AMS LECTURE-13

Define and prove the Maxwells reciprocal theorem.

The Maxwells reciprocal theorem stated as The work done by the first system loads due to
displacements caused by a second system of loads equals the work done by the second system
of loads due to displacements caused by the first system of loads.

Maxwells theorem of reciprocal deflections has the following three versions:

1. The deflection at A due to force at B is equal to deflection at B due to force at A.

Fa AB = Fb BA

2. The slope at A due to couple at B is equal to the slope at B due to couple A

Ma AB = Mb BA

3. The slope at A due to unit load at B is equal to deflection at B due to unit couple.

AB = BC

Proof:

Consider first system of load:-

First load Fa applied at A and then the second load Fb placed gently at B and gradually
increased from zero to its end value as shown in figure:-

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AMS LECTURE-13

The resulting displacements of each load at the point of application of each load is denoted with
a double index. The first index refers to the location, the second index refers to the origin of the
load. A displacement uab is therefore a displacement at A due to a load at B.

Total work done by first system of load is:

1 1
= + +
2 2

Consider second system of load:-

First load Fb applied at B and then the second load Fa placed gently at A and gradually
increased from zero to its end value as shown in figure:-

Total work done by second system of load is:

1 1
= + +
2 2
In both the case the beam deflected through same manner, hence in both the cases the work-
done will be same.
=
=

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 AMS LECTURE-13

Q.1 Determine the deflection at free end of the cantilever(B) loaded as shown in figure.
P

L/2 L/2

B
A C

Solution :-

Let deflection at point B is " " due to actual load P at point C

CONSIDER FIRST SYSTEM OF LOAD: (let load P1 applied at B and produce a deflection
at point B and produce a deflection at point C respectively)

Calculate deflection at point C( ) (by unit load method )

Actual loading Unit load

Consider the section BC (0<x<L/2)

= =
Consider the section CA (L/2<x<L)
= = ( )

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AMS LECTURE-13

= +

= ( ) + ( )

= ( )

= +

CONSIDER SECOND SYSTEM OF LOAD: (let load P applied at C and produce a deflection
at point B and produce a deflection at point C respectively)

As per Maxwells theorem

Work done by First system of load (P1) due to deflection ( ) cause by Second system of
load P = Work done by Second system of load (P) due to deflection ( ) cause by First
system of load P1.

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 AMS LECTURE-13

Q.2. Determine the deflection at a distance 5m from point A of the loaded simply
supported beam as shown in figure. 50N

A C B
10m
20m
Solution :-
Let deflection at point D due to 50N load applied at C is

CONSIDER FIRST SYSTEM OF LOAD: (let load P applied at D and produce a deflection at
point C and produce a deflection at point D respectively)

Actual loading Unit load

Calculation of reactions at supports

= . & = . = . & = .
Consider the section AD (0<x<5)
= . = .
Consider the section DC (5<x<10)
= . ( ) = .
= . + = .

Consider the section CB (10<x<20)

= . ( ) = . ( )
= . + = . = . + = .

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AMS LECTURE-13

= + +

= ( . )( . ) + ( . )( . )

+ ( . )( . )

= . + . .

+ + .

. . . .
= + + +

= [ . + . + . ]

.
=

CONSIDER SECOND SYSTEM OF LOAD: (let load 50N applied at C and produce a deflection
at point D and produce a deflection at point C respectively)

As per Maxwells theorem

Work done by First system of load (P) due to deflection ( ) cause by Second system of
load 50N = Work done by Second system of load (50N) due to deflection ( ) cause by
First system of load P.

.
=

.
=

Dr. C. R. DEO Page 6