Deflection Beam

The objective of part 1 was to gain experience with an analytical method of calculating deflection of an s-shaped structure (Castigliano’s Theorem) and a numerical method (SolidWorks Finite Element Analysis), and to compare and understand the differences between them.

The goal of part 2 was to design and fabricate my own beam shape that deflects as close to .3 inches as possible. I used Castigliano’s theorem to analytically calculate the deflection of the beam to ensure that the numerical simulation was working properly. I also aimed to minimize the material while ensuring that the beam would not yield.