Statics: forces on a beam and reactions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a statics problem involving a horizontal beam with forces and pins at specified points. Participants express confusion over calculating the reaction forces at points A and C, particularly due to the y-component of the force at point D being aligned with these reactions. There is a debate about the correctness of the applied forces, especially the direction of the 90N force, which is initially misidentified. Ultimately, it is concluded that the beam cannot be in equilibrium as described, since the roller at point A cannot support vertical forces, leading to instability. The professor later confirmed that the problem was intentionally designed to be unsolvable.
laekoth
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Homework Statement


a horizontal beam has a pin at 0m(point A), a 90N (-90i) force at .2m(point B), a pin at .4m(point C) and a 180N (-127.3i + -127.3j)at (45 degrees) force at .6m(point D). the pin at point A is attached to a vertical wall with rollers, the pin at point C can't move. The beam is in equilibrium.


Homework Equations


sum of forces in the x direction = 0
sum of forces in the x direction = 0
Moment about any point = 0


The Attempt at a Solution


The part of the problem that stumps is is that the y component of the force at point D is inline with two reaction forces at point A and point C and I don't see how to solve for each one alone.

Also, if the Moment of A = 0, then -90(.2) + Rbx(.4) + -sin45(180)(.6) = 0 and forces in x = 0 so 90 + sin45(180) - Rbx = 0 yet these both give different answers, so I assume I have a concept error here somewhere.
 
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laekoth said:

Homework Statement


a horizontal beam has a pin at 0m(point A), a 90N (-90i) force at .2m(point B), a pin at .4m(point C) and a 180N (-127.3i + -127.3j)at (45 degrees) force at .6m(point D). the pin at point A is attached to a vertical wall with rollers, the pin at point C can't move. The beam is in equilibrium.
I assume that the pin at A is attached to the top of the wall with rollers, or else it would be unstable.

Homework Equations


sum of forces in the x direction = 0
sum of forces in the Y [/color]direction = 0
Moment about any point = 0
yes...

The Attempt at a Solution


The part of the problem that stumps is is that the y component of the force at point D is inline with two reaction forces at point A and point C and I don't see how to solve for each one alone.
use your 3rd relevant equation
Also, if the Moment of A = 0, then -90(.2) + Rbx(.4) + -sin45(180)(.6) = 0
This is not right, if you are summing moments about A, then you want to look at moments due to vertical forces, and you don't mean Rbx, you mean Rcy; and get rid of that -90(.2) term
and forces in x = 0 so 90 + sin45(180) - Rbx = 0 yet these both give different answers, so I assume I have a concept error here somewhere.
You mean Rcx here.
 
I had renamed the points to explain the question on here, and copied over my work incorrectly.

To clarify I attempted to draw the problem:
beam.jpg


From how I understand the problem these should be correct:

Moment at A: -F1(.2) + Rcy(.4) + -F2y(.6) = -90(.2) + Rcy(.4) + -sin45(180)(.6) = 0
I could use any point to compute the moment at, I just chose A. I don't see how i can get rid of the -90(.2) term, can you explain?

forces in y: -F1 + -F2y + Rcy = -90 + -sin45(180) + Rcy = 0
forces in x: Ra + Rcx - F2x = Rax + Rcx - cos45(180) = 0

Just looking at the problem, it doesn't look like it *can* be in equilibrium. The problem is basic, and I haven't had a difficulties with similar problems.
 
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In the OP, you noted that the force at B was -90i N. That is a horizontal 90 N force acting left. You have shown it as -90j N, as a vertical force acting down. Which one is it?

Then as I tried to explain, the beam cannot be in equilibrium as drawn and described, because the roller at A cannot take forces in the vertical direction, and thus, the beam wil rotate. The support at A must be on top of the wall, with no Ax reaction due to slippage in the x direction.
 
The drawing is correct, it's -90j.

If i could scan the picture, i would. I guess I'm not crazy thinking the beam can't be in equilibrium, it's good to have a second opinion on that.

Edit: professor confirmed the problem was intentionally unsolvable.
 
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