.

DEFLECTION OF BEAMS
1. INTRODUCTION

If a beam carries a uniformly distributed load or a point load, the beam is deflected from its
original position. In this chapter, we shall study the amount by which a beam is deflected from
its position. Due to the loads acting on a beam, it will be subjected to bending moment.

M E
The radius of curvature of the deflected beam is given by the equation = . The radius of
I R
IE IE
curvature will be constant if R = = constant. The term will be constant
M M

, if the beam is subjected to a constant bending moment M. this means that a beam for which,
IE
when loaded, the value of is constant, will be in a circular arc.
M

2. DEFLECTION AND SLOPE OF A BEAM SUBJECTED TO U. B.M

A beam AB of length L is subjected to a uniform bending moment M as shown below

As the beam is subjected to a constant bending moment, hence it will bend into a cicular arc. The
initial position of the beam is shown by ACB, whereas the deflected position is shown by AC’B.

Let R = Radius of curvature of the deflected beam

y = Deflection of the beam at the centre (distance CC’)

I = MoI of the beam section

 i = Slope of the beam at the end A (the angle made by the tangent at A with the beam
AB)

L
Now AC = BC =
2

Also from the geometry of a circle, we know that AC x BC = DC x CC’

 = (2 R − y ) y
L L
2 2

L
= 2 Ry − y 2
4

For a practical beam, the deflection y is small quantity. Hence the square of a small quantity will
be negligible. Hence neglecting y2 in the above equation, we get

L L2
= 2 Ry y= (1)
4 8R

But from bending equation, we have

M E IE
= R= (2)
I R M

Substituting the value of R in equation (1) we get

L2 ML2
y= y= (3)
EI 8EI
8
M

The equation (3) gives the central deflection of a beam which bends in a circular arc.

Value of i

L
AC L
From triangle AOC, sin i = = 2=
AO R 2 R

Since the angle i is very small, hence sin i = i in radians

L L ML ML
i= = = i= (4)
2R EI 2 EI 2 EI
2
M

Equation (4) gives the slope of the deflected beam at A or at B.

 3. RELATION BETWEEN SLOPE, DEFLECTION AND RADIUS OF CURVATURE.

Let the curve AB represents the deflection of a beam as shown in figure. Consider a small
portion PQ of this beam. Let the tangents at P and Q make angle ψ and dψ with x – axis.

Normal at P and Q will meet at C such that PC = QC = R

The point C is known as centre of curvature of the curve PQ equal to ds

From fig 3.b we see that angle PCQ = dψ

PQ = ds = R dψ

ds
R= (1)
d

But if x and y be the coordinates of P, then

dy dy dx
tan = sin = cos = (2)
dx ds ds

Now equation (1) can be written as

ds 1
ds cos sec sec
R= = dx = = or R= (3)
d  d d d d
dx dx dx dx

Differentiating equation (2) w.r.t x, we get

 d d 2 y
sec 2  . =
dx dx 2

d2y
d 2
= dx2
dx sec 

Substituting this value in (3), we get

sec sec . sec 2  sec 3 

R= = = 2
 d2y  d2y d y
  2  2 
 dx 
2
dx  dx 
 sec  
2

 
 

Taking the reciprocal to both sides, we get

d2y d2y d2y

1 2
dx 2 dx 2
= dx3 = =
R sec  sec 2 ( )
3
2
(1 + tan  )
2
3 2

For a practical beam, the slope tan at any point is a small quantity. Hence tan 2  can be
neglected.

1 d2y
= (4)
R dx 2

From the bending equation, we have

M E 1 M
= = (5)
I R R EI

M d2y d2y
Equating equations (4) and (5), we get = , M = EI (6)
EI dx 2 dx 2

Differentiating the above equation w.r.t x, we get

dM d3y
= EI 3
dx dx

dM d3y
But = F , shear force, F = EI (7)
dx dx3
Differentiating eq. (7) w.r.t x we get

dF d4y
= EI 4
dx dx

dF d4y
But = q , rate of loading, q = EI (8)
dx dx 4

Hence the relation btwen curvature, slope deflection, … at a section is given by:

Deflection =y

dy
Slope =
dx

d2y
Bending moment = EI
dx 2

d3y
Shearing force = EI
dx3

d4y
Rate of loading = EI
dx 4

4. DEFLECTION OF A S.S.B CARRYING A POINT LOAD AT CENTRE

A simply supported beam AB of length L and carrying a point load P (W) at centre

As the load is symmetrically applied the reactions RA and RB will be equal. Also the maximum
deflection will be at the centre.

