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=
=
=
L x
x
P
Q p
EI
dx M
M Q
0
Q =the dummy load and its reactions. The dummy load is chosen to be equal to one unit, for
example, 1 kip, 1 kip-foot, 1 kN, or 1 kN-meter.
p
=actual displacement or component of displacement in the direction of the dummy load
produced by the real loads (the P system of loads).
M
Q
=moment produced by the dummy load.
M
P
=moment produced by the real loads
E =modulus of elasticity.
I =moment of inertia.
In the virtual work method of analysis, the student applies a dummy load Q at the point where
the deflection is to be evaluated. Although the dummy load can have any value, it is typically set
to a unit load, as noted above. For example, imagine that you need to know the deflection at a
point five feet from the right support of the structure. You would then apply a dummy load Q of
1 kip at a point five feet from the right support of the structure. (The actual value of Q could be
1 unit of any force or moment expression, as required by the problem.) The dummy load
produces a moment M
Q
on an infinitesimal beam element of length dx. With the dummy load in
place, the real loads P are applied to the structure. The M
P
moments bend the structure into its
equilibrium position. As the beam deflects, external virtual work (from which we get the name
of the method) W
Q
is done by the dummy load Q. This can be expressed by the equation
P Q
Q W = . Note this is the left side of the equation given above. Virtual strain is stored in
each infinitesimal element as the moment M
Q
moves through the angle d produced by the P
system. This is expressed by the equation d M dU
Q Q
= . Integrating this equation sums the
energy contained in all the infinitesimal elements of the structure. This yields the equation
=
=
=
L x
x
Q Q
d M U
0
. Since the principle of conservation of energy requires that U
Q
and W
Q
must
be equal, we arrive at the equation above.
Displacements of Prismatic Beams