9

Deflections of Beams

Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve

The beams described in the problems for Section 9.2 have constant
flexural rigidity EI. y

Problem 9.2-1 The deflection curve for a simple beam AB (see figure)
is given by the following equation: A B
x

q0x
v
 (7L4  10L2x 2  3x4)
360LEI
L
Describe the load acting on the beam.
Probs. 9.2-1 and 9.2-2

Solution 9.2-1 Simple beam

q0 x
v
 (7L4  10 L2x 2  3x 4 )
360 LEI

Take four consecutive derivatives and obtain:

q0
q0 x
v––

LEI
q0 x
From Eq. (9-12c): q
EIv––
L
L
The load is a downward triangular load of maximum
intensity q0.

Problem 9.2-2 The deflection curve for a simple beam AB (see figure)
is given by the following equation:

q0L4
x
v
 sin 

4EI L
(a) Describe the load acting on the beam.
(b) Determine the reactions RA and RB at the supports.
(c) Determine the maximum bending moment Mmax.
548 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Solution 9.2-2 Simple beam

q0 L4
x (b) REACTIONS (EQ. 9-12b)
v
 sin

4EI L
q0 L
x
q0 L3

x V
EIv‡
 cos
v¿
 3 cos
L

EI L q0 L
q0 L2

x At x
0: V
RA

v–
2 sin


EI L q0 L q0 L
q0 L
x At x
L: V
RB
 ; RB

v‡
cos



EI L
q0
x
v‡¿
 sin (c) MAXIMUM BENDING MOMENT (EQ. 9-12a)
EI L
q0 L2
x
M
EIv–
2 sin
(a) LOAD (EQ. 9-12c)
L
L q0 L2

x For maximum moment, x
; Mmax
2
q
EIv––
q0 sin 2

L
The load has the shape of a sine curve, acts
downward, and has maximum intensity q .
0

q0

Problem 9.2-3 The deflection curve for a cantilever beam AB y

(see figure) is given by the following equation:
A B
q0x 2
v
 (10L3  10L2x  5Lx 2  x 3) x
120LEI
L
Describe the load acting on the beam.
Probs. 9.2-3 and 9.2-4

Solution 9.2-3 Cantilever beam

q0 x2
v
 (10 L3  10 L2x  5 L x2  x3 )
q0 120 LEI
Take four consecutive derivatives and obtain:

q0
v––
 (L  x)
LEI
L
From Eq. (9-12c):
x
q
EIv––
q0 ¢ 1  ≤
L
The load is a downward triangular load of maximum
intensity q .
0
 SECTION 9.2 Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve 549

Problem 9.2-4 The deflection curve for a cantilever beam AB

(see figure) is given by the following equation:

q x2
v

0
2 (45L4  40L3x  15L2x 2  x 4)
360L EI

(a) Describe the load acting on the beam.

(b) Determine the reactions RA and MA at the support.

Solution 9.2-4 Cantilever beam

q0 x2 (b) REACTIONS RA AND MA (EQ. 9-12b AND EQ. 9-12a)

v
 (45L4  40 L3x  15 L2x2  x4 )
360 L2EI
q0
q0 V
EIv‡
 (2 L3  3 L2x  x3 )
v¿
 (15 L4x  20 L3x2  10 L2x3  x5 ) 3L2
60 L2EI
2q0 L
q0 At x
0: V
RA

v–
 (3 L4  8 L3x  6 L2x2  x4 ) 3
12 L2EI q0
M
EIv–
 (3 L4  8 L3x  6 L2x2  x4 )
q0 12L2
v‡
 2 (2 L3  3 L2x  x3 )
3 L EI q0 L2
At x
0: M
MA

q0 4
v‡¿
 (L2  x2 )
L2EI
NOTE: Reaction RA is positive upward.
Reaction MA is positive clockwise (minus means
(a) LOAD (EQ. 9-12c) MA is counterclockwise).

x2
q
EIv––
q0 ¢ 1  ≤
L2

The load is a downward parabolic load of maximum

intensity q .
0

q0

L
550 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Deflection Formulas

Problems 9.3-1 through 9.3-7 require the calculation of deflections

using the formulas derived in Examples 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3. All beams
have constant flexural rigidity EI. q

