COMPUTER PROGRAMMING ASSIGNMENT

NAME: AMPONSAH-DANSO KWASI

INDEX NUMBER: 1698222

COURSE CODE: CE 257

WRITE OUT THE PROCESSES IN DRAWING BENDING MOMENT AND SHEAR FORCE DIAGRAM USING
SINGULARITY FUNCTIONS

Singularity functions are mathematical tools that represent concentrated forces, moments, and
distributed loads in structural analysis. They are typically shown as delta functions or step functions and
are essential for calculating reactions, shear forces, and bending moments in beams.

Some common singularity functions include:

-Unit Step Function (Heaviside Function): Represents a constant load applied over a specific interval.

- Dirac Delta Function**: Represents a concentrated force or moment applied at a specific point.

Steps to Create Bending Moment Diagrams

Understand the Beam and Its Loading: Get familiar with the beam's geometry, supports, and loading
conditions for effective analysis.

Step 1: Defining Beam Parameters

Find the types of loads (concentrated, distributed, moments) and represent them using singularity
functions.

- Beam Length (L): This is the span over which we'll analyze the bending moment.

- Load Application Points (x_loads): These are the positions along the beam where loads are applied.

- Load Magnitudes (load_magnitudes): These indicate the intensity of loads at each position.

Step 2: Calculating Bending Moment Using Singularity Functions

Assign appropriate singularity functions for each load type.

For each load applied at position x_load with magnitude load_magnitude, we use singularity functions to
calculate the bending moment. The bending moment at a point x due to a load at x_load is given by:

M(x) = (Load Magnitude).(x - x_(load))

We repeat this process for all loads, summing their bending moments to get the total bending moment
along the beam.

### Step 3: Visualizing the Bending Moment Diagram

Using a plotting library like Matplotlib in Python, we plot the bending moment diagram. The x-axis
represents the beam's length, and the y-axis represents the bending moment. We also include a
reference line at zero bending moment for clarity.

Ensure that the diagrams satisfy equilibrium conditions for accuracy.

Lastly, double-check calculations and diagrams to ensure they accurately represent beam behavior under
specified loads.

Conclusion

Creating bending moment diagrams using singularity functions is a fundamental skill in structural
engineering. By understanding singularity function principles and following these steps, engineers can
accurately analyze beam bending behavior under different loads. Python's capabilities make it an
excellent tool for this task.