Boundary conditions for a 4th order beam deflection equation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the boundary conditions for a fourth order differential equation that models the deflection of a propped cantilever beam under a uniform distributed load. Three boundary conditions are established: no deflection at the built-in support (x = 0), no deflection at the simple support (x = L), and a zero slope at the built-in support (x = 0). The fourth condition proposed is that the bending moment at the simple support is zero (x = L, d^2v/dx^2 = 0), which is confirmed as correct. The confusion arises from varying definitions in different sources due to changes in coordinate systems. Understanding these conditions is essential for accurately modeling beam deflection.
Xaspire88
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What would the boundary conditions be for a fourth order differential equation describing the deflection (elastic curve) of a propped cantilever beam with a uniform distributed load applied? i.e. a beam with a built in support on the left and a simple support on the right. I need 4 obviously but I am having a hard time coming up with the 4th.

So far I have

1. x = 0 v = 0 (no deflection at the built in support end)
2. x = L v = 0 (no deflection at the simple support end)
3. x = 0 dv/dx = 0 (slope of the deflection at the built in support is 0)

and for the fourth I have seen

x = L d^2v/dx^2=0

but I am having some trouble wrapping my head around that last one. Is it correct?
 
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Xaspire88 said:
What would the boundary conditions be for a fourth order differential equation describing the deflection (elastic curve) of a propped cantilever beam with a uniform distributed load applied? i.e. a beam with a built in support on the left and a simple support on the right. I need 4 obviously but I am having a hard time coming up with the 4th.

So far I have

1. x = 0 v = 0 (no deflection at the built in support end)
2. x = L v = 0 (no deflection at the simple support end)
3. x = 0 dv/dx = 0 (slope of the deflection at the built in support is 0)

and for the fourth I have seen

x = L d^2v/dx^2=0

but I am having some trouble wrapping my head around that last one. Is it correct?
yes, at the pinned simple support which is free to rotate, there can be no bending moment, which is what that boundary condition describes (at x = L, v" = M/EI = 0)
 
thanks, I was getting confused because some sites had "common beam" equations that were different than others.. until i realized that the supports were on different sides and thus their coordinate system was changing. now it makes sense.
 

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