Mechanics of Materials | Prof. S. Reynolds | reynolds@mines.

edu

LE21 Beam Deflection IV

We know that beam deflections are governed by the differential equation v’’=M/EI. We know that we can use the
Method of Integration to write v(x), or find a value of vmax. The Method of Integration is time-consuming and
error-prone, so we use beam tables and the Method of Superposition whenever possible.
Today, our goal is to learn to apply the Method of Superposition to solve (statically) indeterminate beams.
Do you remember what we learned about (statically) indeterminate structures? (This was introduced in LE09.)

⯀ You can solve the top beam’s reactions with the E.o.E. alone, so it’s statically determinate:
Unknowns: 2 (Ay and By)
Equations of Equilibrium: 2 (𝚺Fy=0; 𝚺Mz=0)

⯀ For the bottom beam, you need more than the E.o.E., so it’s statically indeterminate:
Unknowns: 3 (Ay, By, and Cy)
Equations of Equilibrium: 2 (𝚺Fy=0; 𝚺Mz=0)

To solve an indeterminate problem, you need to combine:

(1) All applicable equations of equilibrium (𝚺Fx=0; 𝚺Fy=0; 𝚺Fz=0; 𝚺Mx=0; 𝚺My=0; and 𝚺Mz=0).
(2) A deformation compatibility equation for each degree of indeterminacy (a known condition of v or 𝝧)

● Assume directions for the reactions; draw them on the FBD.

● Write the E.o.E.

𝚺Fy = 0

𝚺MA = 0

● Is symmetry or anti-symmetry helpful?

● Use your intuition and knowledge of boundary conditions

to sketch the qualitative shape of the elastic curve.

● What does the qualitative shape of the elastic curve tell us

about the moment diagram?

Mechanics of Materials © 2020 by Susan Reynolds is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Lesson 21 | revised 4/5/2022 | page 1 of 3
Example 1. Solving Indeterminate Beams: Using a Force Reaction as the Redundant
We will partition (or subdivide) the two-span beam into two
substructures. Then, we’ll write a deformation compatibility
equation that ties them together.

System I - REMOVE THE REDUNDANT FORCE

● Designate a redundant reaction and remove it.
● Now, it’s a statically determinate structure.
● Compute v at the location of the removed reaction.

Beam Case #4:

System II - APPLY THE REDUNDANT FORCE

● Duplicate System I -- except you need to remove the load.
● Apply the redundant reaction (as a force).
● Compute v at the location of the redundant reaction.

Beam Case #1:

Write out the deformation compatibility equation. This

will allow you to solve for the redundant (force) reaction.

Plug into the E.o.E. to solve for the other unknown reactions.

Now you can plot V and M diagrams accurately, and

qualitatively draw the elastic curve.

Mechanics of Materials © 2020 by Susan Reynolds is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Lesson 21 | revised 4/5/2022 | page 2 of 3
Example 2. Solving Indeterminate Beams: Using a Moment Reaction as the Redundant
This beam (fixed on one side and supported by a roller on the other)
is called a propped cantilever. The solution method is almost
identical to the previous one. The only difference is that we will
choose the reacting moment at A to be the redundant reaction.
Partition the structure into two substructures, similar to before:

System I - REMOVE THE REDUNDANT MOMENT

● Designate a redundant moment reaction and remove it.
● Now, it’s a statically determinate structure.
● Compute 𝝧 at the location of the removed reaction.

Beam Case #1:

System II - APPLY THE REDUNDANT MOMENT

● Duplicate System I -- except you need to remove the load.
● Apply the redundant reaction (as a moment).
● Compute 𝝧 at the location of the redundant reaction.

Beam Case #3:

Write out the deformation compatibility equation. This will

allow you to solve for the redundant moment reaction.

Plug into the E.o.E. to solve for the other unknown reactions.

Now construct V(x) and M(x) diagrams, and sketch v(x).

Note: you can also solve this problem by

choosing Cy as the redundant reaction.

Mechanics of Materials © 2020 by Susan Reynolds is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Lesson 21 | revised 4/5/2022 | page 3 of 3