B. Tech.

1st Year (Civil) Solid Mechanics (CEN-102)

Tutorial sheet 6: Deflection of Beams, Columns

Q.1 Obtain a formula for the ratio dC/dmax of the deflection at the midpoint to the maximum deflection
for a simple beam supporting a concentrated load P (Fig. 1). From the formula, plot a graph of dC/dmax
versus the ratio a/L that defines the position of the load (0.5 < a/L < 1). What conclusion do you draw
from the graph?

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Q.2 A simple beam ABCD has moment of inertia I near the supports and moment of inertia 2I in the
middle region, as shown in the Fig. 2. A uniform load of intensity q acts over the entire length of the
beam. Determine the equations of the deflection curve for the left-hand half of the beam. Also, find the
angle of rotation θ A at the left-hand support and the deflection δ max at the midpoint. Use Method of
Integration and Moment-Area method.

Q.3 Fig. 3 shows an idealized structure consisting of rigid bars ABC and DEF joined by linearly elastic
spring β between C and D. The structure is also supported by translational elastic support β at B and
rotational elastic support at β R at E. Determine the critical load Pcr for the structure.

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Q.4 Derive the equations of the deflection curve for a simple beam AB with a distributed load of peak
intensity q0 acting over the left-hand half of the span (Fig. 4). Also, determine the deflection dC at the
midpoint of the beam. (Note: Use the second-order differential equation of the deflection curve.)

Q. 5 Derive the equation of the deflection curve for beam AB, with guided support at A and roller at B,
carrying a triangularly distributed load of maximum intensity q0 (Fig. 5). Also, determine the maximum
deflection dmax of the beam. (i) Use the fourth-order differential equation of the deflection curve; (ii) Use
Moment-Area method
Q.6 A horizontal beam (Fig. 7) AB has a guided support at end A and carries a load Q at end B, as
show in the figure part (a). The beam is supported at C and D by two identical pinned-end columns of
length L. Each column has flexural rigidity EI. (a) Find an expression for the critical load Qcr. (In other
words, at what load Qcr does the system collapses because of Euler buckling of the columns?) (b) Repeat
(a) but assume spin support at A. Find an expression for the critical moment Mcr (i.e., find the moment M
at B at which the system collapses because of Euler buckling of the columns).

Fig. 6 Fig. 7

Q.7 The Fig. 8 shows an idealized structure consisting of bars AB and BC which are connected using a
hinge at B and linearly elastic springs at A and B. Rotational stiffness is denoted bR and
translational stiffness is denoted b. (a) Determine the critical load Pcr for the structure from figure
part (a). (b) Find Pcr if an elastic connection is now used to connect bar segments AB and BC
from figure part (b).

Fig. 8