P
Now RA = RB =
2

Consider a section X at a distance x from A. the bending moment at this section is given by
 P
M x = RA x = x
2

But B.M at any section is also given by equation (6) as

d2y P
M = EI = x (a)
dx 2 2

d y P x2
On integration, we get EI =  + C1 (b)
dx 2 2

Where C1 is the constant of integration. And its value is obtained from boundary conditions. The
L dy
boundary condition is that at x = , slope = 0 (As the maximum deflection is at the centre,
2 dx
hence slope at the centre will be zero). Substituting this condition in equation (b), we get
2
P L PL2
0 =    + C1 , C1 = −
4 2 16

Substituting the value of C1, we get

d y Px 2 PL2
EI = − (c)
dx 4 16

The above equation is known as the slope equation. We can find the slope at any point on the
beam by substituting the values of x. slope is maximum at A. At A, x = 0 and hence slope at A
will be obtained by substituting x = 0 in equation (c).

 dy  P PL2
 EI   =  0 −
 dx  atA 4 16

[(dy/dx)at A is the slope at A and is represented by iA]

PL2 PL2
EI  i A = − iA = −
16 16 EI

The slope at point B will be equal to iA, since the load is symmetrically applied.

PL2
i A = iB = − (1)
16 EI

Equation (1) gives the slope in radians.

Deflection at any point

Deflection at any point is obtained by integrating the slope equation (c)

P x 3 PL2
EI  y =  − x + C2 (d)
4 3 16

Where C2 is another constant of integration. At A, x = 0 and the deflection y is zero.

Hence substituting the value of C2 in equation (d), we get

EI  0 = 0 − 0 + C 2 , C2 = 0

Substituting the value of C2 in equation (d), we get

Px 3 PL2 x
EI  y = −
12 16

The above equation is known as the deflection equation. We can find the deflection at any point
on the beam by substituting the values of x. The deflection is maximum at the centre point C,
where x = L/2. Let yc represents the deflection at C. Substituting x = L/2 and y = yc in equation
of deflection, we get
3
P  L  PL2 L
EI  yC =   − 
12  2  16 2

PL3 PL3 PL3 − 3PL3 PL3 PL3

− = =− yC = −
96 32 96 48EI 48EI

(Negative sign shows that deflection is downward)

PL3
Downward deflection, yC =
48EI

5. DEFLECTION OF A S.S.B.WITH AN ECCENTRIC POINT LOAD

A simply supported beam AB of length L and carrying a point load P at a distance a from
support A and at a distance b from support B:
The reaction at supports A and B can be calculated by taking moments about A

Pb Pa
RA = RB =
L L

Now considering a section X at a distance x from A in length AC

The B.M at this section is given by:

Pb
Mx = R A . x Mx = x
L

d2y
But B.M at any section is also given by equation M = EI 2
dx

Equating the two values of B.M we get

d 2 y Pb
EI = x Integrating this equation, we get
dx 2 L

d y Pb x 2
EI =  + C1 (a)
dx L 2

Where C1 is the constant of integration.

Integrating the equation (a), we get

Pb x 3
EIy =  + C1 x + C 2 (b)
2L 3

Where C2 is another constant of integration. The values of C1 and C2 are obtained from boundary
conditions.

a. At A, x = 0 and deflection y = 0
Substituting these values in equation (b), we get
0 = 0 + 0 + C2 C2 = 0
 Substituting the value of C2 inequation (b), we get
Pb 3
EIy =  x + C1 x (c)
6L
dy
b. At C, x = a and slope = ic
dx
The value of C1 is obtained by substituting these values in equation (a). hence , we get
Pb a 2
EIic =  + C1
L 2
Pba 2
C1 = EI  ic − (d)
2L
Substituting the value of C1 in equation (a) and (c), we get
d y Pb Pba 2
EI =  x 2 + EI  ic − (d)
dx 2L 2L

