How to Calculate Midspan Deflection of a Cantilever Beam with Uniform Load?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the midspan deflection of a cantilever beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load. It involves exploring the relevant equations and verifying the correctness of derived expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for deflection and attempts to derive the midspan deflection for a cantilever beam.
  • Another participant suggests verifying the formula by comparing it to standard beam tables.
  • A participant identifies a mistake in the initial approach regarding the application of the load variable.
  • The original poster acknowledges the mistake and reports arriving at what they believe is the correct answer after correction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes corrections and refinements of earlier claims, but there is no explicit consensus on the final correctness of the derived expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific equations and calculations, but the discussion does not resolve potential limitations or assumptions inherent in the formulas used.

raymanmusic
Messages
30
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


How do I find an expression for the deflection at midspan for a cantilever beam loaded with a uniformly distributed load?

Illustration of beam: http://goo.gl/3SxeVZ


Homework Equations


\delta = \frac{Qx^2}{24EI}(6L^2-4Lx+x^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Attempt at solution: http://goo.gl/umUBkU

My current answer is: \frac{49QL^4}{1280EI}, I think this is wrong. Putting x = \frac{L}{2} in the elastic curve formula I get: \frac{17QL^4}{384EI}, I think this is the correct answer.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
You can always check your formula for the deflection by setting x = L and seeing if your result is the same as that from a beam table.
 
raymanmusic: qx = q, not qx = q*x/L. Try again.
 
Yes, that was the mistake. I got the correct answer now: \frac{17QL^4}{384EI}. Thank you nvn.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
13K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K