1

INTRODUCTION

The cross section of a beam has to be designed in such a

way that it is strong enough to limit the bending moment and shear
force that are developed in the beam. This criterion is known as the
STRENGTH CRITERION of design .Another criterion for beam
design is that the maximum deflection of the beam must not exceed
a given permissible limit and the beam must be stiff enough to
resist the deflection caused due to loading.This criterion is known
as”STIFFNESS CRITERION of design”
 2

Definitions:-

(i) DEFLECTION :-The vertical distance in transverse direction

between positions of axis before and after loading at the section of
the beam, is defined as the deflection of beam at that section.
( (ii) ELASTIC CURVE(OR, DEFLECTION CURVE):-
The neutral axis in its deflected position after loading of the beam is
known as its elastic curve or deflection curve
 3

(iii) SLOPE:-
The slope of the beam at any section is defined as the angle (in
radians) of inclination of the tangent drawn at that section to the
axis in its deflected position after loading, measured w. r. t. the
undeformed axis.

(iv) FLEXURAL RIGIDITY(EI):-

The product of modulus of elasticity and Moment of Inertia is
known as Flexural rigidity.
 4

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION OF ELASTIC

CURVE:- (SLOPE AND DEFLECTION)
Differential equation of elastic curve

2 2
E I(d y/dx ) = M
 5

ASSUMPTIONS MADE IN THE DEFLECTION:-

(i) Axis of the beam is horizontal before loading.
(ii) Deflection due to S.F. is negligible.
iii ( a) Simple Bending equation M/I=σ/y=E/R is
applicable and all the assumptions made in simple
bending theory are valid.
(b) Material of the beam is homogenous, isotropic and obey
Hook’s law ..
(c) The modulus of elasticity is same in compression as well as
in tension.
(d) Plane section remain plane before and after bending
 6
Slope ,deflection and radius of curvature
y

dΦ Q
R
dy
P
dx

Φ+dΦ
Φ

o A B x
 7

Consider a piece of deflected curve of beam PQ=ds length.

Let tangent at P and Q make angles φ and (φ+dφ) with x-axis at
a point A and B respectively. Point C is the centre of curvature.
The distance CP=CQ=R=radius of curvature
PQ=ds=tangent length
ds=Rdφ
Therefore,
R=ds/dφ
 8

If (x,y) is the co-ordinate of the point P

ds
Then dy /ds =sinφ dy ds
φ dy
dx /ds= cosφ φ dx dx
dy/dx =tanφ
R= ds/dφ = ( ds /dφ)x (dx/dx) =(ds /dx)/(dφ/dx)
=secφ/(dφ/dx) -------------(1)
Differentiating tanφ w. r.t. x,
2 2 2
Sec φ.(dφ/ dx)=d y/dx
Therefore,
2 2 2
dφ/ dx =(d y/dx )/sec φ -------------(2)
 9

From equation(1),
3 2
R= secφ /(dφ/dx) = sec φ /(d y/dx2)

1/R=(d2y/dx2)/sec3φ
2 2 2 3/2
=(d y/dx )/[1+(dy/dx) ]
In this, (dy/dx) is a small quantity (because curve is almost
flat); hence dy/dx can be ignored

so,
2 2
1/R=d y/dx
 10

From relation ,M/I=E/R

2 2
1/R=M/EI=d y/dx
M=EI(d2y/dx2)

Simply supported beam :-

In case of simply supported beam
items to be found out are:
(a) Slope ( dy /dx )
(b) deflection()
(c) the position and magnitude of maximum slope
(d) The posititon and magnitude of maximum deflection.
 10

M=EI(d2y/dx2)

Simply supported beam :-

In case of simply supported beam
items to be found out are:
(a) Slope ( dy /dx )
(b) deflection()
(c) the position and magnitude of maximum slope
(d) The posititon and magnitude of maximum deflection.
 11

SIGN CONVENTIONS:
Linear horizontal distance x: positive when measured from left
to right’
Vertical distance or deflection y is positive when measured above the
axis and is negative when measured below the axis of beam.

