MAHALAKSHMI

ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI - 621213.

QUESTION WITH ANSWERS

DEPARTMENT : CIVIL SEMESTER: V

SUB.CODE/ NAME: CE 2252 / Strength of Materials

UNIT– 1 ENERGY PRINCIPLES

PART - A (2 marks)
1. Define strain energy.
Whenever a body is strained, the energy is absorbed in the body. The energy which is
absorbed in the body due to straining effect is known as strain energy. The strain energy stored in
the body is equal to the work done by the applied load in stretching the body
2. Define Resilience. (AUC May/June 2012)
The resilience is defined as the capacity of a strained body for doing work on the removal of
the straining force. The total strain energy stored in a body is commonly known as resilience.
3. Define Proof Resilience.
The proof resilience is defined as the quantity of strain energy stored in a body when
strained up to elastic limit. The maximum strain energy stored in a body is known as proof
resilience.
4. Define Modulus of Resilience. (AUC Nov/Dec 2012)(AUC May/June2012)
It is defined as the proof resilience of a material per unit volume.

Proof resilience
Modulus of resilience = -------------------
Volume of the body
5. State the two methods for analyzing the statically indeterminate structures.
a. Displacement method (equilibrium method (or) stiffness coefficient
method
b. Force method (compatibility method (or) flexibility coefficient method)
6. Define Castigliano’s first theorem. (AUC Nov/Dec 2012) (AUC May/June 2012)
It states that the deflection caused by any external force is equal to the partial derivative of
the strain energy with respect to that force.
7. State Castigliano’s second Theorem. (AUC May/June 2012)
It states that “If U is the total strain energy stored up in a frame work in equilibrium under an
external force; its magnitude is always a minimum.
8. State the Principle of Virtual work. (AUC Apr/May 2011)
It states that the workdone on a structure by external loads is equal to the internal energy
stored in a structure (Ue = Ui)
Work of external loads = work of internal loads
9. What down the expression for the strain energy stored in a rod of length l and cross
sectional area A subjected in to tensile load ? (AUC Nov/Dec 2010)
Strain energy stored
U = W 2 L / 2AE
10. State the various methods for computing the joint deflection of a perfect frame.
1. The Unit Load method
2. Deflection by Castiglione’s First Theorem
3. Graphical method: Willot – Mohr Diagram
11. State the deflection of the joint due to linear deformation.
n
δv = Σ U x ∆
1
n
δH = Σ U’ x ∆
1
PL
∆ = ---------
Ae

U= vertical deflection
U’= horizontal deflection
12. State the deflection of joint due to temperature variation.
n
δ=ΣUXA
1
= U1∆1 + U2 ∆2 + …………+ Un ∆n
If the change in length (∆) of certain member is zero, the product U.∆ for those members
will be substituted as zero in the above equation.

13. State the deflection of a joint due to lack of fit.

n
δ= ΣU∆
1
= U1∆1 + U2 ∆2 + …………+ Un ∆n
If there is only one member having lack of fit ∆1, the deflection of a particular joint will be
equal to U1∆1.
14. What is the effect of change in temperature in a particular member of a redundant
frame?
When any member of the redundant frame is subjected to a change in temperature, it will
cause a change in length of that particular member, which in turn will cause lack of fit stresses in all
other members of the redundant frame.
15. State the difference between unit load and strain energy method in the determination of
structures.
In strain energy method, an imaginary load P is applied at the point where the deflection is
desired to be determined. P is equated to zero in the final step and the deflection is obtained.
In the Unit Load method, a unit load (instead of P) is applied at the point where the deflection
is desired.
16. State the assumptions made in the Unit Load method.

1. The external and internal forces are in equilibrium

2. Supports are rigid and no movement is possible
3. The material is strained well within the elastic limit.
17. State the comparison of Castiglione’s first theorem and unit load method.

