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Parabola - Beam problem
Last updated at May 29, 2023 by Teachoo
Example 18 A beam is supported at its ends by supports which are 12 metres apart. Since the load is concentrated at its centre, there is a deflection of 3 cm at the centre and the deflected beam is in the shape of a parabola. How far from the centre is the deflection 1 cm? Beam is always facing upwards with the axis vertical Since, the axis is positive y-axis, its equation is x2 = 4ay First we find coordinates of point B Given Width of beam = 12 m Hence, AB = 12 m So, BC = π΄π΅/2 = 12/2 = 6 m Also, there is a deflection of 3 cm from centre So, OC = BD = 3 cm OC = BD = 3 cm = 3/100 m Hence point B is B(6, π/πππ) Now, Since point B(6, 3/100) lies on the parabola Putting x = 6, y = 3/100 in equation x2 = 4ay (6)2 = 4a (3/100) 36 = (3π )/25 3/25 a = 36 a = (36 Γ 25)/3 a = 12 Γ 25 a = 300 m Now, we need to find how far from the centre is the deflection 1 cm Hence RQ = 1 cm, We need to find OP QP = 3 cm β 1 cm = 2cm = 2/100 m Let OP = x So, coordinates of point Q is Q (x, π/πππ) Since point Q lies on parabola it will satisfy the equation of parabola Equation of parabola is x2 = 4ay Putting x = x & y = 2/100 m & a = 300 m x2 = 4 (300) (2/100) x2 = 1200 Γ 2/100 x2 = 24 x = β24 = β(6 Γ4) = 2β6 π Thus, the required distance is 2βπ π