Beams

Abstract

An interactive computer program was developed for the universal solution of the differential equation of the elastic curve which was derived by the author in an earlier paper. This program determines the reactions at the supports and constructs the shear and bending moment diagrams of statically determinate as well as statically indeterminate beams. It computes the maximum bending and transverse shear stresses for eight beam cross-sections. It also makes a sketch of the elastic curve and determines the deflection at selected points as well as the maximum deflection. The beam supports may be at the same or at different levels.