Compiled by:

Dr P R Venkatesh
Associate Professor
Mechanical Department
RVCE, Bangalore-59

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
 Mechanics of Materials (12ME/CV/IM33)
UNIT 3
Deflection of determinate beams: Introduction,
Definition of slope, deflection, Elastic curve,
Derivation of differential equation of flexure, Sign
convention, Slope & deflection using Macaulay’s
method for prismatic beams & overhanging beams
subjected to point loads, UDL & couple. Numerical
problems. Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 Deflection of Beams
INTRODUCTION
• Under the action of external loads, the beam is
subjected to stresses and deformation at various
points along the length.
• The deformation is caused due to bending moment
and shear force.
• Since the deformation caused due to shear force in
shallow beams is very small, it is generally
neglected.
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 Definitions
Deflection: (y)
It is the vertical displacement measured from
original neutral surface to the neutral surface of
the deformed beam.
Deflection (Elastic) curve:
The deflected shape of the longitudinal axis of the
beam subjected to transverse loads is known as
deflection (or elastic) curve.
Slope:(q) :
The slope of a deflected beam at a point is the
angle between the tangent to the deflection curve
and the horizontal.
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 Assumptions in deriving moment-curvature equation
1. Deflections & slopes are small.
2. The length of the beam is very high compared to
the cross-sectional dimensions.
3. Deflection due to shear force is negligible
compared to deflection due to bending moment.
4. The values of elastic modulus (E) & moment of
inertia (I) remain constant at a given interval
along the length of the beam.
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 Derivation of deflection equation
• Fig (a) shows the deflected
W
dL shape of a cantilever beam
x subjected to a point load at the
Fig (a)
free end.
O
• Fig (b) shows a small portion dL

R of the deflected curve at a

dq
distance x from the fixed end
dL dy whose slope is q and radius of
q
y curvature is R.
dx
x • The curve makes an angle dq
Fig (b) with the centre of curvature.
 From the fig, length of arc dL = R.dq
Also, from the fig, dL = (dx ) 2 + (dy ) 2
O 1

 dy 
2
  dy  2  2
 dL = dx 1 +    dx 1 +   
 dx    dx  
R
dq dy
Slope of the curve at x , tan q =
dx
dL dy
Differentiating w.r.t x,
q dq d 2 y d2y  1 
y sec q .
2
 2  dq  2  2  dx
dx dx dx dx  sec q 
x 2
 dy 
Putting sec q  1 + tan q  1 +   ,
2 2

 dx 
 d2y 
 
dq   dx 2  dx
2

  dy  
1 +   
  dx  
O
dL
As dL = R.dq , dq 
R
R
dq  d2y   d2y 
   
dL  d 2 x  1  d 2 x  dx
dL   dx  
R   dy   R   dy  2  dL
dy 2
q
y 1 +    1 +   
dx
  dx     dx  
x

1 d2y
  dy 2  2
1 dx 2
Substituting for dL = dx 1 +     
  dx  
3
R
  dy 2  2

1 +   
  dx  
2
dy  dy 
For small deflections, tanq  q  is very small & hence  
dx  dx 
can be neglected in comparison with 1.
 1 d2y M E 1 M
  2 From bending equation,   
R dx I R R EI
M d2y d2 y
Hence,  2 or EI 2 = M
EI dx dx
The above equation is the governing differential equation of second order
for the deflected curve & is known as moment - curvature relationship.
Note :
1
1) From the above relations, it is clear that the curvature   is the rate
 R
of change of change of slope.
2) The curvature is directly proportional to the corresponding moment &
is indirectly proportional to the flexural rigidity.
 Important Relations
dy
For the deflected beam, tan q  θ  Slope =
dx
d2 y
From moment-curvature equation, Bending moment M = EI 2
dx
dM d3y
Differentiating the above, Shear force F = = EI 3
dx dx
dF d4 y
Differentaiting again, Rate of loading w  = EI 4
dx dx
 Sign conventions
(i) Bending moment M is Positive for a sagging moment.
(ii) Bending moment M is negative for a hogging moment.
(iii) y is positive for upward deflection.
(iv) y is negative for downward deflection.
(v) Slope q is positive when rotation from x-axis is counter
clockwise.
(vi) Slope q is negative when rotation from x-axis is
clockwise.
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 Methods for finding slope & deflection of a beam
(i) Double integration method
(ii) Macaulay’s method
(iii) Moment area method or Mohr’s method
(iv) Conjugate beam method
(v) Strain energy method
Note: Within the scope of our syllabus only the first
two methods of the above are discussed.
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 Double Integration Method

Consider a beam subjected to bending moment M x at a given section

at a distance x from the origin.
To determine the deflection & slope at that section, substitute the moment
d2y
into the moment curvature equation; EI 2  M x
dx
Integrating moment-curvatuture equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy
EI   M x dx + C1
dx
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
EIy     M x dx  + C1 x + C2
 
The constants C1 & C 2 may be found by using the boundary conditions for
slope & deflection based on the type of supports of the beam.
 Boundary conditions for standard cases

Simply supported beam At supports A & B, Deflection =0, but slope is

not equal to zero. At the midspan, deflection is
maximum & slope is zero.

Deflection y is negative as it is downward, slope

at A is negative as the tangent is sloping towards
the left whereas slope at B is positive. (tanq is
–ve in II & IV quadrants & +ve is I & III quadrants.)

Cantilever beam
At fixed end A, Deflection =0,and slope=0
At the free end, both deflection & slope are
maximum.

