Mechanics of Materials IV:

Deflections, Buckling, Combined Loading, & Failure Theories

Dr. Wayne Whiteman
Senior Academic Professional and Director of the Office of Student Services
Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

Module 5 Learning Outcome

Use the double integration method to
determine the maximum deflection of a simply
supported beam with a moment applied at the
right end, and where that max deflection
occurs

Differential equation for the elastic curve of a beam

2

E I

d y
dx

M x

If we have an equation for the moment along a

beam, we can find deflections by integrating
twice and using boundary conditions to find
constants of integration

Worksheet: Assume E and I for the beam below are constant.

Find the deflection of the beam as a function of x.
Determine the max deflection and where it occurs.

y
MEND

.
L
2

E I

d y
dx

EI

dy x

M x

END

dx

EI y x

END

END

2L

END

6
3

END

ANS

MEND

MEND/L

L
2

E I

d y
dx

EI

dy x

M x

MEND/L

END

dx

EI y x

END

END

2L

END

END

Worksheet: Assume E and I for the beam below are constant.

Find the deflection of the beam as a function of x.
Determine the max deflection and where it occurs.
How do we find max deflection and
where it occurs?

MEND

MEND/L

L
2

E I

d y
dx

EI

dy x

M x

MEND/L

END

dx

EI y x

END

END

2L

END

END

Mathematically, the max deflection occurs where

physically where the slope of the beam is zero.

dy x
dx

, or

MEND

MEND/L

E I

d y
dx

EI

dy x

M x

END

MEND/L

The max deflection occurs at

dx

END

END

0 . 577 L

3
EI y x

END

2L

END

Find the max deflection

ANS

Deflection of a simply supported beam of a simply

supported beam with a moment applied at the right end

MEND

The max deflection is

and occurs at

L
3

M
9

END

3 EI

0 . 577 L