moment of inertia. Reactions at the supports can be determined through equilibrium equations and a free body diagram, leading to the construction of shear force and bending moment diagrams. The slope and deflection can then be calculated using specific integrals, incorporating constants of integration evaluated from boundary conditions. The bending moments must be zero at the free ends, although they may not be zero at the supports due to the beam's overhang.
Laurry
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Can the deflection curve of the beam in picture be solved by using the following
approach:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/104865119/beam2.PNG

1) EI w''''(x) = q

2) Integrate four times, solve the constants from boundary conditions (deflection and moment zero at the supports)

Thanks,

Laurry
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Laurry said:
Can the deflection curve of the beam in picture be solved by using the following
approach:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/104865119/beam2.PNG

1) EI w''''(x) = q

2) Integrate four times, solve the constants from boundary conditions (deflection and moment zero at the supports)

Thanks,

Laurry
The shear force and bending moment for this beam don't depend on the elastic properties of the material or the moment of inertia of the cross section.

You can determine the reactions at the supports by using the equations of equilibrium, and then construct a free body diagram of the beam, from which you can then construct the shear force and bending moment diagrams.

Once you have constructed the bending moment diagram, then the slope and deflection of the beam can be calculated by the following integrals:

$$θ(x)=\int_0^x \frac{M(ξ)}{EI}\,dξ$$ and

$$δ(x)=\int_0^x θ(ξ) \,dξ $$ where ξ is a dummy coordinate measured along the length of the beam.

The appropriate constants of integration are added to the results of each integration. These constants can be evaluated by applying the appropriate boundary conditions for the beam. The deflections will be zero at the supports, but since the beam overhangs the supports at each end, the bending moment may not necessarily be zero at each support. The bending moments must be zero at the free ends of the beam, however.

This article provides some illustrations:

http://www.assakkaf.com/courses/enes220/lectures/lecture16.pdf
 
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