Deflection y is negative as it is downward, slope

at B is negative as the tangent is sloping towards
the left.
 Deflection & slopes of beams with various loads
1. Cantilever beam subjected to couple
The cantilever beam shown in fig.
M
X
is subjected to a hogging moment M.
O
x The moment acting at section X-X is;
L
X M x  M

d2y
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2   M
dx
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy
EI   Mdx  Mx + C1 (i )
dx
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
x2
EIy   ( Mx + C1 ) dx   M + C1 x+C2 (ii)
2
 M
X
O
x
X
L

Boundary conditions :
dy
At x = 0, slope = 0,substituting in (i), 0 = 0 + C1  C1  0
dx
At x = 0, deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (ii), 0 = 0 + 0 + C2  C2  0
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),
dy
Slope equation becomes; EI = -Mx (iii )
dx
Mx 2
Deflection equation becomes; EIy = - (iv)
2
To get slope & deflection at free end, substitue x  L in eqns (iii ) & (iv)
 dy   ML   ML2 
   -  & yx L  -  
  x L
dx  EI   2E I 
 2. Cantilever beam subjected to point load at its free end

W
X The cantilever beam shown in fig.
O
x is subjected to a point load W at its end.
X
L The hogging moment acting at section X-X
is; M x  W ( L  x)
d2y
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2  W ( L  x )
dx
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy ( L  x)2
EI   W ( L  x ) dx  W + C1 (i )
dx 2
 n (L - x)n+ 1

 Integrate (L - x) as - + constant of integration 
 (n + 1) 
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
 ( L  x) 2  ( L  x )3
EIy    W + C1  dx  W + C1 x +C2 (ii)
 2  6
 W
X
O
x
X
L
Boundary conditions :
dy WL2 WL2
At x = 0, slope = 0,substituting in (i), 0 = + C1  C1  
dx 2 2
WL3 WL3
At x = 0 deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (ii), 0 =  + 0 + C 2  C2 
6 6
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),
dy W(L - x)2 WL2
Slope equation becomes; EI = - (iii )
dx 2 2
W(L - x)3 WL2 WL3
Deflection equation becomes; EIy = - - x+ (iv)
6 2 6
To get slope & deflection at free end, substitue x  L in eqns (iii ) & (iv)
 dy   WL2   WL3 
     & yx L  -  
 dx  x  L  2EI   3EI 
 Deflection & slopes of beams with various loads
3. Cantilever beam subjected UDL
The cantilever beam shown in fig.
w/m X is subjected to a UDL of w / m.
O The moment acting at section X-X is;
x
X w( L  x) 2
L Mx  
2
d2y w( L  x) 2
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2  
dx 2
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy  w( L  x) 2  w( L  x)3
EI    dx  + C1 (i )
dx  2  6
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
 w( L  x)3  w( L  x) 4
EIy    + C1 dx   + C1 x+C2 (ii)
 6  24
 w/mw/m XX

O
x
XX x
Boundary conditions : L L

dy wL3 wL3
At x = 0, slope = 0,substituting in (i), 0 = + C1  C1  
dx 6 6
wL4 wL4
At x = 0, deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (ii), 0 =  + 0 + C2  C2 
24 24
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),
dy w(L - x)3 wL3
Slope equation becomes; EI = - (iii )
dx 6 6
w(L - x)4 wL3 wL4
Deflection equation becomes; EIy = - - x+ (iv)
24 6 24
To get slope & deflection at free end, substitue x  L in eqns (iii ) & (iv)
 dy   wL3   wL4 
   -  & yx L  -  
 dx  x  L  6EI   8EI 
 Deflection & slopes of beams with various loads
4. Simply supported beam subjected to end couples
X The beam shown in fig is subjected
M M
to a sagging moment M.
x X The moment acting at section X-X is;
RA RB
L
Mx  M

d2y
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2  M
dx
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy
EI   Mdx  Mx + C1 (i )
dx
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
x2
EIy   ( Mx + C1 ) dx  M + C1 x +C2 (ii)
2
 X

qA y qB
x X
L
Boundary conditions :
At x = 0, deflection y = 0,substituting in (ii), 0 = 0 + 0 + C2  C2  0
L2 ML
At x = L, deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (i), 0 = M + C1 L + 0  C1  
2 2
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),
dy ML
Slope equation becomes; EI = Mx - (iii )
dx 2
Mx 2 ML
Deflection equation becomes; EIy =  x (iv)
2 2
To get slope at left end, substitue x  0 & at right end x  L in eqns (iii ) & (iv)
 dy   ML   dy   ML 
   -   &     
 dx  x  0  2EI   dx  x  L  2EI 
 ML2 
Max deflection occurs at midspan; y x  L /2  - 
 8EI 
 Deflection & slopes of beams with various loads
5. Simply supported beam subjected to central point load

X W The simply supported beam subjected to

a point load W at its midspan is as shown;
RA x
X RB
W   L
L At section X-X, M x    x,  x  
 2   2

d2y W
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2  x
dx 2
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy W  Wx 2
EI     x dx  + C1 (i )
dx  2 4
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
 Wx 2  Wx3
EIy    + C1  dx  + C1 x+C2 (ii)
 4  12
 X

qA y qB
x X
L
Boundary conditions :
At x = 0, deflection y = 0,substituting in (ii), 0 = 0 + 0 + C2  C2  0

