A simply supported beam is a type of beam that is supported on both ends, but is free to rotate at each support. This means that the beam is able to bend and flex in response to the loads it is carrying. In contrast, a fixed beam is a type of beam that is supported on both ends but is fixed at each support, meaning that rotation is prevented. This makes the fixed beam much stiffer than the simply supported beam, and it is better able to resist bending and flexing under load.
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