Singularity function

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Singularity functions are a class of discontinuous functions that contain singularities, i.e.
they are discontinuous at its singular points. Singularity functions have been heavily studied
in the field of mathematics under the alternative names of generalized functions and
distribution theory.[1][2][3] The functions are notated with brackets, as
where n is an
integer. The " " are often referred to as singularity brackets . The functions are defined as:
n

-2
-1
0
1
2

where: (x) is the Dirac delta function, also called the unit impulse. The first derivative of
(x) is also called the unit doublet. The function
is the Heaviside step function: H(x)=0
for x<0 and H(x)=1 for x>0. The value of H(0) will depend upon the particular convention
chosen for the Heaviside step function. Note that this will only be an issue for n=0 since the
functions contain a multiplicative factor of x-a for n>0.
function.

is also called the Ramp

Contents
[hide]

1 Integration
2 Example beam calculation
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

Integration[edit]
Integrating
can be done in a convenient way in which the constant of integration is
automatically included so the result will be 0 at x=a.

Example beam calculation[edit]

The deflection of a simply supported beam as shown in the diagram, with constant crosssection and elastic modulus, can be found using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Here we are
using the sign convention of downwards forces and sagging bending moments being positive.

Load distribution:

Shear force:

Bending moment:

Slope:

Because the slope is not zero at x=0, a constant of integration, c, is added

Deflection:

The boundary condition u=0 at x=4m allows us to solve for c=-7Nm2

oblique