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Today, we will discuss the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Can anyone tell me what assumptions we make in this theory?
Does it assume that the beam's cross-section remains perpendicular to its centerline?
Exactly! The centerline tangent and the cross-section normal are aligned, which is crucial for the theory. Any other assumptions?
Is the axial displacement neglected in this theory?
Right! We assume that the axial displacement is negligible, simplifying the problem significantly. Let's remember this with the acronym 'CAT' - Centerline Aligned, Tangent aligned, Axial displacement neglected.
What’s the significance of these assumptions?
These assumptions allow us to derive a much simpler equation for beam deflection!
Can you summarize the equation for us?
Certainly! The governing equation is: $$ \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{M(X)}{EI} $$. We will explore it more as we go.
Let’s discuss how bending moments relate to the curvature of a beam. Can someone explain this to us?
Isn’t curvature defined as the change in angle along the beam?
Yes! Curvature (κ) measures how sharply a beam bends. It's defined by the formula: $$ κ = \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} $$. Remember, as curvature increases, bending moment does too.
So M = EIκ includes how stiff the beam is at resisting bending?
Exactly! The bending moment M is proportional to the bending stiffness EI multiplied by the curvature κ.
Let’s apply the theory to a practical example. Suppose we have a beam clamped at one end. What can we determine?
We can find the bending moment profile>
Correct! By applying equilibrium conditions, we derive the bending moment as a function of the distance from the support.
And the deflection at the free end can be calculated using that?
Yes! Using the governing equation, we get the deflection of the beam at any point, particularly at the end.
What are the conditions we set up for the equation?
Great question! We set boundary conditions where deflection is zero at the clamped end and the slope is also zero at that end.
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In this section, we explore the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, detailing its assumptions, mathematical formulation, and practical applications in calculating beam deflections under various loading conditions. Key concepts include curvature, bending moments, and differential equations governing beam behavior.
The Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is essential for understanding beam behavior under various loads. It assumes that:
These simplifying assumptions allow us to describe the bending of beams using the relationship between bending moment (M), bending stiffness (EI), and curvature (κ). The governing equation derived from this theory is:
$$ \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{M(X)}{EI} $$
This second-order linear differential equation can be solved to find the beam's deflection under different loading conditions. Two examples illustrate the application of this theory where one beam is clamped, and another is simply supported, detailing the deflection calculations through boundary conditions.
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In this theory, it is assumed that the centerline tangent and the cross-section normal are aligned (see Figure 4b).
The Euler-Bernoulli beam theory makes a crucial simplification by assuming that the direction in which the beam bends (the tangent of the centerline) is the same as the direction normal to the cross-section. This means when the beam bends, the cross-sections remain perpendicular to the centerline at any point, which simplifies the analysis significantly.
Imagine a straighter-than-usual drinking straw. When you bend it, the top surface (cross-section) remains at a right angle to the line formed by the bent straw (centerline). This is similar to how the beam behaves under the assumptions of the Euler-Bernoulli theory.
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To get the required equations, we can invoke the following bending formula derived in an earlier lecture: M=EIκ.
The equation M = EIκ relates the bending moment (M) acting on the beam to its curvature (κ), where E is the modulus of elasticity and I is the moment of inertia of the beam's cross-section. This relationship is essential because it allows us to understand how the bending moment influences the beam's deformation.
Think of bending a rubber band. The more you stretch it (apply a moment), the tighter the curve (increased curvature) becomes. In the same way, as the moment increases for a beam, the curvature increases, leading to greater bending.
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In the Euler-Bernouli beam theory, the axial displacement is also assumed to be negligible.
This assumption simplifies the analysis further by stating that the horizontal position (axial displacement) of any point along the beam does not change significantly when the beam bends. This means that the angle of the centerline bends without moving sideways.
Picture a tightrope walker. As they sway side to side, the rope itself doesn't elongate in the horizontal direction. It remains mostly straight; similarly, the beam's axial displacement is minimal during bending.
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To linearize the above expression in deflection y, it is further assumed that the magnitude of the slope of the centerline is very small.
This means that when the beam bends, the angle of the slope (the tangent of the curve) is small enough that we can approximate the curvature using just the deflection of the beam without needing complex calculations.
Consider a gentle hill on a road. If the hill is subtle enough, you don't need to account for sharp changes; you can treat it as a straight line for simplicity when driving over.
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Substituting the above relation in equation (2), we get d²y / dx² = M(X) / EI.
This derived equation, d²y / dx² = M(X) / EI, is a second-order ordinary differential equation that relates the deflection of the beam (y) at any point to the bending moment acting at that section (M(X)). It allows engineers to calculate how much the beam will deflect under a given load.
Think about a trampoline. The deeper you push down (the more force you apply), the more the surface dips. Similarly, this equation shows how the force applied to the beam relates to how much it bends.
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We need two boundary conditions to solve it.
Boundary conditions specify the behavior of the beam at its supports or ends. For example, if one end of the beam is fixed, the deflection at that point will be zero. These conditions are crucial for getting specific solutions to the differential equation derived.
Imagine a swing. If one end is held tightly, the swing won’t droop there, just like a beam won’t deflect at a fixed support. The conditions help define how the beam behaves under loading.
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Suppose we have a straight beam which is clamped at one end and is subjected to a transverse load P at its other end.
Here, the practical example illustrates how to use the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory to calculate the bending moment and deflection of the beam subjected to a transverse load. By cutting the beam at a certain point and analyzing equilibrium, we derive expressions that help in determining deflection due to the applied load.
Think of a diving board. If you stand on the end of it, the board bends down due to your weight, and by applying this theory, you can predict how much it will bend based on your weight and the board's stiffness.
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Key Concepts
Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory: A fundamental theory that describes the relationship between bending moments and beam deflections under loading.
Assumptions in Beam Theory: The crucial assumptions include alignment of cross-section normals with centerline tangents, negligible axial displacement, and small slope of the beam's centerline.
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Example of a clamped beam: Analyzing deflection and bending moment under a transverse load at its free end.
Example of a simply supported beam: Understanding how to calculate bending moment due to a uniformly distributed load.
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In beams so tall, we learn with ease, M and EI keep our bending at peace.
Imagine a chef carefully balancing the ingredients (bending moments) on a beam. The ratios (EI) need to be just right to keep everything balanced!
CATS: Centerline, Axial displacement negligible, Tangent aligned, Slope negligible.
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Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Bending Moment (M)
Definition:
The moment that causes a beam to bend, dependent on load and location.
Term: Bending Stiffness (EI)
Definition:
A measure of a beam's resistance to bending, calculated as the product of the modulus of elasticity (E) and the moment of inertia (I).
Term: Curvature (κ)
Definition:
A measure of the bending of a curve, defined as the reciprocal of the radius of curvature.
Term: Axial Displacement
Definition:
The movement of points along the length of a beam under load, considered negligible in Euler-Bernoulli beam theory.