Solution to Problem 686 | Beam Deflection by Method of Superposition

Problem 686
Determine the value of EIδ under each concentrated load in Fig. P-686.
 

686-simple-beam-point-loads.jpg

 

Solution 686

 

How come the value of x in finding the deflection under the 500N load is the same? shouldn't x=4 for the EIy due to 800N load?

In reply to by Hi (not verified)

$x$ is the location where your are solving for the deflection. You are referring to the location of the load. The location of the load is not necessarily the location of the deflection you wish to calculate.

  • For the 500 N load:
    $x = 2$ is the location of the 500 N force to cause a deflection at $x = 2$ also.
  • For the 800 N load:
    $x = 4$ is the location of the 800 N force, while $x = 2$ is the location of the deflection caused by the force. Notice that the location of the force is not the same as the location of the deflection.