Mechanics of Solids-I

Dr. Salah Uddin, PhD (Univ of Nottingham, UK)

ME (Structure), BE (Civil)
Associate Professor
Email: Salahuddin@buetk.edu.pk
WhatsApp: +923337950583

Deflection of Beams
 Differential Equation of the Elastic Curve
𝑀 𝑑2 𝑣
Eq (3) = (3)
𝐸𝐼 𝑑𝑥
2

is the differential equation of the elastic curve. The product EI, called the flexural
rigidity of the beam, is usually constant along the beam. It is convenient to write Eq. (3)
in the form
𝐸𝐼 𝑣=𝑀
¨
where the dot denotes differentiation with respect to ; that is, , , and so on.

𝑑3 𝑣 𝑑4 𝑣
𝐸𝐼 3
=𝑉 𝐸𝐼 4
=− 𝑞
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

CLO-2 (PLO-1)
Double integration of the differential equation
• We are now ready to solve the differential equation of the
deflection curve and obtain deflections of beams.
• The first equation we will use is the bending-moment
equation ().
• Since this equation is of second
order, two integrations are
required. The first integration
produces the slope , and the
second produces the deflection
v.
Double integration of the differential equation
• If EI is constant and M is a known function of x, integration of Eq.
() yields
Double integration of the differential equation
• A second integration gives
(4)

where and are constants of integration to be determined

Because Eq. (4) gives the deflection as a function of ,

it is called the EQUATION OF THE ELASTIC CURVE.
Double integration of the differential equation
• These constants are evaluated from known conditions pertaining
to the slopes and deflections. The conditions fall into three
categories:
1. boundary conditions,
2. continuity conditions, and
3. symmetry conditions.
 Boundary Condition
• Boundary conditions pertain to the deflections and slopes at the
supports of a beam.
• For example, at a simple
support (either a pin or a
roller) the deflection is zero
(Fig.)
 Boundary Condition
• Boundary conditions pertain to the deflections and slopes at the
supports of a beam.
• at a fixed support both the
deflection and the slope are zero
(Fig).
Continuity conditions
• Continuity conditions occur at points where the regions of
integration meet,
Such as at point C in the beam of Fig.
Therefore the deflection at point C as
determined for the left-hand part of the
beam must be equal to the deflection at
point C as determined for the right hand
part.
Continuity conditions

• Similarly, the slopes found for each part of

the beam must be equal at point C. Each
of these continuity conditions supplies an
equation for evaluating the constants of
integration.
 Symmetry conditions
• Symmetry conditions may also be available. For instance, if a simple beam supports a
uniform load throughout its length, we know in advance that the slope of the
deflection curve at the midpoint must be zero.

(The boundary and continuity conditions alone are always sufficient

to determine the constants. Any symmetry conditions provide
additional equations, but they are not independent of the other
equations. The choice of which conditions to use is a matter of
convenience.)
 Procedure for double integration
 Sketch the elastic curve of the beam, taking into account the boundary conditions:
for example zero displacement at pin and roller supports as well as zero displacement and
zero slope at built-in (cantilever) supports.
 Procedure for double integration
 Use the method of sections to determine the bending moment M at an arbitrary
distance x from the origin.

 If the loading has discontinuities, a separate expression for M must be obtained for
each segment between the discontinuities.

 By integrating the expressions for M twice, obtain an expression for in each segment.
Do not forget to include the constants of integration.

 Evaluate the constants of integration from the boundary conditions and the continuity
conditions on slope and deflection between segments.
Thanks