Application of fourier series in Beam-Column Problems

In many engineering structures, it is desirable to design members that are

simultaneously subjected to beams and column. These are known as beam-column. if the
column loads are small, they will have little effect on bending stresses. If it has large column
loads then its bending moment in members will be greater than bending moments produced
by lateral loads only. Uses of fourier series in this application is to represent the deflection of
curves. It is believed that this method are simpler, quicker and more direct than other
methods used.

We used this sine trigonometric equation to solve the beam-column problems:

 E


Basic equation for the elastic beam-column is;

2
𝑑𝑦 𝑀
= (1)
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼

Where M is moment, x is measured from left support and y is from unloaded position
of the beam and is positive upwards. For beam problems where only lateral loads are
acting on the structure, the bending motion is a function of x only. This is when we use
fourier series to solve the problem. If 𝑀1 is taken s the bending moment due to lateral
load only then the total bending moment can be written as:

𝑀 = 𝑀1 − 𝑃𝑌1 (2)

Where P is the axial load compressive load acting on the span. Considering all the
loads and couples, Equation 1 then become:

2
𝑑𝑦 𝑃 𝑀1
+ 𝑦= (3)
𝑑𝑥 2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
 For purposes of analysis two separate types of beams are considered. The first is where
the stiffness of EI beam is constant between supports. Equation 3 then can be written in the
form:

𝑑2 𝑦
+ 𝐴𝑌 = 𝑓(𝑥) , where A is constant. (3a)
𝑑𝑥 2

The second type of beam is to consider is one in which the stiffness EI is not a constant.
Equation 3 then become

𝑑2 𝑦
+ 𝑓1 (𝑥 ) ∙ 𝑦 = 𝑓2 (𝑥) (3b)
𝑑𝑥 2

The basic fourier series for the deflection curve of the beam-column. It is represents by
a sine series form:

𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑎1 sin + 𝑎2 sin + ⋯ 𝑎𝑚 sin (4)
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙

Where the subscript m is used to denote the last term of series. In the most general, m = ∞.
The series may be written in the shorter form as:

𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓(𝑥 ) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑏𝑛 sin( ) (4a)
𝐿

Where n taken as integral values 1,2,3,4…m. if the coordinates of x and y are chosen as y=0,
at x=0 and x=l then series 4a satisfies these end condition of any values of coefficient 𝑎𝑚 . By
use of one series the entire deflection curve may be represented to any desired degree of
accuracy for the entire span under consideration, even though f(x) in equation 3a or 𝑓1 (𝑥) and
𝑓2 (𝑥) in are discontinuous function.

Differentiating equation 4a twice with respect of x gives:

𝑑2 𝑦 𝝅𝟐 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=− ∑𝒏=𝒎 𝟐
𝒏=𝟏 𝒏 𝒂𝒎 sin( ) (5)
𝑑𝑥 2 𝒍 𝟐
𝐿
Substituting the right hand sides of equation 5 and 4a in equations 3 gives:

𝝅𝟐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑃 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑀1
− ∑𝒏=𝒎 𝟐
𝒏=𝟏 𝒏 𝒂𝒎 sin ( ) + 𝐸𝐼 ∑𝒏=𝒎
𝒏=𝟏 𝒂𝒎 sin ( ) =
𝒍𝟐 𝑙 𝑙 𝐸𝐼

or

𝑷𝒍𝟐 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑀1 𝑙 2
∑𝒏=𝒎 𝟐
𝒏=𝟏 (𝒏 − )𝒂𝒎 sin ( )= (6)
𝝅𝟐 𝑬𝑰 𝑙 𝜋2 𝐸𝐼

When the coefficient of 𝑎𝑚 are obtained, the deflection curved may be found. If the lateral
bonding moment is known, the bending moment 𝑀 = 𝑀1 − 𝑃𝑌1 may then be found. The
determination of m is the basic problem under consideration. It is also practical interest to
determine the critical load, 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑐𝑟 , at which the column becomes elastically unstable. For
long columns this will determine the design loads that may be placed on structure.