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The previous two special cases can be proved by applying equilibrium on the forces.
How to solve truss problems:
•Draw the free body diagram.
•Calculate the external forces and support reactions.
•For the method of nodes:
•Choose a node whose number of unknown forces
doesn’t exceed two then study its equilibrium using
static equilibrium equations to determine these
forces: ∑Fx=0 & ∑Fy=0 & ∑M=0
•Go to the next node and study its equilibrium using
the evaluated forces from the previous node then go
to the next node and so on.
•For the method of sections:
•Take an imaginary section to cut the truss into two
pieces in condition that the number of unknown
forces doesn’t exceed three.
•Apply equilibrium equations on one piece of the
truss
∑Fx=0 & ∑Fy=0 & ∑M=0
•After determining all the forces, the positive forces
are tension and the minus forces are compression.
Example
•Determine the force in each member of the truss, and state if the
members are in tension or compression.
solution
First, we should calculate reactions at A and B:
∑MA =0
(By ) (2) + (900) (2) + (600) (4) = 0
... By = -2100 N = 2100N
∑Fy =0
A y - By = 0 Ay = B y
Ay = -2100N = 2100 N
∑Fx = 0
Ax – Bx + 900+ 600 = 0 Ax – Bx = -1500 ---------- (1)
Node A:
Ax = 0
F1 = 2100 N (Tension)
By substituting in eqn 1, we get:
Bx =1500 N
Node D:
F6 + 600 = 0 F6 = -1341.6 N
F6 = 1341.6 N (compression)
F2 - (1341.6) = 0
F2 = 1200 N (Tension)
Node c:
CE is a zero force member, so F3 = 0 and F6 = F5 = 1341.6 N (compression)
Node E:
F4 sin45 = -900
F4 = -1272.8 N = 1272.8 (compression)
: References
Engineering mechanics statics /1
by R. C. HIBBELER
Lecture notes annotated by /2
Dr . Mohamed tawfik
Cairo university
Assistant Professor
Giza, Al Jizah, Egypt