Dept.

of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song

457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

Chapter 9 Deflections of Beams

9.2 Differential Equations of the Deflection Curve

 Sign Conventions and Main Concepts

1. Deflection 𝑣𝑣: Displacement in y-direction at a point (upward positive)

2. Angle of rotation 𝜃𝜃: Angle between x-axis and t_______ to the deflection curve
(counterclockwise positive)

3. Center of curvature 𝑂𝑂′: Intersection of the orthogonal lines at two points on the
curve

4. Radius of curvature 𝜌𝜌: Distance between 𝑂𝑂′ and the deflection curve (Recall
𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑)

5. Curvature κ: Reciprocal of the radius of curvature, i.e. 𝜅𝜅 = 1/𝜌𝜌 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑/𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (∪

positive)

6. Slope of the deflection curve

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= tan 𝜃𝜃 𝜃𝜃 = arctan
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

In a similar manner

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
cos 𝜃𝜃 = sin 𝜃𝜃 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

7. These are all based only on geometric considerations, and thus valid for beams of
any material. No restrictions on the magnitudes of the slopes and deflections.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Beams with Small Angles of Rotation

1. Very small angle of rotations and deflections  approximation 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 ≈ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 greatly
simplify beam analysis

2. Curvature

1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝜅𝜅 = ≈
𝜌𝜌 𝑑𝑑

3. Angle of rotation (equal to the s________; angle should be given in r_________)

𝑑𝑑
𝜃𝜃 ≈ tan 𝜃𝜃 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

4. Curvature (in terms of deflection curve):

1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣
𝜅𝜅 = ≈ =
𝜌𝜌 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2

Note: Exact curvature (See textbook)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑣𝑣′′
𝜅𝜅 = =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 [1 + (𝑣𝑣 ′ )2 ]3/2

5. For a linearly elastic beam (i.e. following Hooke’s law), 𝜅𝜅 = 1/𝜌𝜌 = 𝑀𝑀/𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸, we now
obtain differential equation of the deflection curve as

𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣 𝑀𝑀
2
= 𝑣𝑣 ′′ =
𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

 Nonprismatic Beams

1. From above, but with flexural rigidity varying over 𝑥𝑥, i.e. 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑥𝑥 ,

𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑥𝑥 = 𝑀𝑀
𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2

2. From 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑/𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑉𝑉 and 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑/𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = −𝑞𝑞

𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
�𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑥𝑥 2 � = = 𝑉𝑉
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑2 𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣 𝑑𝑑2 𝑀𝑀 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

�𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑥𝑥 � = = = −𝑞𝑞
𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

 Prismatic Beams

1. Differential equations for prismatic beams, i.e. 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑥𝑥 = 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

1) Bending-moment equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′ = 𝑀𝑀

2) Shear-force equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′′ = 𝑉𝑉

3) Load equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′′′ = −𝑞𝑞

9.3 Deflections by Integration of the Bending-Moment Equation

 Conditions needed for Solving Bending-Moment Equations by Method of Successive

Integrations (i.e. integrate the differential equation and find the undetermined
coefficients by given conditions)

1. Boundary conditions: Deflection and slope at boundaries

2. Continuity conditions: At a given point, the deflections (or slopes) obtained for the
left- and right-hand parts should be equal

3. Symmetry conditions: For example, the slope of the deflection curve at the
midpoint is zero (for a symmetric beam under symmetric loads)
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-1: Determine the equation of the deflection

curve for a simple beam supporting a uniform load of
intensity 𝑞𝑞 . Also determine the maximum deflection
𝛿𝛿max at the midpoint of the beam, and the angles of
rotation at the supports, i.e. 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴 and 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 . The beam has
length 𝐿𝐿 and constant flexural rigidity 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-2: Determine the equation of the

deflection curve for a cantilever beam subjected to a
uniform load of intensity 𝑞𝑞. Also determine the angle
of rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 and the deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐵𝐵 at the free end.
The beam has length 𝐿𝐿 and constant flexural rigidity
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-3: Determine the equation of the

deflection curve for a simple beam subjected to a
concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 acting at distances 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏
from the left- and right-had supports, respectively.
Also determine the angles of rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴 and 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 , the
maximum deflection 𝛿𝛿max , and the deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐶𝐶 at
the midpoint of the beam. The beam has length 𝐿𝐿
and constant flexural rigidity 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

9.4 Deflections by Integration of the Shear-Force and Load

Equations

 Solving Differential Equations for Deflections

1. Among three differential equations for deflections, i.e.

1) Bending-moment equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′ = 𝑀𝑀 (______ unknowns)

2) Shear-force equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′′ = 𝑉𝑉 (_______ unknowns)

3) Load equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′′′ = −𝑞𝑞 (_______ unknowns)

