Strength of Material I (MEng 1081) For Ext. 1st yr.

Chapter 5
Deflections of Beams
5.1 Introduction
When a beam with a straight longitudinal axis is loaded by lateral forces, the axis is deformed into a curve,
called the deflection curve (Elastic curve) of the beam. (Fig.5.1). A-Aꞌ is the deflection of point Pꞌ.

Fig 5.1 Deflection and Slope

There are different methods to find deflection. But in this chapter, we will determine the equation of the
deflection curve and also find deflections at specific points along the axis of the beam using Double
Integration Method and the Moment - Area Methods.

5.2 Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve

Most procedures for finding beam deflections are based on the differential equations of the deflection
curve and their associated relationships.
To derive the basic equation for the deflection curve of a beam as a function of the coordinate x. Consider
a cantilever beam with a concentrated load acting upward at the free end Fig 5.2a. Under the action of this
load, the axis of the beam deforms into a curve, as shown in Fig.5.2b, and the deflection v is the
displacement in the y direction of any point on the axis of the beam.

The deflection v at any point m1 on the deflection curve is shown in Fig. 5-2c. Point m1 is located at
distance x from the origin (measured along the x axis). A second point m2, located at distance x +dx from
the origin, is also shown. The deflection at this second point is v+dv, where dv is the increment in
deflection as we move along the curve from m1 to m2. When the beam is bent, there is not only a deflection
at each point along the axis but also a rotation. The angle of rotation θ of the axis of the beam is the angle
between the x-axis and the tangent to the deflection curve, as shown for point m1 in the enlarged view of
Fig. 5-2d.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 5.2

(Other names for the angle of rotation are angle of inclination and angle of slope.)

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The angle of rotation at point m2 is θ+dθ, where dθ is the increase in angle as we move from point m1 to
point m2
And the distance from Oꞌ to the curve is the radius of curvature ρ
ρdθ = ds
In which dθ is in radians and ds is the distance along the deflection curve between point’sm1 and m2.
Therefore, the curvature k (equal to the reciprocal of the radius of curvature) is given by the equation

The slope of the deflection curve

Since dv and dx are infinitesimally small, the slope dv/dx is equal to the tangent of the angle of rotation (θ)

Again, cos θ≈ 1 when the angle θ is very small (and hence the deflection curve is nearly horizontal)
This gives,
With this approximation, the curvature becomes, Eq.a
Also, tan θ ≈ θ when θ is small, we can make the following approximation

Eq.b
Taking the derivative of θ with respect to x in Eq. (b), we get

Combining this equation with Eq. (a), we obtain a relation between the curvature of a beam and its
deflection
Eq.c

If the material of a beam is linearly elastic and follows Hooke’s law, the curvature (from Chapter 3) is

Eq.d
Where, ρ = R of equation;
Combining Eq. (c) with Eq. (d) yields the basic differential equation of the deflection curve of a beam:

In which M = is the bending moment and EI =is the flexural rigidity of the beam.

As a reminder, the sign conventions

(1) The x and y axes are positive to the right and upward, respectively; (2) the deflection v is positive
upward; (3) the slope dv/dx and angle of rotation θ are positive when counterclockwise with respect to the
positive x axis; (4) the curvature k is positive when the beam is bent concave upward; and (5) the bending
moment M is positive when it produces compression in the upper part of the beam.

5 .2.1Prismatic Beams

In the case of a prismatic beam (EI is constant), the differential equations become

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To simplify the writing of these and other equations, primes are often used to denote differentiation:

Using this notation,

We will refer to these equations as the bending-moment equation, the shear-force equation, the load
equation, and slope equation respectively.
5.3 Double Integration Method
The basic principle in the double integration method is integrate the expression EI d2v/dx2 twice to obtain
an equation for the deflection v in terms of x.
EI d2v/dx2 = M(x)
𝒅𝒗
Integrating; EI = ∫(𝑴(𝒙)𝒅𝒙) + C1 eq.1
𝒅𝒙
Where, dv/dx = v’ = θ is the slope in radian
M(x) = the bending moment as a function of x and
C1 =constant of first integration.
Again integrating one more both side
EIv = ∫[∫(𝑴(𝒙)𝒅𝒙) + 𝑪𝟏 ] + 𝑪𝟐 eq.2
Where, v = deflection of the beam
C2 = second constant of integration
The constant C1 and C2 are evaluated from known conditions pertaining (referring) to the slopes and
deflections of the beam.
The conditions fall into three categories: (1) boundary conditions, (2) continuity conditions, and (3)
symmetry conditions.
 Boundary conditions pertain to the deflections and slopes at the supports of a beam
For example, at a simple support (either a pin or roller) the deflection is zero (see Figs), and at a fixed
support both the deflection and the slope are zero.