Pb 3  Pba 2 
EIy =  x +  EI  ic − x (e)
6L  2 L 
The equation (d) gives the slope whereas equation (e) gives the deflection at any point in
section AC. But the value of ic is unknown.

c. Now consider a section X at a distance x from A in length CB. Here x varies from A to L.
The B.M at this section is given by
M x = R A x − P( x − a ) = x − P( x − a )
Pb
L

d2y
But B.M at this section is also given by equation M = EI
dx 2
Equating the two values of B.M, we get

Equating the two values of B.M, we get

 d 2 y Pb
EI = x − P(x − a )
dx 2 L
Integrating the above equation, we get
d y Pb x 2 P(x − a )
2
EI =  − + C3 (f) where C3 is the constant of integration.
dx L 2 2
Integrating the equation (f) again, we get

Pb x 3 P (x − a )
3
EIy =  − + C3 x + C 4 (g) where C4 is another constant of
2L 3 2 3
integration. The values of C3 and C4are obtained from boundary conditions.
• At B, x = L and y = 0
Substituting these values in equation (g), we get
Pb L3 P (L − a )
3
0=  − + C3  L + C 4
2L 3 2 3
PbL2 Pb 3
= − + C3  L + C 4
6 6
Pb 3 PbL2
C4 = − − C3  L (h)
6 6
dy
• At C, x = a and slope = ic
dx
The value of C3 is obtained by substituting these values in equation (f)
Hence we get from equation (f)
Pba 2 P
EI  ic = − (a − a ) + C3
2

2L 2
Pba 2
= − 0 + C3
2L
Pba 2
C3 = EI  ic −
2L
Substituting the value of C3 in equation (h), we get
Pb 3 PbL2  Pba 2 
C4 = − −  EI  ic −  L
6 6  2 L 

Pb 3 PbL2 Pba 2
= − − (EI  ic ) +
6 6 2

=
Pb 2
6
( )
b − L2 − (EI  ic L ) +
Pba 2
2
 =
Pb 2
6
(
b − L2 + )
Pba 2
2
− EI  Lic

=
Pb 2
6
( )
b − L2 + 3a 2 − EI  Lic

=
Pb 2
6
( )
b − (a + b ) + 3a 2 − EI  Lic

=
Pb 2
6
( )
b − a 2 − b 2 − 2ab + 3a 2 − EI  Lic

=
Pb
6
( )
2a 2 − 2ab − EI  Lic

 2a(a − b ) − EI  Lic
Pb
=
6
C4 =
Pab
(a − b) − EI  Lic
3

dy
The slope at any point in CB is obtained by substituting the value of C3 in equation (f).
dx

Hence we get from equation (f)

Pba 2
x − ( x − a ) + EI .ic −
dy Pb 2 P
=
2
EI (j)
dx 2 L 2 2L

The deflection y at any point in CB is obtained by substituting the values of C3 and C4 inequation
(g). Hence we get from equation (g)

 Pba 2 
x − (x − a ) +  EI .ic − (a − b ) − EI .L.ic
Pb 3 P Pab
EIy =
3
 x + (k)
6L 6  2L  3

The deflection at the point C is obtained by substituting x = a in the above equation. Let yc = the
deflection at C. hence we get

 Pba 2 
a − (a − a ) +  EI .ic − (a − b) − EI .L.ic
Pb 3 P Pab
EIyc =
3
a +
6L 6  2L  3

1 Pba 3 Pba 3 Pab

yc =  − 0 + EIaic − + (a − b ) − EI .L.ic 
EI 6L 2L 3
 1 Pba 3 Pba 3 Pab
yc =  − + (a − b ) + EIa.ic − EI .L.ic  (A)
EI 6L 2L 3

The deflection at the point C can also be obtained by substituting x = a in equation (e). hence we
get

