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C PlaneTrusses
C PlaneTrusses
2.92
tan
1
33.8
GF 0.646L T DF 0.601L T
GF sin 67.5 DF sin 42.1 L 0 [F
y
0]
GF cos 67.5 DF cos 42.1 0.1989L 0 [F
x
0]
tan
1
2R sin 22.5
2R cos 22.5 R
42.1
EF 0.1989L C EF DE cos 78.8 0 [F
x
0]
DE 1.020L T DE sin 78.8 L 0 [F
y
0]
Ar t i cl e 4/3 Met hod of J oi nt s 181
A
H
F
L
2R
R
L
O
E
D
C
B
G
= 22.5
11.25
11.25
L
Joint E
DE
OD = OE = 2R
EF
E
D
O
y
x
11.25
22.5 67.5
L
0.1989L
Joint F
DF
GF
OF = FE = R
2R
E F
D
O
22.5
47.9
Joint D
hor.
DE = 1.020L
DF = 0.601L
DG
CD
OG = CG = R
2R
D
C
G
O
22.5
Helpful Hint
Rather than calculate and use the
angle 78.8 in the force equa-
tions, we could have used the 11.25
angle directly.
CB
CL
L
KL
Helpful Hints
We note that analysis by the method
of joints would necessitate working
with eight joints in order to calcu-
late the three forces in question.
Thus, the method of sections offers a
considerable advantage in this case.
We could have started with mo-
ments about C or P just as well.
We could also have determined CL
by a force summation in either the
x- or y-direction.
L
F
EB
2
3F
EC
5
i
F
EB
2
3F
ED
5
j
4F
EC
5
4F
ED
5
k 0
Li
F
EB
2
(i j)
F
EC
5
(3i 4k)
F
ED
5
(3j 4k) 0
[F 0] L F
EB
F
EC
F
ED
0 or
F
EB
F
EB
2
(i j), F
EC
F
EC
5
(3i 4k), F
ED
F
ED
5
(3j 4k)
Ar t i cl e 4/5 Space Tr usses 199
x
y
A
E
C
D
L
B
2
1
4 m
3
m
4 m
3
z
3
m
x
y
A
E
F
ED
F
EC
F
EB
L
B
4 m
3
m
3
m
4 m
z
Helpful Hints
Suggestion: Draw a free-body dia-
gram of the truss as a whole and ver-
ify that the external forces acting on
the truss are A
x
Li, A
y
Lj, A
z
(4L/3)k, B
y
0, D
y
Lj, D
z
(4L/3)k.
With this assumption, a negative
numerical value for a force indicates
compression.
2
C
x
1
2
C
x
1
Helpful Hints
We see the frame corresponds to the
category illustrated in Fig. 4/14a.
Without this observation, the prob-
lem solution would be much longer,
because the three equilibrium equa-
tions for member BF would contain
four unknowns: B
x
, B
y
, E
x
, and E
y
.
Note that the direction of the line
joining the two points of force appli-
cation, and not the shape of the mem-
ber, determines the direction of the
forces acting on a two-force member.
c04.qxd 1/26/06 1:25 PM Page 206
Sample Problem 4/7
Neglect the weight of the frame and compute the forces acting on all of its
members.
Solution. We note rst that the frame is not a rigid unit when removed from
its supports since BDEF is a movable quadrilateral and not a rigid triangle. Con-
sequently the external reactions cannot be completely determined until the indi-
vidual members are analyzed. However, we can determine the vertical
components of the reactions at A and C from the free-body diagram of the frame
as a whole. Thus,
Ans.
Ans.
Next we dismember the frame and draw the free-body diagram of each part.
Since EF is a two-force member, the direction of the force at E on ED and at F on
AB is known. We assume that the 30-lb force is applied to the pin as a part of
member BC. There should be no difculty in assigning the correct directions for
forces E, F, D, and B
x
. The direction of B
y
, however, may not be assigned by inspec-
tion and therefore is arbitrarily shown as downward on AB and upward on BC.
Member ED. The two unknowns are easily obtained by
Ans.
Ans.
Member EF. Clearly F is equal and opposite to E with the magnitude of 50 lb.
Member AB. Since F is now known, we solve for B
x
, A
x
, and B
y
from
Ans.
Ans.
Ans.
The minus sign shows that we assigned B
y
in the wrong direction.
Member BC. The results for B
x
, B
y
, and D are now transferred to BC, and the
remaining unknown C
x
is found from
Ans.
