Mechanical Engineering Science 3

Handed out: Week 1

TUTORIAL 1 - Bending moment diagrams

(and shear force diagrams)

Each of the beams shown below has a constant cross-section, and the weight
of the beam itself can be ignored (i.e. its small with respect to the size of the
applied loads).

For each question, determine an expression for the bending moment in the
beam as a function of x (the distance along the beam from the left-hand end).
You will need a free body diagram and a new expression for each section of
the beam (i.e. where there is a change in loading).

Use your expressions to sketch the bending moment diagram for the beam
(i.e. you DO NOT need to use graph paper). Mark important values on the
graph, including labels for the axes, the values of bending moment at the
supports, beam ends and at the discontinuities in the beam loading.

Finally, for each section of the beam, demonstrate that Q = dM/dx. Sketch the
shear force diagram if youre feeling enthusiastic!

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TOPIC 2

1)
UDL of 5 kN/m

4m

2) UDL of 5kN/m
6kN

x
4m
8m

3)
5kN 5kN

x
1m 2m

5m

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TOPIC 3

4) For this beam, find the location of the point(s) of contraflexure

(where the bending moment is zero and changes sign).

5kN 5kN
UDL of 5kN/m

2m 2m
10m
x

[x=2.76 and 7.23m]

5) 30kN 50kN
W
3m 2m 4m

6)
10kN/m 20kN 30kN

3m 2m 3m 1m

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