Help Needed! Struggling with Structural Analysis Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a structural analysis homework problem where the poster is struggling to calculate forces in a truss system. They detail their approach, starting with calculating the tension in member AB using moments and then attempting to find the force at point C and along member CD. Despite their calculations, they find discrepancies with the textbook answers, particularly for the force along CD, which is supposed to be 10.72kN at an angle of 21.8 degrees. The poster expresses uncertainty about following the correct analytical process, feeling that the problem is more complex than class examples suggested. They seek assistance to clarify their approach and resolve the discrepancies in their calculations.
paul11273
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This is a HW question, and I posted it in the HW section, but no one there seems interested. Perhaps somewhere here would be willing to lend a hand?
See the problem in the attachment.
I basically don't know if I am on the right track.

I started with part a) by trying to find the force (tension) pulling on member AB. I did this by calculating the moment about point D.
Md = 6kN * .3m = 1.8kNm (ccw)

I took this torque and used it to compute the x component of the tension at AB.
Md=Force*distance
Fab=Md / distance
Fab= 1.8kNm * .320m = 5.625kN to the left

Using this tension, I tried to find the x component of the force at point C by using the moment created at E by tension AB.
Me = .460m * 5.625kN = 2.59kNm (ccw)

Fcx = Me / distance
Fcx = 2.59kNm / .300m = 8.63kN

Finally, I try to compute the force along CD using the x component I just found (or think I found). I do this using the right triangle created between D, C and the horizontal from D. This gives me .4 along the horz, and .16 along the vertical. That gives a hypotenuse of 80*sqrt(29). Also, the angle created by DC with the horz is 21.8 degrees. By using similar triangles, I find the force along CD to be
Fcd=(80*sqrt(29)/400) * Fcx = 9.29kN

This answer is wrong. The book has 10.72kN at 21.8 degrees. Atleast I found the angle correctly. I am close, but not correct.
Also, I don't feel like I followed any process that we were given for the analysis of structures. Ofcourse, the class examples were painfully simple, and I left class with a great feeling that this was a piece of cake. This problem is changing my mind. Maybe this is simple too, but I am just not seeing it.

Thanks in advance.
 

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