Numerical solutions of elastic beam bending problems based on Mathcad

A new way of solving numerical solutions of elastic beam bending problems with complex loading is presented in this paper.Expressions for internal load and deformation of the beam are formulated using singularity functions.With a combination of boundary and continuous conditions and the equations,some parameters and their curves such as support restraining forces,shear,moment,slope,and deflection at any assigned section can be obtained easily and accurately based on Mathcad.The method can be applied to statically determinate or indeterminate problems of beams with uniform or variable cross section,and it does not need programming.Also it provides a new way for strength and stiffness evaluation and optimum design of beams.