Finding Reactionary Forces on a Beam with Distributed Load

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the reactionary forces at the supports of a beam subjected to a distributed load defined by the equation q=c*sine(n*pi*x/L). Participants emphasize the complexity introduced by the variable 'n', which can be odd or even, affecting the integration of the load distribution. It is suggested that when 'n' is greater than 1, the load curve crosses the x-axis, necessitating separate integrations over segments of the beam to determine the reaction forces accurately. The centroid of the load distribution must be calculated for each segment to find the resultant forces at the supports. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
koolsid
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Homework Statement



A simple beam is under a distributed load q=c*sine(n*pi*x/L)? if there are two pivots at the end points supporting it, what will be the reactionary force on each one of them?

Here, L is the length of the beam and x=0 is the leftmost point. 0\leqx\leqL

The figure looks like this.

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^......^

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I cannot figure out how to approach to this problem. can you please help me ?
 
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koolsid said:

Homework Statement



A simple beam is under a distributed load q=c*sine(n*pi*x/L)? if there are two pivots at the end points supporting it, what will be the reactionary force on each one of them?

Here, L is the length of the beam and x=0 is the leftmost point. 0\leqx\leqL

The figure looks like this.

___________________
^......^

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I cannot figure out how to approach to this problem. can you please help me ?
How's your calculus (better than mine, I hope)? Start by integrating the load distribution from 0 to L to solve for the total load, which acts at the centroid of the sinusoidal load distribution. Then what?
 
yes, but the problem is what to do with 'n'? it can change also...wat if n is odd and n is even?
 
koolsid said:
yes, but the problem is what to do with 'n'? it can change also...wat if n is odd and n is even?
Yes, good point, that n makes it more difficult. When n is an integer greater than 1, the distributed load curve crosses the x axis, so integrating the load curve from end to end will not help in determining the reactions. It looks like you have to perform separate integrations between n segments that are each (1/n)L in length, then place the load at the centroid of each section to get the end reactions. There's probably a formula to calculate this, but I don't know what it is.
 
When n is an integer greater than 1, the distributed load curve crosses the x-axis can u tell me in detail this point
 
koolsid said:
When n is an integer greater than 1, the distributed load curve crosses the x-axis can u tell me in detail this point
it crosses at q=0, that is, when sin(n)(pi)x/l = 0, which occurs at x=0, and l/2 when n=2, at x=0, l/3, and 2l/3 when x=3, and in general, at x=0, l/n, ...(n-1)l/n.
 
can u tell me where will be the centroid means how to calculate centroid for this case?
 
where is the centroid for this case?
 
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