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

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SUMMARY

The deflection curve of a beam can be accurately solved using the equation EI w''''(x) = q, where EI represents the flexural rigidity. The solution involves integrating this equation four times and applying boundary conditions, specifically ensuring that deflection and moment are zero at the supports. The shear force and bending moment are independent of the material's elastic properties and the moment of inertia. To compute the slope and deflection, the integrals θ(x)=∫₀ˣ M(ξ)/EI dξ and δ(x)=∫₀ˣ θ(ξ) dξ are utilized, with constants determined by boundary conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beam theory and deflection analysis
  • Familiarity with the concepts of shear force and bending moment diagrams
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in calculus
  • Ability to apply boundary conditions in structural analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the beam deflection formula using EI w''''(x) = q
  • Learn how to construct shear force and bending moment diagrams for various beam configurations
  • Explore the application of boundary conditions in structural mechanics
  • Investigate advanced topics in beam theory, such as the influence of varying cross-sections on deflection
USEFUL FOR

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

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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