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7.4: Deflection by Method of Singularity Function

Last updated: Apr 16, 2021
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René Alderliesten
Delft University of Technology via TU Delft Open
Resources

In cases where a beam is subjected to a combination of distributed loads, concentrated loads, and moments, using the method of double integration to
determine the deflections of such beams is really involving, since various segments of the beam are represented by several moment functions, and much
computational efforts are required to find the constants of integration. Using the method of singularity function in such cases to determine deflections is
comparatively easier and relatively quick. This method of analysis was first introduced by Macaulay in 1919, and it entails the use of one equation that contains
a singularity or half-range function to describe the entire beam deflection curve. A singularity or half-range function is defined as follows:

{
0 for (𝑥 − 𝑎) < 0 or 𝑥 < 𝑎
⟨𝑥 − 𝑎⟩𝑛 =
(𝑥 − 𝑎)𝑛 for 𝑥 − 𝑎 ≥ 0 or 𝑥 ≥ 𝑎
Libraries

where

𝑥 = coordinate position of a point along the beam.

𝑎 = any location along the beam where discontinuity due to bending occurs.

𝑛 = the exponential values of the functions; this must always be greater than or equal to zero for the functions to be valid.

The above outlined definition implies that the quantity (𝑥 − 𝑎 ) equals zero or vanishes if it is negative, but it is equal to (𝑥 − 𝑎 ) if it is positive.
Tools

Procedure for Analysis by Singularity Function Method

•Sketch the free-body diagram of the beam and establish the 𝑥 and 𝑦 coordinates.

•Calculate the support reactions and write the moment equation as a function of the 𝑥 coordinate. The sign convention for the moment is the same as in section
4.3.

•Substitute the moment expression into the equation of the elastic curve and integrate once to obtain the slope. Integrate again to obtain the deflection in the
beam.

•Using the boundary conditions, determine the integration constants and substitute them into the equations obtained in step 3 to obtain the slope and the
deflection of the beam. A positive slope is counterclockwise and a negative slope is clockwise, while a positive deflection is upward and a negative deflection is
downward.

•When computing the slope or deflection at any point on the beam, discard the quantity (𝑥 − 𝑎 ) from the equation for slope or deflection if it is negative. If (
𝑥 − 𝑎 ) is positive, it remains in the equation.

Example 7.4

A simply supported beam is subjected to the combined loading shown in Figure 7.5a. Using the method of singularity function, determine the slope at support 𝐴
and the deflection at 𝐵 .
10kN
26kN/m

006

4.5m >1.5mk2m
(a)

𝐹 𝑖𝑔. 7.5. Simply supported beam.

Solution

Support reactions. To determine the reaction at support 𝐴 of the beam, apply the equations of equilibrium, as follows:

+ ↶ ∑ 𝑀𝐷 = 0
26(4.5) (8 − 2 )
4.5
+ 10(2) − 8𝐴𝑦 = 0
𝐴𝑦 = 86.6kN
Bending moment. Replacing the given distributed load by two equivalent open-ended loadings, as shown in Figure 7.5b, the bending moment at a section
located at a distance 𝑥 from the left support 𝐴 can be expressed as follows:

26𝑥2 26(𝑥−4.5)2
𝑀 = 86.6𝑥 − 2
+ 2
− 10⟨𝑥 − 6⟩

Equation of the elastic curve. Substituting for 𝑀(𝑥) from equation 1 into equation 7.12 suggests the following:
𝑑2 𝑦 26𝑥2 26(𝑥−4.5)2
𝐸𝐼 𝑑𝑥2
= 𝑀 = 86.6𝑥 − 2 + 2 − 10⟨𝑥 − 6⟩1

Integrating equation 2 twice suggests the following:

𝑑𝑦 86.6𝑥2 26𝑥3 26(𝑥−4.5)3 10(𝑥−6)2
𝐸𝐼 𝑑𝑥 = 2 − 3×2 + 3×2 − 2 + 𝐶1

86.6𝑥3 26𝑥4 26(𝑥−4.5)4 10⟨𝑥−6⟩3

𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 3×2
− 4×3×2
+ 4×3×2
− 3×2
+ 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2

Boundary conditions and computation of constants of integration. Applying the boundary conditions [𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0] to equation 4 and noting that each bracket
contains a negative quantity and, thus, is equal zero by the singularity definition suggests that 𝐶2 = 0 .

