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 4 Learning Outcome
• Use the double integration method to
determine the equation for deflection of a
beam
Differential equation for the elastic curve of a beam

2
d y
E I 2
 M x 
dx

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
. x

Solve for the reactions

y

MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
 y MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
V MEND/L s

MEND
M
s

-
 y MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
MEND
M
s

- Write an equation for M(x)

M
M (x) 
END
x
L
2
d y M
E I 2
 M x   END
x
dx L

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
 y MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
2
d y M
E I 2
 M x   END
x
dx L
 y MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
2
d y M
E I 2
 M x   END
x
dx L
2
dy M x
  C1
END
EI
dx L 2
3
M x
EI y   C1x  C 2
END

2L 3

What are the boundary conditions to

find the constants of integration?

y (0 )  0

y(L)  0
 y MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
2
d y M
E I  M x   END
x
dx
2
L boundary conditions

dy M x
2
y (0 )  0
  C1
END
EI
dx L 2
y(L)  0
3
M x
EI y   C1x  C 2
END

2L 3
 y MEND
. x

MEND/L L MEND/L
2
d y M
E I 2
 M x   END
x
dx L

dy  x 
2
M x M L
 
END END
EI
dx L 2 6

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

Find the deflection of the beam as a function of x.

3
M x M L
EI y  x   
END END
x
2L 3 6
ANS