Large Deflections of a Simply Supported Beam Subjected to Moment at One End

Abstract

The large deflections of a simply supported beam, one end of which is free to move horizontally while the other is subjected to a moment, are investigated by means of inextensional elastica theory. The linear theory is found to be valid for relatively large angles of rotation of the loaded end. The beam becomes transitionally unstable, however, at a critical value of the bending moment parameter MIL/EI equal to 5.284. If the angle of rotation is controlled, the beam is found to become unstable when the rotation is 222.65 deg.