( )
2

L dy W L WL2
At x = , slope = 0,Put in Eqn (i), 0 = 2 + C1  C1  
2 dx 4 16
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),
dy Wx 2 WL2
Slope equation becomes; EI = - (iii )
dx 4 16
Wx 3 WL2
Deflection equation becomes; EIy =  x (iv)
12 16
 dy   WL2 
To get slope at left end, substitue x  0 (iii );      
 dx  x 0  16E I 
 dy   WL2 
Due to symmetry of loading, slope at right end ;    +  
 dx  x  L  16EI 
 WL3 
Max deflection occurs at midspan; y x  L /2  - 
 48EI 
 Deflection & slopes of beams with various loads
6. Simply supported beam subjected to uniformly distributed load (UDL)
w/m
X

RA RB
x X
L

The simply supported beam shown is subjected to a UDL of w / m

over its span of length L.
 wL   wx  w
2
At section X-X, M x    
x 
 2   2  2
  ( L x  x 2
)
d2y w
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2  ( Lx  x 2 )
dx 2
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
 2 3

  ( Lx  x ) dx   L   + C1
dy w 2 w x x
EI (i )
dx 2 2 2 3 
 w/m X
X

qA y qB
RA RB x
x X X
L L

w  x 2 x3 
  ( Lx  x ) dx   L   + C1
dy w 2
The slope equation is EI (i )
dx 2 2 2 3 
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
 w  x 2 x3    w  x3 x 4  
EIy     L   + C1  dx    L   + C1 x + C2  (ii)
2 2 3    2  6 12  
dy
Boundary conditions : At midspan, i.e.at x = L , slope 0
2 dx
w  L3 L3  w  L3  wL3
i.e. 0     + C1     C1  
2  8 24  2  12  24
At left support, i.e.at x = 0 , deflection y  0
w
i.e. 0  ( 0  0 ) + 0 + C2  C2  0
2
 w/m
X X

RA qA y qB
x X RB
x X
L L

Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),

dy w  x 2 x 3  wL3
Slope equation becomes; EI = L - - (iii )
dx 2  2 3  24
w  x 3 x 4   wL3 
Deflection equation becomes; EIy =  L - - x (iv)
2  6 12   24 
 dy   wL3 
To get slope at left end, substitue x  0 (iii );      
 dx  x 0  24EI 
 dy   wL3 
Due to symmetry of loading, slope at right end ;    +  
 dx  x  L  24E I 
w  L4 L4   wL4 
Max deflection occurs at midspan; EIy x  L /2   - - 
2  48 192   48 
 1 1 1  4  4 -1-8   5wL4 
 y x  L /2 = wL  
4
   wL   = - 
 96 384 48   384   384EI 
 Numerical problems using Double integration method

Prob 1: A cantilever beam is subjected to forces as

shown in fig. Determine the slope and deflection at
points B & C.

30 KN 15 KN

1m 2m

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
Solution:
30 KN 15 KN
X Consider a section X-X at a distance x
A B C from the fixed end. The bending moment
x
X at X - X ; M x = -15(3 - x) - 30(1 - x)
1m 2m

d2y
Moment curvature equation becomes EI 2  15(3  x)  30(1  x)
dx
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy 15(3  x) 2 30(1  x) 2
EI + + + C1
dx 2 2
dy
 EI  7.5(3  x) 2 + 15(1  x) 2 + C1 (i)
dx
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
7.5(3  x)3 15(1  x)3
EIy   + C1 x +C2
3 3
 EIy  2.5(3  x)3  5(1  x)3 + C1 x +C2 (ii)
 30 KN 15 KN
X
A B C
x
X 2m
1m

Boundary conditions :
dy
At x = 0, slope = 0,substituting in (i), 0 = 7.5(3) 2 + 15(1) 2 + C1  C1  82.5
dx
At x = 0 deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (ii), 0 = 2.5(3)3  5(1)3 + 0 + C2  C2  72.5

Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),

dy
Slope equation becomes; EI = 7.5(3 - x)2 + 15(1 - x)2 - 82.5 (iii )
dx
Deflection equation is; EIy = -2.5(3 - x)3 - 5(1 - x)3 - 82.5x + 72.5 (iv)
 30 KN 15 KN
X
A B C
x
X 2m
1m

Slope & Deflection at C : For the portion BC, as the distance x is  1m,
ignore (1- x) terms in the equations of slope & deflection.
 dy  82.5
i.e. at C, slope  q c = EI   = 7.5(3 - 3) - 82.5  82.5  θc = -
2

 dx  x 3m EI
Deflection at C (at x = 3 m)= yc is;
175
EIyc = -2.5(3 - 3) - (82.5  3)+72.5  yc = -
3

EI
Slope & Deflection at B :
 dy  52.5
i.e. at B, slope  q B = EI   = 7.5(3 -1) - 82.5  52.5  θB = -
2

 dx  x 1m EI
Deflection at B (at x = 1 m)= y B is;
30
EIyB = -2.5(3 - 1) - (82.5  1)+72.5  yB = -
3

EI
Prob 2: A cantilever beam is subjected to forces as

shown in fig. Determine the Slope & deflection at

points A & B.