Pb 3  Pba 2 
EIyc = a +  EI .ic − a
6L  2 L 

1  Pba 3 Pba 3 
yc =  + EI .ic a −  (B)
EI  6 L 2L 

Equating the two values of yc given by equations (A) and (B) we get

1  Pba 3 Pba 3  1 Pba 3 Pba 3 Pab

 + EI .i c a −  =  6 L − 2 L + 3 (a − b ) + EIa.ic − EI .L.ic  or
EI  6 L 2 L  EI

0=
Pab
(a − b) − EIL.ic or
3

EIL.ic =
Pab
(a − b) or
3

ic =
Pab
(a − b)
3EIL

The above equation gives the value of ic (slope at C). Substituting this value in eqation (d) we get
the slope at any point in AC. Hence we get from equation (d)
2
EI
dy Pb 2
= x + EI 
Pab
(a − b ) − Pba
dx 2 L 3EIL 2L
2
=
Pb 2 Pab
x + (a − b ) − Pba
2L 3L 2L

=
Pb 2
6L

3x + 2a(a − b ) − 3a 2 

=
6L
(
Pb 2
3x − 2ab − a 2 ) (C)
As the length AC is more than length CB, hence maximum slope will be at the support A, where
dy
x = 0. Let the slope at A is represented by iA. hence at A will be equal to iA.
dx

Substituting x = 0 in equation (C) we get

 dy 
EI   =
Pb
(
3  0 − 2ab − a 2 )
 dx  atA 6 L

EIi A =
Pb
6L
(
− 2ab − a 2 )
− Pab
iA =
6 EIL
(
a + 2b )
Negative sign with the slope means that tangent at the point A makes an angle in the
anticlockwise or negative direction.

Value of maximum deflection

Since a is more than b hence maximum deflection will be in length AC. The deflection at any
point in length AC us given by equation (e) as

Pb 3  Pba 2 
EIy = x +  EI .ic − x
6L  2 L 

Pb 3  2

= x +  EI −
Pba
(a − b) − Pba  x
6L  3EIL 2L 

=
Pb 3
6L

x + 2a(a − b )x − 3a 2 x 

=
Pb 3
6L

x + 2a 2 x − 2abx − 3a 2 x 

=
Pb 3
6L

x − a 2 x − 2abx =
Pb 3
6L
 
x − x(a 2 + 2ab) 

y=
Pb 3
6 EIL

x − x(a 2 + 2ab)  (D)

dy
The deflection will be maximum if =0
dx
But
dy
=
Pb
dx 6 EIL

3x 2 − x(a 2 + 2ab)  or
dy
=
Pb
dx 6 EIL
 
3x 2 − x(a 2 + 2ab) = 0

3x 2
− x(a 2 + 2ab) = 0 
 a + 2ab 
2
x =  
 3 

Substituting this value of x in equation (D), we get maximum deflection

Pb  a 2 + 2ab  
3 1
 a 2 + 2ab 
(a )
2 2
y max =   −   2
+ 2ab 
6 EIL  3   3  
 

After calculation and rearrangement

y max = −
Pb
(
a 2 + 2ab ) 3
2

9 3EIL

Deflection under the point load

Let yc = Deflection under the point load

The deflection at any point in length AC is given equation (D), as

y=
Pb 3
6 EIL

x − x(a 2 + 2ab) 
The deflection under the point load will be obtained by substituting x = a in the above equation

y=
Pb 3
6 EIL

a − a(a 2 + 2ab) =
Pb 3
6 EIL
 
a − a 3 − 2a 2 b =
Pb
6 EIL
 (−2a 2 b) = − 
Pa 2 b 2
3EIL

Negative sign means the deflection is in downward direction.

Pa 2 b 2
yc = −
3EIL

6. DEFLECTION OF A S.S.B WITH A U.D.L

A simply supported beam AB of length L and carrying a udl of q per unit length over the entire
length is shown below. The reactions at A and B will be equal. Also the maximum deflection
qL
will be at the centre. Each vertical reaction =
2

Consider a section X at a distance x from A. The B.M at this section is given by,

x qL qx 2
M x = R A  x − qx = x− . But B.M at any section is also given by equation
2 2 2
d2y
M = EI
dx 2

Equating the two values of B.M we get

d 2 y qL qx 2
M = EI = x −
dx 2 2 2

Integrating the above equation, we get

dy qL x q x 3
EI = − + C1 (a) Where C1 is a constant of integration.
dx 2 2 2 3

Integrating the above equation again we get

qL x 3 q x 4
EI . y = − + C1 x + C 2 (b) where C2 is another constant of integration.
4 3 2 4
Thus two constants of integration are obtained from boundary conditions. The boundary
conditions are

