• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2016

In this paper two procedures for determination of the elastic curve of the simply and multiple supported beams are developed. Determination of the elastic curve is complex as it requires to solve a strong nonlinear differential equation with given boundary conditions. For numerical solution the initial guess of the slope at the end of the beam is necessary. Two procedures for obtaining of the initial guess are developed: one, based on transformation of the supported beam into a clamped-free one, and second, on the linearization of the problem. Procedures are applied for calculating of elastic curve of a simply supported beam and a beam with three supports. Obtained results are compared. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed. It is proved that both suggested procedures give us technically accurate results.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.68 no.6
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• pp.713-720
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• 2018

In this paper a new numerical method to determine the elastic curve of the simply supported beams of variable cross-section is demonstrated. In general case it needs to solve linear or small nonlinear second order differential equations with prescribed boundary conditions. For numerical solution the initial values of the slope and the deflection of the end cross-section of the beam is necessary. For obtaining the initial values a lively procedure is developed: it is a special application of the shooting method because boundary value problems can be transformed into initial value problems. As a result of these transformations the initial values of the differential equations are obtained with high accuracy. Procedure is applied for calculating of elastic curve of a simply supported beam of variable cross-section. Results of these numerical procedures, analytical solution of the linearized version and finite element method are compared. It is proved that the suggested procedure yields technically accurate results.