Calculating Deflection and Stress in a Tapered Cantilever Beam

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating deflection and stress in a tapered I-section cantilever beam subjected to a point load at the free end. The deflection formula is derived using the double integration method, where the slope θ(x) and deflection δ(x) are calculated based on the moment of inertia I(x) as a function of length. Bending and shear stresses are determined using standard formulas, but the section properties must be recalculated at different locations along the beam due to its non-uniform geometry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cantilever beam mechanics
  • Familiarity with the double integration method for deflection calculation
  • Knowledge of bending stress and shear stress formulas
  • Basic calculus for integration and boundary conditions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the double integration method for beam deflection in detail
  • Learn how to calculate moment of inertia for tapered beams
  • Explore numerical integration techniques for complex beam problems
  • Review the derivation of shear and bending stress formulas for varying cross-sections
USEFUL FOR

Structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and students studying beam mechanics who need to understand the complexities of tapered cantilever beams under load.

Timisoarian
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Hey all,
So I have this beam problem and I honestly am lost with it!
The beam is I-section cantilever, tapers in depth along its length (See picture attached) with a point load at the free end. I am trying to figure out the deflection formula and how to derive it! Also, when calculating its bending stress and shear stress, is it the same way as a normal beam?
Please guys, any help is appreciated it as I am completely lost!
 

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Timisoarian said:
Hey all,
So I have this beam problem and I honestly am lost with it!
The beam is I-section cantilever, tapers in depth along its length (See picture attached) with a point load at the free end. I am trying to figure out the deflection formula and how to derive it!
There probably won't be a simple deflection formula. Since the moment of inertia of the beam varies with length, deflections will probably best be calculated using the double integration method:

θ(x) = \int^x_0 \frac{M(x)}{EI(x)} dx + C_1

δ(x) = \int^x_0 θ(x) dx + C_2

where:

θ(x) - slope of the beam
δ(x) - deflection of the beam
I(x) - moment of inertia of the beam, as a function of the length
E - Young's modulus for the beam material

C1 and C2 - constants of integration; determined by applying the boundary conditions at the fixed end, i.e. θ(0) = δ(0) = 0.

Even if you can determine the moment of inertia I(x) as a function of x, you probably won't get simple functions for M(x)/I(x) to integrate. You may have to use a numerical integration method to obtain θ and δ.

Also, when calculating its bending stress and shear stress, is it the same way as a normal beam?

The shear force and bending moment diagrams are calculated based on the loading of the beam only. The taper does not come into play.

The regular formulas for bending stress and shear stress still apply ... you do have to calculate the section properties of the beam at the location where you want to determine the stresses. Unlike a prismatic beam, if you change the location of where the stresses are calculated, you must re-calculate the section properties at that new location.
 
Timisoarian said:
Hey all,

So I have this beam problem and I honestly am lost with it!

The beam is I-section cantilever, tapers in depth along its length (See picture attached) with a point load at the free end. I am trying to figure out the deflection formula and how to derive it! Also, when calculating its bending stress and shear stress, is it the same way as a normal beam?

Please guys, any help is appreciated it as I am completely lost!
For the statically determinate beam, bending moments and shear forces at any point along the beam are the same as a non tapered beam, but bending and shear stresses will depend upon the geometric properties of the beam cross section at the point in question. For deflection, since I is non-uniform, you'll have to do the calculus using one of those deflection equations. Like \int{( mM/EI) }dx .
 
Two threads merged, and moved to homework.
 

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