Application of McCaulay’s method to solutions of problems in multi-section booms

Abstract

In computing the bending moment and stresses in a multisection cargo boom for the purposes of picking scantlings, all of the factors contributing to the deflection of the boom are readily computed except for the deflection of the boom due to its own weight. The deadweight deflection of the boom is normally computed by means of the semi graphical conjugate beam or area moment methods. Such a solution may take several hours. This paper develops equations by which deflections of two and three section cargo booms may be computed in a much shorter time. The paper also illustrates the use of McCaulay’s Method which is a useful tool in solving problems of this type and which is not commonly known to most engineers.