We may apply the remaining two equilibrium equations as a check. Thus,
(30 15)(40) (20)(30) 0 [M
C
0]
100 (20) 100(4/5) 0 [F
y
0]
C
x
75 lb 30 100(3/5) 15 C
x
0 [F
x
0]
B
y
20 lb 50(4/5) 60 B
y
0 [F
y
0]
A
x
15 lb A
x
15 50(3/5) 0 [F
x
0]
B
x
15 lb 50(3/5)(20) B
x
(40) 0 [M
A
0]
D 100 lb D 50 50 0 [F 0]
E 50 lb 50(12) 12E 0 [M
D
0]
C
y
100 lb C
y
50(4/5) 60 0 [F
y
0]
A
y
60 lb 50(12) 30(40) 30A
y
0 [M
C
0]
Ar t i cl e 4/6 Fr ames and Machi nes 207
20
12
30 lb
C A
E
F
B
D
50 lb
12 20
30
30 lb
3
4
50 lb
x
y
A
x
C
x
A
y
C
y
3
3
3
4
4
4
x
y
C
x
F
F
A
x
B
y
B
x
B
x
B
y
A
y
= 60 lb C
y
= 100 lb
30 lb
D
D
E
E
50 lb
Helpful Hints
We see that this frame corresponds to
the category illustrated in Fig. 4/14b.
The directions of A
x
and C
x
are not
obvious initially and can be assigned
arbitrarily to be corrected later if
necessary.
Alternatively the 30-lb force could
be applied to the pin considered a
part of BA, with a resulting change
in the reaction B
x
.
Alternatively we could have re-
turned to the free-body diagram of
the frame as a whole and found C
x
.
c04.qxd 1/26/06 1:25 PM Page 207
MECH 2110 - Statics & Dynamics
Chapter S4 Problem 23 Solution
Page 188, Engineering Mechanics - Statics, 4th Edition, Meriam and Kraige
Given: The truss shown below supporting a mass M equal to 500 kg.
Find: The force in each member of the truss.
0. Observations:
A. All connections between the members are pins. Each member is connected at two points. All
external loads are applied at connection points. The weights of the members are small compared to
the external loads. The system may be classifed as a truss. All members are two force members,
transmitting force along the line between the member connection points.
B. In order to determine the directions of all of the members (and hence all of the forces), we need to
determine the coordinates of each of the pins. Setting our origin at point A, X positive to the right, Y
positive upward, all coordinates in meters:
A (0,0)
B (0,(4
2
-2
2
)
1/2
) = (0, 12
1/2
)
C (2,12
1/2
+2)
D (2+12
1/2
,12
1/2
+2)
F (2,12
1/2
)
E (2+3
1/2
,12
1/2
+1) { midway between D and F, average of those two points)
G (X
G
, 12
1/2
) { where X
G
is some unspecied negative number. }
Chapter S4 Problem 23 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
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C. From the above coordinates we can determine the direction of each member (and hence each
force). This can be done by subtracting the coordinates of two points along the line of action of the
force and then evaluating the unit vector parallel to that direction.
X-Direction: BF, BG, and CD
Y-Direction: AB and CF
e
EF
and e
DE
= +- { 3
1/2
/2 i + 0.5 j } { 30 degree angle }
e
BC
= +- { 1/2
1/2
i + 1/2
1/2
j } { 45 degree angle }
e
AF
= +- { 0.5 i + 3
1/2
/2 j } { 60 degree angle }
e
CE
= +- { 3
1/2
/2 i - 0.5 j } { -30 degree angle }
D. We are asked to determine the force in each and every member of the truss. This will require the
consideration of several mechanical systems. One approach would be to successively consider
different connecting pins. If we can sequentially identify pins that are connected to no more than two
members transmitting loads that have not yet been determined, we can readily determine the forces in
those members (method of joints). In so doing, we must exploit the fact that the force transmitted by
a two force member is along the line between the two connection points. We must further exploit the
fact that the forces acting at the two ends of the member are oppositely directed. We can see that
considering the pins in the following sequence will enable us to determine the member forces as
follows:
Pin D (Members CD and DE)
Pin E (Members CE and EF)
Pin C (members CF and BC)
Pin F (Members BF and AF)
Pin B (Members BG and AF)
For convenience we will assume all members to be in tension. In this way any negative results will
indicate a member transmitting a compressive force.
1. Mechanical System - Successive consideration of 5 mechanical systems, beginning with pin D and
following sequentially with pins E, C, F and B (each considered individually). Note that the
mechanical system including pin D also includes the supported mass and the cable that connects pin D
to the mass. The other mechanical system include only the pins.