Boundary conditions at SS Boundary conditions at a Fixed support

 Continuity conditions occur at points where the regions of integration meet, such as at point C in
the beam of Fig. The deflection curve of this beam is physically continuous at point C,

At point C: (v)AC = (v)CB

(vꞌ)AC = (vꞌ)CB
 Symmetry conditions may also be available. For instance, if a simple beam supports a uniform
load throughout its length, we know in advance that the slope of the deflection curve at the
midpoint must be zero.
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Each boundary, continuity, and symmetry condition leads to an equation containing one or more of the
constants of integration.
Examples
1. Determine the equation of the deflection curve for a simple beam AB supporting a uniform load of
intensity q acting throughout the span of the beam (Fig. a). Also, determine the maximum
deflection δmax at the midpoint of the beam and the angles of rotation θA and θB at the supports
(Fig. b).
(Note: The beam has length L and constant flexural rigidity EI.)

Solution 1
 Bending moment in the beam- at x distance from the left-hand support.

 Differential equation of the deflection curve.

Eq (a)
Eq. (a) can now be integrated to obtain the slope and deflection of the beam.
 Slope of the beam. Multiplying both sides of the differential equation by dx, we get the following
equation:

Integrating each term, we obtain,

Eq (b)

To evaluate the constant C1, we have symmetry condition:

Applying this condition to Eq. (b) gives, the equation for the slope of the beam

Eq. (c)
As expected, the slope is negative (i.e., clockwise) at the left-hand end of the beam (x = 0), positive at the
right-hand end (x= L), and equal to zero at the midpoint (x = L/2).
 Deflection of the beam: obtained by integrating the equation for the slope of eq.(c)

Eq. (d)
To evaluate the constant of integration C2, that is v = 0 when x= 0 or. v (0) = 0Applying this condition to
Eq. (d) yields C2 = 0

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This equation gives the deflection at any point along the axis of the beam. Note that the deflection is zero
at both ends of the beam (x = 0 and x = L) and it is negative downward.
 Maximum deflection. occurs at the midpoint of the span or at x = L/2,
In which the negative sign means that the deflection is downward (as expected).
Since, δmax represents the magnitude of this deflection, we obtain

Angles of rotation. The maximum angles of rotation occur at the supports of the beam.

at x = 0, which is a clockwise angle

at x = L Which is counterclockwise angle

Because the beam and loading are symmetric about the midpoint, the angles of rotation at the ends are
equal. θA = θB
Example 2
Determine the equation of the deflection curve for a cantilever beam AB subjected a uniform load of
intensity q (Fig a)
Also, determine the angle of rotation θB and the deflection δB at the free end (Fig b). (Note: The beam has
length L and constant flexural rigidity EI.)

Solution 2
Bending moment in the beam.
Note that the vertical reaction at the support is equal to qL and the moment reaction is equal to qL2/2.
Consequently, the expression for the bending moment M is

Eq (a)

Differential equation of the deflection curve.

Eq (b)
Slope of the beam. The first integration of Eq (b).
Eq (c)
The constant of integration Cl can be found from the boundary condition

At x = 0, vꞌ (0) = 0 this yield C1 = 0 Then eq(c) becomes

And the slope is,
Deflection of the beam. Integration of the slope equation

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The constant C2 is found from the boundary condition that the deflection of the beam is zero at the support:
v (0) = 0 we get C2 = 0
So;

As expected, the deflection obtained from this equation is zero at the support (x = 0) and negative (that is,
downward) elsewhere.
Angle of rotation at the free end of the beam.
The clockwise angle of rotation θB at end B of the beam (Fig. b) is equal to the negative of the slope at that
point. Or at (x = L)

This angle is the maximum angle of rotation for the beam.

Deflection at the free end of the beam.
Since the deflection δB is downward (Fig. b), it is equal to the negative of the deflection obtained from

This deflection is the maximum deflection of the beam

Example 3
The overhang steel beam ABC carries a concentrated load P at end C. (a) Derive the equation of deflection
(b) Determine the maximum deflection in portion AB, δmax and (c) Deflection at point C,δC
Data, I = 300x106 mm4, E = 200Gpa, L = 4.5 m, P = 200KN

Solution
Reactions: Bending Moment:

RB = 3P/2 and RA = P/2↓

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Slope and elastic curve

Due to the loading two x coordinates will be considered
For 0 ≤ x1≤ L: For 0 ≤ x2≤L/2

(3)
(1)
(2) (4)
Determination of constants
From boundary condition,
v1= 0 at x1 = 0; 0 = 0+0+C2
𝑃
v1= 0 at x1 = L; 0 = - 12 (L) 3+ C1(L) + C2
𝑃
v2 = 0 at x2 = L/2; 0 = - 6 (L/2)3 + C3(L/2) + C4