Methods for finding slope and deflection of beams:

(i)Double integration method
(ii)Macaulay’s method
(iii)Area moment method
(iv)Conjugate beam method
(v)Unit load method
NOTE : SUPPORT CONDITIONS: 12

(i)Simply suported beams:

A θA A B
C D
θB B

Deflection at support Deflection at

A and B are zero and support A and B
are zero but more at
maximum at the middle of free end and also at the centre
span; slope θ is maximum at of span . Slope is
A and B and zero at midle of maximum at supports
span; θA ( )-ve and θB( )+ve. B and C.
 13

(ii)Cantilever Beam:
Deflection and slope both are zero
at fixed support.

B θ increases from
A point A towards B.
ymax
θmax

Slope and deflections are

maximum at free end
 14
DOUBLE INTEGRATION METHODS :

We have from differential equation of flexure,

EId2y/dx2=M
Integrating w. r. t.. x both sides, we get
EI (dy /dx) =∫M dx +C1
Integrating again w .r .t. x both sides ,we get
EI (y)=∫∫M dx. dx +C1(x)+C2
where C1 and C2 are constant of integration
Thus, integrating the differential equation w .r .t. x, we get the
equation for slope (dy /dx) ,and integrating it twice w. r .t. x, we get
the equation for deflection ( y).
The two constants of integration can be determined using the 15
known conditions of deflection and slope at the supports

The method of double integration is convenient only in few

cases of loadings. In general case of loading, where several
loads are acting the B.M. expression for each of the different
regions of loading is different .Then the method of double
integration will become extremely lengthy and laborious.
Therefore ,it is not generally used.
 16
Case--1(i): Determine the slope and deflection equation
for the beam loaded as shown in fig.
(ii) Find the maximum deflection and maximum slope.
1
Solution: P x
A B
B.M. at section 1-1 yA
M=- P( x) θA l
1
EI d 2y/dx 2 =M=- P (x)
2
EI (dy /dx ) =-P(x /2) +C1
3
EIy=-P(x /2*3) + C1x+ C2
At fixed end, when x= L (x=0, at free
end)
(dy /dx) =0 17
Therefore,
2
-(PL /2)+C1=0
2
C1=PL /2
At x=L,y=0,
3 2
-PL /6+(PL /2)l+C2=0
3 3
or,C2=PL /6-PL /2
3 3
=PL /6[1-3]=-PL /3
Therefore ,C2=-PL3/3
 18

Equation of slope; EI (dy/ dx) =-Px2/2+PL2/2-----(1)

3 2 3
Equation of deflection ,EI (y)=-Px /6+PL x/2-PL /3-----(2)
Maximum deflection :
When x=0 (at free end) ,then from equation (2),
3
EI(y)=-0+0-PL /3
3
ymax= -PL /3EI
Maximum Slope:
Slope is maximum at free end (at x=0).hence from equation (1),
EI (dy/ dx)=-0+PL2/2
2
(dy /dx) max=PL /2EI
 19
Exercise Problem-(1) What will be the deflection and slope
at free end when P=6kN, L=3m, E=210GPa, I=16x104cm4.

Solution: I =16x104cm4=16x104x(10-2)4m4
-4 4
=16x10 m .
2
θA=PL /2EI

slope θA=(dy/dx) at A=[1/(210x106x16x10-4)]x[6x(3)2/2]

-5 0
θA=8.036*10 radian =0.46

Deflection at free end (i.e; at A):= yA=PL3/3EI

:
3 6 -4
= (6*3 ) /3 (210*10 *16*10 )
=yA=0.161mm
 20
Case (2) : When cantilever is subjected to an u .d. L. of
intensity w unit/m run over entire span
w unit /m
X Here A is the origin. Take a
A B section X-X at a distance x from
L A.
x
X

2 2
B.M at distance x from A= Mx =EId y/dx
2
=-w.x.x/2=-wx /2

Integrating once,
EI (dy/dx) =-wx3/6+C1 ------------------------(1)
where C1 is constant of integration
Applyingl boundary conditions:- 21
at x=L,dy/dx=0 from equation(1)
3 3
0=-wL /6+C1 C1=wL /6
therefore,
3 3
EIdy/dx=-wx /6+wL /6---------(2)
Integrating once again,
EIy=-wx4/24 +wL3.x/6 +C2 ---------------- (3)
where C2 is 2nd constant of integration
Applying boundary condition;
at x=L, y=0
 22
0=-wL4/24+wL4/6+C2
Therefore,
4 4
C2=wL /24-wL /6
C2=-wL4/8.
Therefore, equation (3) becomes,
4 3 4
EI(y)=-wx /24 + wL .x/6 –wL /8--------(4)
Maximum deflection
It occurs at free end where x=0
4
From (4),EIy=-0+0-wL /8
 23
4
ymax=-wL /8EI
similarly maximum slope