2. Free Body Diagram
The gure provides the free body diagrams of
the required ve mechanical systems. The
coordinate axes used are shown. Note that as
every member of a truss is a two force member,
each of the forces exerted by a truss member on
a pin, is parallel to the member. Further note
that the forces exerted by either end of a two
force member must be equal in magnitude and
opposite in direction. Both of these facts are
reected in the free body diagrams.
Additionally, all forces are shown pulling the
Chapter S4 Problem 23 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
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pins closer together. This reects an assumption
that each and every member of the truss is in
tension (being stretched) and is exerting a
resisting force pulling the attached pins toward
one another. This is convenient as a positive
result for any member force indicates tension,
while a negative result indicates compression in that member. This approach is reected in the signs
of the various terms appearing in the equilibrium equations for each of the pins. As noted above, by
sequentially considering pins D, E, C, F, and B, all member forces can be evaluated.
3. Equations
Note the use of the various unit vectors in expressing the force components. The force components
are obtained by multiplying the magnitude of the force by the corresponding component of the
associated unit vector. The choice of the positive or negative sign is made based upon the free body
diagrams of the pins.
Pin D:
S F
X
= -CD - 3
1/2
/2 DE = 0
S F
Y
= - 1/2 DE - M g = 0
Pin E
S F
X
= 3
1/2
/2 DE - 3
1/2
/2 EF - 3
1/2
/2 CE = 0
S F
Y
= 1/2 DE - 1/2 EF + 1/2 CE = 0
Pin C
S F
X
= CD + 3
1/2
/2 CE - 1/2
1/2
BC = 0
S F
Y
= -1/2 CE - CF - 1/2
1/2
BC = 0
Pin F
S F
X
= -BF + 3
1/2
/2 EF - 1/2 AF = 0
S F
Y
= CF + 1/2 EF - 3
1/2
/2 AF = 0
Pin B
S F
X
= BF - BG +1/2
1/2
BC = 0
S F
Y
= -AB + 1/2
1/2
BC = 0
4. Solve
From the Y equation for pin D:
DE = - 2 M g = - 2 * 500 kg 9.81 m/s
2
= -9810 N
DE = 9.81 kN compression
Chapter S4 Problem 23 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
3 of 5 10/8/08 8:52 PM
From the X equation for pin D:
CD = - 3
1/2
/2 DE = 8500 N
CD = 8.50 kN tension.
Multiplying the Y equation for pin E by the square root of 3, and then subtracting the X equation for
pin E from that result, we observe that all of the terms except the one involving CE vanish:
3
1/2
CE = 0
CE = 0
Using this result in the y equation for pin E:
EF = DE = -9810 N
EF = 9.81 kN compression
From the X equation for pin C:
BC = 2
1/2
CD + (3/2)
1/2
CE = 12010 N
BC = 12.01 kN tension
From the Y equation for pin C:
CF = -1/2 CE - 1/2
1/2
BC = -8500 N
CF = 8.50 kN compression
From the Y equation for pin F:
AF = 1/3
1/2
EF + 2/3
1/2
CF = -15470 N
AF = 15.47 kN compression
From the X equation for pin F:
BF = 3
1/2
/2 EF - 1/2 AF = -759 N
BF = 0.759 kN compression
From the X equation for pin B
BG = BF + 1/2
1/2
BC = 7740 N
BG = 7.74 kN tension
From the Y equation for pin B:
AB = 1/2
1/2
BC = 8500 N
AB = 8.50 kN tension
Results
DE = 9810 N compression
CD = 8.50 kN tension
CE = 0
EF = 9.81 kN compression
BC = 12.01 kN tension
CF = 8.50 kN compression
AF = 15.47 kN compression
Chapter S4 Problem 23 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
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BF = 0.759 kN compression
BG = 7.74 kN tension
AB = 8.50 kN tension
Chapter S4 Problem 23 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
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MECH 2110 - Statics & Dynamics
Chapter S4 Problem 35 Solution
Page 196, Engineering Mechanics - Statics, 4th Edition, Meriam and Kraige
Given: Given the truss shown below supporting the load P of magnitude 8 kN.
Find: The force in members DE and DL
0. Observations:
A. All connections between the members are pins. Each member is connected at two points. All
external loads are applied at connection points. The weights of the members are small compared to
the external loads. The system may be classifed as a truss. All members are two force members,
transmitting force along the line between the member connection points.
B. As we are only interested in the forces in two of the many members in the truss, the method of
sections appears attractive.
