Finding projected force along line

[Saladsamurai]

So I have found the unit vector u_{ab} now I am stuck as to what to do.

I need to find the projected component of the 80 N force along the line axis AB of the pipe.

I have the coordinates of B and A as well. But I am a little lost now.

Any hints are appreciated.

Thanks,
Casey

Also I am having trouble reading the diagram...I have A at r_A=6i+7j-2k meters...does that look right to you?

 

[Saladsamurai]

Would it be the dot product \vec{F}\cdot\vec{r}_{ab}?

 

[Saladsamurai]

Nobody?...

 

[Dick]

Ok, your diagram is really confusing, because it looks like the force is pointed along one of the isometric lines. The beginning point of the force is A, and the final point is 0i+0j-12k. Yes, dot product.

 

[rl.bhat]

If AD is the vector F, then CD = 0i + 0j - 12k and CA = 6i + 7j - 2k. the AD = -6i -7j -10k
Find unit vector along AD and force F in vector form. Then projection = F.rA

 

[Saladsamurai]

Ok, your diagram is really confusing, because it looks like the force is pointed along one of the isometric lines. The beginning point of the force is A, and the final point is 0i+0j-12k. Yes, dot product.

Dick! Thank you! I did not even see that! It DOES LOOK like it is parellel to the x-axis, but you are right, the tip lies at -12...damn. I'd been staring at that all night.

Thanks again,
Casey

 

[Saladsamurai]

So now if \vec{r}_{AD}=-6i-7j-10k then \vec{u}_{AD}=\frac{\vec{r}_{AD}}{|r|_{AD}}=-.441i-.515j-.735k so \vec{F}=-35.3i-41.2j-58.8k.

Now the component of \vec{F} projected on \vec{r}_{AB} should be equal to (\vec{F}\cdot\vec{u}_{AB})*\vec{u}_{AB}=

(a scalar)* a unit vector= a Vector?

I am just confused because I thought that components were not vectors.

Someone smack me,

 

[Dick]

Is this just a semantic question? If a vector is say, i+2j+3k, I don't see anything terribly wrong with saying either "the y component is 2" or "the y component is 2j". They both seem to convey the same information to me.

 

[TMM]

It seems to me that components have to be vectors, since they must add up to the vector itself.

 

[Dick]

It seems to me that components have to be vectors, since they must add up to the vector itself.

Sure. The given question could also be answered by just giving the magnitude of the "projection of the force". That's why I said "semantics".

 

[Saladsamurai]

Is this just a semantic question? If a vector is say, i+2j+3k, I don't see anything terribly wrong with saying either "the y component is 2" or "the y component is 2j". They both seem to convey the same information to me.

Right I realized this after some sleep.

But, my problem is mathematical. The answer says 31.1 N and I cannot for he life of me get that out of the numbers I have for F (above post) and \vec{u}_{AB}=\frac<br /> {-6i-3j+2k}{7}=-.857i-.429j+.288k

Well, my Professor verified my vectors are correct via e-mail...so I must be doing something wrong in the procedure.

 

[Saladsamurai]

arrrgghh...I'll go through it again and scan in my work. Maybe someone can spot it...

 

[Dick]

arrrgghh...I'll go through it again and scan in my work. Maybe someone can spot it...

Your u_AB looks correct. What do you get for u_DA? Because then you just want 80*u_AB.u_DA.

 

[Dick]

Ah, I see you've already posted that. So just do the calc. What do you get for u_AB.u_DA?

 

[Saladsamurai]

I think I got it. I did \vec{F}_{AD}\cdot\vec{u}_{AB}=30.97 N which is very close to the 31.1 N I am looking for. I am sure that is from round-off.

Dick, thank you. It's always a pleasure...at least for me!

 

[Dick]

You did a bad round off on the last component of u_AB. You're welcome!