It occurs at free end where x=0

from (2),

EI (dy/dx) =-0+wL3/6

3
(dy/dx )max=wL /6EI
 24
Case 3:-When simply supported beam is
subjected to a single concentrated
load at mid-span.
P

L/2 L/2
[Ans;
X RB=P/2
Downward deflection at P
A B
centre ;at point
3 RA=P/2 C
C=PL /48EI
x X
Slope max. at the
2
ends=-PL /16EI ]
 25
Case 4:-Simply supported beam of span l carrying a
uniformly distributed load of intensity w per unit run over
the whole span.
X
W unit / run

A B
RA=WL/2 RB=WL/2

x X

4
[Ans: ymax=-5wL /(384EI)
3
(dy/dx)A =-wL /24EI]
 MACAULAY’S METHOD 26

For a general case of loading on the beam ,though the

expression for B.M. varies from region to region ,the constants
of integration remain the same for all regions.Macaulay
recognised this fact and proposed an ARTIFICE(a method
)which is known as the Macaulay’s method to obtain the slope
and deflection equations.It is essentially modified method of
double integration of the B.M. expression but following a set
of rules given below:-
 27

(1)Assuming origin of the beam at extreme left end, take a section

in the last region of the beam at a distance x from the origin and
write the expression for B.M. at that section considering all the
force on the left of section.
(2)Integrate the term of the form (x-a)n using the formula
n n+1
∫(x-a) dx=(x-a) /n+1
where a=distance of load from origin.
(3)While finding slope and deflection in the form
n
(x-a) ,if (x-a) becomes negative on substituting the value of x,
neglect the term containing the factor (x – a) n
 28

(4)If a couple (moment) of magnitude ‘c’ is acting at a distance

‘a’ from the origin of the beam, then write the BM due to
couple in the form c (x-a).
(5)If the beam carries a U.D.L, extend it up to the extreme right
end and superimpose an UDL equal and opposite to that which
has been added while extending the given UDL on the beam.
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS : 29
Q.(1) Figure shows a simply supported beam of span 5m carrying
two point loads , the deflection at the section of the point loads. Find
the deflection at the section of the point loads.
4
Take E=200GPa,I=7332.9 cm
X
1m 30KN 40KN
1.25m
Solution:- A D

RA =34 KN RA 5m RD

RD =36 KN x X

Mx =34 x-30(x-1)-40(x-3.75) (RA=34 KN, RD=36 KN)

 30
B C D
EI d2y/dx2= 34 x -30(x-1) -40(x-3.75)
A B C

Integrating once, D
B C
2 2 2
EI ( dy/dx) =34 x /2+C1 -30(x-1) /2 - 40(x-3.75) /2 ---(1)
C
A B

Integrating once again, B C D

34 x 3
( x  1) 3
( x  3.75) 3
EIy   C1  x  C 2  30  40
6 6 6
A B C
---------- (2)
Support conditions:
at x=0,y=0 therefore,C2=0
at x=5m,y=0 therefore,C1=-75.06~-75.1
Thus the equation for slope and deflection will be 31
B C D
E I (dy / dx) =17x2-75.1 - 15(x-1) 2 -20(x-3.75)2 -
----------(3)
B C
A
B C
D
3 3 3
E I (y)=17x /3 -75.1x -5(x-1) -20(x-3.75) /3 ---------(4)
A B C
Total deflection at section of point loads
At B x=1m , deflection y= yB (say)
3
EI yB =17(1) /3 -75.06x1 =-69.393
Or, yB =-69.393/EI
=-69.393x(103) /(2x105x7332.9x104)
= 4.73mm
 At C, x = 3.75m, deflection y= yc (say) 32

EIyc=17(3.75)3/3-(75.06*3.75)-5(3.75-1)3
=86.63
3 3 5 4
yc=-86.63/EI=[-86.63*(10 ) ]/[2*10 *7332.9*10 ]
=-5.907mm
(Q-2) 33
(A) Obtain the equation for slope and elastic curve for the beam
loaded as shown in figure and find the deflection and slope at
mid-point of beam.
2
Take EI=15Nm
(B) Find the slope at A,C and D X
80KN
1m 2m 1m

