CIVL 3121 Deflections - Introduction 1/5

Deflections Deflections

ƒ In this section we will discuss how to calculate Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve
the deflections of elastic structures using both
ƒ The ability to determine the deflection of a structure
geometric and energy methods.
is very important.
ƒ A geometric method uses the strain of an
elastic structure to determine the deflection. ƒ Deflection is caused by many sources, such as, loads,
ƒ Energy methods are temperature, construction error, and settlements.
based on the principle of
conservation of energy. ƒ It is important to include the calculation of deflections
into the design procedure to prevent structural damage
to secondary structures (concrete or plaster walls or
roofs) or to solve indeterminate problems.

Deflections Deflections

Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve
ƒ In this section, we will learn to compute the deflection ƒ Usually, before the slope and deflection are calculated,
of linear elastic structures. it is important to sketch the shape of the structure
when loaded.
ƒ A linear structure is one that returns to its original
position after the load is removed. ƒ To do this, we need to know how different connections
rotate, θ, and deflect, Δ, as a response to loading.
ƒ Deflections are most often caused by internal loadings
such as bending moment and axial force.
θ Δ Δ

Pin or roller support Δ = 0 Fixed support Δ = 0 and θ = 0

Deflections Deflections

Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve
ƒ Consider the rotation, θ, and deflection, Δ, of
connections in frames

θ θ1

θ θ2

Fixed-
Fixed-connected joint – since Pin-
Pin-connected joint – the
the connection cannot rotate, the pinned joint may rotate which
slope of the each member is the results in different slopes for
same
each member same
CIVL 3121 Deflections - Introduction 2/5

Deflections Deflections

Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve

Deflections Deflections

Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve Deflection Diagrams and the Elastic Curve
ƒ If you have a difficult time drawing the deflected ƒ For example, consider the following beam.
shape from the elastic response, try to construct the
moment diagram and then use the sign of the moment
to determine the curvature of the structure.
ƒ For example, consider the following beam.

M
Where the moment is positive (+)
the curvature of the beam is also
M positive or in this case concave
Since the moment is positive (+)
the curvature of the beam is upward. Where the moment is
also positive or in this case negative (-), the curvature is
concave upward concave downward.

Deflections Deflections

Elastic Beam Theory Elastic Beam Theory

ƒ In this section, we will derive the relationship between
the internal moment and the deflected shape. Consider
a straight elastic beam deformed by a set of applied
loads.

If the angles are small, then the dy

tan θ ≈ θ, the slope can be written as: θ =
dx
CIVL 3121 Deflections - Introduction 3/5

Deflections Deflections

Elastic Beam Theory Elastic Beam Theory

From geometry of the triangular

ρ d θ = ds Dividing each side of the previous dθ 1
segment AB we can write: equation by ds and rearranging the ρ d θ = ds ⇒ =
terms gives: ds ρ

Deflections Deflections

Elastic Beam Theory Elastic Beam Theory

Since dθ/ds represents the change in slope Differentiation both side of the first
per unit length of distance along the curve, dθ 1 equation gives:
dy d θ d 2y dθ 1
this term is called the curvature. Since slope = θ = ⇒ = =
are small in actual beams, ds ≈ dx, therefore: dx ρ dx dx dx 2 dx ρ

Deflections Deflections

Elastic Beam Theory Elastic Beam Theory

The change in length of the top fiber dl in terms of dθ and the By definition the strain ε at the top fibers of the beam is:
distance c from the neutral axis is:
dl
dl = d θ c ε=
dx
CIVL 3121 Deflections - Introduction 4/5

Deflections Deflections
Elastic Beam Theory Elastic Beam Theory
Using the equation relating curvature and displacement we get:
dl = d θ c

d θ d 2y dθ d 2y ε
= ⇒ ε = c ⇒ =
dx dx 2 dx dx 2 c
If the behavior is elastic, the flexural stress, σ, can be related to the
strain, ε, at the top fibers by Hooke’s Law, σ = Eε

Combining the previous equations to solve for strain ε: d 2y σ

=
dl dθ dx 2
Ec
dl = d θ c ε= ⇒ ε= c
dx dx

Deflections Deflections

Elastic Beam Theory Elastic Beam Theory

For elastic behavior the relationship between flexural stress at the top
ƒ How can we use the basic equation for elastic beams to
of the beam and the moment acting on the cross-section is: solve for the displacement?

Mc M
σ = y = ∫∫ dx dx
I EI
Substituting the value of σ in the equation on the last page, gives the
basic differential equation of the displacement of an elastic beam:
ƒ If we can write a continuous function for the moment
over the beam we can integrate the function and find
d 2y M M the displacement as a function of x.
= y = ∫∫ dx dx
dx 2 EI EI
ƒ This method is called direct integration

Deflections Deflections
ƒ Example: Determine the equations for slope ƒ Find the reactions in the cantilever beam
and displacement in the following beam.
P P

B B
MA
L L
A A
Ay

M
First, find the reactions; and ∑ MA = 0 = MA − PL ⇒ MA = PL
y = ∫∫ dx dx second, write the equation for
EI moment as a function of x ∑ Fy = 0 = Ay − P ⇒ Ay = P
CIVL 3121 Deflections - Introduction 5/5

Deflections Deflections

ƒ Write the equation for bending moment in the ƒ Integrate the moment equation to determine
beam the slope
P M = P (x − L )
M
M P (x − L )
θ =∫ dx = ∫ dx
B EI EI
PL x V
L
A P ⎛x2 ⎞
= ⎜ − Lx ⎟ + C1 θ (x = 0) = 0
P
EI ⎝ 2 ⎠

∑ Mcut = 0 = M − Px + PL ⇒ M = P (x − L )
θ=
P ⎛x2
⎜
⎞
− Lx ⎟ θ (x = L ) = −
PL2
EI ⎝ 2 ⎠ 2EI

Deflections Deflections
ƒ Integrate the slope equation to determine ƒ Example: Determine the equations for slope
the displacement and displacement in the following beam.
P ⎛x2 ⎞
y = ∫ θ dx = ∫ ⎜ − Lx ⎟ dx
EI ⎝ 2 ⎠ w

P ⎛ x 3 Lx 2 ⎞
= ⎜ − ⎟ + C2 y (x = 0) = 0
EI ⎝ 6 2 ⎠ A L B

P ⎛ x 3 Lx 2 ⎞ PL3
y = ⎜ − ⎟ y (x = L ) = − M
First, find the reactions; and
EI ⎝ 6 2 ⎠ 3EI y = ∫∫ dx dx second, write the equation for
EI moment as a function of x

Deflections End of Defections – Part 1

ƒ Example: Determine the equations for slope
and displacement in the following beam.
Any questions?
w

A L B

First, find the reactions; and

M
y = ∫∫ dx dx second, write the equation for
EI moment as a function of x