STRENGTH OF MATERIALS-I

Lecture-09
Deflection of Beams
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INTRODUCTION:
The deflection of a beam must often be
limited in order to provide integrity and
stability of a structure or machine, and
prevent the cracking of any attached brittle
materials such as concrete or glass.
Further more, code restrictions often
require these members not vibrate or
deflect severely in order to safely support
their intended loading.
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Most important, though, deflections at
specific points on a beam or shaft must be
determined if one is to analyze those that
are statically indeterminate.
Before the slope or the displacement at a
point on a beam is determined, it is often
helpful to sketch the deflected shape of the
beam when it is loaded, in order to
“visualize” any computed results and
thereby partially check these results.
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ELASTIC CURVE:
The deflected curve of the longitudinal axis
that passes through the centroid of each
cross-sectional area of a beam is called
the elastic curve.
Elastic curve for most beams can be
drawn simply by considering the type of
supports. However in any case if the
elastic curve for a beam seems difficult to
establish, it is suggested that the moment
diagram for the beam be drawn first.
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Using the beam sign convention, a positive
internal moment tends to bend the beam
concave upward, Likewise, a negative
moment tends to bend the beam concave
downward. Therefore, if the moment
diagram is known, it will be easy to
construct the elastic curve.

Fig. 9-1
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Fig. 9-2
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Moment-Curvature Relationship:
We will now develop an important
relationship between the internal moment
and the radius of curvature  (rho) of the
elastic curve at a point.
let us consider an initially straight beam
that is elastically deformed by loads
applied perpendicular to the beam’s x-axis
and lying in the x–v plane of symmetry for
the beam’s cross-sectional area. Figure 9-3
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Due to the loading, the deformation of the
beam is caused by both the internal shear
force and bending moment. If the beam
has a length that is much greater than its
depth, the greatest deformation will be
caused by bending
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Fig. 9-3
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When the internal moment M deforms the
element of the beam, the angle between
the cross sections becomes d .The arc dx
represents a portion of the elastic curve
that intersects the neutral axis for each
cross section. The radius of curvature for
this arc is defined as the distance  which
is measured from the center of curvature
O’ to dx. Any arc on the element other than
dx is subjected to a normal strain.
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For example, the strain in arc ds, located
at a position y from the neutral axis, is

However,

and
and so
or
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If the material is homogeneous and
behaves in a linear-elastic manner, then
Hooke’s law applies, Also, since
the flexure formula applies,
Combining these two equations and
substituting into the equation ,
we have
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where
 = the radius of curvature at the point on
the elastic curve ( 1 is referred to as the

curvature)
M = internal moment in the beam at the
point
E = the material’s modulus of elasticity
I = beam’s moment of inertia about the
neutral axis
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The product EI in this equation is referred
to as the flexural rigidity, and it is always a
positive quantity. The sign for  therefore
depends on the direction of the moment.
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As shown, when M is positive,  extends

above the beam, i.e., in the positive v-
direction; when M is negative,  extends
below the beam, or in the negative v-
direction.
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Using the flexure formula we can
also express the curvature in terms of the
stress in the beam, namely,
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Slope and Displacement by Integration OR
Double Integration Method:
The equation of the elastic curve for a
beam can be expressed mathematically as
To obtain this equation, we must
first represent the curvature in terms of
and x. In most calculus books it is shown
that this relationship is
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Replacing by M/EI, we have

In order to facilitate the solution of a

greater number of deflection problems, this
can be modified. Most engineering design
codes specify limitations on deflections for
tolerance or esthetic purposes, and as a
result the elastic deflections for the
majority of beams form a shallow curve.
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Consequently, the slope of the elastic
curve, which is determined from ,will
be very small, and its square will be
negligible compared with unity. Therefore
the curvature, as defined above, can be
approximated by .Using this
simplification, the equation can now be
written as
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It is also possible to write this equation in
two alternative forms. If we differentiate
each side with respect to x and substitute
, we get