From continuity of the slope at roller support requires dv1/dx1 = - dv2/dx2 at x1 = L and x2 = L/2
𝑑𝑣1 (𝐿) 𝑑𝑣2 (𝐿/2) 𝑃 𝑃
=- ; - (L) 2 + C1 = - (- (L/2)2 + C3)
𝑑𝑥1 𝑑𝑥2 4 2

𝑃𝐿2 7𝑃𝐿2 𝑃𝐿3

Solving we obtain, C1 = 12 ; C2 = 0; C3 = ; C4 = -
24 8
(a)Equation of deflection
Substituting C1 and C2 into eq. (1) and (2)
𝑃𝑋12 𝑃𝐿2 𝑃 𝐿2
EI𝑣1ꞌ = - + 12 ; 𝑣1ꞌ = 4𝐸𝐼 (-𝑥12 + 3 )
4

𝑃𝑥13 𝑃𝐿2 𝑃
EIv1 = - + 𝑥1 ;𝑣1 = 12𝐸𝐼 (x1L2 - 𝑥13 ) eq. (5)
12 12

Substituting C3 and C4 into eq. (3) and (4)

𝑃𝑋22 7𝑃𝐿2 𝑃
EI𝑣2ꞌ = - + ; 𝑣2ꞌ = (7𝐿2 − 12𝑥22 )
2 24 24𝐸𝐼

𝑃𝑥23 7𝑃𝐿2 𝑃𝐿3 𝑃

EIv2= - + 24 𝑥2 − 8 ;𝑣2 = 24𝐸𝐼 (- 4𝑥23 + 7𝐿2 𝑥2 −3𝐿3 ) eq.(6)
6
(b) Maximum deflection in portion AB
𝑑𝑣1
δmax occurs at point E, where the slope = 0 or at x1 = xm
𝑑𝑥1

𝑃 𝐿2
𝒗ꞌ𝟏 (xm)= 0 = 4𝐸𝐼 (-𝑥𝑚
2
+ 3)

Solving for; xm =L/ √3= 4.5/√3 = 2.5965m

At x1 = xm,v1 = δmax from the data given and substitute into eq.(5)
𝑃 3 200𝑥103 𝑁
δmax= (xmL2-𝑥𝑚 )= ((2.6𝑚(4.5𝑚)2 )−(2.6𝑚)3 )
12𝐸𝐼 12𝑥200𝑥109 𝑃𝑎 𝑥300𝑥10−6 𝑚4
= 9.74mm
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(c) Deflection at c, δC

At x2 = 0, v2 = δC from eq. (6)

3
𝑃𝐿3 200𝑥103 𝑁(4.5𝑚)
δC = − 8𝐸𝐼 = − = - 37.96mm ans.
8𝑥200𝑥109 𝑃𝑎 𝑥300𝑥10−6 𝑚4
The negative sign indicate the deflection at point C is downward.
5.4 The Moment-Area Method
In this section you will see how geometric properties of the elastic curves can be used to determine the
deflection and slope of a beam at specific points. Since the method is based upon two theorems related to
the area of the bending-moment diagram, it is called the moment-area method.
The assumptions used in deriving the two theorems are the same as those used in deriving the differential
equations of the deflection curve. Therefore, the moment-area method is valid only for linearly elastic
beams with small slopes.

5.4.1 First Moment-Area Theorem

To derive the first theorem, consider a segment AB of the deflection curve of a beam in a region where the
curvature is positive. (Fig 5.3)At point A the tangent AAꞌ to the deflection curve is at an angle θA to the x
axis, and at point B the tangent BBꞌ is at an angle θB. These two tangents meet at point C.

The angle between the tangents, denoted θB/A, is equal to the difference between θB and θA:

We know that,

Since the slope is small, θ = dv/dx and therefore

Let us now integrate dθ between points A and B of

The deflection curve:

Fig 5.3
When evaluated, the integral on the left-hand side becomes θB - θA, which is equal to the angle θB/A between
the tangents at B and A.
Eq (a)

This equation is called the First moment - area theorem (Mohr’s theorem):- stated as the angle θB/A
between the tangents to the deflection curve at two points A and B is equal to the area of the M/EI diagram
between those points.
Where; Mdx/EI = is the area of the shaded strip of width dx in the M/EI diagram.
M/EI diagram = is the diagram equal to the bending moment M divided by the
flexural rigidity EI
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The notation θA/B is referred to as the angle of the tangent at B measured with respect to the tangent at A.
θA/B - measured in radian and EI is constant.

