Constructing forces (mechanics)

[masterflex]

Homework Statement

I've attached a picture of my problem (with diagram): 4.70 .

"For the frame and loading show, determine the reactions at A and C."

From the diagram, you can see that the metal object is made up of 2 parts:
1) A to B
2) B to D

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

how do you arrive at the correct direction of the forces (ie: angle of the force; direction of its "application"). I have 2 interpretations and they will give different angles with which the force is applied (same magnitudes though). Which one is the correct interpretation? Because this is a statics problem (bodies at equilibrium), the sum of the forces = 0 (illustrated by the triangles).

How do you logically determine which interpretation (of force directions) is correct when you do these problems?

Thank you.

 

[AlephZero]

The simple minded thing to do is just assume there is a horizontal and vertical compoent of force at A B and C. There are no moments at A B or C because the joints are all pinned.

Then write the equations of equilibrium for each two components. There are 3 equations for each component, that's 6 equations for the 6 unknown forces.

If you want top do it by a "neater" method, start by looking at the equlilbrium of AB. Take moments about A (or B) and it should be clear what is the direction the forces at A and B.

Hint: one of the options you drew is right.

 

[Pyrrhus]

It is worth also mentioning, the member AB is the special case of a two forces body, and the member BCD of a 3 forces (no parallel) body of statics.

 

[masterflex]

Thanks guys. Even though something is pinned though, there can still be a moment of the reaction forces at that point. I have a test tomorrow so when I'm done with it (may take a day or 2 for me to get remotivated, but I'll post something that shows that). I'll also try your way to figure out the prob. Hopefully this won't be asked before I figure it out :)

I'm appending what I wrote: above... the moment of the forces where something in "pinned" = 0.