Differentiating again, using , yields

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For most problems the flexural rigidity (EI)
will be constant along the length of the
beam. Assuming this to be the case, the
above results maybe reordered into the
following set of three equations:
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Solution of any of these equations
requires successive integrations to obtain
the deflection of the elastic curve. For
each integration it is necessary to
introduce a “constant of integration” and
then solve for all the constants to obtain a
unique solution for a particular problem.
For example, if the distributed load w is
expressed as a function of x and 1st
equation is used, then four constants of
integration must be evaluated;
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however, if the internal moment M is
determined and last equation is used, only
two constants of integration must be
found. The choice of which equation to
start with depends on the problem.
Generally, however, it is easier to
determine the internal moment M as a
function of x, integrate twice, and evaluate
only two integration constants.
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If the loading on a beam is discontinuous,
that is, consists of a series of several
distributed and concentrated loads, then
several functions must be written for the
internal moment, each valid within the
region between the discontinuities.
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Sign Convention and Coordinates
When applying double integration method,
it is important to use the proper signs for
M, V, w or as established by the sign
convention that was used in the derivation
of these equations. For review, these
terms are shown in their positive directions
in
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Further more, recall that positive
deflection, is upward, and as a result, the
positive slope angle will be measured
counterclockwise from the x-axis when x is
positive to the right. The reason for this is
shown.
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Here positive increases dx and in x and
create an increased that is
counterclockwise. If, however, positive x is
directed to the left, then will be positive
clockwise
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Realize that by assuming to be very
small, the original horizontal length of the
beam’s axis and the arc of its elastic curve
will be about the same. In other words, ds
is approximately equal to dx, since

As a result, points on the elastic curve are

assumed to be displaced vertically, and
not horizontally. Also, since the slope
angle will be very small, its value can be
determined directly from
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Boundary and Continuity Conditions.
When solving Double integration, the
constants of integration are determined by
evaluating the functions for shear,
moment, slope, or displacement at a
particular point on the beam where the
value of the function is known. These
values are called boundary conditions.
Several possible boundary conditions that
are often used to solve beam deflection
problems are listed here
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If the elastic curve cannot be expressed
using a single coordinate, then continuity
conditions must be used to evaluate some
of the integration constants. For example,
consider the beam shown.
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Here two x coordinates are chosen with
origins at A. Each is valid only within the
regions and Once the
functions for the slope and deflection are
obtained, they must give the same values
for the slope and deflection at point B so
the elastic curve is physically continuous.
Expressed mathematically, this requires
that and
These conditions can be used to evaluate
two constants of integration.
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Slope and Displacement by the
Moment-Area Method
The moment-area method provides a
semi-graphical technique for finding the
slope and displacement at specific points
on the elastic curve of a beam or shaft.
Application of the method requires
calculating areas associated with the
beam’s moment diagram; and so if this
diagram consists of simple shapes, the
method is very convenient to use.
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Normally this is the case when the beam
is loaded with concentrated forces and
couple moments.
To develop the moment-area method we
will make the same assumptions we used
for the method of integration: The beam is
initially straight, it is elastically deformed
by the loads, such that the slope and
deflection of the elastic curve are very
small, and the deformations are only
caused by bending.
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The moment-area method is based on
two theorems, one used to determine the
slope and the other to determine the
displacement at a point on the elastic
curve.
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Theorem:1. Consider the simply supported
beam with its associated elastic curve,
shown in Fig.9-4a. A differential segment dx
of the beam is isolated in Fig.9-4b. Here the
beam’s internal moment M deforms the
element such that the tangents to the elastic
curve at each side of element intersect at an
angle d . This angle can be determined
from , written as
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Fig. 9-4
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Since the slope is small, and

therefore
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If the moment diagram for the beam is
constructed and divided by the flexural
rigidity, EI, Fig.9-4c, this equation indicates
that d is equal to the area under the “M/EI
diagram” for the beam segment dx.
Integrating from a selected point A on the
elastic curve to another point B, we have