Problem 9.3-1 A wide-flange beam (W 12  35) supports a uniform

load on a simple span of length L
14 ft (see figure). h

Calculate the maximum deflection max at the midpoint and the

angles of rotation  at the supports if q
1.8 k/ft and E
30  106 psi.
L
Use the formulas of Example 9-1.
Probs. 9.3-1, 9.3-2 and 9.3-3

Solution 9.3-1 Simple beam (uniform load)

W 12  35 L
14 ft
168 in. ANGLE OF ROTATION AT THE SUPPORTS
q
1.8 kft
150 lbin. E
30  106 psi (EQs. 9-19 AND 9-20)
I
285 in.4
qL3 (150 lb
in.)(168 in.) 3
u
uA
uB


24 EI 24(30  106 psi)(285 in.4 )
MAXIMUM DEFLECTION (EQ. 9-18)

0.003466 rad
0.199º
5 qL4 5(150 lb
in.)(168 in.) 4
max


384 EI 384(30  106 psi)(285 in.4 )

0.182 in.

Problem 9.3-2 A uniformly loaded steel wide-flange beam with simple

supports (see figure) has a downward deflection of 10 mm at the midpoint
and angles of rotation equal to 0.01 radians at the ends.
Calculate the height h of the beam if the maximum bending stress is
90 MPa and the modulus of elasticity is 200 GPa. (Hint: Use the formulas
of Example 9-1.)

Solution 9.3-2 Simple beam (uniform load)


max
10 mm 
A
B
0.01 rad Maximum bending moment:

max
90 MPa E
200 GPa qL2 qL2h
M
∴ s
(4)
Calculate the height h of the beam. 8 16 I
16 Is
5 qL4 384 EI Solve Eq. (4) for h: h
(5)
Eq. (9-18): 
max
or q
(1) qL2
384 EI 5 L4
Substitute for q from (2) and for L from (3):
qL3 24 EIu 32s
Eq. (9-19): u
uA
or q
(2) h

24 EI L3 15Eu2
16  Substitute numerical values:
Equate (1) and (2) and solve for L: L
(3)
5u 32(90 MPa)(10 mm)
Mc Mh h

96 mm
Flexure formula: s

15(200 GPa)(0.01 rad) 2
I 2I
 SECTION 9.3 Deflection Formulas 551

Problem 9.3-3 What is the span length L of a uniformly loaded simple

beam of wide-flange cross section (see figure) if the maximum bending
stress is 12,000 psi, the maximum deflection is 0.1 in., the height of
the beam is 12 in., and the modulus of elasticity is 30  106 psi?
(Use the formulas of Example 9-1.)

Solution 9.3-3 Simple beam (uniform load)

16 Is

max
12,000 psi 
max
0.1 in. Solve Eq. (2) for q: q
(3)
h
12 in. E
30  106 psi L2h

Calculate the span length L. Equate (1) and (2) and solve for L:

5qL4 384 EI 24 Eh 24 Eh

Eq. (9-18): 
max
or q
(1) L2
L

384 EI 5L4 5s B 5s

Mc Mh Substitute numerical values:

Flexure formula: s


I 2I 24(30  106 psi)(12 in.)(0.1 in.)
L2

14,400 in.2
Maximum bending moment: 5(12,000 psi)
qL2 qL2h L
120 in.
10 ft
M
∴ s
(2)
8 16I

Problem 9.3-4 Calculate the maximum deflection max of a uniformly

q = 2.0 kN/m
loaded simple beam (see figure) if the span length L
2.0 m, the intensity
of the uniform load q
2.0 kN/m, and the maximum bending stress

60 MPa.
The cross section of the beam is square, and the material is aluminum
having modulus of elasticity E
70 GPa. (Use the formulas of Example 9-1.) L = 2.0 m

Solution 9.3-4 Simple beam (uniform load)