One can solve a differential equation based on available conditions

2. Boundary, continuity and symmetry conditions are available in terms of

1) Deflection (𝑣𝑣) and slope (𝑣𝑣 ′ ) for bending-moment equation (Section 9.3)

2) In addition, moment (𝑀𝑀) conditions can be used for the shear-force equation
because 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′ = 𝑀𝑀

3) In addition, shear force (𝑉𝑉) conditions can be used for solving the load equation
because 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝑣𝑣 ′′′ = 𝑉𝑉

Load Equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 ′′′′ = −𝑞𝑞

𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸′′′ = ∫[−𝑞𝑞(𝑥𝑥)]𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 + 𝐶𝐶1 Conditions on 𝑉𝑉

Shear-Force Equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸′′′ = 𝑉𝑉

𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸′′ = ∫𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥)𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 + 𝐶𝐶2 Conditions on 𝑀𝑀

Bending-Moment Equation 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸′′ = 𝑀𝑀

𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸′ = ∫𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥)𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 + 𝐶𝐶3 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) Conditions on 𝑣𝑣 ′

𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = ∫ 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 + 𝐶𝐶4 Conditions on 𝑣𝑣

Deflection Curve 𝑣𝑣(𝑥𝑥)

Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-4: Determine the equation of the

deflection curve for a cantilever beam AB
supporting a triangularly distributed load of
maximum intensity 𝑞𝑞0 . Also determine the
deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐵𝐵 and angle of rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 at the free
end. Use the load equation.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-5: Determine the equation of the deflection curve for a simple beam with an
overhang under concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 at the end. Also determine the deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐶𝐶 . Use
the third-order differential equation, i.e. shear-force equation. The beam has constant
flexural rigidity 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

9.5 Method of Superposition

 Method of Superposition

1. Under suitable conditions, the deflection of a beam

produced by several different loads acting
simultaneously can be found by s___________ the
deflections produced by the same loads acting
separately.

2. At a given location, the deflection 𝑣𝑣1 by a load 𝑞𝑞1

(alone) and 𝑣𝑣2 by a load 𝑞𝑞2 (alone)  the
deflection under loads 𝑞𝑞1 and 𝑞𝑞2 is
_____________

3. Justification: the differential equation for deflection is l__________ ~ “Principle of

Superposition” (mathematics)

4. “Principle of Superposition” is valid under the following conditions:

(1) H_______’s law for the material

(2) Deflections and rotations are s_________

(3) Presence of deflection does not alter the actions of the applied loads

 Three sources of n____________ in general structural engineering problems:

nonlinear material property (constitutive law, large deformation, load-displacement
interactions)

 Tables of Beam Deflections

1. Superpose the deflection

equations or deflections
and slopes at specific
locations determined for
each type of the loads

2. If a given pattern of
distributed loads is not
available in the table, one
can use the results about
concentrated loads as shown in the following example
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

3. From Appendix G, the midpoint deflection caused by a

concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎 (𝑎𝑎 ≤ 𝑏𝑏) is

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃
(3𝐿𝐿2 − 4𝑎𝑎2 )
48𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

4. The midpoint deflection caused by 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 at location 𝑥𝑥

is thus

(𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞)𝑥𝑥
(3𝐿𝐿2 − 4𝑥𝑥 2 )
48𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

5. In the example, the distributed load is given as

2𝑞𝑞0 𝑥𝑥
𝑞𝑞(𝑥𝑥) =
𝐿𝐿

6. Substituting this into the equation in “4”,

𝑞𝑞0 𝑥𝑥 2
(3𝐿𝐿2 − 4𝑥𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
24𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

7. Finally, the deflection at 𝐶𝐶 is obtained by the integral

𝐿𝐿
2 𝑞𝑞0 𝑥𝑥 2 𝑞𝑞0 𝐿𝐿4
𝛿𝛿𝐶𝐶 = � (3𝐿𝐿2 − 4𝑥𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
0 24𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 240𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

 Example 9-6: A cantilever beam AB supports a uniform

load of intensity 𝑞𝑞 acting over part of the span and a
concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 acting at the free end. Determine
the deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐵𝐵 and the angle of rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 at end B.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-7: A cantilever beam AB supports a

uniform load of intensity 𝑞𝑞 acting on the right-hand
half of the beam. Determine the deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐵𝐵 and
the angle of rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 at the free end.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

9.6 Moment-Area Method

 Moment-Area Method

1. Refers to two theorems related to the area of the b_______-m_______ diagram

𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥)  Find the angle and deflection of a beam

2. Assumptions: L________ e________ materials and s_____ deformation

 First Moment-Area Theorem

1. The angle between the two tangents at

points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵

𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵/𝐴𝐴 = 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 − 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴

