Castigliano’s 2nd Theorem

• Energy method derived by Italian engineer

Alberto Castigliano in 1879.
• Allows the computation of a defection at
any point in a structure
• Previously, we have shown how to use
energy methods to compute deflection only
at the point where real external force did
work.
Derivation
F1
Fn Consider a solid object acted upon by n
forces, Fi=1 to n, as shown in the figure.
F3 F2

• Let the body be linear elastic; and let i be

the component of deflection in the direction
of the ith force, Fi.
• The total work done is then:
U =½F11+ ½F22 ½F33+…. ½Fnn
Increase force Fn by an amount dF

• This changes the state of deformation and

increases the total strain energy slightly:
U
dU  dFn
Fn
• Hence, the total strain energy after the
increase in the nth force is:

U
U dFn
Fn
Now suppose, the order of this process is reversed;
• i.e., Apply a small force dFn to this same
body and observe a deformation dn; then
apply the forces, Fi=1 to n.
• As these forces are being applied, dFn goes
through displacement n.(Note dFnis
constant) and does work:
dU = dFnn
• Hence the total work done is:
U+ dFnn
The end results are equal

• Since the body is linear elastic, all work is

recoverable, and the two systems are
identical and contain the same stored
energy:
U
U dFn  U  dFn Δn
Fn
U
 Δn 
Fn
Castigliano’s Second Theorem
• The term “force” may be used in its most
fundamental sense and can refer for
example to a Moment, M, producing a
rotation, , in the body.
M
U
n 
M n 
Applications:
• Castigliano’s 2nd theorem can be used to
determine the deflections in structures (eg,
trusses, beams, frames, shells) and we are
not limited to applications in which only 1
external force or moment acts.
• Furthermore, we can determine the
deflection or rotation at any point, even
where no force or moment is applied
externally.
Try it:
The truss shown is subjected to a force F at point B; Use
Castigliano’s 2nd theorem to determine the vertical deflection
at point C.
OK!…
• There is no external force at C, but we can
determine the vertical displacement c, by
applying a vertical force, F’, at C and then apply
Castigliano's 2nd theorem, and then setting F’ =0 in
the resulting expression for the displacement.
Solve for internal forces:
Forces Lengthof
M embers
P1=-F L1=L0
P2= 2F L2= 2L0
P3=-F L3=L0
P4=-2(F+F’) L4=L0
P5= 2(F+F’) L5= 2L0
P6=F L6=L0
P7=0 L7=L0
Sum

7
Pi 2 Li
Internal Strain Energy U 
i 1 2 EA
Castigliano’s 2nd:
U
1
2 EA

F 2 L0  2 2 F 2 L0  F 2 L0   2 F  F ' L0  2 2  F  F ' L0  F 2 L0
2 2

ΔC 
U

1
F ' 2 EA

2 2 F  F ' L0  4 2  F  F ' L0 

Now, since there is no actual force, F’; set F’=0

C
ΔC 
1
2 EA

4 F  L0  4 2  F  L0 
c 

2 1  2 FL0 
EA
With Numbers…
A lightweight aluminum truss,
E=70000 MPa, has a height,
Lo=1m, and is made of tubular
c 
 
2 1  2 FL0
stock with a cross sectional area EA
of 250 mm2. Determine the
deflection at C when the load at
B, F=20kN.

c 
 
2 1  2 (20000)2000
70000(250)
 11 .03 mm

(Recall, B was 14.4 mm)