L
2.0 m q
2.0 kNm 3qL2
Solve for b3: b3
(4)

max
60 MPa E
70 GPa 4s
5Ls 4Ls 1
3
Substitute b into Eq. (2): max
¢ ≤
CROSS SECTION (square; b
width) 24E 3q
b4 b3 (The term in parentheses is nondimensional.)
I
S

12 6
Substitute numerical values:
5qL4
Maximum deflection (Eq. 9-18): 
(1) 5Ls 5(2.0 m)(60 MPa) 1 1
384 EI

m
mm
24E 24(70 GPa) 2800 2.8
5qL4
Substitute for I: 
(2) 4 Ls 1
3 4(2.0 m)(60 MPa) 1
3
32 Eb4 ¢ ≤
B R
10(80) 1
3
qL2 3q 3(2000 N
m)
M qL2
Flexure formula with M
: s


8 S 8S 10(80) 1
3
max
mm
15.4 mm
3qL2 2.8
Substitute for S: s
(3)
4b3
552 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Problem 9.3-5 A cantilever beam with a uniform load (see figure)

q
has a height h equal to 1/8 of the length L. The beam is a steel wide-
flange section with E
28  106 psi and an allowable bending stress
of 17,500 psi in both tension and compression. h
Calculate the ratio /L of the deflection at the free end to the length,
assuming that the beam carries the maximum allowable load. (Use the L
formulas of Example 9-2.)

Solution 9.3-5 Cantilever beam (uniform load)

h 1

E
28  106 psi 
17,500 psi Solve for q:
L 8
4Is
Calculate the ratio L. q
2 (3)
4
Lh
qL
Maximum deflection (Eq. 9-26): max
(1) Substitute q from (3) into (2):
8 EI
 qL3 d s L
∴
(2)
¢ ≤
L 8EI L 2E h
qL2 Substitute numerical values:
Flexure formula with M
:
2  17,500 psi 1

(8)

Mc qL 2
h 2
qL h L 2(28  106 psi) 400
s

¢ ≤¢ ≤

I 2 2I 4I

Problem 9.3-6 A gold-alloy microbeam attached to a silicon wafer

q
behaves like a cantilever beam subjected to a uniform load (see
figure). The beam has length L
27.5 m and rectangular cross t
section of width b
4.0 m and thickness t
0.88 m. The total
load on the beam is 17.2 N. b
If the deflection at the end of the beam is 2.46 m, what is
L
the modulus of elasticity Eg of the gold alloy? (Use the formulas
of Example 9-2.)

Solution 9.3-6 Gold-alloy microbeam

Cantilever beam with a uniform load. Substitute numerical values:
L
27.5 m b
4.0 m t
0.88 m 3(17.2 mN)(27.5 mm) 3
qL
17.2 N max
2.46 m Eq

2(4.0 mm)(0.88 mm) 3 (2.46 mm)
Determine Eq.
80.02  109 Nm2 or Eq
80.0 GPa
qL4 qL4
Eq. (9-26): 
or Eq

8 EqI 8 Imax

bt3 3 qL4
I
Eq

12 2 bt3max
 SECTION 9.3 Deflection Formulas 553

Problem 9.3-7 Obtain a formula for the ratio C / max of the deflection P
at the midpoint to the maximum deflection for a simple beam supporting
a concentrated load P (see figure).
From the formula, plot a graph of  C / max versus the ratio a /L that A B
defines the position of the load (0.5  a /L  1). What conclusion do you
draw from the graph? (Use the formulas of Example 9-3.) a b
L

Solution 9.3-7 Simple beam (concentrated load)

Pb(3L2  4b2 ) GRAPH OF c max VERSUS 
aL
Eq. (9-35): C

(a b)
48EI
Pb(L  b )
2 2 3
2 Because a b, the ratio  versus from 0.5 to 1.0.
Eq. (9-34): max

(a b)
93 LEI c
c (33L)(3L2  4b2 ) 