The deflection by the unit load method is given by

n PUL
δ= Σ -------
1 AE

n PL
δ= Σ ------- x U
1 AE

n
=Σ ∆xU ----- (i)
1
The deflection by castigliano’s theorem is given by

n
PL P
1 AE W --------- (ii)

By comparing (i) & (ii)

P
U
W

18. State Maxwell’s Reciprocal Theorem. (AUC Apr/May 2011) (AUC Apr/May 2010)
(AUC Nov/Dec 2010)(AUC Nov/Dec 2013)
The Maxwell’s Reciprocal theorem states as “ The work done by the first system of loads due to
displacements caused by a second system of loads equals the work done by the second system of
loads due to displacements caused by the first system of loads.
19. Define degree of redundancy.
A frame is said to be statically indeterminate when the no of unknown reactions or stress
components exceed the total number of condition equations of equilibrium.
20. Define Perfect Frame.
If the number of unknowns is equal to the number of conditions equations available, the
frame is said to be a perfect frame.
21. State the two types of strain energies.
a. strain energy of distortion (shear strain energy)
b. strain energy of uniform compression (or) tension (volumetric strain energy)
22. State in which cases, Castiglione’s theorem can be used.
1. To determine the displacements of complicated structures.
2. To find the deflection of beams due to shearing (or) bending forces (or)
bending moments are unknown.
3. To find the deflections of curved beams springs etc.
23. Define Proof stress.
The stress induced in an elastic body when it possesses maximum strain energy is termed as
its proof stress.
24. Write the formula to calculate the strain energy due to bending.

U = ∫ (M ² / 2EI) dx limit 0 to L

Where,
M = Bending moment due to applied loads.
E = Young’s modulus
I = Moment of inertia

25. Write the formula to calculate the strain energy due to torsion

U = ∫ (T ²/2GJ) dx limit 0 to L

Where,

T = Applied Torsion
G = Shear modulus or Modulus of rigidity
J = Polar moment of inertia
26. Write the formula to calculate the strain energy due to pure shear

U =K ∫ (V ² 2GA)dx limit 0 to L

Where,
V= Shear load
G = Shear modulus or Modulus of rigidity
A = Area of cross section.
K = Constant depends upon shape of cross section
27. Write down the formula to calculate the strain energy due to pure shear, if shear stressgiven.

U = τ 2 V/ 2G
Where,
τ2 = Shear Stress
G = Shear modulus or Modulus of rigidity
V = Volume of the material.
28. Write down the formula to calculate the strain energy , if the moment value is given

U = (M ² L / 2EI)

Where, M = Bending moment

L = Length of the beam
E = Young’s modulus
I = Moment of inertia

29. Write down the formula to calculate the strain energy , if the torsion moment value is given.
U = T ²L/2GJ
 Where, T = Applied Torsion
L = Length of the beam
G = Shear modulus or Modulus of rigidity
J = Polar moment of inertia
30. Write down the formula to calculate the strain energy, if the applied tension load is given.
U = P²L / 2AE

31. Find the strain energy per unit volume, the shear stress for a material is given as 50 N/mm².
Take G= 80000 N/mm ².
U= τ 2 per unit volume
2G
= 50 ² / (2 x 80000)
= 0.015625 N/mm ². per unit volume.
32. Find the strain energy per unit volume, the tensile stress for a material is given as 15N/mm².

Take = 2 x10 N/mm ².

U = f ² / 2E per unit volume

= (150) ² / (2 x (2x10 ² )
= 0.05625 N/mm ². per unit volume.

Part B (16marks)

1. Derive the expression for strain energy in Linear Elastic Systems for the following cases.
(i) Axial loading (ii) Flexural Loading (moment (or) couple)
(i)Axial Loading

Let us consider a straight bar of Length L, having uniform cross- sectional area A. If an
axial load P is applied gradually, and if the bar undergoes a deformation ∆, the work done,
stored as strain energy (U) in the body, will be equal to average force (1/2 P) multiplied by
the deformation ∆.