20 KN 24 KN/m

B A
1m 1m 2m

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
Note: As the section X-X has to be taken so as to cover all the loads,

the UDL is extended upto section X-X and an opposite load is taken

for the extended length for cancelling the additional UDL, so that the

original loading is not altered.

x
20 KN 24 KN/m
X B
A
X
1m 1m 2m

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
 Solution: x
20 KN 24 KN/m
X B
A
X
1m 1m 2m

Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the fixed end. The bending moment
(4 - x)2 (2 - x)2
at X - X is ; M x = -24  + 24  - 20(1 - x)
2 2
Moment curvature equation becomes;
d2y
EI 2  12(4  x) 2 + 12(2  x) 2  20(1  x)
dx
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy 12(4  x)3 12(2  x)3 20(1  x) 2
EI +  + + C1
dx 3 3 2
dy
 EI  4(4  x)3  4(2  x)3 + 10(1  x) 2 + C1 (i )
dx
 x
20 KN 24 KN/m
X B
A
X
1m 1m 2m

dy
Slope equation is EI  4(4  x)3  4(2  x)3 + 10(1  x) 2 + C1 (i )
dx
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
4(4  x) 4 4(2  x) 4 10(1  x)3
EIy   +  + C1 x +C2
4 4 3
 EIy  (4  x) 4 + (2  x) 4  3.33(1  x)3 + C1 x +C2 (ii)
Boundary conditions :
dy
At x = 0, slope = 0,Put in (i), 0 = 4(4)3  4(2)3 + 10(1) 2 + C1  C1  234
dx
At x = 0 deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (ii), 0 = (4) 4 + 24  3.33 + 0 + C2  C2  243.33
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (i) & (ii),

dy
Slope equation becomes; EI = 4(4 - x)3 - 4(2 - x)3 + 10(1 - x)2 - 234 (iii )
dx
Deflection equation is; EIy = -(4 - x)4 + (2 - x)4 - 3.33(1 - x)3 - 234x + 243.33 (iv)

Slope & Deflection at A : For the point A, as the distance x is  4m,

ignore (1- x) & (2 - x) terms in the equations of slope & deflection.

 dy  234
At A, slope  q A = EI   = 4(4 - 4) - 234  θ A = -
3

 dx  x  4 m EI

Deflection at A (at x = 4 m)= yB is;

692.67
EIy A = -234  4 + 243.33  y A = -
EI
Slope & Deflection at B : For the point B, as the distance x is  1m,

 dy 
At B, slope  q B = EI   = 4(4 -1)3 - 4(2 -1)3 + 10(1-1) 2 - 234
 dx  x 1m
130
 θc = -
EI
Deflection at B (at x = 1 m)= yB is;

EIyB = -(4 -1) 4 + (2 -1) 4 - 3.33(1-1)3 - 234 + 243.33

70.67
 yB = -
EI
Prob 3: A cantilever beam is subjected to forces as

shown in fig. Determine the rectangular cross section

of the beam if the depth is twice the width & and
deflection at free end is 0.3 mm. Take E=200 Gpa.

20 KN
10 KN/m

2m

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
 20 KN
X 10 KN/m

2m
x X

Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the fixed end. The bending moment
(2 - x)2
at X - X is ; M x = -10× - 20 (2 - x) = -5(2 - x)2 - 20 (2 - x)
2
Moment curvature equation becomes;
d2y
EI 2  -5(2 - x)2 - 20 (2 - x)
dx
Integrating above equation w.r.t. x, we get the slope equation;
dy 5(2  x)3 20(2  x) 2
EI + + + C1
dx 3 2
dy
 EI  1.667(2  x)3 + 10(2  x) 2 (i )
dx Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 20 KN
X 10 KN/m

2m
x X

dy
Slope equation is EI  1.667(2  x)3 + 10(2  x) 2 + C1 (i )
dx
Integrating the slope equation w.r.t. x, we get the deflection equation;
EIy  0.4167(2  x) 4  3.333(2  x)3 + C1 x +C2 (ii)
Boundary conditions :

dy
At x = 0, slope = 0,Put in (i), 0 = 1.667(2)3 + 10(2) 2 + C1  C1  53.333
dx
At x = 0 deflection y = 0,Put in Eqn (ii), 0 = 0.4167(2) 4  3.333(2)3 + 0 +C2

 C2  33.33
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
Substituting values of C1 & C2 in (ii),

Deflection equation is; EIy = -0.4167(2 - x)4 - 3.33(2 - x)3 - 53.33x + 33.33 (iii)
Deflection at free end (x = 2m) : At free end, x  2m,

 73.33 
EIy@ x  2 = 0  0  53.33(2) + 33.33  73.33  y = -  
 EI 
It is given that deflection at free end as 0.3 mm (downward)

As EI is in KN - m 2 , take y in metres & E in KN / m 2

(i.e. y = 0.3 mm = 0.3  10 3 m & E = 200 GPa = 200  10 6 KPa or KN / m 2 )

 73.33 
i.e.  0.3 103      I  1.222  10 3 4
m
 200 10  I 
6

bd 3 b(2b)3 2b 4 3 2b 4
But I =   1.222 10   b  0.207m
12 12 3 3
Hence b = 207 mm, d = 2b =Dr414 mm Mech Dept, RVCE,
P R Venkatesh,
Bangalore
 20 KN
10 KN/m
**Alternate solution

2m

Solution : As the problem has standard cases of loading super imposed,

the total downward deflection at the free end of the beam is;
 WL3   wL4 
y  y pointload + yudl   + 
 3EI   8 EI 
Here; y = 0.3 mm, E = 200×10 3 N / mm 2 ,W = 20KN,
w = 10KN / m = 10N / mm , L = 2m = 2000mm
 20×10 3 × 2000 3   10× 2000 4 
i.e.0.3 =  3  +  3   I = 1.2 × 10 8
mm 4

 3× 200×10 × I   8× 200×10 × I 
bh3 b(2b)3 2b 4
For rectangular section with h = 2b, I =  
12 12 3
2b 4
 1.2 10  8
 b  207 mm, hMech
Dr P R Venkatesh,  Dept,
414RVCE,
mm
3 Bangalore
 Macaulay’s method
• This method is an improved version of double
integration method.
• It is a very useful method for beams subjected to a set of
concentrated loads & UDL.
• Consider a simply supported beam loaded as shown in
fig.
W1 W2
X
A C D B

RA L1
L2 X RB
x
L
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 W1 W2
X
A C D B

RA L1
L2 X RB
x
L

Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the left end.

