Beam-Bending-and-Deflection

Learn how to solve beam problems using the Symbolic Math Toolbox™.

Solid Mechanics: Beam Bending and Deflection

or

Curriculum Module

Created with R2022a. Compatible with R2022a and later releases.

Information

This curriculum module contains interactive MATLAB® live scripts that teach the fundamental concepts of Solid Mechanics.

Background

You can use these live scripts as demonstrations in lectures, class activities, or interactive assignments outside class. Mechanics of Materials covers topics such as beam bending and beam deflection and how to solve those problems analytically. In the first script, you'll learn how to solve for beam support reactions and moments. In the second script, you'll solve for beam deflections using symbolic integration and create plots of the results.

The instructions inside the live scripts will guide you through the exercises and activities. Get started with each live script by running it one section at a time. To stop running the script or a section midway (for example, when an animation is in progress), use the Stop button in the RUN section of the Live Editor tab in the MATLAB Toolstrip.

Contact Us

Solutions are available upon instructor request. Contact the MathWorks teaching resources team if you would like to request solutions, provide feedback, or if you have a question.

Prerequisites

This module assumes knowledge of basic solid mechanics theory and standard mechanical materials notation. There is some MATLAB knowledge required for these scripts, but you could use MATLAB Onramp as a resource to acquire familiarity with MATLAB syntax and live scripts. Throughout the module, there are short activities that introduce you to the Symbolic Math Toolbox™ capabilities.

Getting Started

Accessing the Module

On MATLAB Online:

Use the link to download the module. You will be prompted to log in or create a MathWorks account. The project will be loaded, and you will see an app with several navigation options to get you started.

On Desktop:

Download or clone this repository. Open MATLAB, navigate to the folder containing these scripts and double-click on MechanicsOfMaterials.prj. It will add the appropriate files to your MATLAB path and open an app that asks you where you would like to start.

Ensure you have all the required products (listed below) installed. If you need to include a product, add it using the Add-On Explorer. To install an add-on, go to the Home tab and select Add-Ons > Get Add-Ons.

Products

MATLAB is used throughout. Tools from the Symbolic Math Toolbox are used frequently as well.

Scripts

If you are viewing this in a version of MATLAB prior to R2023b, you can view the learning outcomes for each script here

BeamBending.mlx

	In this script, students will...	Academic disciplines
	• Solve for beam support reactions symbolically. • Solve for the moment function of a loaded beam. • Plot shear and moment diagrams. • Compute the bending stress in a loaded beam.	• Mechanical Engineering

BeamDeflection.mlx

	In this script, students will...	Academic disciplines
	• Solve boundary value problems using symbolic math. • Identify boundary conditions for different types of beam supports. • Solve for deflections of loaded beams. • Visualize beam deflections.	• Mechanical Engineering

License

The license for this module is available in the LICENSE.md.

Related Courseware Modules

Thermodynamics

	Available on: GitHub

Fluid Mechanics

	Available on: GitHub

Feel free to explore our other modular courseware content.

Educator Resources

• Educator Page

Contribute

Looking for more? Find an issue? Have a suggestion? Please contact the MathWorks teaching resources team. If you want to contribute directly to this project, you can find information about how to do so in the CONTRIBUTING.md page on GitHub.

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