At x = 0, y = 0 and at x = L, y = 0

Substituting first boundary condition x = 0, y = 0 in equation (b), we get

0 = 0 – 0 + 0 + C2 Then C2 = 0

Substituting second boundary condition x = L, y = 0 in equation (b), we get

 qL L3 q L4 qL4 qL4 qL3
0= − + C1 L or − + C1 L = 0 , C1 = −
4 3 2 4 12 24 24

Substituting the value of C1 in equation (a) and (b), we get

dy qL 2 q 3 qL3
EI = x − x − (c)
dx 4 6 24

qL 3 q 4  qL3 
EI . y = x − x +  −  x + 0
12 24  24 

qL 3 q 4 qL3
EI . y = x − x − x (d)
12 24 24

The equation (c) is known as slope equation. We can find the slope (dy/dx) at any point on the
beam by substituting the different values of x in this equation. The equation (d) is known as
deflection equation. We can find the deflection (y) at any point on the beam by substituting the
different values of x in this equation.

Slope at the supports

dy
Let iA = slope at support A. this is equal to at A and iB = slope at support B
dx

dy
At A, x = 0 and = iA
dx

Substituting these values in equation (c), we get

qL q qL3 qL3
EI .i A = 0− 0− =− qL = P = total load
4 6 24 24

PL2
.i A = −
24 EI

Negative sign means that tangent at A makes an angle with AB in the anticlockwise direction.
PL2
By symmetry, i B = −
24 EI

Maximum deflection
The maximum deflection is at the centre of the beam, at point C, where x = L/2. Let yc deflection
at C which is also maximum deflection. Substituting y = yc and x = L/2 in the equation (d), we
get
3 4
qL  L  q  q  qL3  L  qL4 qL4 qL4 5qL4
EI . y c =   −   −  = − − =−
12  2  24  2  24  2  96 384 48 384

5 qL4 5 PL3
yc = − =− qL = P = total load
384 EI 384 EI

Negative sign means the deflection is in downward direction.

5 PL3
yc = −
384 EI
EXAMPLE. The simply supported prismatic beam AB carries a uniformly distributed load q(w)
per unit length. Determine the equation of the elastic curve and the maximum deflection of the
beam.

(1)
Drawing the free-body diagram of the portion AD of the beam and taking moments about D, we find that

(2)

Substituting for M into the differential equation(1) for moment and multiplying both members of this
equation by the constant EI, we write

Integrating twice in x, we have

(3)©(3)

((4) hhhhaAAA

Observing that y = 0 at both ends of the beam, we first let x = 0 and y = 0 in Eq. (4) for deflection
and obtain C2 = 0. We then make x = L and y = 0 in the same equation and write

Carrying the values of C1 and C2 back into Eq. (4), we obtain the equation of the elastic curve:
 (9(5)

Substituting into Eq. (3) the value obtained for C1, we check that the slope of the beam is zero
for x = L/2 and that the elastic curve has a minimum at the midpoint C of the beam. Letting x =
L/2 in Eq. (5), we have

The maximum deflection or, more precisely, the maximum absolute value of the deflection, is thus

MOMENT AREA METHOD

This figure shows a beam AB carrying some type of loading, and hence subjected to bending
moment. Let the beam is bent into AQ1P1B as shown in figure.

Due to the load acting on the beam, let A be a point of zero slope and zero deflection.

Consider an element PQ of small length dx at a distance x from B. The corresponding points on

the deflected beam are P1Q1.

Let R = Radius of curvature of the deflected part P1Q1

dθ = Angle subtended by the arc P1Q1 at the centre O

M = Bending moment between P anr Q

P1C = Tangent at point P1

Q1D = Tangent at point Q1

The tangents at P1 and Q1 are cutting the vertical line through B at points C and D. the angle
between the normals at P1 and Q1 will be equal to the angle between the tangents at P1 and Q1.

