The loads on a simple beam consist of n equally spaced forces (see figure). The total applied load is P; therefore, each force is equal to Pin. The length of the beam is L; hence the spacing between loads is LI(n + 1).
(a) Derive general formulas for the maximum bending moment in the beam.
(b) From these formulas, determine the maximum bending moment for several successive values of n (n = 1,2,3,4, ... ).
(c) Compare these results with the maximum bending moment in the beam due to a uniformly distributed load of intensity q such that qL = P.