Solution:- 120kNm
Reactions x
X
RA=1/4[80*3+120]
=90KN( )
RB =80-90=-10kN=10( )
 34
Alternatively, RB =1/4[80x1-120]
=-10KN =10 KN( )
C D
0 B
MX= 90x - 80(x-1) -120(x-3)
A C D
CC D B
2 2
EI (dy /dx )=90x /2 +C1 -80(x-1) /2 –120 (x-3) -------(1)
C D
A
C D B
3 3 2
EI(y)=90 x /6 +C1(x) +C2 -80(x-1) /6 -120(x-3) /2 ------(2)
A C D

Support reactions
at x=0 ,y=0 , C2=0
At x=4,y=0 ,C1=-135 35

Equation for slope (dy/dx):-

C D B
2 2
EI (dy /dx)=90 x /2-135 -40(x-1) -120(x-3)
A C D
Equation for deflection (y):-
C D B
EIy =90 x3/6 -135x -80(x-1)3/6 -120(x-3)2/2
A C D
To find deflection at centre (i.e. x=2m, at mid span ):-
3 3
EIy=90(2) /6 -135(2) -80/6(2-1) /6 =-163.33
y=-163.33/(15*103)=-10.89*10-3 m =10.89 mm
2 2
EI (dy/dx) =90*(2) /2-135-80(2-1) /2 =+5
 3 -4 36
dy/dx =5/(15*10 )=3.33*10 radians~ 0.019°
-3
=19.1*10 degree ~ 0.02°
3
(b)θA(at x=0) =-135/EI=-135/(15 *10)

2 3 3
θC ( at x= 1m ) =[45*(1) -135]/15*10 =-90/15*10 radian
D (at x=3m )= [45*(3)2-135-40(2)2] =110/15*103radian
 37
(Q-3)
Determine the equation for the elastic curve for the beam
loaded as shown in figure. Find the maximum deflection.
2kN/m
A C D B
Solution: 1m 3m 1m
Reactions:- 2kN/m D
RA=RB = 2x3/2 = 3KN A C B
C D B
M =3(x) -2/2(x-1)2 +2/2(x-4)2 1m
3m
1m
D
A C C D B
2 3 3
EI (dy/dx)=3/2(x) +C1 –(x-3) /3 +(x-4) /3 -------(1)
A C D
C D B
EIy=3 xx3/6 +C1x +C 2 – (x-1)4/12 +(x-4)4/12 ------(2)
A C D
Support reactions: 38
at x=0,y=0, C2=0
at x=5m,y=0 , C1=-8.25
Equation for slope:- D
C B
2 3 3
EI (dy/dx)=3xx /2-8.25 –(x-1) /3 +(x-4) /3 ------(3)
A C D
Equation for the elastic curve : B
C D
EIy=x3/2 -8.25x –(x-1)4/12 C+(x-4)4/12 ---------(4)
A D
Due to symmetry, deflection is maximum at centre at x=2.5m,
EI ymax=(2.5)3/2 -8.25x(2.5)-(2.5-1)4/12=-13.23
ymax = 13.23/EI radian
 39

(Q-4 ) Determine the (i) maximum deflection of the beam. (ii)

4
Slope at A,B,C and D, if E=200GPa, I=7332.9 cm .
X
40KN
30KN
1m 1.25m

A B 2.75m C D
x
Solution: RA=34kN, RB=36kN X
2 B 2 C 2 D
EI dy/dx=34 x /2+C1 -30(x-1) /2 -40(x-3.75) /2
A B C
C D
B
3 3 3
EI y=34 x /6+C1x+C2 -30(x-1) /6 -40(x-3.75) /6
C
A B
Support conditions:
at x=0,y=0 therefore,C2=0
at x=5m,y=0 therefore,C1=-75.06~-75.1
 40
2 2 2
EI (dy / dx) =34x /2 -75.06 -15(x-1) -40(x-3.75) /2-----(3)
At x=0,(dy/dx)A=-75.06/EI=5.118 radians
B C
At x=1m, (dy/dx)B=34*(1)2/2-75.06 - 0 - 0
A B

or, (dy/dx)B =-58.06/EI=3.95mm.

(dy/dx)C =[17*(3.75)2-75.06-15*(2.75)2]*1/EI
(when x=3.75m)
=50.605/EI=0.2 degree.

