July 2010

Problem 674
Find the deflection midway between the supports for the overhanging beam shown in Fig. P-674.
 

Problem 673
For the beam shown in Fig. P-673, show that the midspan deflection is δ = (Pb/48EI) (3L² - 4b²).
 

In simply supported beams, the tangent drawn to the elastic curve at the point of maximum deflection is horizontal and parallel to the unloaded beam. It simply means that the deviation from unsettling supports to the horizontal tangent is equal to the maximum deflection. If the simple beam is symmetrically loaded, the maximum deflection will occur at the midspan.