Can a shear force diagram be a function of applied load P?

[annas425]

…or must it be of displacement, x?

In a shear force, V (or bending moment, M) diagram, isn't it usually the shear force (or bending moment) plotted as a function of displacement, x?

When someone asks to "draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams as a function of the applied load P," I'm assuming that means to put V (or, in the case of moment, M) on the y-axis (dependent variable) and P on the x-axis (independent variable)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SteamKing]

Shear force and bending moment are plotted along the length of the beam. The shear force is determined by the loads applied to the beam and the location and nature of the beam supports. If the x-coordinate is measured along the length of the beam, then V and M are functions of x.

 

[annas425]

Shear force and bending moment are plotted along the length of the beam. The shear force is determined by the loads applied to the beam and the location and nature of the beam supports. If the x-coordinate is measured along the length of the beam, then V and M are functions of x.

Okay, so "shear force diagram" and "plot of shear force vs. load P" are not synonymous, correct??

 

[SteamKing]

I don't know what the phrase "plot of shear force vs. load P" even means. If you double the load P, then you'll double all of the shear forces in the beam.

 

[HalfLostAndSearching]

I can say that a shear force diagram can be a function of either applied load P or displacement x. A shear force diagram is a graphical representation of the shear force distribution along a beam or structural element, and it can be plotted as a function of either the applied load or the displacement. The choice of which variable to use on the x-axis is dependent on the specific problem or situation being analyzed.

In most cases, the shear force diagram is plotted as a function of displacement x because it provides a clearer understanding of the behavior of the structure under different loading conditions. This is because the displacement of a beam is directly related to the shear force and bending moment acting on it. However, in some cases, it may be more appropriate to plot the shear force diagram as a function of applied load P, especially when analyzing structures with varying loads or complex loading patterns.

Ultimately, the choice of which variable to use on the x-axis is determined by the engineer or scientist conducting the analysis and the specific requirements of the problem at hand. Both approaches are valid and can provide valuable insights into the behavior of a structure.