3.

3 (20 points) The members of the truss shown in the accompanying figure have a cross-
sectional area of 2.3 in2 and are made of aluminum (E = 10.0 × 106 lb/in2). Using direct method
(with the help of Excel or MatLab), determine the deflection of joint A, the stress in each
member, and the reaction forces. Verify your results.

3.6 (30 points) The members of the truss shown in the accompanying figure have a cross-
sectional area of 2 in2 and are made of structural steel (E = 30.0 × 106 lb/in2). Using direct
method (with the help of Excel or MatLab), determine the deflection of each joint, the stress in
each member, and the reaction forces. Verify your results.
Grading Rubric (total 50 points):

For getting the full credits for Assignment 3, here is a guideline for your reference, and at least you
should show the following contents in your homework solutions:

(1) A general element formulation in local coordinates and global coordinates; (10%)

(2) A table showing the elements, nodes, cross-sectional areas, lengths, modulus of elasticity, and
angle of the local x of the element to the global X, element's stiffness coefficient; (20%)

(3) An assembled global matrix equation; (10%)

(4) An assembled global matrix equation with applied boundary conditions; (10%)

(5) Solutions for the nodal displacements or deflections in global coordinates, such as U1X, UiY,
U2X, U2Y, U3X, U3Y,...; (10%)

(6) Any other derived results per requested from the problem, such as element stress (need local force
or displacement for calculation), reactions (in global), ... (10%)

(7) Checking the force equilibrium by checking the load and the reaction (measured in the global
coordinates) if they are at equal, referring to the concepts from the mechanics of materials or statics.
(10%)

(8) Homework report should be finished in an electronic format, showing solution procedure
details, and submitted through d2l dropbox. Any solution obtained by using software, such as
Excel or MatLab, should be attached as a soft copy. (20%)