Thus U = ½ P. ∆ But ∆ = PL / AE
U = ½ P. PL/AE = P2 L / 2AE ---------- (i)
If, however the bar has variable area of cross section, consider a small of length dx and
area of cross section Ax. The strain energy dU stored in this small element of length dx will
be, from equation (i)
P2 dx
dU = ---------
2Ax E
The total strain energy U can be obtained by integrating the above expression over the
length of the bar.
L
P 2 dx
U=
0
2 Ax E
(ii) Flexural Loading (Moment or couple )
 Let us now consider a member of length L subjected to uniform bending moment M.
Consider an element of length dx and let d i be the change in the slope of the element due to
applied moment M. If M is applied gradually, the strain energy stored in the small element will
be
dU = ½ Mdi
But

di d
------ = ----- (dy/dx) = d2y/d2x = M/EI
dx dx
M
di = ------- dx
EI
Hence dU = ½ M (M/EI) dx

= (M2/2EI) dx

L
M 2 dx
Intgrating U =
0
2 EI

2. State and prove the expression for castigliano’s first theorem.

Castigliano’s first theorem:

It states that the deflection caused by any external force is equal to the partial derivative
of the strain energy with respect to that force. A generalized statement of the theorem is as
follows:
“ If there is any elastic system in equilibrium under the action of a set of a
forces W 1 , W 2, W 3 ………….W n and corresponding displacements δ 1 , δ2, δ3…………. δn
and a set of moments M1 , M2, M3………Mn and corresponding rotations Φ 1 , Φ2,
Φ3,…….. Φn , then the partial derivative of the total strain energy U with respect to any one
of the forces or moments taken individually would yield its corresponding displacements in
its direction of actions.

Expressed mathematically,
U
1 ------------- (i)
W1
U
1 ------------- (ii)
M1

Proof:
Consider an elastic body as show in fig subjected to loads W 1, W 2, W 3 ………etc. each
applied independently. Let the body be supported at A, B etc. The reactions RA ,RB etc do not
work while the body deforms because the hinge reaction is fixed and cannot move (and
therefore the work done is zero) and the roller reaction is perpendicular to the displacements of
 the roller. Assuming that the material follows the Hooke’s law, the displacements of the points of
loading will be linear functions of the loads and the principles of superposition will hold.
Let δ1, δ2, δ3……… etc be the deflections of points 1, 2, 3, etc in the direction of the
loads at these points. The total strain energy U is then given by

U = ½ (W 1δ1 + W 2 δ2 + ……….) --------- (iii)

Let the load W 1 be increased by an amount dW 1, after the loads have been applied. Due
to this, there will be small changes in the deformation of the body, and the strain energy will
be increased slightly by an amount dU. expressing this small increase as the rate of change
of U with respect to W1 times dW 1, the new strain energy will be
U
U+ xdW1 --------- (iv)
W1
On the assumption that the principle of superposition applies, the final strain energy
does not depend upon the order in which the forces are applied. Hence assuming that dW 1
is acting on the body, prior to the application of W1 , W 2, W 3 ………etc, the deflections will be
infinitely small and the corresponding strain energy of the second order can be neglected.
Now when W1, W 2, W 3 ………etc, are applied (with dW 1 still acting initially), the points 1, 2, 3
etc will move through δ1, δ2, δ3……… etc. in the direction of these forces and the strain
energy will be given as above. Due to the application of W 1, rides through a distance δ 1 and
produces the external work increment dU = dW 1 . δ1. Hence the strain energy, when the
loads are applied is

U+dW 1.δ1 ----------- (v)

Since the final strain energy is by equating (iv) & (v).
U
U+dW 1.δ1= U + xdW1
W1
U
δ1=
W1

U
Which proves the proportion? Similarly it can be proved that Φ1= .
M1
Deflection of beams by castigliano’s first theorem:
If a member carries an axial force the energies stored is given by
L
P 2 dx
U=
0
2 Ax E
In the above expression, P is the axial force in the member and is the function of external
load W 1, W 2,W 3 etc. To compute the deflection δ 1 in the direction of W 1
L
U P p
δ1= = dx
W1 0 AE W1
If the strain energy is due to bending and not due to axial load
L
M 2 dx
U=
0
2 EI
 L
U M dx
δ1= = M
W1 0 W1 EI
If no load is acting at the point where deflection is desired, fictitious load W is applied at the
point in the direction where the deflection is required. Then after differentiating but before
integrating the fictitious load is set to zero. This method is sometimes known as the fictitious
load method. If the rotation Φ 1 is required in the direction of M1.

