Strength of Materials

STRENGTH
MODULE 03
 Holy Angel University
School of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering

Lecture 07a

Deflection of Beams
(Determinate)

Introduction This lecture is an in-depth discussion of shear and moment in

Beams.

This lecture focuses on

Content  Deflection of Determinate Beams

Objectives After this lecture, the student should be able to

 Determine the deflection of beams by double
integration, moment area method and method
of superposition

Related These are supplemental content necessary for this route

 Vise Vision. (2017, July 27). Deflection and slope of
beam by double integration method. YouTube.
Readings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5xGAVhlmzc

References Chakraborti, M. (2018). Strength of materials (SI Units). New Delhi: S.K. Kataria &
Sons

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Chapter I: Deflection of Determinate Beams

Structures, like all other physical bodies, deform and change shape when subjected to forces. Other
common causes of deformations of structures include temperature changes and support settlements. If
the deformations disappear and the structure regains its original shape when the actions causing the
deformations are removed, the deformations are termed elastic deformations. The permanent
deformations of structures are referred to as inelastic, or plastic, deformations.

The neutral surface of the beam in the deformed state is referred to as the ELASTIC CURVE. Before the
slope or displacement of a point on a beam or frame is determined, it is often helpful to sketch the
deflected shape of the structure when it is loaded in order to partially check the results. This deflection
diagram represents the ELASTIC CURVE or locus of points which defines the displaced position of the
centroid of the cross section along the members.

Know first the restrictions as to slope or displacement that often occur at a support or a connection.
We may draw the moment diagram first to have an idea of the elastic curve, because the elastic curve
is somehow an inverted moment diagram. Examples of support limitations and relationships between
moment diagram and elastic curve are shown below and on the next page.

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The Double Integration Method

The equation of the elastic curve for a beam can be expressed mathematically as y=f(x) To obtain this
equation, we must first represent the curvature 1/ρ in terms of y and x. In most calculus books it is
shown that this relationship is

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 Route 7a – Deflection of Beams (Determinate)

This equation represents a nonlinear second-order differential equation. Its solution gives the exact
shape of the elastic curve, assuming, of course, that beam deflections occur only due to bending.
Through the use of higher mathematics, solutions have been obtained only for simple cases of beam
geometry and loading. In order to facilitate the solution of a greater number of deflection problems,
the equations above can be modified. Most engineering design codes specify limitations on deflections
for tolerance or aesthetic purposes, and as a result the elastic deflections for the majority of beams and
shafts form a shallow curve. Consequently, the slope of the elastic curve will be very small, and its
square will be negligible compared with unity. Therefore, the curvature can now be written as

Integrating this equation, we can get the slope of the members which is equal to dy/dx. Performing
another integration procedure gives us the value of y with respect to x this is also known as the
deflection of the beam; thus, the term double integration is derived. The illustrations below will
summarize the vital points of the lecture about double integration.

Evaluating the constants of integration that arise in the double-integration method can become very
involved if more than two beam segments must be analyzed. We can simplify the calculations by
expressing the bending moment in terms of discontinuity functions, also known as Macaulay bracket

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functions. Discontinuity functions enable us to write a single expression for the bending moment that is
valid for the entire length of the beam, even if the loading is discontinuous. By integrating a single,
continuous expression for the bending moment, we obtain equations for slopes and deflections that
are also continuous everywhere.

A Macaulay bracket function, often referred to as a ‘‘bracket function,’’ is defined as

Where n is a non-negative integer. The bracket function simply means that if the expression inside the
bracket is zero or a negative number, then the value of the bracket function becomes zero. In turn, the
whole expression containing the bracket function is ignored. Meanwhile, if the expression inside the
bracket is a positive number, then the function inside the bracket is evaluated accordingly. The bracket
function can be integrated by simply using the power formula.

PROBLEM #1: A 3-kN/m uniformly distributed load is placed at the entire span of a 5-m simply
supported beam with the hinge at A and the roller at C. If the modulus of elasticity of the beam is 200
GPa, and the moment of inertia is 39,062,500 mm4, calculate for the rotation at the supports and the
deflection at point B which is at the midspan.

SOLUTION: Let us draw the beam first and determine its reactions. By inspection, Ax = 0.

a'

Ay = 7.5 kN Cy = 7.5 kN

Afterwards, we are going to create the appropriate number of sections and formulate the moment
equation. We only need one section for this beam. We then apply double integration afterwards.

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SECTION a-a’ (0 ≤ x ≤ 5)

∑Ma-a’ = 0 (cw+)
-Ma-a’ – (3)(x)(0.5x) + (7.5)(x) = 0
Ma-a’ = 7.5x – 1.5x2
x
Ma-a’ EI(d2y/dx2) = 7.5x – 1.5x2 kN-m
EI(dy/dx) = 3.75x2 – 0.5x3 + C1 kN-m2
EIy = 1.25x3 – 0.125x4 + C1x + C2 kN-m3

@ x = 0 (pt. A), y = 0; by inspection, C2 = 0

@ x = 5 (pt. C), y = 0; 0 = 1.25(5)3 – 0.125(5)4 + C1(5); C1 = -15.625

Summarizing our results, we have the following equations:

dy/dx = ϴ = [(3.75x2 – 0.5x3 – 15.625) kN-m2]/EI

y = [(1.25x3 – 0.125x4 – 15.625x) kN-m3]/EI

With these equations, we can now solve for the rotation and deflection at any point in the beam. Now,
the quantity EI is called the flexural rigidity of the beam. Let us solve this quantity and convert it to the
appropriate units needed.

