Procedures for determination of elastic curve of simply and multiple supported beams

In this paper two procedures for determination of the elastic curve of the simply and multiple supported beams are developed. Determination of the elastic curve is complex as it requires to solve a strong nonlinear differential equation with given boundary conditions. For numerical solution the initial guess of the slope at the end of the beam is necessary. Two procedures for obtaining of the initial guess are developed: one, based on transformation of the supported beam into a clamped-free one, and second, on the linearization of the problem. Procedures are applied for calculating of elastic curve of a simply supported beam and a beam with three supports. Obtained results are compared. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed. It is proved that both suggested procedures give us technically accurate results.