Principle of Virtual Work

(unit-load method)

The work done by all the external forces acting on a structure, is transformed into internal work or strain energy

If we take a deformable structure of any shape or size and apply a series of external loads P to it, it will cause
internal loads u at points throughout the structure. It is necessary that the external and internal loads be
related by the equations of equilibrium. As a consequence of these loadings, external displacements will occur
at the P loads and internal displacements will occur at each point of internal load u.
 In equilibrium Additional virtual so no effect on existing

The term “virtual” is used to

describe the load, since it is
imaginary and does not
Since no external load acts on the body at A and in
the direction of the displacement can be
actually exist as part of the
determined by first placing on the body a “virtual” real loading.
load such that this force acts in the same direction

Let, apply virtually 1 kip at A, still the displacement at A is Δ, So 1= virtual load and Δ is real,
If I would apply 1 kip in real it will produce u internal load. So due to virtual 1 kip, there would be virtually u with
unaffected dL deformation at related points. This method for applying the principle of
virtual work is often referred to as the
method of virtual forces, since a virtual
force is applied resulting in the
calculation of a real displacement. The
equation of virtual work in this case
Additional must be in represents a compatibility requirement
for the structure. Although not
equilibrium important here, realize that we can also
apply the principle of virtual work as a
method of virtual displacements. In this
case virtual displacements are imposed
on the structure while the structure is
subjected to real loadings.
 dL dL/L

dL
dL
ELASTIC-BEAM THEORY

The product EI in this

equation is referred to as
the flexural rigidity, and
it is always a positive
quantity.
Internal virtual work done by the moment m is

For axial

For internal
moment/
bending
moment
from applied
load
In a similar manner, if the tangent rotation or slope angle θ at a point A on the beam’s elastic curve is to be determined
Determine the displacement of point B of the steel beam shown in following figure. Assume, I = 500 x (10)6 mm4 E =
200 GPa, .
Determine the displacement at D of the steel beam in the following figure. Assume, I = 800 in4 E = 29x(10)3 ksi .
The negative sign indicates the displacement is upward, opposite to the downward unit load
Determine the slope θ at point B of the steel beam shown in the following figure. Assume, I = 60x(10)6 mm4, E = 200
Gpa.
The negative sign indicates is opposite to the direction of the virtual couple moment
Determine the horizontal displacement of point C on the frame shown in the following figure. Given,
Determine the tangential rotation at point C of the frame shown in the following figure. Given,
 shearing strain ϒ

K is a form factor that depends upon the

shape of the beam’s cross-sectional area A
The internal virtual work done by a virtual shear
force ν, acting on the element while it is
deformed dy, is therefore