C. The only force we know is the applied load P. The two forces we want to know act in members
near the upper left corner of the truss. If we consider the mechanical system to be that part of the
truss to the right of a section that passes through members DE, DL, CL, and LM; said mechanical
system will be acted upon by the known force and both of the two forces of interest. The drawback is
that four unknown forces will act on this mechanical system and we will only be able to write three
independent equations (2 force and 1 moment). We will not be able to solve for all 4 unknown
forces. However, three of the four unknown forces (DL, CL, and LM) all act through the point L. By
summing moments about L, we should be able to generate a single equation involving only one
Chapter S4 Problem 35 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
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unknown, DE. As this is one of the unknowns of interest, this is very promising.
D. If we can determine the force in member DE, we can then next consider a mechanical system
consisting of pin D. The forces from members DE, DL, and CD act on this pin. Only two of these
members exert force components in the horizontal direction, DE and DL. The sum of the forces in the
X will involve only these two member forces. As we will have already determined the force in
member DE, we should be able to determine the second force of interest, the force in member DL.
E. As each of the member forces is parallel to the associated member, the geometry of the truss is of
some interest. The left part of the truss consists of three square sections stacked one on top of
another. Each of these square sections has a vertical span, h, of 2 m. Each square has a horizontal
span, w, also equal to 2 m. The truss includes members for each edge of each of these squares and for
one diagonal of each of the squares. These diagonal members run from lower right to upper left. As
diagonals of squares, they make an angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal. The overhanging (right
portion) of the truss is of a slightly more complex geometry. This portion also includes three
sections. Each section is a quadilateral, with truss members on each side and along one diagonal.
Again the diagonal member runs from lower right to upper left. Two sides of each quadrilateral are
vertical. These vertical sides are seperated by identical distances. The horizontal span of each section
is the same as that for the squares, w. The upper and lower sides of these sections each form straight
lines. These two lines converge in a symmetrical way from an initial separation of h (2 m) where they
join the left part of the truss, to a separation of h/2 (1 m) at the end of the third overhanging section
where the load is supported. These characteristics could be used to determine the coordinates of each
connection point. From those coordinates the direction of each member could be established.
However, based upon our choice of mechanical systems, the only attribute of interest will be the total
horizontal span of these three sections. This horizontal span (3 h) is equal to the perpendicular
distance from the proposed moment point, L, to the applied vertical load, P.
1. Mechanical System - Two mechanical systems will be considered (as discussed above). We will
rst consider that portion of the truss to the right of a section passing through members DE, DL, CL,
and LM. We will then consider a mechanical system consisting of pin D.
2. Free Body Diagram
The gure includes the
free body diagrams of both
mechanical systems. The
coordinate axes used are
shown. The right portion
of the gure includes all of
the truss to the right of a
section through members
DE, DL, CL, and LM.
The forces acting in each
of these members have
been assumed to be tensile
(stretching the members)
Chapter S4 Problem 35 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
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and are shown on the free body diagram. The applied load P is also shown. The left portion of the
gure includes a free body diagram of the pin D. Again all of the members have been presumed to be
in tension. The three member forces acting on the pin D, DE, DL, and CD, are all shown pulling the
pin D toward the member. The forces DE and DL appear in both free body diagrams, reecting the
nature of two force members and the law of action and reaction. Positive member force results will
indicate that the member is indeed experiencing tensile forces. A negative result will indicate that the
member is actually under compression.
3. Equations
Section System:
S M
L
= -3 w P + h DE = 0 { The applied load is vertical. The horizontal (perpendicular) distance
from the moment point L to the load is three times the horizontal span, w, of the truss members. The
rotational tendency about point L produced by the applied load is clockwise or negative, The force in
member DE is horizontal. The vertical (perpendicular) distance from the moment point L to the force
in member DE is equal to the vertical span, h, of one of the truss members.
Pin D System:
S F
X
= DE + 1/2
1/2
DL = 0 { Exploiting the direction of DL as a diagonal of a square, its
component in the X direction must be equal to the cosine of 45 degrees (1/2
1/2
) multiplied by its
overall magnitude. }
4. Solve
Solving the moment equation for DE:
DE = 3 (w/h) P
= 3 (2 m/2 m) 8 kN
= 24 kN
DE = 24 kN tension
Solving the force equation:
DL = -2
1/2
DE = -33.94 kN
DL = 33.9 kN compression
Results
DE = 24 kN tension
DL = 33.9 kN compression
Chapter S4 Problem 35 Solution le:///Users/Documents/08_Fall_Statics/NELS_mech2110/p_...
3 of 3 10/8/08 8:55 PM