Background information

Deflection of a simply supported beam

In engineering, deflection is the degree to which a structural element is displaced under a

load. It can refer to angle or distance.

The deflection distance of a component under load is directly related to the slope of the
component's deflection shape under the load, and can be calculated by integrating a function
that mathematically describes the slope of the component under the load. Deflection can be
calculated using standard formulas (only deflections for common beam configurations and
load cases at discrete locations are given), or through methods such as virtual work, direct
integration, Castigliano, Macaulay or direct stiffness Method to calculate. The deflection of a
beam element is usually calculated according to the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation, while
the deflection of a plate or shell element is calculated using the plate or shell theory.

An example of the use of deflection in this case is a building structure. Architects and
engineers choose materials for a variety of applications. Among other things, the beam used
for the frame is selected based on the deflection.

Deflection is refers to the movement of a beam or node from its original position due to the
forces and loads applied to the component. Deflection, also known as displacement, may be
caused by an externally applied load or the weight of the structure itself and the gravity
applied to the load. It can appear in beams, trusses, frames and basically any other structure.

The deflection of the beam (beam deflection) is calculated based on a number of factors,
including the material, the moment of inertia of the section, the applied force, and the
distance from the support. There are a series of beam deflection equations that can be used to
calculate basic deflection values for different types of beams.

In general, deflection can be calculated by dividing the bending moment formula (M (x)) by
the double integral of EI (Young's modulus x moment of inertia).

Units of deflection or displacement are units of length, usually expressed in millimeters

(metric) and inches (imperial). This number defines how far the beam deviates from its
original position.

Simply supported beams are supported at both ends, so deflection of a beam is generally left
and follows a much different shape to that of the cantilever. Under a uniform distributed load
(for instance the self-weight), the beam will deflect smoothly and toward the midpoint. It
formula to calculate modulus of elasticity (E) is Span of tested beam (L) with power 3
divided 48 of moment of inertia of beam specimen (I= (bd^3/12)) multiply slope of the load
deflection curve.

E=L^3/48 I X [Slope of the load deflection curve]

 Figures 1 (type of the type of simply supported beam)

Besides simply supported beams, cantilever beam is a special type of beam constrained by
only one support. These members naturally deflect more because they are supported at only
one end. To calculate the deflection of a cantilever beam, the following formula can be used,
where W is the force at the end point, L is the length of the cantilever beam, E = Young’s
Modulus and I = Moment of Inertia. Figures 2 show formula of the cantilever beam.

Figures 2