Theory:

Deflection of Beam:
A beam is a structural element that is capable of withstanding load
primarily by resisting bending [1].
Types of beam loads:
Uniform
Varied by length
Single point
Combination
Deflection of a beam is the displacement of a point on the neutral
surface of a beam from its original position under the action of applied
loads. Before the proportional limit of the material, the deflection, y, can
be calculated using the moment of inertia, Youngs modulus along with
other section properties that will depend on the given situation imposed
on the beam.
Centre deflection of a simple beam with freely supported ends and
concentrated load, W, at the mid-span is shown in the figure below [2]:

W
(Deflectio

(Figure 1: simply supported

beam)

The deflection equation for a single concentrated load is shown below:

y=

W L3
48 EI

Where:
y = deflection, (m)
W = load, (N)
L = length of beam, (m)
2
E = Youngs modulus ( N m ) It is material property that indicates
stiffness and rigidity.
I = second moment of area about the neutral axis, ( m

)
1

Second Moment of Area (I):

Second Moment of Area (I) is a measure of a beams
Stiffness with respect to its cross section,
Ability to resist bending.
As I increases, bending decreases and as I decreases, bending
increases [3].
I can be derived for any common area using calculus. However, moment
of inertia equations for common cross sections (e.g., rectangular, circular,
triangular) are readily available in math and engineering textbooks.
For a solid rectangular cross section,

h
b

b is the dimension parallel to the bending axis

h is the dimension perpendicular to the bending axis [2].