2 2 2
(dy/ dx) at D=1/EI[17*(5) -75.06-15*(4) -20*(1.25) ]
=78.69/EI=3.45*10-3rad =0.197 degree
 41
Maximum deflection in region BC:
i.e .x=1 to x=3.75
say at x=x1 where dy / dx=0
From equation (3),
2 2
EI(0)=34/2(x1) -75.06-30(x1-1) /2
2 2
=17 x1 -75.06 -15x1 +30x1 -15
=2x12+30x1-90.06=0
x1= 2.56m
Maximum deflection at x=2.56m from pt. A
3 3
EI ymax=34(2.56) /6-75.06*2.56-30(2.56-1) /6
 42
-3
Ymax=-116.13/EI=7.918*10 m
=7.918mm

(Q.5) Find maximum slope and

maximum deflection of the beam loaded
as shown in fig. X
15kN 25kNm
Take E=200KN/mm2, I=60*106mm4
EI(d2y/dx2)=-15x -25(x-2)0 2m 1m
B C
2 X
EI(dy/dx)=-15x /2 + C1 -25(x-2) x
A B

B C
3 2
EI(y)=-(15/2)*x /3 +C1x +C2 -25(x-2) /2
A B
 43
Support conditions:
slope and deflection are zero at fixed support
at x=3m,dy/dx=0 from equation (1),
2
EI(0)=-15(3) /2 + C1- 25(3-2)=0
C1=25+67.5=92.5
At C,y=0,x=3 from (2)
3 2
EI(0)=-15*(3) /6+92.5(3) +C2 -25(3-2) /2
C2=12.5-277.5+67.5=-197.5
Now equation (1)
2
EI(dy/dx)=-15x /2+72.5 -25(x-2)
 44
Now equation (1)
B C
2
EI(dy/dx)=-15x /2 +92.5 -25(x-2) ---------(1)
A B
and C
B
3 2
EI(y)=-15/2*x /3+92.5x-197.5 -25(x-2) /2 -----(2)
B
A

Maximum Deflection at free end when x=0

EI(y)A=-197.5, yA=-197.5/EI=-16.458mm.

Maximum slope at A when x=0 from (1)

EI(dy/dx)A=92.5
-3
(dy/dx)A=92.5/EI=7.708*10 radian
=0.441degree
 45
Practice problems:-
(Q-1) A cantilever beam of span L carries a udl of intensity
w/unit length for half of its span as shown in figure.If E is the
modulus of elasticity and I is moment of inertia,determine the
following in terms of w,L,E and I.
(i)A expression for slope(dy/dx)at free end
(ii)An expression for deflection( y ) at free end
(iii)The magnitude of upward vertical force to be applied at free
end in order to resume this end to the same horizontal level as built
in end.
 46

w/m
A B
L/2 L/2

3 4
[Ans (i)θA=WL /48EI (ii)A =7wL /384EI( ) (iii)P=7wL/128]
 47
Q- (2 ) Determine the values of deflections at points C,D and E in
the beam as shown in figure.Take E=2*105MPa ; I= 60 *108 mm4

20kN 10kN/m
30kN
A C D E B
1m 2m 1m 1m

[C=0.0603mm(downward), D=0.0953mm(downward)
E=0.0606mm(downward)]
 48
.

Q-(3) Find the position and magnitude of maximum deflection for

the beam loaded as shown in fig.
4
Take E=200GPa ,I=7500cm .

20 KN X 3KN/m
D B
A C
4m 4m 4m
X X

[Ans:ymax at 3.7 m from A=-118/EI=7.99mm

yc=-32/EI=-2.13mm]
 49
Q-(4) Determine the magnitude and position of maximum
deflection for the beam loaded as shown in fig.
2
Take EI=800Nm

80kN 20kN
120kNm
A B
E
C D

1m 1m 1m 1m

[Ans:ymax =80 mm at 1.59m from A , yE =73mm]

 50
Q-(5) Find the deflection and slope at free end for loaded
beam shown in fig.

4kN/m
10 KN
B
A D
1m 2m 1m
C
[Ans:θD=62.33/EI, y=-191/EI ]

Q-(6 ) Find the deflection at C and magnitude of

maximum deflection. Take EI=40MN-m2
1m
200KN

A B
4m 2m
C
[Ans:ymax=-13.45mm, yC=-13.33mm ]