(a b) max
max 16(L2  b2 ) 3
2
0.5 1.0
Replace the distance b by the distance a by 0.6 0.996
substituting L  a for b: 0.7 0.988
0.8 0.981
c (33L)(L2  8ab  4a2 ) 0.9 0.976


max 16(2aL  a2 ) 3
2 1.0 0.974

Divide numerator and denominator by L2: NOTE: The deflection c at the midpoint of the beam
a a2 is almost as large as the maximum deflection max.
(33L) ¢ 1  8  4 2 ≤ The greatest difference is only 2.6% and occurs when
c L L

the load reaches the end of the beam (
1).
max a a 2 3
2
16L ¢ 2  2 ≤
L L
1.0
a a2
(33) ¢ 1  8  4 2 ≤
c L L c

max 0.974
max a a2 3
2
16 ¢ 2  2 ≤
L L
0.95
0.5 0.75 1.0
ALTERNATIVE FORM OF THE RATIO a
=
L
a
Let b

L
c (33)(1  8b  4b2 )


max 16(2b  b2 ) 3
2
554 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Deflections by Integration of the Bending-Moment Equation

Problems 9.3-8 through 9.3-16 are to be solved by integrating the second-order

differential equation of the deflection curve (the bending-moment equation).
The origin of coordinates is at the left-hand end of each beam, and all beams y
have constant flexural rigidity EI. P

Problem 9.3-8 Derive the equation of the deflection curve for a cantilever A B
beam AB supporting a load P at the free end (see figure). Also, determine x
the deflection B and angle of rotation B at the free end. (Note: Use the
L
second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)

Solution 9.3-8 Cantilever beam (concentrated load)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) B.C. v(0)
0
∴ C1
0
EIv–
M
P(L  x) Px2
v
 (3L  x)
Px2 6EI
EIv¿
PLx   C1 Px
2 v¿
 (2L  x)
B.C. v¿(0)
0
∴ C2
0
2EI
PLx 2 Px3 PL3
EIv
   C2 B
v(L)

2 6 3EI
PL2
uB
v¿(L)

2EI
(These results agree with Case 4, Table G-1.)

Problem 9.3-9 Derive the equation of the deflection curve y

for a simple beam AB loaded by a couple M0 at the left-hand
support (see figure). Also, determine the maximum deflection M0
B
max. (Note: Use the second-order differential equation of the A x
deflection curve.)

Solution 9.3-9 Simple beam (couple M0)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) MAXIMUM DEFLECTION
x M0
EIv–
M
M0 ¢ 1  ≤ v¿
 (2 L2  6 Lx  3 x2 )
L 6 LEI
x2 Set v¿
0 and solve for x:
EIv¿
M0 ¢ x  ≤  C1
2L 3
x1
L ¢ 1  ≤
x2 x3 3
EIv
M0 ¢  ≤  C1x  C2
2 6L Substitute x1 into the equation for v:
B.C. v(0)
0
∴ C2
0 max
(v) x
x1
M0L
B.C. v(L)
0
∴ C1
 M0 L2
3

93EI
M0x (These results agree with Case 7, Table G-2.)
v
 (2L2  3Lx  x2 )
6 LEI
 SECTION 9.3 Deflections by Integration of the Bending-Moment Equation 555

Problem 9.3-10 A cantilever beam AB supporting a triangularly

y
distributed load of maximum intensity q0 is shown in the figure.
Derive the equation of the deflection curve and then obtain q0
formulas for the deflection B and angle of rotation B at the free
end. (Note: Use the second-order differential equation of the x
deflection curve.) A B

Solution 9.3-10 Cantilever beam (triangular load)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) q0 L4
B.C. v(0)
0
∴ c2

q0 120
EIv–
M
 (L  x) 3 q0 x2
6L v
 (10 L3  10 L2x  5 Lx2  x3 )
q0 120 LEI
EIv¿
(L  x) 4  C1 q0 x
24L v¿
 (4 L3  6 L2x  4 Lx2  x3 )
24 LEI
q0 L3
B.C. v¿(0)
0
∴ c2
 q0 L4
24 B
v(L)

