What is the deflection formula for a simply supported beam under a uniform load?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the deflection formula for a simply supported beam under a uniform load?
5wL^4/384EI
wL^3/3EI
wL^4/8EI
wL^3/48EI
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the deflection formula for a simply supported beam under a uniform load?
Step 1: Understand what a simply supported beam is. It is a beam that is supported at both ends and can freely deflect under load.
Step 2: Know that a uniform load (w) means the weight is evenly distributed along the length of the beam.
Step 3: Identify the length of the beam (L), which is the distance between the two supports.
Step 4: Recognize that E is the modulus of elasticity of the material, which measures how stiff the material is.
Step 5: Understand that I is the moment of inertia, which depends on the shape of the beam's cross-section and affects how it bends.
Step 6: Use the deflection formula: δ = 5wL^4 / 384EI. This formula calculates how much the beam will bend (deflect) at its center under the uniform load.