Hence the angle between the lines CP1 and DQ1 will be equal to dθ.
For the deflected part P1Q1 of the beam, we have

P1Q1 = R dθ

But P1Q1≈ dx

dx = Rdθ

dx M E EI
d = (a) But for a loaded beam, we have = or R =
R I R M

Substituting the value of R in equation (a), we get

dx Mdx
d = = (b)
 EI  EI
 
M 

Since the slope at point A is assumed zero, hence total slope at B is obtained by integrating the
above equation between the limits o and L.
L L
Mdx 1
 =
EI o
= Mdx
o
EI

But Mdx represents the area of B.M diagram of length dx

L
Hence  Mdx represents the area of B.M diagram between A and B.
o

1
= (Area of B.M diagram between A and B)
EI

But θ = slope at B = iB

1
The slope at B, iB = (Area of B.M diagram between A and B)
EI

If the slope at A is not zero, then we have:

Total change of slope between B and A is equal to the area of B.M diagram between B and A
divided by the flexural rigidity EI

1
iB − i A = (Area of B.M diagram between A and B)
EI

Now the deflection due to bending of the portion P1Q1 is given by

dy = x.d

Substituting the value of dθ from equation (b), we get

Mdx
dy = x
EI

Since deflection at A is assumed to be zero, hence the total deflection at B is obtained by

integrating the above equation between the limits zero and L.
L L
Mdx 1
y= x
EI 0
= xMdx
0
EI

But xMdx represents the moment of area of the B.M diagram between B and A about point B.
L
Hence  xMdx represents the moment of area of the B.M diagram between B and A about B.
o

This is equal to the total area of B.M diagram between B and A multiplied by the distance of the
C.G of the B.M diagram area from B.
−
1 − Ax
y=  A x =
EI EI

Where A = Area of B.M diagram between A and B

−
x = Distance of C.G of the area A from B

MOHR’S THEOREMS

1
The results given by equation iB = (Area of B.M diagram between A and B) for slope and
EI
−
Ax
y= for deflection are known as Mohr’s theorems.
EI

The Mohr’s theorems are conveniently used for following cases:

1. Problems on cantilevers (zero slope at fixed end)

2. Simply supported beams carrying symmetrical loading (zero slope at centre)
3. Beams fixed at both ends (zero slope at each end)

The B.M diagram is a parabola for uniformly distributed loads. The following properties of
area and centroid or parabola are given as
Let BC = d

AB = b

ABC is a parabola and ABCD is a surrounding rectangle

Let A1 = Area of ABC

x1 = Distance of C.G of A1 from AD

A2 = Area of ACD

x2 = Distance of C.G of A2 from AD

G1 = C.G of area A1

G2 = C.G of Area A2

Then A1 = Area of parabola ABC

2
= bd
3

A2 = Area ACD = Area ABCD – Area ABC

2 1
= b  d − bd = bd
3 3
− 5 − 1
x= b and x= b
8 4

SLOPE AND DEFLECTION OF A SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM CARRYING A POINT

LOAD AT THE CENTRE BY MOHR’S THEOREM
This is a case of a symmetrical loading; hence slope is zero at the centre, at point C. But the
deflection is maximum at the centre. Now using Mohr’s theorem for slope, we get

1
Slope at A = (Area of B.M diagram between A and C)
EI

But area of B.M diagram between A and C

= Area of triangle ACD

1 L PL PL2 PL2
=  = Slope t A = i A =
22 4 16 16 EI
−
Ax
Now using Mohr’s theorem for deflection, we get from y = where
EI

A = Area of B.M diagram between A and C

−
x = Distance of C.G of area A from A

PL2 L
2L L . 3
= = y= 16 3 = PL
32 3 EI 48 EI

SLOPE AND DEFLECTION OF A SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM CARRYING A U.D.L

BY MOHR’S THEOREM
 1
a. Slope at A = (Area of B.M diagram between A and C)
EI
But area of B.M diagram between A and C
= Area of parabola ACD
2
=  AC  CD
3
2 L qL2 qL3 qL3
= Slope at A =
32 8 24 24 EI
−
Ax
a. The deflection we get from equation y = where
EI
A= Area of B.M diagram between A and C

qL3 −
= , and x = Distance of C.G of area A from A
24
− 5 5 L 5L
x =  AC = =
8 8 2 16

qL3 5L
 5 qL4
y = 24 16 = y =
EI 384 EI

DEFLECTION OF CANTILEVERS

Cantilever is s beam whose one end is fixed and other end is free.
 Deflection of a cantilever with a point load at the free end by double integration