L
U M dx
Φ1= = M
M1 0 M 1 EI

3. State and prove the Castigliano’s second Theorem.

Castigliano’s second theorem:

It states that the strain energy of a linearly elastic system that is initially
unstrained will have less strain energy stored in it when subjected to a total load system than
it would have if it were self-strained.

u
=0
t
For example, if is small strain (or) displacement, within the elastic limit in the direction of the
redundant force T,

u
=
t
=0 when the redundant supports do not yield (or) when there is no initial lack of fit in the
redundant members.

Proof:

Consider a redundant frame as shown in fig.in which Fc is a redundant member of

geometrical length L.Let the actual length of the member Fc be (L- ), being the initial lack
of fit.F2 C represents thus the actual length (L- ) of the member. When it is fitted to the truss,
the member will have to be pulled such that F2 and F coincide.

According to Hooke’s law

T (l ) TL
F2 F1 = Deformation = (approx)
AE AE
Where T is the force (tensile) induced in the member.

Hence FF1=FF2-F1 F2
 TL
= ------------------------------------ ( i )
AE

Let the member Fc be removed and consider a tensile force T applied at the corners F and C as
shown in fig.

FF1 = relative deflection of F and C

u1
= ------------------------------------------ ( ii )
T

According to castigliano’s first theorem where U1 is the strain energy of the whole frame except
that of the member Fc.

Equating (i) and (ii) we get

u1 TL
= --
T AE
(or)
u1 TL
+ = ----------------------- ( iii )
T AE

To strain energy stored in the member Fc due to a force T is

TL T 2L
UFC = ½ T. =
AE 2 AE

U FC TL
T AE

TL
Substitute the value of in (iii) we get
AE

u' U FC U
(or)
T T T

U
When U= U1 + U Fc.If there is no initial lack of fit, =0 and hence 0
T

Note:
 i) Castigliano’s theorem of minimum strain energy is used for the for analysis of statically
indeterminate beam ands portal tranes,if the degree of redundancy is not more than two.
ii) If the degree of redundancy is more than two, the slope deflection method or the
moment distribution method is more convenient.

4. A beam AB of span 3mis fixed at both the ends and carries a point load of 9 KN at C
distant 1m from A. The M.O.I. of the portion AC of the beam is 2I and that of portion
CB is I. calculate the fixed end moments and reactions.

Solution:

There are four unknowns Ma, Ra, Mb and Rb.Only two equations of static are available
(ie) v 0 and M 0
This problem is of second degree indeterminacy.
First choose MA and MB as redundant.
Mx M x
U AB dx
δA= 0 EI R A -----------(1)
RA

B
U AB Mx Mx
θA= 0 dx -------------(2)
MA A
EI M A

1) For portion AC:

Taking A as the origin
Mx = -MA + RA x
Mx Mx
x; 1
RA MA
M .O.I 2I Limits of x: 0 to 1m
C 1
Mx Mx - MA R A x x
Hence dx dx
A
EI R A 0
2 EI
 2 3
1 MA 1 RA 1
2 EI 2 3
1 RA MA
2 EI 3 2

C 1
Mx Mx - MA RA x 1
dx dx
And A EI R A 0
2 EI

2
1 RA 1 1 RA
MA 1 MA
2 EI 2 2 EI 2

For portion CB, Taking A as the origin we have

Mx = M A RA X 9( X 1)
Mx Mx
x; 1
RA MA

M.O.I = I Limits of x : 1 to 3 m
Hence
B 3
Mx Mx - MA R A x - 9(x - 1) x
dx dx
C
EI R A 1
EI

