A simply supported beam with width 'b' and depth 'd' carries a central load W and undergoes deflection $\delta$ at the centre. If the width and depth are interchanged, the deflection at the centre of the beam would attain the value :
- A. $(d/b) \delta$
- B. $(d/b)^2 \delta$
- C. $(d/b)^3 \delta$
- D. $(d/b)^{3/2} \delta$
Answer: B. $(d/b)^2 \delta$
Explanation: Deflection $\delta \propto 1/I \propto 1/bd³$. New $\delta' \propto 1/db³$. Ratio $\delta'/\delta = bd³ / db³ = d²/b²$.