Forces in truss members greater than applied force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon where forces in truss members can exceed the applied loads, particularly in the context of a simple hanger system. The vertical force T must be greater than the weight W to maintain equilibrium, as T's direction is not purely vertical. This principle is crucial for understanding force distribution in structural engineering applications involving trusses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic truss mechanics
  • Familiarity with equilibrium concepts in physics
  • Knowledge of strain gauge applications
  • Basic principles of vector forces
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  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in truss structures
  • Learn about the application of strain gauges in structural analysis
  • Explore vector decomposition of forces in engineering
  • Investigate the effects of load distribution in complex truss systems
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Structural engineers, civil engineering students, and anyone involved in analyzing or designing truss systems will benefit from this discussion.

sukibelle
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I've had to conduct an experiment with strain gauges attached to each member and when I've calculated the forces in the members I've come out with really large forces in comparison to the applied force.. how does this work out?
 
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Yes that quite often happens that individual member forces exceed applied loads in certain directions.


In fact if you think about it, it sometimes becomes inevitable.

Consider the simple hanger shown in the attachment.

T is the only vertical force supporting weight W. But T is not vertical so must be greater than W to exert a vertcal component equal to W.

go well
 

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Igetit! thanks for the amazing explanation :)
 

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