A beam supporting a uniform load of intensity q throughout its length rests on pistons at points A, C and B (see figure). The cylinders are filled with oil and are connected by a tube so that the oil pressure on each piston is the same. The pistons at A and B have diameter d1, and the pistons at Chas diameter d2.
(a) Determine the ratio of d2 to d1 so that the largest bending moment in the beam is as small as possible.
(b) Under these optimum conditions, what is the largest bending moment Mmax in the beam?
(c) What is the difference in elevation between point C and the end supports?

Transcribed Image Text:

p d