CHAPTER XVa. 

 GRAPHIC METHODS FOR CALCULATING THE DEFLECTION OF BEAMS. 



Introduction. Algebraic methods for calculating the deflection 

 of beams and the reactions of continuous beams are given in detail 

 in standard works on applied mechanics. The graphic methods are, 

 however, not given the attention that their elegance and simplicity 

 merit. The underlying principles of the graphic method will be de- 

 veloped and a few applications of the method will be given in the 



,^y 



FIG. i. 



following discussion. The discussion will be limited to beams with 

 a constant moment of inertia. 



Graphic Equation of the Elastic Curve. Load a simple beam 

 with a continuous load represented by the equation y = fx f as in (a) 



