RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

TROY, NY

ENGR-1100 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS

Fall 2009

EXAM No. 3

You have 110 minutes to answer all questions.

Please state clearly all assumptions made in order for full credit to be given.

NAME: ______________________________ Section: ___________

RIN: _______________________________

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Problem Points Score

1 25
2 25
3 25
4 25
Total
Problem #1 (25 %)

Given the following system of equations:

x – 2y + 3z = 7
2x + y + z = 4
-3x + 2y – 2z = -10

a) Write the above system of equations in the form AX = B, identifying each of the
matrices A, X and respectively B (3 points)
b) Determine the inverse of matrix A (i.e., determine A-1) (8 points)
c) Solve for the system of equations using X = A-1B (6 points)
d) Compute the determinant of matrix A using cofactor expansion along the second
row. (8 points)
Problem #2 (25%)

A bar is supported by a ball-and-socket joint A, located on the z-axis, at one end and by two
different cables BE and BD at the other end. The bar is subjected at midpoint to the vertical, 200-
N force shown.
a) Draw a clear and neat free body diagram (FBD) for the bar. This FBD must be a
figure that is separate from the figure given below (5 points)
b) Determine the magnitudes of the tensions TBE and TBD in the two cables in N (12
points)
c) Determine the reaction at support A in N. Express it in Cartesian vector form (8
points)
Note: Show all work and calculations

x
Problem #3 (25 %)

The truss shown is supported at A by a smooth pin and at G by a smooth roller.

a) Using the method of joints, determine the force in lb in members DE and EF and state
whether the members are in tension or compression (10 points)
b) Using the method of sections, determine the force in lb in members GF, GD, and CD
and state whether they are in tension or compression (13 points)
c) Determine any zero-force member you can find (2 points)
Note: You have to draw all needed FBD you are using in a) and b) to get full credit.
Problem #4 (25%)
The hoist ABCDEFG shown in the figure carries a 125-kg engine hanging from point G. Point G
is located directly above the support at A. The hydraulic cylinder H is closed and does not move.
There are frictionless, pinned connections at points B, C, D, E, F, and G; and the supports at A
and C are frictionless rollers.

(a) For the situation in which hydraulic cylinder H is closed and does not move, is this hoist
a Truss, a Frame, or a Machine? (Circle the Answer) (3 points)
(b) Draw Free Body Diagrams of: (i) the entire hoist, (ii) member GFE, and (iii) member
EDC (6 points)
(c) Determine the force in member FB in N and state if it is in compression or tension? (8
points)
(d) Determine the force in member BD in N and state if it is in compression or tension? (8
points)