30 EI
q0 q0L3x
EIv
 (L  x) 5   C2 q0 L3
120L 24 uB
v¿(L)

24 EI
(These results agree with Case 8, Table G-1.)

Problem 9.3-11 A cantilever beam AB is acted upon by a uniformly y

m
distributed moment (bending moment, not torque) of intensity m
per unit distance along the axis of the beam (see figure). x
Derive the equation of the deflection curve and then obtain A B
formulas for the deflection B and angle of rotation B at the free end. L
(Note: Use the second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)

Solution 9.3-11 Cantilever beam (distributed moment)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) mx2
v
 (3L  x)
6 EI
EIv–
M
m(L  x) mx
v¿
 (2L  x)
x2 2EI
EIv¿
m ¢ Lx  ≤  C1
2 mL3
B.C. v¿(0)
0
∴ C1
0 B
v(L)

3 EI
Lx2 x3 mL2
EIv
m ¢  ≤  C2 u
v¿(L)

2 6 B
2 EI
B.C. v(0)
0
∴ C2
0

y
Problem 9.3-12 The beam shown in the figure has a roller support at A q
and a guided support at B. The guided support permits vertical movement
but no rotation.
Derive the equation of the deflection curve and determine the A x
B
deflection B at end B due to the uniform load of intensity q. (Note:
Use the second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)
L
556 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

Solution 9.3-12 Beam with a guided support

REACTIONS AND DEFLECTION CURVE BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a)
qx2
y
q EIv–
M
qLx 
2
qL2
MB = qLx2 qx3
A x
2 EIv¿
  C1
B 2 6
qL3
L B.C. v(L)
0 ∴ C1

3
RA = qL
qLx3 qx4 qL3x
EIv
   C2
y 6 24 3
A x v(0)
0
C2
0
B.C.
B qx
B
v
 (8L3  4Lx2  x3 )
24 EI
5 qL4
B
v(L)

24 EI

y
Problem 9.3-13 Derive the equations of the deflection curve
for a simple beam AB loaded by a couple M0 acting at distance M0
a from the left-hand support (see figure). Also, determine the B
A
deflection 0 at the point where the load is applied. (Note: Use x
the second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)
a b
L

Solution 9.3-13 Simple beam (couple M0)

L
BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) B.C. 3 v(L)
0 ∴ C4
M0 L ¢ a  ≤  C1L
3
M0 x
EIv–
M
(0
x
a) B.C. 4 (v)Left
(v)Right at x
a
L 2
M0 a
M0 x2 ∴ C4

EIv¿
 C1 (0
x
a) 2
2L
M0
M0 C1
(2L2  6aL  3a2 )
EIv–
M
 (L  x) (a
x
L) 6L
L M0 x
M0 x2 v
 (6aL  3a2  2L2  x2 ) (0
x
a)
EIv¿
 ¢ Lx  ≤  C2 (a
x
L) 6 LEI
L 2
B.C. 1 (v¿ )Left
(v¿ )Right at x
a M0
v
 (3a2L  3a2x  2L2x  3Lx2  x3 )

C2
C1  M0a 6 LEI
(a
x
L)
M0 x3 M0 a(L  a)(2a  L)
EIv
 C1x  C3 (0
x
a) 0
v(a)

6L 3 LEI
B.C.2 v(0)
0
C3
0 M0 ab(2a  L)
M0 x2 M0 x3

3LEI
EIv
   C1x  M0 ax  C4
2 6L NOTE: 0 is positive downward. The pending results
(a
x
L) agree with Case 9, Table G-2.
 SECTION 9.3 Deflection by Integration of the Bending-Moment Equation 557

Problem 9.3-14 Derive the equations of the deflection curve

y
for a cantilever beam AB carrying a uniform load of intensity
q
q over part of the span (see figure). Also, determine the
deflection B at the end of the beam. (Note: Use the
second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.) x
A B

a b

Solution 9.3-14 Cantilever beam (partial uniform load)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) B.C. 3 v(0)
0
C3
0
q q qa3x
EIv–
M
 (a  x) 2
 (a2  2ax  x2 ) EIv
C2 x  C4
  C4 (a
x
L)
2 2 6
(0
x
a) B.C. 4 (v)Left
(v)Right at x
a
q 2 x3 qa4
EIv¿
 ¢ a x  ax  ≤  C1 (0
x
a)
2
∴ C4