1 26
= 4M A RA 42
EI 3

And
B 3
Mx Mx - MA R A x - 9(x - 1) - 1
dx dx
C
EI M A 1
EI

1
= 2M A 4 R A 18
EI

Subs these values in (1) & (2) we get

U AB
0
RA
 1 RA MA 1 26
4M A RA 42 0
EI 3 2 EI 3

2.08 – MA = 9.88 __________ (3)

U AB
0
MA

1 MA RA 1
2M A 4 R A 18 0
2 EI 1 2 EI

MA – 1.7RA = -7.2 -------------- (4)

Solving (3) & (4)

MA = 4.8 KN – M (assumed direction is correct)

RA = 7.05 KN
To find MB, take moments at B, and apply the condition M 0 there. Taking clockwise
moment as positive and anticlockwise moment as negative. Taking MB clockwise, we have

MB – MA =RA (3) – 9x2 = 0

MB – 4.8 + (7.05x 3) -18 = 0

MB = 1.65 KN – m (assumed direction is correct)

To find RB Apply V 0 for the whole frame.

RB = 9 – RA = 9-7.05 = 1.95 KN

5. Using Castigliano’s First Theorem, determine the deflection and rotation of the
overhanging end A of the beam loaded as shown in Fig.

Sol:
Rotation of A:
RB x L = -M
RB = -M/L

RB = M/L ( )
& RC = M/L ( )

B B
U 1 Mx 1 Mx
A M x. dx M x. .dx ____________ (1)
M EI A
M EI C M
 For any point distant x from A, between A and B (i.e.) x = 0 to x = L/3
Mx
Mx = M ; and 1 ________ (2)
M
For any point distant x from C, between C and B (i.e.) x = 0 to x = L
Mx x
Mx = (M/L) x ; and ________ (3
M L
Subs (2) & (3) in (1)
L/3 L
U 1 1 M x
A M (1).dx x dx
M EI 0
EI 0
L L
ML ML
3EI 3EI
2ML
(clockwise)
3EI

b) Deflection of A:
To find the deflection at A, apply a fictitious load W at A, in upward direction as
shown in fig.
4
RB xL (M WL )
3

4 1 4 1
RB (M WL ) RB (M WL )
3 L 3 L

1 1
RC (M WL )
3 L
B B
U 1 Mx 1 Mx
A Mx Mx .dx
W EI A W EI C
W
For the portion AB, x = 0 at A and x = L/3 at B
Mx = M + W x
Mx
x
W
For the portion CB, x = 0 at C and x = L at B
1 1
Mx M WL .x
8 L
Mx x
W 3
 L/3 L
1 1 1 x x
A M Wx x M WL . dx
EI 0
EI 0
3 L 3
Putting W = 0
L/3 L
1 1 Mx 2
A Mx dx dx
EI 0
EI 0
3L

M x2 L/3 M x3 L
A ( )0 ( )0
EI 2 3EI 3

ML2 ML2
A
18EI 9 EI
ML2
A
6 EI

6. Using the principle of least work, analyze the portal frame shown in Fig. Also plot the
B.M.D.
Sol:
The support is hinged. Since there are two equations at each supports. They are H A, VA, HD,
and VD. The available equilibrium equation is three. (i.e.) M 0, H 0, V 0 .
The structure is statically indeterminate to first degree. Let us treat the horizontal H ( ) at
A as redundant. The horizontal reaction at D will evidently be = (3-H) ( ). By taking moments
at D, we get
(VA x 3) + H (3-2) + (3 x 1) (2 – 1.5) – (6 x 2) = 0
VA = 3.5 – H/3
VD = 6 – VA = 2.5 + H/3

By the theorem of minimum strain energy,

U
0
H
U AB U BE U CE U DC
0
H H H H

(1)For member AB:

Taking A as the origin.
 1.x 2
M H .x
2
M
x
H
3
U AB 1 M
M dx
H EI 0
H

3
1 x2
Hx x dx
EI 0
2
3
1 Hx 3 x4
EI 3 8 0

1
9 H 10.12
EI

(2) For the member BE:

Taking B as the origin.
H
M H x 3 3 x 1 1.5 3.5 x
3
Hx
M 3H 4.5 3.5 x
3
M x
3
H 3
1
U BE 1 M
M dx
H EI 0
H