The bending moment at X - X is ; M x = RA x -W1 (x - L1 ) -W2 (x - L2 )
d2y
 M x  EI 2  RA x  W1 ( x - L1 )  W2 ( x - L2 ) (i )
dx
* If the value of x lies between 0 & L1 , only first term of Eqn (i)
should be considered.
* If the value of x lies between L1 & L2 , then the first two terms
of Eqn (i) should be considered.
* If the value of x lies between L2 & L, then all the terms
of Eqn (i) should be considered.
 W1 W2
X
A C D B

RA L1
L2 X RB
x
L

d2 y
Now we have; EI 2 = RA x - W1 (x - L1 ) - W2 (x - L2 ) (i)
dx
Integrating the above equation once, we get the slope equation;
dy x2 (x - L1 )2 (x - L2 )2
EI = RA + C 1 - W1 - W2 (ii)
dx 2 2 2
 n (x - a)n+1

 Integrate (x - a) as + constant of integrat ion 
 (n + 1) 
Integrating the above equation we get the deflection equation;
x3 (x - L1 )3 (x - L2 )3
EIy = RA + C 1 x + C 2 - W1 - W2 (iii)
6 6 6
The constants C1 & C2 may be found by using boundary conditions.
Prob 1: A beam of length 6m is supported at its ends and

carries two point loads of 48 KN and 40 KN at a distance of

1m and 3m respectively from the left support. Determine;

(i) Deflection under each load

(ii) Maximum deflection & its location

Take E=200 GPa & I=85x10-6 m4.

Note: E=200 GPa= 200x109 pa= 200x106 KPa. Substitute E in KN/m2 & I in m4
as the loads are taken in KN & distances in meters.

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
Solution: 48 KN 40 KN
X
A C D B

RA 1m
3m X RB
x
6m

To find the support reactions at A & B :

V  0 R + R  (48 + 40)  88 KN
A B

 M  0  ( R  6)  (40  3)  (48 1)  0

A B

 RB = 28 KN & RA = (88 - 28) = 60 KN

Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the left support (A)
The bending moment at X - X is ; M x = RA x -W1 (x - L1 ) -W2 (x - L2 )
d2y
 M x  EI 2  60 x  48( x -1)  40( x - 3) (i )
dx
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 48 KN 40 KN
X
A C D B

RA 1m
3m X RB
x
6m
d2y
Now we have; EI 2  60 x - 48( x -1) - 40( x - 3) (i)
dx
Integrating the above equation once, we get the slope equation;
dy x2 ( x -1) 2 ( x - 3) 2
EI  60 + C1 - 48 - 40
dx 2 2 2
dy
 EI = 30x 2 + C 1 - 24(x - 1)2 - 20(x - 3)2 (ii)
dx
Integrating the above equation we get the deflection equation;
x3 ( x -1)3 ( x - 3)3
EIy  30 + C1 x + C2 - 24 - 20
3 3 3

 EIy = 10x 3 + C 1 x + C 2 - 8(x - 1)3 - 6.67(x - 3)3 (iii)

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 48 KN 40 KN
X
A C D B

RA 1m
3m X RB
x
6m

dy
Slope equation is EI  30 x 2 + C1 - 24( x -1) 2 - 20( x - 3) 2 (ii )
dx

Deflection equation is EIy  10 x3 + C1 x + C2 - 8( x -1)3 - 6.67( x - 3)3 (iii )

Boundary conditions :
At x  0, y  0, As x < L1 , (i.e. x < 1m) consider only terms upto first line.
, i.e. 0  0 + 0 + C2  C 2 = 0
Also, at x  L, y  0. As x = L  6m,consider all the terms;
0  10(6)3 + C1 (6) + 0  8(5)3  6.67(3)3  C 1 = -163.32
dy
 Slope equation is EI  30 x 2  163.32 - 24( x -1) 2 - 20( x - 3) 2 (iv)
dx

& Deflection equation is EIy  10 x 3  163.32 x + - 8( x -1)3 - 6.67( x - 3)3 (v )

Deflection equation is EIy  10 x 3  163.32 x + - 8( x -1)3 - 6.67( x - 3)3 (v )

Deflection at C (under 48 KN load) : For the point C, x is  1m, consider

terms upto first partition line.  EIyC = 10(1)3  163.32(1)  153.32 KN  m3

 153.32 
 yC    6  = -9.02  10 -3
m = 9.02 mm
 200 10  85 10 
6

(As EIy is in KN - m 3 , substitute E in KN / m 2 & I in m 4 )

Deflection at D (under 40 KN load) : For the point D, x is  3m, consider

terms upto second partition line.  EIyD = 10(3)3  163.32(3)  8(2)3  284 KN  m3

 284 
 yD    6 
= -16.71  10 -3
m = -16.71 mm
 200 10  85  10 
6
Maximum deflection & its location :
dy
In a simply supported beam, at the point of maximum deflection, 0
dx
dy
i.e. EI  30 x 2  163.32 - 24( x -1) 2 - 20( x - 3) 2  0
dx
Maximum deflection occurs between C & D where x  3m
dy
Hence ignoring (x - 3) terms, & equating to zero;
dx
i.e. 30 x 2  163.32  24( x -1) 2  0  6 x 2 + 48 x  187.32  0
 x = 2.87 m from left support.

