Finding shear and moment diagrams for a simply supported beam.

[haleystew]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/hstew/Untitled.jpg

2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

I know how to work shear and moment diagram problems, but I am a little confused as to how to start this one. Does it matter that the force is hanging off the bracket? Can I just continue as if the force was acting directly on the beam, or is there something else I need to do. I know if the force was acting directly on the beam, the support reactions would be P/2 at points A and C.

[Mapes]

Hi haleystew, welcome to PF. To get correct shear and bending moment diagrams, you need to know how load P acts at the arm's connection point with the beam (i.e., point B). This can be accomplished by replacing P with an equivalent load (e.g., force and moment if necessary) at point D, and then at point B. Know what I mean?