This equation forms the basis for the first

moment-area theorem.
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Theorem 1: ‘The angle between the
tangents at any two points on the elastic
curve equals the area under the M/EI
diagram between these two points.’
The notation is referred to as the angle
of the tangent at B measured with respect
to the tangent at A. From the proof it
should be evident that this angle is
measured counterclockwise, from tangent
A to tangent B, if the area under the M/EI
diagram is positive.
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Conversely, if the area is negative, or lies
below the x axis, the angle is measured
clockwise from tangent A to tangent B.
Furthermore, from the dimensions of
above equation, will be in radians.
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Theorem 2. The second moment-area
theorem is based on the relative deviation
of tangents to the elastic curve. Shown in
Fig.9-5a is a greatly exaggerated view of
the vertical deviation dt of the tangents on
each side of the differential element dx.
This deviation is caused by the curvature
of the element and has been measured
along a vertical line passing through point
A on the elastic curve.
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Fig. 9-5
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Since the slope of elastic curve and its
deflection are assumed to be very small, it
is satisfactory to approximate length of
each tangent line by x and arc by dt.
Using the circular-arc formula where
r is the length ‘x’ and ‘s’ is dt, we can write
. Substituting into this
equation and integrating from A to B, the
vertical deviation of the tangent at A with
respect to the tangent at B can then be
determined; that is,
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Since the centroid of an area is found from

, represents the area
under the M/EI diagram, we can also write

Here is the distance from A to the

centroid of the area under the M/EI
diagram between A and B
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Theorem2: “The vertical distance between
the tangent at a point (A) on the elastic
curve and the tangent extended from
another point (B) equals the moment of the
area under the M/EI diagram between
these two points (A and B). This moment is
calculated about the point (A) where the
vertical distance is to be determined.”
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Note that is not equal to which is
shown in Fig.9-5c. Specifically, the
moment of the area under the M/EI
diagram between A and B is calculated
about point A to determine Fig.9-5b,
and it is calculated about point B to
determine Fig.9-5c.
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If moment of a positive M/EI area between
A and B is found for it indicates that
point A is above the tangent extended from
point B, Fig.9-5a. Similarly, negative M/EI
areas indicate that point A is below the
tangent extended from point B. This same
rule applies for .
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Numerical Problems
• Double Integration
• Moment-Area Method
• Conjugate Beam Method
• Deflection by Principle of Superposition
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Problem Statement: (Double Integration)
The cantilevered beam shown in Fig.9-6a
is subjected to a vertical load P at its end.
Determine the equation of the elastic
curve. EI is constant.

Fig. 9-6a
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Solution:
Elastic Curve. The load tends to deflect
the beam as shown in Fig.9-6a. By
inspection, the internal moment can be
represented throughout the beam using a
single x coordinate.
Moment Function. From the free-body
diagram, with M acting in the positive
direction, Fig.9-6b, we have
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Fig. 9-6
Slope and Elastic Curve. Applying
equation of moment and integrating twice
yields
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Using the boundary conditions at
and at , Eqs.2 and 3
become

Thus, and . Substituting

these results into Eqs. 2 and 3 with
we get
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Maximum slope and displacement occur at

for which
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Problem Statement: (Double Integration)
The simply supported beam shown in
Fig.9-7a supports the triangular distributed
loading. Determine its maximum
deflection. EI is constant.

Fig. 9-7
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Solution:
Elastic Curve. Due to symmetry, only one
x coordinate is needed for the solution, in
this case The beam deflects as
shown in Fig.9-7a. The maximum
deflection occurs at center since slope is
zero at this point.
Moment Function. A free-body diagram of
segment on left is shown in Fig.9-7b. The
equation for distributed loading is
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Hence

Fig. 9-7
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Slope and Elastic Curve. Using equation
of moment and integrating twice, we have

Constants of integration are obtained by

applying the boundary condition
and the symmetry condition that at
. This leads to
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Hence

Determining the maximum deflection at

x=L/2, we have
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Problem Statement: (Double Integration)
The simply supported beam shown in
Fig.9-8a is subjected to the concentrated
force P. Determine the maximum
deflection of the beam. EI is constant.