But deflection equation is EIy  10 x 3  163.32 x + - 8( x - 1)3 - 6.67( x - 3)3

i.e. EIymax  10(2.87)3  163.32(2.87)  8(1.87)3  284.64 KN - m 3

284.64 3
 ymax  6
  16.74  10 m  -16.74 mm (downward)
200 10  85 10
6
Prob 2: For the beam shown in fig, determine the location &

value of maximum deflection taking flexural rigidity

EI=11x104 KN-m2.

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
 24KN
Solution: 36 KN
18 KN-m

A D
B C
1m 3m 2m
x

The offset load of 36 KN =  Direct load of 36 KN + Couple of (36 ×0.5) = 18 KNm  at B

To find the support reactions at A & B :

V  0 R + R  (36 + 24)  60 KN
A D

 M  0  ( R  6)  (24  4)  18  (36 1)  0

A D

 RD = 25 KN & RA = (60 - 25) = 35 KN

Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the left support (A)
The bending moment at X - X is ;
d2y
M x  EI 2  35 x + 18( x  1)0  36( x -1)  24( x - 4) (i )
dx
 24KN
36 KN
18 KN-m

A D
B C
1m 3m 2m
x

d2y
Now we have; EI 2  35 x + 18( x  1)0  36( x -1)  24( x - 4) (i)
dx
Integrating the above equation once, we get the slope equation;
dy x2 ( x -1) 2 ( x - 4) 2
EI  35 + 18( x  1) + C1 - 36
1
- 24
dx 2 2 2
dy
 EI = 17.5x 2 + 18(x - 1)+ C 1 - 18(x - 1)2 - 12(x - 4)2 (ii)
dx
Integrating the above equation we get the deflection equation;
x3 ( x  1) 2 ( x  1)3 ( x  4)3
EIy  17.5 + 18 + C1 x + C2 - 18 - 12
3 2 3 3

 EIy = 5.83x 3 + 9(xDr-P1) 2

+ C x + C 2 RVCE,
R Venkatesh,1 Mech Dept,
- 6(x - 1)3 - 4(x - 4)3 (iii)
Bangalore
 24KN
36 KN
18 KN-m

A D
B C
1m 3m 2m
x

dy
Slope equation is EI = 17.5x 2 + C 1 + 18(x - 1)+ - 18(x - 1)2 - 12(x - 4)2
dx

Deflection equation is EIy = 5.83x 3 + C 1 x + C 2 + 9(x - 1)2 + - 6(x - 1)3 - 4(x - 4)3

Boundary conditions :
At x  0, y  0, As x < L1 , (i.e. x < 1m) consider only terms upto first line.
, i.e. 0  0 + 0 + C2  C 2 = 0
Also, at x  L, y  0. As x = L  6 m,consider all the terms;
0  5.83(6)3 + C1 (6) + 0 + 9(5) 2  6(5)3  4(2)3  C 1 = -117.17
dy
 Slope equation is EI = 17.5x 2 - 117.17 + 18(x - 1)+ - 18(x - 1)2 - 12(x - 4)2 (iv)
dx

& Deflection equation is EIy = 5.83x 3 - 117.17x + 9(x - 1)2 + - 6(x - 1)3 - 4(x - 4)3 (v )
 dy
Slope equation is EI = 17.5x 2 - 117.17 + 18(x - 1)+ - 18(x - 1)2 - 12(x - 4)2
dx

Deflection equation is EIy = 5.83x 3 - 117.17x + 9(x - 1)2 + - 6(x - 1)3 - 4(x - 4)3

Deflection at B (under 36 KN load) : For the point B, x is  1m, consider

terms upto first partition line.  EIy B = 5.83(1)3  117.17(1)  111.34 KN  m3

 111.34 
 yB     = -1.01  10 -3
m = 1.01 mm
 1110 
4

(As EIy is in KN - m 3 , substitute E in KN / m 2 & I in m 4 )

Deflection at C (under 24 KN load) : For the point D, x is  4m, consider

terms upto third partition line.

 EIyC = 5.83(4)3  117.17(4) + 9(3) 2  6(3)3  176.56 KN  m3

 176.56 
 yC    4 
= -1.605  10 -3
m = -1.605 mm
 1110 
Maximum deflection & its location :
dy
In a simply supported beam, at the point of maximum deflection, 0
dx
dy
i.e. EI = 17.5x 2 - 117.17 + 18(x - 1)+ - 18(x - 1)2 - 12(x - 4)2
dx
Maximum deflection occurs between B & C where x  4m
dy
Hence ignoring (x - 4) terms, & equating to zero;
dx
i.e.17.5 x 2  117.17 + 18( x -1)  18( x -1) 2  0  0.5 x 2 + 54 x  153.17  0
 x = 2.92 m from left support. But deflection equation is;

EIy = 5.83x 3 - 117.17x + 9(x - 1)2 + - 6(x - 1)3 - 4(x - 4)3

i.e. EIymax  5.83(2.92)3  117.17(2.92) + 9(1.92) 2  6(1.92)3  206.28 KN - m 3

206.28 3
 ymax    1.875  10 m  -1.875 mm (downward)
1110 4
Prob 3: A beam of span 4m is simply supported at the ends and

is loaded as shown in fig. Determine;

(i) Deflection at midspan (at C)

(ii) Maximum deflection and its location

(iii) Slope at A. Take E= 2x105N/mm2, I=1000 cm4

10 KN
5 KN/m

D C
A B
1m 1m 2m

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
  3 
10  KN  2 × 10 8 KN / m 2
Given : E  2 10 N / mm  2 10  
5 2 5

