Macaulay's Method for a Timoshenko Beam

Abstract

The Macaulay bracket notation is familiar to many engineers for the deflection analysis of a Euler–Bernoulli beam subject to multiple or discontinuous loads. An expression for the internal bending moment, and hence curvature, is valid at all locations along the beam, and the deflection curve can be calculated by integrating twice with respect to the axial coordinate. The notation obviates the need for matching of multiple constants of integration for the various sections of the beam. Here, the method is extended to a Timoshenko beam, which includes the additional deflection due to shear. This requires an additional expression for the shearing force, also valid at all locations along the beam.