High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Euler–Bernoulli beam theory (also known as engineer`s beam theory or classical beam theory) is a simplification of the linear theory of elasticity which provides a means of calculating the load-carrying and deflection characteristics of beams. It covers the case for small deflections of a beam which is subjected to lateral loads only. It is thus a special case of Timoshenko beam theory which accounts for shear deformation and is applicable for thick beams. It was first enunciated circa 1750, but was not applied on a large scale until the development of the Eiffel Tower and the Ferris wheel in the late 19th century. Following these successful demonstrations, it quickly became a cornerstone of engineering and an enabler of the Second Industrial Revolution.