Beam and Hinge Equilibrium Analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a beam and hinge system in equilibrium, specifically focusing on the forces acting on a beam that is hinged at a wall and supported by a cable. The problem involves calculating the tension in the cable, the forces on the hinge, and the angle of the reactant force, given the dimensions and weights involved.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of equilibrium equations to determine the tension in the cable and the forces on the hinge. There is discussion about the correct setup of moments and whether certain terms should be added or subtracted in the equations. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of the equations and the correct distances to use for calculating moments.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the setup of the equations and the calculations involved. Some participants provide guidance on how to approach the problem, particularly in relation to the moments about the point of suspension of the cable. There is an ongoing exploration of which equations to use for finding the forces on the hinge and the angle of the reactant force, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the distances used in the moment equations and the implications of the instructor's feedback. There is an acknowledgment of the need to ensure that all forces and distances are correctly accounted for in the analysis.

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1. Homework Statement

A 10 meter beam with a mass of 100 kg is hinged at the wall with a supporting cable at 6 meters from the hinge, making a 60 degree with the beam. There is a 50 kg person located at 9 meters from the hinge. Assuming equilibrium, what is the tension on the cable, the force on the hinge, and the angle of the reactant force.

2. Homework Equations

1. ΣFx = Rx - TcosΘ = 0

2. ΣFy = Ry + TsinΘ - Fobject - Fbeam = 0

3. TsinΘ(dcable) - Fbeam(dbeam) - Fobject(dobject)

*Use 10 m/s2 for the value of gravitational acceleration.

3. The Attempt at a Solution

Alright, so I just wanted to double check to see if I'm actually doing this correctly.

First I substitute into the third equation in order to find the cable tension.

Tsin60(10 m) - (1000 N)(5 m) - (500 N)(9 m) = 0
T = -3116.68 N

My first question is with that bolded segment: is it correct to have it subtracted if I'm looking for T? Should it be added instead since the direction is clockwise?

If that's right, then I need to find the force on the hinge, and here is where I really find trouble.

ΣFx = Rx - 3116.68cos60 = 0
Rx = 2968.36 N

Okay, that part was easy for me, but...

ΣFy = Ry + 3116.68sin60 - 1000 - 500 = 0
Ry = 1199.12

I asked my instructor about this, but he insists this is incorrect (which I'm sure it is). He is telling me to use

6F +1000(1) = 500(3)

I have only a vague understanding of what is involved in this equation. Could someone help me wrap my head around this a little better?
 
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Tsin60(10 m) - (1000 N)(5 m) - (500 N)(9 m) = 0

The cable is attached at 6m from the hinges. So check the equation again.

6F +1000(1) = 500(3)

With this equation you can find the force on hinges. Here the moments of couple are taken about the point of suspension of the cable to the beam.
 
Last edited:
Ah. Well, that was pretty careless of me. Thanks for that.

Okay, so...

Tsin60(6 m) - (1000 N)(5 m) - (500 N)(9 m) = 0
T=1828.28

I take it I would be correct with using subtraction in that equation then?

Rx - 1828.28cos60=0
Rx=914.14 N

However, I still would like confirmation on which equation to use if finding the force acting on the hinge.Sorry, just saw your edit.

Ah. That explains it so much better. So that will solve for the force on the hinges but will I still need to find Ry in order to find the angle of the reactant force?
 
Find F. Using F and Rx you can find angle of reactant force.
 

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