
112 
Mechanics 
of 
Materials 
$5.8 
Again  working relative to the zero slope point at the centre 
C, 
1 
El 
slope at 
A 
= 
- 
[area of 
B.M. 
diagram between 
A 
and 
C 
(Fig. 5.23)] 
16EZ 
Deflection of 
A 
relative to 
C 
(= 
central deflection of 
C) 
1 
El 
= 
-[moment  of 
B.M. 
diagram between 
A 
and 
C 
about 
A] 
1LWL 
WL3 
= 
& 
[ 
(z;iq)( 
E)] 
= 
48EI 
5.8. 
Principle 
of 
superposition 
The general statement for the principle of superposition asserts that the resultant stress or 
strain in a system subjected to several forces is the algebraic sum of their effects when applied 
separately. The principle can be utilised, however, to determine the deflections of  beams 
subjected to complicated loading conditions which, in reality, are merely combinations of a 
number of simple systems. In addition to the simple standard cases introduced previously, 
numerous different loading conditions have been solved by various workers and their results 
may  be  found  in civil or  mechanical engineering handbooks 
or 
data sheets. Thus, the 
algebraic sum of the separate deflections caused by a convenient selection of standard loading 
cases will  produce the total deflection of the apparently complex case. 
It must be appreciated, however, that the principle of superposition is only valid whilst the 
beam  material remains elastic and for small beam  deflections. (Large deflections would 
produce unacceptable deviation of the lines of action of the loads relative to the beam axis.) 
5.9. 
Energy  method 
A 
further, alternative, procedure for calculating deflections 
of 
beams or structures is based 
upon the application 
of 
strain energy considerations. This is introduced in detail in Chapter 
11 
aild will  not be considered further here. 
5.10. 
Maxwell’s theorem 
of 
reciprocal displacements 
Consider a beam subjected to two loads 
WA 
and 
WB 
at points 
A 
and B respectively as 
shown in Fig. 5.24. Let 
WA 
be gradually applied first, producing a deflection 
a 
at 
A. 
Work done 
= 
3 
WAa 
When 
WB 
is applied 
it 
will produce a deflection 
b 
at Band an additional deflection 
6,, 
at 
A 
(the latter occurring in the presence of a now constant load 
WJ. 
Extra work done 
= 
3 
WB 
b 
+ 
WA 
dab 
.. 
total work done 
= 
f 
WA a 
+ 
3J 
WB 
b 
+ 
WA 
a,,