Determine the reactions at "A" and "B"

  • Thread starter Thread starter sumofmoments=0
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Reactions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the reactions at supports "A" (a moving support) and "B" (a fixed support) in a mechanical system. The key steps include calculating moments due to loads, applying Newton's laws to sum forces in the y-direction, and summing moments in the z-direction. The methodology emphasizes resolving forces into components and balancing vertical forces to find the reactions at both supports effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of moment calculations and force resolution
  • Basic skills in mechanical engineering mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in mechanical systems
  • Learn how to calculate moments and forces in 2D systems
  • Explore the application of Newton's laws in engineering mechanics
  • Practice resolving forces into components for angled loads
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, engineering students, and anyone involved in structural analysis or statics will benefit from this discussion.

sumofmoments=0
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
i am having problems figuring out how to resolve the moments can someone help me please

Determine the reactions at "A" and "B"

A is a moving support
B is a fixed support

please check attached file for problem
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
Got your Private Message. :wink:

sumofmoments=0 said:
i am having problems figuring out how to resolve the moments can someone help me please

OK, I need to see what you've done on this (that's our policy). It's not a difficult problem, so don't be afraid of it. Take the following steps:

1. Calculate the moments due to the loads shown. The standard convention is that counterclockwise moments are in the positive direction, and that clockwise moments are in the negative direction.

So think physically: In which direction will each load tend to rotate the lever about the fulcrum? CW or CCW?

2. Determine the reactions with Newton's laws. Sum the forces in the y-direction, and sum the moments in the z-direction. Include unknown reaction forces, and set the sums equal to zero. Then solve for the unknowns.
 
If a force is acting upwards or downwards from the point at which you are resolving, it is the horizontal (do not include vertical) distance to the force (so the point to measure to would be exactly above or below the force). multiplied by the force.
Similarly, if a force is acting horizontally from the point at which you are resolving it is the vertical distance multiplied by the force magnitude.

If the force is acting at an angle you can resolve everything into x and y components, to make it much easier to calculate.
For example: For a 10N force acting at 23 degrees, the horizontal force is 10cos23, while the vertical force is 10sin23. From my memory though this doesn't seem to be a problem in your question.

-For the reaction at B you don't need moments, the forces acting vertically are in balance. From this you can calculate B.
-For the reaction at A, perhaps it would make it simpler for you to understand if you removed 'A' and replaced it with a horizontal force (the reaction force at A) which you can then calculate. Also, add in the calculated force at B.
-Then choose a convenient position to resolve moments at. Somewhere where the force at A is not canceled out perhaps?

Then take moments,
Clockwise = anticlockwise.

Have a go =).
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
832
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K