Fig. 9-8
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Solution:
Elastic Curve. The beam deflects as
shown in Fig.9-8b. Two coordinates must
be used, since the moment function will
change at P. Here we will take ,
having the same origin at A.
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Moment Function. From the free-body
diagrams shown in Fig.9-8c,

Fig. 9-8
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Slope and Elastic Curve. Applying
equation of moment for , for ,
and integrating twice yields
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Likewise for
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The four constants are evaluated using
two boundary conditions, namely,

Also, two continuity conditions must be

applied at B, that is, at
and
Substitution as specified results in the
following four equations:
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Solving, we get

Thus, Eq 1-4 becomes

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Point of Maximum Deflection: Lets assume
maximum deflection occurs at point D on
beam. At this point slope should be zero.
Putting equation 5 equal to zero will yield

Therefore the maximum deflection by

equation 6 will be
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Problem Statement: (Double Integration)
The beam in Fig.9-9a is subjected to a
load P at its end. Determine the
displacement at C. EI is constant.

Fig. 9-9
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Solution:
Elastic Curve. The beam deflects into the
shape shown in Fig.9-9a. Due to the
loading, two x coordinates will be
considered, namely,
where is directed to the left from C ,
since the internal moment is easy to
formulate.
Moment Functions. Using the free-body
diagrams shown in Fig.9-9b, we have
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Fig. 9-9

Slope and Elastic Curve. Applying

equation of moment,
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The four constants of integration are

determined using three boundary
conditions, namely,
and , and one continuity
equation.
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Here the continuity of slope at the roller
requires and
Why is there a negative sign in this
equation?
Applying these four conditions yields
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Solving, we will get

Substituting into eq.4,

The displacement at C is determined by

setting We get
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Problem Statement: (Moment-Area)
Determine the slope of the beam shown in
Fig.9-10a at point B. EI is constant.

Fig. 9-10
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Solution:
M/EI Diagram. See Fig.9-10b.

Fig. 9-10
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Elastic Curve. The force P causes the
beam to deflect as shown in Fig.9-10c.

Fig. 9-10
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(The elastic curve is concave downward,
since M/EI is negative.) The tangent at B is
indicated since we are required to find
Also, the tangent at the support (A) is
shown. This tangent has a known zero
slope. By the construction, the angle
between tan A and tan B, that is, ,is
equivalent to or
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Moment-Area Theorem.
Applying Theorem 1, is equal to the
area under the M/EI diagram between
points A and B; that is,

The negative sign indicates that the angle

measured from the tangent at A to the
tangent at B is clockwise. This checks,
since the beam slopes downward at B.
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Problem Statement: (Moment-Area)
Determine the displacement of points B
and C of the beam shown in Fig.9-11a. EI
is constant.

Fig. 9-11
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Solution:
MEI Diagram. See Fig.9-11b.

Fig. 9-11
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Elastic Curve. The couple moment at C
causes the beam to deflect as shown in
Fig.9-11c.

Fig. 9-11
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The tangents at B and C are indicated
since we are required to find and
Also, the tangent at the support (A) is
shown since it is horizontal. The required
displacements can now be related directly
to the vertical distance between the
tangents at B and A and C and A.
Specifically,
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Moment-Area Theorem.
Applying Theorem 2, is equal to the
moment of the shaded area under the
M/EI diagram between A and B calculated
about point B (the point on the elastic
curve), since this is the point where the
vertical distance is to be determined.
Hence, from Fig.9-11b,
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Likewise, for we must determine the
moment of the area under the entire M/EI
diagram from A to C about point C (the
point on the elastic curve).We have

NOTE: Since both answers are negative, they indicate that

points B and C lie below the tangent at A. This checks
with Fig.9-11c.
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Problem Statement: (Moment-Area)
Determine the slope at point C of the shaft
in Fig.9-12a. EI is constant.

