SOM_MME-2154 III SEM MECHANICAL

CHAPTER 05 DEFLECTION OF BEAMS

Introduction:
In the chapter 2 & 3 a detailed discussion on shear force and bending moment variation,
corresponding stresses developed and their interpretation for a beam subjected to various
external loads is provided. It is well known that, generally the beams are built with elastic
materials because of which they undergo deflection under the action of external loads. For
safety and satisfactory function, along with the stresses the deflection of the beam should also
be checked and kept within permissible limits. This necessitates the study of concepts and
methods to determine the deflection of beams.
To estimate the possible magnitude of deflection and its nature various methods are available.
In the present chapter the double integration methods (direct and Macaulay’s method) are
discussed.

Governing differential equation for deflection:

Consider an elemental length AB = ds of a large beam subjected to arbitrary loads as shown
in figure. Let tangents drawn at A and B makes angles θ and θ+dθ with x- axis and intersect it
at D and E. Let M be intersection point of these two tangents.

==> -----------> Eq. (1)

==> -------> Eq. (2)

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Now differentiating equation (1) with respect to x we get,

In beams, as per the assumption deflections are small and hence slope dy/dx is small. Therefore, in
this theory, which may be called small deflection theory, (dy/dx)2 is neglected compared to unity and
hence,

This equation is known as beam deflection equation in the differential form. The term ‘EI’ is known
as flexural rigidity. Note that, this term is analogous to that of the term ‘GJ’ torsional rigidity defined
in theory of torsion. The first integral of the deflection equation gives the slope and the second
integral provides the deflection magnitude.

where, C1 and C2 are integration constants whose values are determined by applying suitable
boundary conditions as listed below:
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Equation of deflection for standard cases of beams using direct double integration
method:
1. Cantilever beam with moment at free end:

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2. Cantilever beam with point load at free end:

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3. Cantilever beam subjected to UDL:

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4. Cantilever beam subjected to UVL:

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5. Simply supported beam with point load at mid span:

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6. Simply supported beam subjected to UDL:

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7. Simply supported beam subjected to UVL:

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MECAULAY’S METHOD:
This is method is also a double integration method, however applied systematically for general
loading cases. It is very useful method for the beams subjected to a set of concentrated loads
and uniformly distributed loads over small lengths. The speciality of the method is in writing the
expression for bending moment and relating original forms in integration. This method is
illustrated in detail with the example of a simply supported beam subjected to two
concentrated loads as shown in figure.

In general,
And remember that if the term in bracket becomes negative for any point in the beam, that term
is not applicable for that point. For example, for any point in portion CD, x-b is negative and we
know the last term is not applicable for bending moment expression for this point.

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**Note:
1. It is advised to write, ‘constant of integration’ first, since it is applicable to all points and
to avoid any misinterpretation at any further levels.
2. Integration of (x-a) is written as (x-a)2/2 instead of (x2/2)-(ax). Both integrations are still
correct, however the constant of integration would be different which is arbitrary. By writing
in the form (x-a)2/2, we retain the warning message that if the term becomes negative for any
point, it is not applicable for that point and any section after that point. Thus, we will retain
the advantage of the Mecaulay’s method.

The constants C1 and C2 are found from boundary conditions. In this case Boundary
conditions are,

[*Note: At x = 0, the quantities within the bracket in last two terms are negative and thus
they are not applicable for this point which is in the portion AC, Hence C2=0]

Once C1 and C2 are known slope and deflection at any point can be found using expressions
(3) and (4).
Numerical:
P1.

P2. Find the deflection at C in the beam loaded as shown using Mecaulay’s Method. Take EI
= 10000 kN-m2.

P3. Find the maximum deflection and slope at the supports using Mecaulay’s Method for the
beam loaded as shown. Take EI =15 x 109 kN-mm2. Also find deflection at point C & D.

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P4. Find the maximum deflection and slope at the supports using Mecaulay’s Method for the
beam loaded as shown. Take EI = 12 x 1012 N-mm2. Also find deflection at other salient point
along the length of the beam.

P5. Find the maximum deflection and slope at the supports using Mecaulay’s Method for the
beam loaded as shown. The beam has a rectangular cross section of 40 x 100 mm. Take E =
200 GPa. Also find deflection at other salient point along the length of the beam.

P6. Find the maximum deflection and maximum slope for the cantilever beam loaded as
shown using Mecaulay’s Method. Take E = 200 kN/mm2 and I = 300x106 mm4, find the
deflections at salient locations along the length of the beam.

P7. Find the maximum deflection and maximum slope for the cantilever beam loaded as
shown using Mecaulay’s Method. Take E = 200 kN/mm2 and I = 300x106 mm4, find the
deflections at salient locations along the length of the beam.

P8. Determine the maximum deflection for the beam loaded as shown in figure using
Mecaulay’s Method.

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P9. A simply supported beam is subjected to the loads as shown in figure. Determine the
maximum deflection induced in the beam and slope at the supports using Mecaulay’s
Method. Assume flexural rigidity 1x105 kN-m2.

P10. Determine the maximum deflection for the beam loaded as shown in figure using
Mecaulay’s Method.

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