1
1 Hx x
3H 4.5 3.5 x 3 dx
EI 0
3 3

1
1 2 Hx 2
9 H 13.5 10.5 x Hx Hx 1.5 x 1.67 x dx
EI 0
9

1
1 2 Hx 2
9 H 13.5 12 x 2 Hx 1.67 x dx
EI 0
9
 1
1 Hx 3 1 H
9 Hx 13.5 x 6 x 2 Hx 2
0.389 x 3
9 H 13.5 6 2 H 0.389
EI 27 0
EI 27

1
9H 7.9
EI

(3) For the member CE:

Taking C as the origin
H
M (3 H ) x 2 (2.5 )x
3
Hx 3
M 6 2H 2.5 x
3
2
U CE 1 M
M
H EI 0 H
2
1 Hx x
= 6 2H 2. 5 x 2
EI 0
3 3
2
1 Hx 2
12 4 H 5 x 6.67 Hx 2 x 6.67 Hx 0.833x 2 dx
EI 0
9

2
1 Hx 2
12 4 H 3 x 13.34 Hx 2 x 0.833 x 2 dx
EI 0
9

1
= (10.96H - 15.78)
EI
(4) For the member DC:
Taking D as the origin
M 3 H x 3x Hx
M
x
x

2
U DC 1 M
M dx
H EI 0
H
 2 2
1 1
3x Hx x dx 3x 2 Hx 2 dx
EI 0
EI 0

2 2
1 3x 3 Hx 3 1 3 Hx 3
dx x dx
EI 3 3 0
EI 3 0

1
= (2.67H -8)
EI
Subs the values
U
0
H
1/EI (9-10.2) + (8.04H-7.9) + (10.96H-15.78) + (-8+2.67H) = 0
30.67H = 41.80
H = 1.36 KN
Hence
VA = 3.5 - H/3 = 3.5 - 1.36/3 = 3.05 KN
VD = 2.5 + H/3 = 2.5 + 1.36/3 = 2.95 KN

MA= MD =0

MB = (-1 x 32)/2 + (1.36 x 3) = -0.42 KN –m

MC = - (3-H) 2 = - (3-1.36)2 =-3.28KNm

7. A simply supported beam of span 6m is subjected to a concentrated load of 45 KN at

2m from the left support. Calculate the deflection under the load point. Take E = 200 x
106 KN/m2 and I = 14 x 10-6 m4.

Solution:
Taking moments about B.

VA x 6 – 45 x 4=0
VA x 6 -180 = 0
VA = 30 KN
VB = Total Load – VA = 15 KN

Virtual work equation:

L
mMdx
c V
0
EI Apply unit vertical load at c instead of 45 KN

RA x 6-1 x 4 =0
RA = 2/3 KN
 RB = Total load –RA = 1/3 KN

Virtual Moment:

Consider section between AC

M1 = 2/3 X1 [limit 0 to 2]
Section between CB

M2 = 2/3 X2-1 (X2-2 ) [limit 2 to 6 ]

Real Moment:

The internal moment due to given loading

M1= 30 x X1
M2 = 30 x X2 -45 (X2 -2)

2 6
m1 M 1 dx1 m2 M 2 dx 2
c V
0
EI 2
EI

2 x1 2
2 30 x1 6 x2 x2 2 30 x2 45 x 2
3 3
dx1 dx2
0
EI 2
EI
2 6
1 2
20 x12 x2 x2 2 30 x2 45 x2 90 dx2
EI 0 2
3

2 6
1 x2
20 x12 2 15 x 2 90 dx 2
EI 0 2
3
2 6
1
20 x12 5 x 22 30 x 2 30 x 2 180dx 2
EI 0 2
3 6
1 20 x1 5 x 23 60 x 23
180 x 2
EI 3 0 3 2 2

20 8 1 5 3
= 6 23 30 6 2 22 180 6 21
EI 3 EI 3
 1
53.33 346.67 960 720
EI
160 160
0.0571 m (or ) 57.1 mm
EI 200 x10 6 x14 x10 6

The deflection under the load = 57.1 mm

8. Define and prove the Maxwell’s reciprocal theorem.

The Maxwell’s reciprocal theorem stated as “ The work done by the first system loads
due to displacements caused by a second system of loads equals the work done by the second
system of loads due to displacements caused by the first system of loads”
Maxwell’s theorem of reciprocal deflections has the following three versions:
1. The deflection at A due to unit force at B is equal to deflection at B due to unit force
at A.

