Forces in truss members greater than applied force?

AI Thread Summary
In truss structures, individual member forces can exceed the applied loads due to the geometry and direction of the forces involved. This phenomenon occurs because members must provide sufficient force components to balance external loads, especially when forces are not aligned vertically or horizontally. For example, in a simple hanger scenario, the tension force must be greater than the weight to create an equivalent vertical component. This relationship is a fundamental aspect of structural analysis and mechanics. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurate calculations in engineering applications.
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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