A horizontal beam of negligible weight and of length \(2 L\) is attached to a
hinge at \(x=0\) and is supported at \(x=L .\) A downward force \(F_{1}\) is applied
at \(x=L / 2\), causing a small upward deflection \(D_{2}\) at the end, \(x=2 L\).
The force \(F_{1}\) is removed and a downward force \(F_{2}^{\prime}\) is applied
at the end, \(x=2 L\), causing a small upward deflection \(D_{1}^{\prime}\) at
\(x=L / 2\). Show that
†The notation \(V_{1}\) for potential energy density must not be confused with
\(V\) for shearing force.
\(F_{1} / D_{2}=F_{2}^{\prime} / D_{1}^{\prime}\). Can you generalize this
special case into a theorem, known as the reciprocity theorem, which applies
to all linear elastic systems characterized by small strains?