Are Displacement and Deflection the Same in Beam Analysis?

AI Thread Summary
Displacement and deflection in beam analysis refer to the same concept, specifically the transverse displacement at a point on the beam, typically denoted as v. The discussion emphasizes that if the displacement calculated using complementary energy (virtual load) differs from the deflection obtained through beam integration, it indicates an error in the analysis. It is suggested to verify the results by applying both methods to a simple beam problem, such as a cantilever. Understanding the relationship between these two calculations is crucial for accurate beam analysis. The clarification of these terms is essential for effective engineering problem-solving.
EngineeringDave
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hi I am tackling a question which combines Beam deflection with Bending Virtual Load.
I am wondering whether the displacement found at a point through complementary energy (virtual load) is the same an the deflection through beam integration at that same point?

It maybe a stupid question but I'm struggling to tell the difference!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Sorry just to clarify when I said displacement I mean the transverse displacement (usual symbol is v).
 
EngineeringDave said:
Hi I am tackling a question which combines Beam deflection with Bending Virtual Load.
I am wondering whether the displacement found at a point through complementary energy (virtual load) is the same an the deflection through beam integration at that same point?

It maybe a stupid question but I'm struggling to tell the difference!

If the two deflections aren't equal, then there is a problem somewhere. You can always analyze a simple problem from a beam table (like a cantilever, for instance) using the two methods to check.
 

Thread '2:1 Pulley Question'

I have Mass A being pulled vertically. I have Mass B on an incline that is pulling Mass A. There is a 2:1 pulley between them. The math I'm using is: FA = MA / 2 = ? t-force MB * SIN(of the incline degree) = ? If MB is greater then FA, it pulls FA up as MB moves down the incline. BUT... If I reverse the 2:1 pulley. Then the math changes to... FA = MA * 2 = ? t-force MB * SIN(of the incline degree) = ? If FA is greater then MB, it pulls MB up the incline as FA moves down. It's confusing...
View full post »

Thread 'Why do all my clocks run slow?'

Hi. I noticed that all electronic devices in my household that also tell time eventually lag behind, except the ones that get synchronized by radio signal or internet. Most of them are battery-powered, except my alarm clock (which runs slow as well). Why does none of them run too fast? Deliberate design (why)? Wrong temperature for quartz crystal? Decreasing battery voltage? Or just a coincidence?
View full post »

Similar threads

Deriving Strain in Cantilever Beam with Known Deflection
Replies
4
Views
6K
Cantilever beam with curved beam on the end.
Replies
1
Views
4K
Cantilever beam deflection with point mass and point load at the end
Replies
3
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate Deflection in a Simply Supported Overhanging Beam?
Replies
3
Views
9K
Correlating Displacement and Strain in a Cantilever Beam System
Replies
12
Views
6K
Engineering 2nd Degree Inderteminacy for Structure Using Force Method
Replies
3
Views
2K
How do I determine the K value from a cantilever beam deflection test?
Replies
1
Views
5K
What's the easiest way to solve this portal frame with braces?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Engineering Struggling with a Structural Analysis Problem?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Bending moment on multi beam sign post
Replies
6
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top