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If a beam is subjected to Bending Moment 'M' as shown in Fig. Consider an element dx, the Strain Energy in the element is dU is,

Problem no 1
A simply supported beam of length l carries a concentrated load W at distances of 'a' and 'b' from the two ends. Find expressions for the total strain energy of the beam and the deflection under load.
Solution:
The integration for strain energy can only be applied over a length of beam for which a continuous expression for M can be obtained. This usually implies a separate integration for each section between two concentrated loads or reactions.
For the section AB, The bending moment M at distance 'x' from Point A is,

The Strain Energy in the section AB is,

![\therefore\;\;\;\;\;U_a\;=\;\frac{W^2\;b^2}{2\;l^2\;EI}\left[\frac{x^3}{3} \right]_0^a](http://www.codecogs.com/images/eqns/9dc4fbf2c82b4e19de5dd6c3527bf11a.gif)

Similarly by taking a variable X measured from C,The Strain Energy stored In the Section BC is

Total Strain Energy is,

For a Central Load,



But if
is the deflection under the load, the strain energy must be equal to the work done by the load if it is gradually applied.



For a Central Load,


Hence, the central deflection due to a point load applied at mid point of the beam is,

Note:
It should be noted that this method of finding deflection is limited to cases where only one concentrated load is applied ( i.e. doing work)and then only gives the deflection under the load A. For a more general application of strain energy to deflection we can use Castigliano's Theorems.
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