δAB = δBA
2. The slope at A due to unit couple at B is equal to the slope at B due to unit couple A
ΦAB = ΦBA
3. The slope at A due to unit load at B is equal to deflection at B due to unit couple.
'
' AB AB

Proof:
By unit load method,
Mmdx
EI
Where,
M= bending moment at any point x due to external load.
m= bending moment at any point x due to unit load applied at the point where deflection
is required.
Let mXA=bending moment at any point x due to unit load at A
Let mXB = bending moment at any point x due to unit load at B.
When unit load (external load) is applied at A,
M=mXA
To find deflection at B due to unit load at A, apply unit load at B.Then m= m XB
Hence,
Mmdx m XA .m XB
BA dx ____________ (i)
EI EI
Similarly,
When unit load (external load) is applied at B, M=m XB
To find the deflection at A due to unit load at B, apply unit load at A.then m= m XA
Mmdx mB.m XA
AB dx ____________ (ii
EI EI
Comparing (i) & (ii) we get
δAB = δBA
9. Fig shows a cantilever, 8m long, carrying a point loads 5 KN at the center and an udl
of 2 KN/m for a length 4m from the end B. If EI is the flexural rigidity of the cantilever
find the reaction at the prop. (NOV/DEC – 2004)

Solution:
To find Reaction at the prop, R (in KN)
Portion AC: ( origin at A )
4 2 4
Rx dx R2 x3 64 R 2 32 R 2
U1
0
2 EI 6EI 0
6 EI 3EI
Portion CB: ( origin at C )
Bending moment Mx = R (x+4) – 5x – 2x2/2
= R (x+4) – 5x –x2
4 2
M x dx
U2
0
2 EI
Total strain energy = U1 +U2
U
0
At the propped end R

4
U 64 R M x dM x
x dx
R 3EI 0
EI dR
4
64 R 1
= Rx 4 5x 2 x 2 ( x 4)dx
3EI EI 0
4
64 R 1 2
Rx 4 5x x 4 x 2 ( x 4) dx
3EI EI 0
4
64 R 1
R x2 8 x 16 5( x 2 4 x) ( x 3 4 x 2 ) dx
3EI EI 0

4
64 R 1 x3 2 x3 2 x4 4x 3
R 4x 16 x 5( 2x ) ( )
3EI EI 3 3 4 3 0
 64 R 64 64 256 256
R 64 64 5( 32) ( )
3 3 3 4 3
= 21.33 R + (149.33R – 266.67 – 149.33)
= 21.33 R + (149.33 R – 416)

21.33 R +149.33 R – 416 =0

R = 2.347 KN

10. A simply supported beam of span L is carrying a concentrated load W at the centre
and a uniformly distributed load of intensity of w per unit length. Show that Maxwell’s
reciprocal theorem holds good at the centre of the beam.

Solution:

Let the load W is applied first and then the uniformly distributed load w.
Deflection due to load W at the centre of the beam is given by

5Wl 4
W
384 EI
Hence work done by W due to w is given by:

5wl 4
U A, B Wx
384 EI

Deflection at a distance x from the left end due to W is given by

W
W x 3l 2 x 4 x 2
48EI
Work done by w per unit length due to W,

l/2
W
U B, A 2 wx (3l 2 x 4 x 2 )dx
0
48 EI
 4
Ww 3l 2 l 2 l
U B, A
24 EI 2 2 2

Ww 3l 4 l4
U B, A
24 EI 8 16
5 Wwl 4
U A, B
384 EI
Hence proved.
Moment at section X-X ,