Reactions and Deflections of a Cantilever Beam

Description

Calculate reactions and deflections of a cantilever beam subjected to an 8 lb force acting on the free end of the cantilever as shown in the figure below. The cantilever dimensions are: L = 10" and W = 4".

File Name

Browse to drive letter:\Users\Public\Public Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS version\samples\Simulation Examples\Verification\Static_7.SLDPRT and open the file.

Study Type

Static.

Mesh Type

Solid mesh and Beam mesh.

Shell Parameters

Shell thickness = 1 in - Thin formulation.

Meshing Parameters

Use a Global Size of 1 in for Shell mesh.

Material Properties

Modulus of elasticity = 3 X 107 psi, Poisson's ratio = 0.3.

Results

 

Theory

SOLIDWORKS Simulation

Shell Mesh

SOLIDWORKS Simulation

Beam Mesh
Maximum deflection at tip, in 2.667e-4 2.574e-4 2.667e-4
Total reaction force, lb 8 8 8

Analytical Solution

Deflection at tip: UY = (F*L3 ) / (3 * E * I )

where:
  • F: Load
  • L: Beam length
  • E: Modulus of Elasticity
  • I: Area moment of inertia