0 = 0 − 0 + 0 − 0 + 𝐶2

𝐶2 = 0

Again, applying the boundary conditions [𝑥 = 8, 𝑦 = 0] to equation 4 and noting that each bracket contains a positive quantity suggests that the value of the
constant 𝐶1 is as follows:
86.6(8)3 26(8)4 26(8−4.5)4 10(8−6)3
0= 3×2 − 4×3×2 + 4×3×2 − 3×2 + 8𝐶1
𝐶1 = −387.72
86.6(8)3 26(8)4 26(8−4.5)4 10(8−6)3
0= 3×2 − 4×3×2 + 4×3×2 − 3×2 + 8𝐶1
𝐶1 = −387.72
Substituting the values for 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 into equation 4 suggets that the expression for the elastic curve of the beam is as follows:

𝐸𝐼 { 6 }
1 86.6𝑥 3 26𝑥 4 26(𝑥 − 4.5)4 10⟨𝑥 − 6⟩3
𝑦= − + − − 387.72𝑥 (7.4.1)
24 24 6

Similarly, substituting the values for 𝐶1 into equation 3 suggests the expression for the slope is as follows:

{ }
𝑑𝑦 1 86.6𝑥 2 26𝑥 3 26(𝑥 − 4.5)3 10(𝑥 − 6)2
= − + − − 387.72 (7.4.2)
𝑑𝑥 𝐸𝐼 2 6 6 2
𝑑𝑦
The slope at 𝐴 , i.e., 𝑑𝑥
at 𝑥 = 0

( 𝑑𝑥 ) A
𝑑𝑦
= 𝜃A = − 387.72
𝐸𝐼

The deflection at 𝑥 = 4.5 m from support 𝐴

{ }
1 86.6(4.5)3 26(4.5)4 26⟨4.5 − 4.5⟩4 10⟨4.5 − 6⟩3
𝑦 𝑥 = 4.5 m = − + − − 387.72(4.5)
𝐸𝐼 6 24 24 6
873.74 873.74
𝑦 𝑥 = 4.5 m = − ↓
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
Example 7.5

A cantilever beam is loaded with a uniformly distributed load of 4 kips/ft, as shown in Figure 7.6a. Using the method of singularity function, determine the
equation of the elastic curve of the beam, the slope at the free end, and the deflection at the free end.

𝐹 𝑖𝑔. 7.6. Cantilever beam.

Solution

Support reactions. To determine the reaction at support A of the beam, apply the equation of equilibrium, as follows:

+ ↶ ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 𝑀𝐴 − 4(6)(9) = 0 𝑀𝐴 = 216k − ft. ↶

+ ↑ ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 𝐴𝑦 − 4(6) = 0 𝐴𝑦 = 24k ↑
+ → ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝐴𝑥 = 0 𝐴𝑥 = 0
Bending moment. The bending moment at a section located at a distance 𝑥 from the fixed end of the beam, shown in Figure 7.6b, can be expressed as follows:

4(𝑥 − 6)2
𝑀 = 24𝑥 − 216 − (7.4.3)
2
Equation of the elastic curve. Substituting for 𝑀(𝑥) from equation 1 into equation 7.12 suggests the following:

𝑑2 𝑦 4(𝑥 − 6)2
𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑀 = 24𝑥 − 216 − (7.4.4)
𝑑𝑥 2
Integrating equation 2 twice suggests the following:

24(𝑥)3 216(𝑥)2 4(𝑥 − 6)4

𝐸𝐼𝑦 = − − + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2 (7.4.5)
6 2 24

Boundary conditions and computation of constants of integration. Applying the boundary conditions [𝑥 = 0, 𝑑𝑥 = 0] to equation 3 and noting that the term with
𝑑𝑦

a bracket contains a negative quantity and, thus, is equal to zero by the singularity function definition suggests that 𝐶1 = 0 .
24(0)2 4(0−6)3
2
− 216(0) − 6
+ 𝐶1 = 0 𝐶1 = 0

Applying the boundary conditions [𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0] to equation 4 and noting that the term with a bracket contains a negative quantity and, thus, is equal to zero by
the singularity function definition suggests that 𝐶2 = 0 .
24(0)3 216(0)2 4(0−6)4
6
− 2 − 24 + 𝐶1 (0) + 𝐶2 = 0 𝐶2 = 0

To find the elastic curve of the beam, substitute the values for 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 into equation 4, as follows:

𝐸𝐼 [ 6 ]
1 24(𝑥)3 216(𝑥)2 4(𝑥 − 6)4
𝑦= − − (7.4.6)
2 24

Similarly, to find the expression for the slope, substitute the values for 𝐶1 into equation 3, as follows:

( 𝑑𝑥 ) 𝐶 [ 2 ]
𝑑𝑦 1 24(12)2 4(12−6)3
= 𝜃C = 𝐸𝐼
− 216(12) − 6
= − 1008
𝐸𝐼
1008
𝐸𝐼

[ 6 ]
1 24(12)3 216(12)2 4(12−6)4 −8856
𝑦𝐶 = 𝐸𝐼 − 2 − 24 = 𝐸𝐼

Example 7.6

A beam with an overhang is subjected to a combined loading, as shown in Figure 7.7a. Using the method of the singularity function, determine the slope at
support 𝐴 and the deflection at 𝐵 .