2 3 24
B.C.1 v¿ (0)
0
C1
0 qx2
EIv–
M
0 (a
x
L) v
 (6a2  4ax  x2 ) (0
x
a)
24 EI
EIv¿
C2 (a
x
L)
qa3
B.C. 2 (v¿ )Left
(v¿ )Right at x
a v
 (4x  a) (a
x
L)
24 EI
qa3 qa3
∴ C2
 B
v(L)
(4L  a)
6 24 EI
q a2x2 ax3 x4 (These results agree with Case 2, Table G-1.)
EIv
 ¢   ≤  C3 (0
x
a)
2 2 3 12

Problem 9.3-15 Derive the equations of the deflection curve for a y

q
cantilever beam AB supporting a uniform load of intensity q acting
over one-half of the length (see figure). Also, obtain formulas for the
x
deflections B and C at points B and C, respectively. (Note: Use A C B
the second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)
L L
— —
2 2

Solution 9.3-15 Cantilever beam (partial uniform load)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) B.C. 1 v¿ (0)
0
C1
0
q L
qL L EIv–
M
 (L2  2Lx  x2 ) ¢
x
L≤
EIv–
M
 (3L  4x) ¢ 0
x
≤ 2 2
8 2
q x3 L
qL L EIv¿
 ¢ L2x  Lx2  ≤  C2 ¢
x
L≤
EIv¿
 (3Lx  2x )  C1 ¢ 0
x
≤
2
2 3 2
8 2
558 CHAPTER 9 Deflections of Beams

L L
B.C. 2 (v¿ )Left
(v¿ )Right at x
B.C. 4 (v)Left
(v)Right at x

2 2
qL3 qL4
∴ C2
∴ C4

48 384
qL 3Lx2 2x3 L qLx2 L
EIv
 ¢  ≤  C3 ¢0
x
≤ v
 (9L  4x) ¢ 0
x
≤
8 2 3 2 48 EI 2
4
B.C. 3 v(0)
0
C3
0 L 7qL
C
v ¢ ≤

2 192EI
q L2x2 Lx3 x4 qL3 q
EIv
 ¢   ≤ x  C4 v
 (16x4  64 Lx3  96 L2x2  8 L3x  L4 )
2 2 3 12 48 384 EI
L L
¢
x
L≤ ¢
x
L≤
2 2
41qL4
B
v(L)

384EI

y
Problem 9.3-16 Derive the equations of the deflection curve q
for a simple beam AB with a uniform load of intensity q acting
over the left-hand half of the span (see figure). Also, determine A B
x
the deflection C at the midpoint of the beam. (Note: Use the C
second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)
L L
— —
2 2

Solution 9.3-16 Simple beam (partial uniform load)

BENDING-MOMENT EQUATION (EQ. 9-12a) B.C.2 v(0)
0
C3
0
3qLx qx 2
L qL2x2 qLx3 qL3x
EIv–
M
 ¢0
x
≤ EIv
  C1x   C4
8 2 2 16 48 48
L
3qLx2 qx3 ¢
x
L≤
L 2
EIv¿
  C1 ¢0
x
≤
16 6 2 qL4
qL 2
qLx L B.C. 3 v(L)
0 ∴ C4
C1L 
EIv–
M
 ¢
x
L≤ 48
8 8 2 L
2 2
B.C. 4 (v)Left
(v)Right at x

qL x qLx L 2
EIv¿
  C2 ¢
x
L≤ 3qL3
8 16 2 ∴ C1

128
L
B.C. 1 (v¿ )Left
(v¿ )Right at x
qx L
2 v
 (9L3  24Lx2  16x3 ) ¢ 0
x
≤
qL2 384EI 2
∴ C2
C1 
48 qL
v
 (8x3  24Lx2  17L2x  L3 )
qLx3 qx4 L 384EI
EIv
  C1x  C3 ¢0
x
≤ L
16 24 2 ¢
x
L≤
2
L 5qL4
C
v ¢ ≤

2 768EI
(These results agree with Case 2, Table G-2.)