Consider a section X, at a distance x from the fixed end A. The B.M at this section is given
by

Mx = - P(L - x)

d2y
But at any section is also given by equation M = EI 2
dx

d2y
Equating the two values of B.M, we get M = EI = - P(L - x) = -PL+Px
dx 2

Integrating the above equation, we get

dy Px 2
EI = − PLx + + C1 (a)
dx 2

Integrating again,

x 2 P x3
EIy = − PL + + C1 x + C 2 (b)
2 2 3

Where C1 and C2 are the constants of integration. Their values are obtained from boundary
conditions, which are:

At x = 0, y=0

dy
x = 0, =0
dx

By substituting x = 0, y = 0 in equation (b), we get

0 = 0 + 0 + 0 + C2 = 0 Then C2 = 0
 dy
By substituting x = 0, = 0 in equation (a), we get
dx

0 = 0 + 0 + C1 = 0 Then C1 = 0

Substituting the value of C1 in equation (a), we get

dy Px 2  x2 
EI = − PLx + + C1 = − P Lx −  (c)
dx 2  2 

The equation (c) is known as slope equation. We can find the slope at any point on the cantilever
by substituting the value of x. The slope and deflection are maximum at the free end. These can
be determined by substituting x = L in these equations.

Substituting the values of C1 and C2 in equation (b), we get

x 2 Px 3
EIy = − PL + (C1 = 0, C2 = 0)
2 6

 Lx 2 x 3 
= − P −  (d)
 2 6

The equation (d) is known as deflection equation.

Let iB = slope at the free end B and yB = deflection at the free end B

a. Substituting iB for dy/dx and x = L, we get

 L2  PL2 PL2
EI .iB = − P L.L −  = − iB = −
 2 2 2 EI

Negative sign shows that tangent at B makes an angle in the anticlockwise direction with AB.

PL2
iB =
2 EI

b. Substituting yB for y and x = L in equation (d), we get

 L2 L3   L3 L3  L3
EI . y B = − P L. −  = − P −  = − P
 2 6  2 6 3

PL3
yB = −
3EI
Negative sign means the deflection is in downward direction.

PL3
Downward deflection, y B = −
3EI

Deflection of a cantilever with a U.D.L

L−x d2y
M x = − q (L − x ) . But B.M at any section is also given by M = EI 2
2 dx

Equating the two values of B.M, we get

d2y
= − (L − x )
q 2
EI 2
dx 2

Integrating the above equation, we get

q (L − x )
3
EI
dy
=− (− 1) + C1
dx 2 3

=
q
(L − x )3 + C1 (a)
6

Integrating again, we get

q (L − x )
4
EI . y = (− 1) + C1 x + C 2
6 4

=−
q
(L − x )4 + C1 x + C2 (b)
24

Where C1 and C2 are constants of integration. Their values are obtained from boundary
conditions,

At x = 0, y=0
 dy
x = 0, =0
dx

By substituting x = 0, y = 0 in equation (b), we get

qL4
=−
q
(L − 0)4 + C1 0 + C2 = − q L4 + C2 C2 =
24 24 24

By substituting x = 0 and (dy/dx)=0 in equation (a), we get

3
qL3
0=
q
(L − 0)3 + C1 = qL + C1 C1 = −
6 6 6

Substituting the values of C1 and C2 in (a) and (b)

qL3
= (L − x ) −
dy q 3
EI (c) and
dx 6 6
3 4
EI.y = −
q
(L − x )4 − qL x + qL (d)
24 6 24

The equation (c) is known as slope equation and equation (d) as deflection equation. From these
equations the slope and deflection can be obtained at any section. To find the slope and
deflection at point B, the value of x = L is substituted in these equations.

Let iB = slope at the free end B and

yB = deflection at the free end B

From equation (c), we get slope at B as

3 3
EI .iB =
q
(L − L )3 − qL = − qL
6 6 6

qL3 PL2
.i B = − =−
6 EI 6 EI

From equation (d), we get the deflection at B as

qL3 qL4 qL4 qL4 qL4

EI . y B = − (L − L ) −
q
L+ =− + =−
4

24 6 24 6 24 8

qL4 PL3 qL4 PL3

yB = − =− Downward deflection at B, yB = =
8 8EI 8 8EI