EI = (200 kN/mm2)(39,062,500 mm4)(1 m / 1000 mm)2 = 7812.5 kN-m2

ϴA (@ x = 0) = [(3.75(0)2 – 0.5(0)3 – 15.625) kN-m2]/7812.5 kN-m2

ϴA (@ x = 0) = -2 x 10-3 rad

ϴC (@ x = 5) = [(3.75(5)2 – 0.5(5)3 – 15.625) kN-m2]/7812.5 kN-m2

ϴC (@ x = 5) = 2 x 10-3 rad

yB (@ x = 2.5) = [(1.25(5)3 – 0.125(5)4 – 15.625(5)) kN-m3]/7812.5 kN-m2

yB (@ x = 2.5) = -3.125 x 10-3 m or -3.125 mm

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PROBLEM #2: Determine the slope at B and deflection of point C in terms of EI. The beam is prismatic
and is made of only one material. Use double integration with bracket functions for this problem.

SOLUTION: We do the same procedure as in Problem #1. By inspection, Ax = 0.

a
MA = 126 k-ft

a'
Ay = 8 k

Afterwards, we are going to create the appropriate number of sections and formulate the moment
equation. We only need one section for this beam since we are solving using brackets. We then apply
double integration afterwards. Please take notice of the usage of brackets.

Ma-a’ SECTION a-a’ (0 ≤ x ≤ 39)

∑Ma-a’ = 0 (cw+)
Ma-a’ + (8)<x – 27> + 30 = 0
x - 27 Ma-a’ = -(8)<x – 27> – 30
x
EI(d2y/dx2) = -8<x – 27> – 30 k-ft
EI(dy/dx) = -4<x – 27>2 – 30x + C1 k-ft2
EIy = -(4/3)<x – 27>3 – 15x2 + C1x + C2 k-ft3

@ x = 39 (pt. A), ϴ = 0; 0 = -4<39 – 27>2 – 30(39) + C1; C1 = 1746

@ x = 39 (pt. A), y = 0; 0 = -(4/3)<39 – 27>3 – 15(39) 2 + (1746)(39) + C2; C2 = -42975

Summarizing our results, we have the following equations:

dy/dx = ϴ = [(-4<x – 27>2 – 30x + 1746) k-ft2]/EI
y = [(-(4/3)<x – 27>3 – 15x2 + 1746x – 42975) k-ft3]/EI

ϴB (@ x = 15) = [(-4<15 – 27>2 – 30(15) + 1746) k-ft2]/EI

ϴB (@ x = 15) = 1296/EI k-ft2 (NOTE: When our point of origin is on the right, our sign convention for
rotation changes. In here, positive means clockwise.)

yC (@ x = 0) = [(-(4/3)<0 – 27>3 – 15(0)2 + 1746(0) – 42975) k-ft3]/EI

yC (@ x = 0) = -42975/EI k-ft3

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The Moment Area Method

The moment-area method for computing slopes and deflections of beams developed by Otto Mohr
and later stated formally by Charles E. Greene in 1873. The method is based on two theorems, called
the moment-area theorems, relating the geometry of the elastic curve of a beam to its M/EI diagram,
which is constructed by dividing the ordinates of the bending moment diagram by the flexural rigidity
EI. The method utilizes graphical interpretations of integrals involved in the solution of the deflection
differential equation in terms of the areas and the moments of areas of the M/EI diagram. Therefore, it
is more convenient to use for beams with loading discontinuities and the variable EI, as compared to
the direct integration method described previously.

The following illustrations will help us in understanding further this method.

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The next illustration shows the sign convention used for this method.

When a beam is subjected to different types of loads, such as a combination of distributed and
concentrated loads, determination of the properties of the resultant M/EI diagram, due to the
combined effect of all the loads, can become a formidable task. This difficulty can be avoided by
constructing the bending moment diagram in parts—that is, constructing a separate bending moment
diagram for each of the loads.

An illustration of moment diagram by parts is shown on the next page. It also shows how the principle
of superposition is applied.

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The principle of superposition can also be applied in deflections.

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PROBLEM #3: Resolve Problem #1 using Moment Area Method.

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PROBLEM #4: Resolve Problem #2 using Moment Area Method.

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References: This part includes online references. This is to avoid plagiarism in the content of the
modules.
Chapter 1:
 Vise Vision. (2017, July 27). Deflection and slope of beam by double integration method. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5xGAVhlmzc
 Chakraborti, M. (2018). Strength of materials (SI Units). New Delhi: S.K. Kataria & Sons
 R.C. Hibbeler, 2011. Mechanics of materials (8th Edition). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA:
Pearson Prentice Hall
 Pytel, A., & Kiusalaas, J. (2012). Mechanics of materials (2nd ed.). Cengage Learning.
 Beer, F. P., Johnston Jr., E. R., DeWolf, J. T., & Mazurek, D. F. (2015). Mechanics of Materials (7th ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education.
 Hibbeler, R. C. (2012). Structural Analysis (8th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
 Kassimali, A. (2010). Structural Analysis (4th ed.). Australia: Cengage Learning.
 Leet, K., & Uang, C. (2005). Fundamentals of Structural Analysis (2nd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
 Area-moment method | Beam deflections | Strength of materials review. (n.d.). MATHalino |
Engineering Mathematics. https://mathalino.com/reviewer/strength-materials/area-moment-
method-beam-deflections
 Moment diagram by parts | Strength of materials review. (n.d.). MATHalino | Engineering
Mathematics. https://mathalino.com/reviewer/strength-materials/moment-diagram-parts

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