5.4.2 Second Moment-Area Theorem

The second moment-area theorem is based on the relative deviation of tangents to the elastic curve.
Consider again the deflection curve between points A and B (Fig 5.4).To determine the tangential
deviation, we again select two points m1 and m2 a small distance apart on the deflection curve ( see Fig).
The angle between the tangents at these two points is dθ, and the segment on line BB1 between these
tangents is dt. Since the angles between the tangents and the x axis are actually very small, we see that the
vertical distance dt = x1dθ, where x1 is the horizontal distance from point B to the small element m1m2.

Since dθ = Mdx/EI (Eq. 5a), we obtain

Integrating between points A and B, we get

Fig 5.4
Since the centroid of an area is found from and represents the area
under the M/ EI diagram, we can also write
Eq (b)

Here x̅ is the distance from B to the centroid of the area under the M/EI diagram between A and B,
Eq (b) represents the second theorem:
Second moment-area theorem: The tangential deviation tB/A of point B from the tangent at point A is equal
to the first moment of the area of the M/EI diagram between A and B, evaluated with respect to B.
As a method of analysis, the moment-area method is feasible only for relatively simple kinds of beams.
Therefore, it is usually obvious whether the beam deflects upward or downward and whether an angle of
rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise. The sign convention is determined by inspection and use only
absolute values when applying the moment-area theorems.

Examples
1. Determine the angle of rotation θB and deflection δB at the free end B of a cantilever beam AB
supporting a concentrated load P. (Note: The beam has length L and constant flexural rigidity EI.)

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Solution 1
By inspection of the beam and its loading, we know that the angle of rotation θB is clockwise and the
deflection δB is downward. Therefore, we can use absolute values when applying the moment-area
theorems.
M/EI diagram Angle of rotation: From the first moment-area theorem, we know that the angle θB/A
between the tangents at points B and A is equal to the area of the M/EI
diagram between those points. This area, which we will denote as A1, is
determined as follows:

The relative angle of rotation between points A and B (from the first theorem) is

Since the tangent to the deflection curve at support A is horizontal (θA = 0), we obtain

Deflection: from the second moment-area theorem the tangential deviation tB/A of point B from the tangent
at A is equal to the deflection δB itself.
The first moment of the area of the M/EI diagram, evaluated with respect to point B, is

We know that the deflection δB is equal to the first moment Q1. Therefore;

2. Find the angle of rotation θB and deflection δB at the free end B of a cantilever beam ACB
supporting a uniform load of intensity q acting over the right-hand half of the beam.
(Note: The beam has length L and constant flexural rigidity EI.)

Solution
M/EI diagram. The bending-moment diagram consists of a parabolic curve in the region of the uniform
load and a straight line in the left-hand half of the beam. Since EI is constant, the M/EI diagram has the
same shape. The values of M/EI at points A and C are -3qL2/8EI and -qL2/8EI, respectively.

Angle of rotation. For the purpose of evaluating the area of the M/EI diagram, it is convenient to divide the
diagram into three parts: (1) a parabolic spandrel of area A1, (2) a rectangle of area A2, and (3) a triangle of
area A3
These areas are

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Since the angle at A is zero, it follows that the angle of rotation θB is equal to the area of the diagram; thus

Deflection:
In which , are the distances from point B to the centroids of the respective areas. These
distances are

Substituting

3. A simple beam ADB supports a concentrated load P acting at the position shown in Fig. Determine
the angle of rotation θAat support A and the deflection δDunder the load P. (Note: The beam has
length L and constant flexural rigidity EI.)

Solution
M/EI diagram. The bending-moment diagram is triangular, with the maximum moment (equal to Pab/L)
occurring under the load. Since EI is constant, the M/EI diagram has the same shape as the moment
diagram
Angle of rotation at support A
The area of the entire M/EI diagram is

Therefore, the tangential deviation is:

The angle θAis equal to the tangential deviation divided by the length of the beam:

Since, tan θA≈θA

Deflection under the load
The distance DD1 is equal to the angle of rotation θA times the distance a; thus,

The distance D2D1 is the tangential deviation tD/A at point D;

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Thus, the first moment of this area with respect to point D is

The deflection at point D is

Up on substituting Ans.

Work sheet 5
1. For the beam and loading shown, determine the deflection at point C.
Use E = 200GPa, I = 9.17x106mm4
Ans.δC = 4.85mm ↓

2. A simple beam AB is subjected to a load in the form of a couple M0 acting at end B (see figure).

Determine the angles of rotation θA and θB at the supports and the deflection δ at the midpoint.

Deflection curve
3. Determine the angle of rotation θB and the deflection δB at the free end of a cantilever beam AB
with a uniform load of intensity q acting over the middle third of the length. Use M-A-Method

Ans.

4. Derive the equation of the deflection curve for a simple beam AB loaded by a couple M0 at the left-
hand support (see figure). Also, determine the maximum deflection δmax. (Note: Use the Double
Integration Method)Assignment

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Solution 2

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