Moment Area Method

What is Moment Area Method?

The Moment area method for finding the slope and deflection of the beam is the most appropriate method for calculating the effect of branding over the beam. This method can be used for prismatic and non-prismatic beams, but the calculation of deflections by moment area method for non-prismatic beams gets easier hence it is preferred in this case.

In the moment area method, the area moment of the bending moment diagram about a particular point is utilized to calculate the slope and deflection. The moment area method can be used in the case of internal hinges or links because, in such cases, sudden changes in slope will occur. These limitations will be clear after understanding the moment area theorems.

Moment Area Method is Applied to Determine

The moment area method can be used for prismatic and non-prismatic beams. Due to its uses, it becomes more useful than other methods like the double integration method and Macaulay’s methods. The moment area method is applied to determine the slope and deflection of beams or frames. This method is proven easier than the other methods for complex problems.

The moment area method is also known as Mohr’s method. This method assumes that the slope of beams or frames varies continuously; it can’t b applied in case of a sudden change in slopes. This method is preferred for non-prismatic beams due to its advantages. This method becomes very difficult to find slope or deflection when the point of zero slopes in the beam or frame can not be easily found because this method gives the relative slope of a point to another.

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Moment Area Method Theorems

As we know, the moment area method applies to prismatic and non-prismatic beams. It is suitable when the point of zero slopes and zero deflection is known.

Thus, it is unsuitable when internal hinges are present because the internal hinge slope suddenly changes. This method is based on the two theorems described below.

Theorems of moment area method:

Theorem 1: Change in slope from any point x to B is equal to the Area of the M/EI diagram between x and B.

Mathematically,

θ_xB = θ_B – θ_x =Area of diagram between x and B

If the point of zero slopes is known (A), then the change in slope from A to B equals the Area of the M/EI diagram between A and B.

θ_AB = θ_B – θ_A = Area of M/EI diagram between A and B

But θ_A = 0, So

θ_B – 0 = -(1/2) L (PL/EI)

⇒ θ_B = – (PL²/2EI)

Theorem 2: The deflection of any point B, w.r.t tangent at any point x (δ_B/x) is equal to the moment of Area of M/EI diagram between x and B about B.

δ_B/x = moment of Area of M/EI diagram between x and B about B

δ_B/x = Ax¯

By the above diagram,

Total deflection of B = δ_B1+δ_B2+δ_B3

BB¹ = Δ_B = δ_x + θ_x L_xB + Ax¯

Moment Area Method for Slope and Deflection

In structural analysis, many methods are available to calculate the slope and deflection of beams or any other structural members. The use of all methods depends on the suitability of the methods and other conditions like loading, type of beams, etc. Different methods for finding the slope and deflection are mentioned below:

• Moment Area Method
• Double Integration Method
• Macaulay’s Method
• Strain Energy Method
• Conjugate Beam Method

The moment area method is based on the moment area theorems. This method is mainly used for non-prismatic beams but can also be used for prismatic beams. Here is a short comparison of other methods:

The Conjugate beam method is used in complex loading conditions; It converts the real beam into a conjugate beam by changing its supports such that the deflection and slope of the real beam are equal to the bending moment and shear force of the conjugate beam, respectively.

The double integration method is the general procedure of solving slope and deflection problems, and Macaulay’s method simplifies the double integration method.

And strain energy method for calculating the slope and deflections of the beams is based on the concept of strain energy; it uses Castigliano’s theorem for calculating these parameters.

Moment Area Method for Cantilever Beams

The moment area method is a method for finding the slope and deflection of a beam. This is more suitable in non-prismatic beams because, in the case of such beams, the flexural rigidity of the beam changes suddenly, and other methods become complicated. Still, slope and deflection by this method can be easily solved as this method requires a M/EI diagram. Because of this advantage of this method, it can be used for any type of beam or loading.

So, in the case of a cantilever beam, the slope and deflection equation depend on the type of loading over the beam. Only the way of calculating these parameters will depend on the type of method used. Finding the slope and deflection by moment area method for fixed beams gives an extra condition that the slope and deflection at the fixed support will be zero. This condition has some advantages in this method, like the slope of any in-between point of the beam can be calculated relative to the fixed support, and it is the same as the required slope; no extra calculation is required.

Moment Area Method Problem and Solutions

As we know, the moment area method is the method for finding the slope and deflections of a beam; it is mainly used for prismatic beams but can be us for non-prismatic beams. This method’s concept becomes clearer by solving a question based on this. Here such an example is given for the non-prismatic beams, which makes a better understanding of the related concepts.

Example: Using the area moment theorem, find the slope and deflection at the free end for the beam shown below:

Change in slope from A to B,

θ_AB = θ_B – θ_A = θ_B

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Important GATE Topics
Fixed Beams	Solid Mechanics
Moment Of Inertia	Proof Resilience
Modulus Of Rigidity	Mohr’s Circle
Castigliano’s Theorem	Betti’s Theorem
Statically Determinate	Statically Indeterminate