Problem 6.7. Deflection of a cantilever

A cantilever is subjected to a linearly varying distributed load, which is zero at the end of the cantilever and p = 8 kN/m at the fixed end. Determine

a) end deflection and
b) end rotation

Length of the beam is L = 5 m, bending stiffness of the cross section is constant, EI = 4.2 × 106 Nm2.

Solve Problem

Solve

Problem a)

End deflection, e [mm]=

Problem b)

End rotation, φ [rad]=

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Steps

Step by step

Problem a)

Step 1.  Draw moment diagrams from the linearly distributed load, and from a unit force placed at the free end of the cantilever.

Check moment diagrams

Step 2.  Apply Castigliano’s II theorem. Calculate the deflection performing the integration visually.

Check deflection

See Hint in Problem 6.1.

See Footnote j in Section 6.4.

e=1EILMpM1dx=1EIAh=1EIpL26L14L45=pL430EI=  =8000×5430×4.2×106=0.0397 m=39.7 mm

where

A=MAL4

Problem b)

Step 1.  Draw moment diagrams from the linearly distributed load, and from a unit moment placed at the free end of the cantilever.

Check moment diagrams

Step 2.  Apply Castigliano’s II theorem. Calculate the rotation performing the integration visually.

Check rotation

See Footnote j in Section 6.4.

φ=1EILMpM1dx=1EIAh=1EIpL26L14×1=pL324EI=8000×5324×4.2×106=0.00992 rad

Results

Worked out solution

Problem a)

Moment diagrams from the linearly distributed load, and from a unit force placed at the free end of the beam are given in the Figure:

Applying Castigliano’s II theorem the deflection is calculated by performing the integration visually:

See Footnote j in Section 6.4.

e=1EILMpM1dx=1EIAh=1EIpL26L14L45=pL430EI=  =8000×5430×4.2×106=0.0397 m=39.7 mm

where

A=MAL4

Problem b)

Moment diagrams from the linearly distributed load, and from a unit moment placed at the free end of the beam are given in the Figure:

Applying Castigliano’s II theorem the rotation is calculated by performing the integration visually (see Hint in Problem 6.1.):

See Footnote j in Section 6.4.

φ=1EILMpM1dx=1EIAh=1EIpL26L14×1=pL324EI=8000×5324×4.2×106=0.00992 rad