Slope and Depection of Beams

93

Here Lis the length of span, E l is known as the flexural rigidity of the member and x for the cantilevers is measured from the free end. The determination of beam slopes and deflections by simple integration or Macaulay's methods requires a knowledge of certain conditions for various loading systems in order that the constants of integration can be evaluated. They are as follows:
(1) Deflections at supports are assumed zero unless otherwise stated. (2) Slopes at built-in supports are assumed zero unless otherwise stated. (3) Slope at the centre of symmetrically loaded and supported beams is zero. (4) Bending moments at the free ends of a beam (i.e. those not built-in) are zero.

Mohr's theorems for slope and deflection state that if A and B are two points on the deflection curve of a beam and B is a point of zero slope, then
(1)

M . slope at A = area of - diagram between A and B El

For a uniform beam, E l is constant, and the above equation reduces to slope at A
= -x

1 El

area of B.M. diagram between A and B

N.B.-If B is not a point of zero slope the equation gives the change of slope between A and B.

(2) Total deflection of A relative to B = first moment of area of - diagram about A El

For a uniform beam total deflection of A relative to B
=-x

M .

EI

first moment of area of B.M. diagram about A

Again, if B is not a point of zero slope the equation only gives the deflection of A relative to the tangent drawn at B. Useful quantities for use with uniformly distributed loads are shown in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1.