Fig. 9-12
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Solution:
M/EI Diagram. See Fig.9-12b

Fig. 9-12
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Elastic Curve. Since the loading is applied
symmetrically to the beam, the elastic curve
is symmetric, and the tangent at D is
horizontal, Fig. 9-12c. Also the tangent at C
is drawn, since we must find the slope By
the construction, the angle between the
tangents at tan D and C is equal to ; that
is,
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Fig. 9-12

Moment-Area Theorem. Using Theorem 1,

is equal to the shaded area under the
M/EI diagram between points D and C. We
have
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Problem Statement: (Moment-Area)
Determine the slope at point C for the
steel beam in Fig.9-13a.
Take

Fig. 9-13
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Solution:
M/EI Diagram. See Fig.9-13b

Fig. 9-13
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Elastic Curve. The elastic curve is shown
in Fig.9-13c.The tangent at C is shown
since we are required to find Tangents
at the supports, A and B, are also
constructed as shown. Angle is the
angle between the tangents at A and C.
The slope at A, , in Fig. 9-13c can be
found using This equation is
valid since is actually very small, so
that in meters can be approximated
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by the length of a circular arc defined by a
radius of and a sweep of in
radians. (Recall that ) From the
geometry of Fig.9-13c, we have

Fig. 9-13
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Conjugate-Beam Method
The conjugate-beam method was
developed by H. Müller-Breslau in 1865.
Essentially, it requires the same amount of
computation as the moment-area
theorems to determine a beam’s slope or
deflection; however, this method relies
only on the principles of statics, and hence
its application will be more familiar.
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Conjugate-Beam Theorems:
Theorem 1: The slope at a point in the real
beam is numerically equal to the shear at
the corresponding point in the conjugate
beam.
Theorem 2: The displacement of a point in the
real beam is numerically equal to the
moment at the corresponding point in the
conjugate beam.
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Conjugate-Beam Supports.
When drawing the conjugate beam it is
important that the shear and moment
developed at the supports of the conjugate
beam account for the corresponding slope
and displacement of the real beam at its
supports, a consequence of Theorems 1
and 2.
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Procedure for Analysis
Conjugate Beam
Draw the conjugate beam for the real
beam. This beam has the same length as
the real beam and has corresponding
supports as listed in Table.
In general, if the real support allows a
slope, the conjugate support must develop
a shear; and if the real support allows a
displacement, the conjugate support must
develop a moment.
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The conjugate beam is loaded with the
real beam’s M/EI diagram. This loading is
assumed to be distributed over the
conjugate beam and is directed upward
when M/EI is positive and downward when
M/EI is negative.
Equilibrium
Using the equations of equilibrium,
determine the reactions at the conjugate
beam’s supports.
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Section the conjugate beam at the point
where the slope and displacement of the
real beam are to be determined. At the
section show the unknown shear and
moment acting in their positive sense.
Determine the shear and moment using
the equations of equilibrium. Shear and
moment equal slope and deflection,
respectively, for the real beam.
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Problem Statement:
Determine the slope and deflection at point
B of the steel beam shown in Fig. 9-14a.
The reactions have been computed.
E=29(103)ksi, I=800in4.
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Solution:
Conjugate Beam:
The conjugate beam is shown in Fig. 9-
14b.The supports at A’ and B’ correspond
to supports A and Bon the real beam. The
M/EI diagram is negative, so the
distributed load acts downward
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Equilibrium:
Since θB and ∆B are to be determined, we
must compute VB’ and MB’ in the conjugate
beam, Fig. 9-14c
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Problem Statement:
Determine the maximum deflection of the
steel beam shown in Fig. 9-15a. The
reactions have been computed.
E=200GPa, I=60(106)mm4.
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Solution:
Conjugate Beam:
The conjugate beam loaded with the M/EI
diagram is shown
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Equilibrium:
The external reactions on the conjugate
beam are determined first and are
indicated on the free-body diagram

Maximum deflection of
the real beam occurs at
the point where the
slope of the beam is
zero.
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This corresponds to the same point in the
conjugate beam where the shear is zero.
Assuming this point acts within the region
0 ≤ x ≤ 9m from A’, we can isolate the
section.
We require V’=0, so that
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Using this value for x, the maximum
deflection in the real beam corresponds to
the moment M’. Hence,