2. The angle between two orthogonal lines at

𝑚𝑚1 and 𝑚𝑚2

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = ≅
𝜌𝜌 𝜌𝜌

3. For a beam consisting of a linear elastic

material 1/𝜌𝜌 = 𝑀𝑀/𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

4. Integrating the change in the angle from point 𝐴𝐴 to point 𝐵𝐵,

𝐵𝐵
� 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵/𝐴𝐴
𝐴𝐴

𝑩𝑩
𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴
𝜽𝜽𝑩𝑩/𝑨𝑨 = �
𝑨𝑨 𝑬𝑬𝑬𝑬

= Area of the 𝑀𝑀/𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 diagram between points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵

5. First moment-area theorem: The angle 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵/𝐴𝐴 between the tangents to the
deflection curve at two points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵 is equal to the area of the 𝑀𝑀/𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 diagram
between those points
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Second Moment-Area Theorem

1. Tangent deviation of point 𝐵𝐵 with

respect to 𝐴𝐴: 𝑡𝑡𝐵𝐵/𝐴𝐴

2. Tangent deviation of point 𝐵𝐵

made by the element 𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2:

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑥𝑥1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑥𝑥1
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

3. This is the contribution of the

element 𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2 to the total tangent
deviation. Thus, the total tangent
deviation is

𝐵𝐵 𝑩𝑩
𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴
𝒕𝒕𝑩𝑩/𝑨𝑨 = � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = � 𝒙𝒙𝟏𝟏
𝐴𝐴 𝑨𝑨 𝑬𝑬𝑬𝑬

4. This is the first moment of the area of the 𝑀𝑀/𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 diagram between points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵,
evaluated with respect to point 𝐵𝐵

5. Second moment-area theorem: The tangential deviation 𝑡𝑡𝐵𝐵/𝐴𝐴 of point 𝐵𝐵 from the
tangent at point 𝐴𝐴 is equal to the first moment of the area of the 𝑀𝑀/𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 diagram
between 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵, evaluated with respect to 𝐵𝐵.

6. Note: The first moment can be computed alternative by ( )×( )

Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-10: Determine the angle of

rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐵𝐵 and deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐵𝐵 at the free end
𝐵𝐵 of a cantilever beam 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 supporting a
concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 using the moment-area
method.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-12: A simple beam 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 supports

a concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 acting at the position
shown in the figure. Determine the angle of
rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴 at support 𝐴𝐴 and the deflection
𝛿𝛿𝐷𝐷 under the load 𝑃𝑃 using the moment area
method.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

9.8 Strain Energy of Bending

 Strain Energy of a Beam under Bending

1. Consider a linear elastic beam under pure bending

showing small deformation, i.e. the bending moment is
constant and Hooke’s law works

2. The angle of the circular arc is

𝐿𝐿 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝜃𝜃 = = 𝜅𝜅𝜅𝜅 =
𝜌𝜌 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

3. Linear relationship between 𝑀𝑀 and 𝜃𝜃  Therefore, when the bending moment

gradually increases, the work and the stored strain energy are

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝑊𝑊 = 𝑈𝑈 =
2

4. Using the linear relationship in Item 3, the strain energy can be expressed as

𝑀𝑀2 𝐿𝐿 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝜃𝜃 2
𝑈𝑈 = or 𝑈𝑈 =
2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2𝐿𝐿

5. If the bending moment varies, the angle between the

side faces of a small element with length 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 is

𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝜅𝜅𝜅𝜅𝜅𝜅 = 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2

6. In analogy to Item 4, the strain energy in the element is

2 2
𝑀𝑀2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸(𝑑𝑑𝜃𝜃)2 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = or 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = = � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑� = � 2 � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥

7. By integrating the strain energy along the beam, the strain energy is derived as

2
𝑀𝑀2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝑑𝑑2 𝑣𝑣
𝑈𝑈 = � or 𝑈𝑈 = � � 2 � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥

 Deflections Caused by a Single Load

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑀𝑀0 𝜃𝜃
1. Strain energy 𝑈𝑈 by a concentrated load 𝑃𝑃 and a couple 𝑀𝑀0 is and
2 2

2. Deflection and the rotation can be computed by

2𝑈𝑈 2𝑈𝑈
𝛿𝛿 = and 𝜃𝜃 =
𝑃𝑃 𝑀𝑀0
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University Junho Song
457.201 Mechanics of Materials and Lab. [email protected]

 Example 9-6: Cantilever beam 𝐴𝐴𝐵𝐵 is subjected to

three different loading conditions: (a) a concentrated
load 𝑃𝑃 at its free end, (b) a couple 𝑀𝑀0 at its free end,
and (c) both loads acting simultaneously. For each
loading condition, determine the strain energy of the
beam. Also, determine the vertical deflection 𝛿𝛿𝐴𝐴 at
end 𝐴𝐴 of the beam due to the load 𝑃𝑃 acting alone,
and determine the angle of rotation 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴 at end 𝐴𝐴 due
to the moment 𝑀𝑀0 acting alone.