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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Applied Mechanics Statics (AMS 110S)

24
th
April 2009

Tutorial #2

Equilibrium and Structures

Total marks: 34

Note: This Tutorial is to be completed during the tutorial session of two hours,
and is to be submitted at the end of the tutorial session.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

Write neatly and legibly, as illegible work will not be considered for marks. If
you are of the opinion that insufficient information was provided to solve a specific
problem, make realistic assumptions, motivate these and continue solving the
problem based on your assumptions made.

Use F.B.Ds and illustrative diagrams wherever possible.

Clearly show the reference Cartesian axes system used for each question.

Pay attention to units and show the relevant unit in each calculated
answer.

No marks will be awarded for answers only. Calculations must contain a
minimum number of logically sequenced steps followed by an answer.

In cases where two or more different - and undeleted answers are given for the
same item, the right answer will not be considered for marks.

Use gravitational acceleration g =9.81m/s
2
.

Answer all questions.






- 2 -
Question 1 [3-D Equilibrium] Answer either 1(a) or 1(b).

1(a) Three students 1, 2 and 3 have been assigned to lift a circular ring of mass 100 kg
and diameter 5 m and they stand at the positions shown in Figure Q1a, where =
90; =120. Determine the weight carried by each of the students 1, 2 and 3.
By inspection, will student 2 carry more weight or less weight or same weight if
student 3 moves such that =150? (with students 1 and 2 remaining in their
current positions) [7+1].



Figure Q1a.
1(b) Determine the tension in cables AB, AC and AD for the loading in Figure Q1b [8].

Figure Q1b.


Question 2 [Structures Method of Joints].

Using the method joints, calculate the force in each member (tension or compression) of
the truss shown in Figure Q2 [7].
- 3 -

Figure Q2.

Question 3 [Structures Method of Sections].

Using the method sections, calculate the force in member HN (tension or compression)
of the truss shown in Figure Q3 [6].


Figure Q3.

Question 4 [Structures].

Using any method, calculate the force in member CF (tension or compression) of the
truss shown in Figure Q4 [7].

Figure Q4.





- 4 -
Question 5 [Machines and Frames].

The linkage of a braking system consists of pedal arm DAB, the connecting rod BC, the
hydraulic cylinder C (Figure Q5). A horizontal spring (not shown) is attached to pin B.
Given that =20; P =100 N; Q =300 N, determine the force in the spring [6].

Figure Q5.

-End-