 (103 )2  m2
 
I  1000 cm4  1000  (102 )  1000  (108 )  10 -5 m 4
4

10 KN
5 KN/m
X

D C
A B
RA 1m 1m 2m X
RB
x

To find the support reactions at A & B :

V  0 R + R  10 + (5  2)  20 KN
A B

 M  0  ( R  4)  (5  2  3)  (10 1)  0
A B

 RB = 10 KN & RA = (20 - 10) = 10 KN

Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the left support (A)
The bending moment at X - X is ;
d2y ( x - 2) 2
M x  EI 2  10 x 10( x -1)  5 (i )
dx 2
 10 KN
5 KN/m
X

D C
A B
RA 1m 1m 2m X
RB
x

d2y ( x - 2) 2
Now we have; EI 2  10 x - 10( x -1) - 5 (i )
dx 2
Integrating the above equation once, we get the slope equation;
dy x2 ( x -1) 2 ( x - 2)3
EI  10 + C1 - 10 -5
dx 2 2 6
dy
 EI = 5x 2 + C 1 - 5(x - 1)2 - 0.833(x - 2)3 (ii)
dx
Integrating the above equation we get the deflection equation;
x3 ( x -1)3 ( x - 2) 4
EIy  5 + C1 x + C2 - 5 - 0.833
3 3 4

 EIy = 1.67x 3 + C 1 x + C 2 - 1.67(x - 1)3 - 0.21(x - 2)4 (iii)

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 10 KN
5 KN/m
X

D C
A B
RA 1m 1m 2m X
RB
x
dy
Slope equation is EI = 5x 2 + C 1 - 5(x - 1)2 - 0.833(x - 2)3 (ii)
dx

Deflection equation is EIy = 1.67x 3 + C 1 x + C 2 - 1.67(x - 1)3 - 0.21(x - 2)4 (iii)

Boundary conditions :
At x  0, y  0, As x < L1 , (i.e. x < 1m) consider only terms upto first partition line.
, i.e. 0  0 + 0 + C2  C 2 = 0
Also, at x  L, y  0. As x = L  4m,consider all the terms;
0  1.67(4)3 + (C1  4) + 0  1.67(3)3  0.21(2) 4  C 1 = -14.6
dy
 Slope equation is EI  5 x 2  14.6 - 5( x -1) 2 - 0.833( x - 2)3 (iv)
dx

& Deflection equation is EIy  1.67 x 3  14.6 x + - 1.67( x -1)3 - 0.21( x - 2) 4 (v )

 dy
Slope equation is EI  5 x 2  14.6 - 5( x -1) 2 - 0.833( x - 2)3
dx
Slope at A (Left support) : For point A, x  0,
 dy 
consider only first term & constant.EI    0  14.6  14.6
 dx  A
 dy  14.6
    qA  5
 -7.3 × 10 -3
rad
 dx  A (2 10 ) 10
8

Deflection at C (mid span) : Deflection equation is;

EIy  1.67 x 3  14.6 x + - 1.67( x -1)3 - 0.21( x - 2) 4

For the point C, x is  2 m, consider terms upto second partition line.

 EIyC = 1.67(2)3  14.6(2)  1.67(1)3  17.51 KN  m3
 17.51 
 yC    5 
= -8.75  10 -3
m = -8.75 mm (downward)
 2 10 10 
8

(As EIy is in KN - m 3 , substitute E in KN / m 2 & I in m4 )

Maximum deflection & its location :
dy
In a simply supported beam, at the point of maximum deflection, 0
dx
dy
i.e. EI  5 x 2  14.6 - 5( x -1) 2 - 0.833( x - 2)3  0
dx
Maximum deflection occurs between D & C where x  2m
dy
Hence ignoring (x - 3) terms, & equating to zero;
dx
i.e. 5 x 2  14.6  5( x -1) 2  0  10 x  19.6  0
 x = 1.96m from left support.

But deflection equation is EIy  1.67 x 3  14.6 x + - 1.67( x -1)3 - 0.21( x - 2) 4

i.e. EIymax  1.67(1.96)3  14.6(1.96)  1.67(0.96)3  17.52 KN - m 3

17.52 3
 ymax  5
  8.76  10 m  -8.76 mm (downward)
2 10 10
8
Prob 4: A 8 m long beam is simply supported with a span of 4m and

with overhang of 2m on both supports. The beam is subjected to UDL

of 30 KN/m over its entire length and a point load of 60 KN.
Determine;

(i) Deflection at points A & E and

(ii) Maximum deflection. Take E= 200 GPa & I=40 x 10-5 m4.

30 KN/m 60 KN

A B C D E
D
2m 2m 2m 2m

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,

Bangalore
Solution: 30 KN/m 60 KN

A B C D E
RB RD
2m 2m 2m 2m
x

To find the support reactions at B & D :

V  0 RB + RD  60 + (30  8)  300 KN
As the loading is symmetrical about the center of the beam,
300
 RB = RD = = 150 KN
2
Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the left end A;
The bending moment at X - X is ;
d2y x2
M x  EI 2  30 + 150( x - 2)  60( x  4) + 150( x  6) (i )
dx 2
 30 KN/m 60 KN

A B C D E
D
2m 2m 2m 2m

d2y x2
Now we have; EI 2  30 + 150( x - 2)  60( x  4) + 150( x  6) (i )
dx 2
Integrating the above equation once, we get the slope equation;
dy x3 ( x - 2) 2 ( x - 4) 2 ( x  6) 2
EI  15 + C1 + 150 - 60 + 150
dx 3 2 2 2
dy
 EI = -5x 3 + C 1 + 75(x - 2)2 - 30(x - 4)2 + 75(x - 6)2 (ii)
dx
Integrating the above equation we get the deflection equation;
x4 ( x - 2)3 ( x - 4)3 ( x - 6)3
EIy  5 + C1 x + C2 + 75 - 30 + 75
4 3 3 3

