Cantilever Beam Equation for Almost Arbitrary Deflections: Derivation and Worked Examples

Abstract: We derived a non-linear 4th-order ordinary differential equation the solutions of which lead to the exact shapes of the cantilever beam. The result of the equation in a non-dimensional form was found to depend on two parameters only: the angle of the beam at the fixed end, and the parameter encompassing the material characteristics and geometry of the beam. The parameter space was explored in detail and the results were used to suggest the areas in which they could be applied.