AMS LECTURE-8

PRINCIPLE OF VIRTUAL WORK

If a system in equilibrium under a system of forces undergoes a deformation, the work

done by the external forces ( P ) equals the work done by the internal stresses due to
those forces, ( ).

Consider a structural system subjected to a set of forces ( P1, P2, P3,------- referred as P force)
under stable equilibrium condition as shown in Figure. Further, consider a small element within
the structural system and stresses on the surfaces caused by the P forces are shown in Figure
and referred as .

Let the body undergoes to a set of compatible virtual displacement . These displacements
are imaginary and fictitious as shown by dotted line. While the body is displaced, the real forces
acting on the body move through these displacements. These forces and virtual displacements
must satisfy the principle of conservation of energy i.e.

( )= ( )

Application of Principle of Virtual work:-

A. Truses or Structure
In order to use the above principle for practical applications, let interchange the role of
the forces and displacement.
Let the structure acted upon by a virtual force is subjected to real displacements then the
Equation can be written as:

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( )= ( )

This is the principle of complimentary virtual work and used for computing displacements.

Consider a structure shown in Figure and subjected to P force and it is required to find the
displacement of point C in the direction specified.
First apply a virtual force at C in the required direction.

Next apply the external (real) loads acting on the structures as shown in above Figure with the
virtual force remain in the position. The displacement of C in the required direction be and
the internal elements deform by an amount due to internal force N. Using above Equation
the external work done by the virtual force moving through the real displacements . On the
other hand, the internal work done by the virtual internal element forces N moving through the
displacement .

If virtual force =1 the corresponding internal force =

= = =

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Where Ni = internal force in the element due to actual external load

=internal displacement in the element due to actual external load =

ni = internal force in the element due to actual external load =

Q.1. Find the horizontal and vertical deflection at joint C of the pin-jointed frame shown in
Figure . AE is constant for all members.

Solution: Calculate forces i.e. force in various members of the truss due to the applied loading.
These can be obtained by considering the equilibrium of various joints as marked in Figure.

Axial Force in the member due to actual load

Axial Force in the member due to horizontal unit load

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Axial Force in the member due to vertical unit load

A. DETERMINATION OF HORIZONTAL DEFLECTION OF JOINT C

Sl no. Member Ni ni Li NiniLi
1 AB -P 0 L 0
2 BC 0 0 L 0
3 CD -P -1 L PL
4 DA 0 0 L 0
5 AC P

= +

+
=

B. DETERMINATION OF VERTICAL DEFLECTION OF JOINT C

Sl no. Member Ni ni Li NiniLi
1 AB -P 0 L 0
2 BC 0 0 L 0
3 CD -P -1 L PL
4 DA 0 0 L 0
5 AC P 0 0

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B. APPLICATION TO BEAM AND FRAME

In order to find out the vertical displacement of C of the beam shown in figure principle of virtual
work can be applied,

WHERE:-
=
=

Q. Determine the slope and deflection of point A of the cantilever beam AB with length L
and constant flexural rigidity EI.

Solution: Deflection under the Load

Consider any point X at a distance of x from A ,

Bending moment due to actual

loading =

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Apply a vertical unit load at point A of the beam as shown in Figure. Consider any point X at a
distance of x from A ,

Bending moment due to vertical

unit load = =

By applying principle of virtual work

= ( )( )

Slope at the free end:

Consider any point X at a distance of x from A ,

Bending moment due to actual

loading =

Apply a unit couple at point A of the beam as shown in Figure. Consider any point X at a
distance of x from A .

Bending moment due to vertical

unit load =

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By applying principle of virtual work

= ( )( )

= ( )

Q.3. Determine vertical deflection and rotation of point B of the beam shown in Figure.
The beam is subjected to a couple M0 at C .

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