 EIy = -1.25x 4 + C 1 x + C 2 + 25(x - 2)3 - 10(x - 4)3 + 25(x - 6)3 (iii)

Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 30 KN/m 60 KN

A B C D E
D
2m 2m 2m 2m

dy
Slope equation is EI = -5x 3 + C 1 + 75(x - 2)2 - 30(x - 4)2 + 75(x - 6)2 (ii)
dx

Deflection equation is EIy = -1.25x 4 + C 1 x + C 2 + 25(x - 2)3 - 10(x - 4)3 + 25(x - 6)3 (iii)

Boundary conditions :
At x  2m, y  0, Consider only terms upto first partition line.
, i.e. 0  1.25(2) 4 + 2C1 + C2  2C 1 + C 2 = 20
Also, at x  6m, y  0. Consider only terms upto third partition line.
0  1.25(6) 4 + (C1  6) + C2 + 25(4)3  10(2)3  6C 1 + C 2 = 100
Solving, C 1 = 20, C 2 = -20
dy
 Slope equation is EI = -5x 3 + 20 + 75(x - 2)2 - 30(x - 4)2 + 75(x - 6)2 (iv)
dx

Deflection equation is EIy = -1.25x 4 + 20x - 20 + 25(x - 2)3 - 10(x - 4)3 + 25(x - 6)3 (v)
 dy
Slope equation is EI = -5x 3 + 20 + 75(x - 2)2 - 30(x - 4)2 + 75(x - 6)2
dx

Deflection equation is EIy = -1.25x 4 + 20x - 20 + 25(x - 2)3 - 10(x - 4)3 + 25(x - 6)3

Deflection at A (At left end) : For the point A, x is  0 consider terms

upto first partition line.  EIy A = 0 + 0  20  20 KN  m 3

 20 
 yA    5 
= -0.25  10 -3 m = - 0.25 mm
 200 10  40 10 
6

(As EIy is in KN - m 3 , substitute E in KN / m 2 & I in m 4 )

Deflection at E (At right end) : Due to symmetery of loading;

 yE  y A = 0.25  10 -3 m = - 0.25 mm

Maximum deflection :
Due to symmetery, max deflection occurs at mid span (@ x  4m)

EIymax = -1.25(4)4 + (20  4) - 20 + 25(2)3  60 KN  m3

 60 
ymax    5  = -0.75  10 -3
m = - 0.75 mm
 200 10  40 10 
6
Deflection of a simply supported beam with an eccentric point load
W

X
C

A x B
RA X
a b RB
L

To find the support reactions at A & B :

V  0 RA + RB  W
Wa Wb
 M A  0 RB  L  Wa  0  RB  L & RA  L
Consider a section X-X at a distance x from the left support A;
The bending moment at X - X is ;
d 2 y  Wb 
M x  EI 2    x  W ( x - a) (i)
dx  L 
 W

X
C

A x B
RA X
a b RB
L

d 2 y  Wb 
Now we have; EI 2    x  W ( x - a) (i )
dx  L 
Integrating the above equation once, we get the slope equation;
dy  Wb  x 2 (x - a)2
EI =  + C1 - W (ii)
dx  L  2 2
Integrating the above equation we get the deflection equation;
 
3 3
Wb x (x - a)
EIy =   + C1 x + C 2 - W (iii)
 L  6 6
Dr P R Venkatesh, Mech Dept, RVCE,
Bangalore
 dy  Wb  x 2 (x - a)2
Slope equation is EI =  + C1 - W (ii)
dx  L  2 2
 Wb  x
3
(x - a)3
Deflection equation is EIy =   + C1 x + C 2 - W (iii)
 L  6 6
Boundary conditions :
At x  0, y  0, Consider only terms upto first partition line.
, i.e. 0  0 + 01 + C2  C 2 = 0
Also, at x  L, y  0. Consider all terms;
 Wb  L
3
( L - a )3  WbL2  Wb3
0  + (C1  L) + 0  W   + (C1  L) + 0 
 L 6 6  6  6
Wb3 WbL2 Wb 2 2
Solving, C 1 =
6L

6L

6L
( b L )
6L
(
Wb 2 2
L b )

dy  Wb  x 2 Wb 2 2 (x - a)2
 Slope equation is EI = 
dx  L  2 6L
- ( L - b ) -W
2
(iv)

 Wb  x Wb 2 2
3
(x - a)3
Deflection equation is EIy =  
 L  6 6L
- ( L - b ) x -W
6
(v)
 dy  Wb  x 2 Wb 2 2 (x - a)2
Slope equation is EI = 
dx  L  2 6L
- ( L - b ) -W
2
 Wb  x Wb 2 2
3
(x - a)3
Deflection equation is EIy =  
 L  6 6L
- ( L - b ) x -W
6
Deflection at C (Under point load) : For the point C, x = a consider terms

upto second partition line.

 Wb  a Wb 2 2  Wab  2
3
 EIyC =  
 L  6 6L
- ( L - b ) a  
 6L 
 (a + b  L )
2 2

But L2  (a + b) 2  ( a 2 + b 2 + 2ab )  (a 2 + b 2  L2 )  2ab

 Wab   Wa 2 b 2 
 yC    ( 2ab )    
 6L   3EIL 

L  WL3 
Note : If a  b    , y( L /2)    
2  48EI 