𝐹 𝑖𝑔. 7.7. Beam with overhang.

Solution

Support reactions. To determine the reaction at support 𝐴 of the beam, apply the equations of equilibrium, as follows:

+ ↶ ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0
−40 − 120(4)(6) − 50(11) + 8𝐷𝑦 = 0
𝐷𝑦 = 433.75kN 𝐷𝑦 = 433.75kN ↑
+ ↑ ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝐴𝑦 + 433.75 − 120(4) − 50 = 0
𝐴𝑦 = 96.25kN 𝐴𝑦 = 96.25kN ↑
+ → ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝐴 𝑥 = 0 𝐴𝑥 = 0
Bending moment. By replacing the given distributed load by two equivalent open-ended loadings and modifying the moment term, as shown in Figure 7.7b, the
bending moment at a section located at a distance 𝑥 from the left support 𝐴 can be expressed as follows:

120(𝑥 − 4)2
0 120(𝑥 − 8)2
𝑀 = 96.25𝑥 + 40⟨𝑥 − 2⟩ − + + 433.75⟨𝑥 − 8⟩ (7.4.7)
2 2
Equation of the elastic curve. Substituting for 𝑀(𝑥) from equation 1 into equation 7.12 suggests the following:

𝑑2 𝑦 0 120(𝑥 − 4)2 120⟨𝑥 − 8⟩2

𝐸𝐼 2 = 𝑀 = 96.25𝑥 + 40⟨𝑥 − 2⟩ − + + 433.75⟨𝑥 − 8⟩ (7.4.8)
𝑑𝑥 2 2
Integrating equation 2 twice suggests the following:

𝑑𝑦 96.25𝑥 2 1 120(𝑥 − 4)3 120(𝑥 − 8)3 433.75(𝑥 − 8)2

𝐸𝐼 = + 40⟨𝑥 − 2⟩ − + + + 𝐶1 (7.4.9)
𝑑𝑥 2 3×2 3×2 2
96.25𝑥 3 40(𝑥 − 2)2 120⟨𝑥 − 4⟩4 120⟨𝑥 − 8⟩4 433.75⟨𝑥 − 8⟩3
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = + − + + + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2 (7.4.10)
3×2 2 4×3×2 4×3×2 3×2
Boundary conditions and computation of constants of integration. Applying the boundary conditions [𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0] to equation 4 and noting that each bracket
contains a negative quantity and, thus, is equal to zero by the singularity definition suggests that 𝐶2 = 0 .

0 = 0 + 0 − 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 𝐶2

𝐶2 = 0

Again, applying the boundary conditions [𝑥 = 8𝑚, 𝑦 = 0] to equation 4 and noting that each bracket contains a positive quantity suggests that the value of the
constant 𝐶1 is as follows:
96.25(8)3 40⟨8−2⟩2 120⟨8−4⟩4 120⟨8−8⟩4 433.75⟨8−8⟩3
0= 3×2 + 2 − 4×3×2 + 4×3×2 + 3×2 + 8𝐶1
𝐶1 = −956.67
Substituting the values for 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 into equation 4 suggests that the expression for the elastic curve of the beam is as follows:

{ 3×2 − 956.67𝑥}
1 96.25𝑥3 40⟨𝑥−2⟩2 120⟨𝑥−4⟩4 120⟨𝑥−8⟩4 433.75⟨𝑥−8⟩3
𝑦= 𝐸𝐼 + 2 − 4×3×2 + 4×3×2 + 3×2

Similarly, substituting the values for 𝐶1 into equation 3 suggests that the expression for the slope is as follows:

{ 2 − 956.67}
𝑑𝑦 1 96.25𝑥2 120⟨𝑥−4⟩3 120⟨𝑥−8⟩3 433.75⟨𝑥−8⟩2
𝑑𝑥 = 𝐸𝐼 + 40⟨𝑥 − 2⟩1 − 3×2 + 3×2 + 2

𝑑𝑦
The slope at 𝐴 , i.e., 𝑑𝑥 at 𝑥 = 0

( 𝑑𝑥 ) A
𝑑𝑦
= 𝜃A = − 956.67
𝐸𝐼

The deflection at 𝑥 = 2 m from support 𝐴

{ 6 + 0 − 0 + 0 + 0 − 956.67(2)}
1 96.25(2)3
𝑦𝑥 = 2 m = 𝐸𝐼

y𝑥 = 2 m = − 1785
EI
1785
𝐸𝐼 ↓

This page titled 7.4: Deflection by Method of Singularity Function is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by René
Alderliesten (TU Delft Open) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon
request.

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