Use of Singularity Functions for Beam Slope and Deflections (a simpler method to replace sections 5.5 and 9.

6 in Beer and Johnston) A special family of math functions can be used to write a single M(x) equation, resulting in only two constants of integration C1 and C2 even for the most complicated beam. These functions (which well call singularity functions) are defined as follows: = 0 if x is less than a
n

<x-a>

= (x-a)n if x is greater than or equal to a, where a is the distance from the left end of the beam. These functions can be multiplied by constants and can be integrated using simple power law integration. For example, the unit step function

<x-a>0
C<x-a>0

= 0 or 1, depending on the value of x and = 0 or C, depending on the value of x.

A single integration of C<x-a>0 gives C<x-a>1, while a second integration gives C<x-a>2 . 2 These properties make it possible to use singularity functions to describe the effects of the common simple loading components on a single M(x) equation valid over the whole length of the beam with terms that are on (=(x-a)n) or off (=0) as needed. Our approach starts directly with the M(x) equation, and leaves out the more complicated and unnecessary treatment of q(x) and V(x). Effects of a concentrated clockwise couple C on the M(x) equation:

So after reaching position x = a, the bending moment goes from zero to C. The singularity function C<x-a>0 behaves in exactly this same way, and so is used to describe couples appearing on the beam. Effects of an upward concentrated force F on the M(x) equation:

At position x = a, the bending moment becomes F(x-a). The function F<x-a>1 behaves the same way, and is used to describe concentrated forces appearing on the beam.

Effects of constant (positive up) distributed load q on the M(x) equation:

At x = a, the term q(x-a)2/2 appears in the bending moment equation. The function q<x-a>2 behaves the same way, and is used for constant distributed loads. 2 Effects of triangular distributed load (as shown) on the M(x) equation:

At x=a, the function q0 <x-a>3 exhibits the needed behavior for triangular distributed loads. L 6 Turning off q<x-a>2 and q0 <x-a>3 : 2 L 6 These functions remain on after x = a is reached. If the distributed load ends before reaching the end of beam, they must be turned off by an additional term or terms. A uniform distributed load is turned off by simply adding an opposite term - q<x-b>2 at the ending position, b. The triangular 2 3 distribution requires an opposite term - q0 <x-b> and a term - q0 <x-b>2 to bring the value back to zero. L 6 2 Loadings more complicated than triangular introduce complexity not covered in this course. The singularity function approach lends itself well to computerized beam analyses because they are easily represented by conditional statements in the program. Summary of functions: Concentrated clockwise couple, C => C<x-a>0 Upward distributed load, intensity q => q<x-a>2 2 Concentrated upward force, F => F<x-a>1 Triangular distributed load, q0 over L => q0 <x-a>3 L 6

Example problem: Use singularity functions to find the slope and deflection equations for the beam shown below.