ME2114: MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Energy Methods (Tutorials 1 & 2)

1.

A statically indeterminate truss is

loaded by a force P. Find the
strain energy and the redundant
horizontal reaction force RAX at
point A.

R AX

Ans:

6m
A

2P
3

8m

8m
P

2.

A statically indeterminate beam is loaded by a force P as shown below. Use Castiglianos

theorem to determine the vertical deflection at point A. Assume that the spring constant k
(or ) is known.
Ans:

L
A

3.

k=EI/L

B
3

The diagram on the right shows the top

view of a curved cantilever beam. A
point load P is applied downwards (i.e.
into the paper) at A. Given that the beam
has a constant EI and GJ, determine the
vertical (i.e. perpendicular to the paper)
at B.
Ans :

R
A

PR
PR
1

2 EI 2GJ
B

RA
PL3

k
EI ( 3)

4.

A proving ring of radius R is subjected to opposing

diametral loads P. Determining the reduction in the
diameter along AB. Assume EI is constant.

Ans : AB 0.148

PR 3
EI

B
P

5.

For the beam below, determine the reactions at C. Assume EI is constant and R=L.
P
A

Ans : Q=0.422P , M=0.145PL

(clockwise)

B
R
C

6.

Free to slide but not

rotate

2
The deflection of the beam below is to be approximated by y a 0 a1 x a 2 x .

Determine the coefficients, a0,

Assume EI is constant.

a1 and a2 , using the principle of minimum potential energy.

P

L
Ans : y

7.

PL2
( x x 2 / L)
4 EI

The beam below is fixed at both ends.

x
.
L

(i) The deflection of the beam is to be approximated by the function y a sin

Use the principle of minimum potential energy to determine the value of a.

x
2x
and y 2 b 1 cos
for 0 x L where a and b
L
L

(ii) Sketch y1 a sin

are constants and explain which function gives a better approximation to the actual beam
deflection.
Ans : a

P
L/2

L/2

2 L3
P
EI 4

8.

The uniform elastic rod below deforms under its own weight. Its axial displacement is to
be approximated using three piecewise linear functions given by:

x
u1,
0 x L
L
2L x
xL
u1
u2 , L x 2 L
L
L
3l x
x 2L
u2
u3 , 2 L x 3L
L
L

Determine u1, u2 and u3 using PMPE. Use , E

and A for the density, Youngs modulus and crosssectional area, respectively.

u1
gl 2

Ans : u2

2E
u3

5
8

9

L
x
L
L

List of Equations
1.

Strain energy in slender rods due to axial loads

L

2.

1 N2
1
u
dx EA

2 0 EA
20
x

dx

Strain energy in slender rods due to bending

L

3.

2v
1 M2
1

dx EI
2

2 0 EI
20
x

Strain energy in slender rods due to torsion

L

1 T2
dx
2 0 GJ

dx