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Deflection comparison: point load at midspan vs UDL (same total load) Beam A: simply supported, span L, central point load W. Beam B: simply supported, uniformly distributed load with total load W. Find δ<sub>A</sub>/δ<sub>B</sub>, the ratio of their maximum midspan deflections. Choose the correct value.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 8/5

Explanation:

Formulas
Point load at midspan: δ_max = W L³ / (48 E I)UDL of intensity w = W/L: δ_max = 5 w L⁴ / (384 E I) = 5 (W/L) L⁴ /(384 E I) = 5 W L³ /(384 E I)

Compute ratio
δ_A/δ_B = [W L³ /(48 E I)] / [5 W L³ /(384 E I)] = (1/48) ÷ (5/384) = 384/240 = 8/5.

Final Answer
8/5

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