How Do You Solve for Force B in Rigid Body Equilibrium?

AI Thread Summary
To solve for force B in rigid body equilibrium, the correct units must be used, specifically pounds instead of pound-feet. The calculated force B is stated to be 2140 lb, but there is uncertainty regarding the handling of the incline and its perpendicularity to the point of contact. A key point raised is the neglect of torque from the horizontal component of force B, which is influenced by the beam's width. The width of the beam, while seemingly unimportant for vector components, is crucial for torque calculations. Properly accounting for these factors is essential for an accurate solution.
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Homework Statement

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/9317/inlinelt8.th.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution


Sorry, By and B should be in lbs, not lbft
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9320/pictarsp4.th.jpg

My work just shows how I attempted to find the force B. According to my book, the force B should be 2140 lb.

I'm really not sure if I handled the incline (force B) correctly. I know it's supposed to be perpendicular to the point of contact.

Does anyone see where I went wrong? As far as I can tell, the width of the beam (1.2ft) isn't important for finding any of the vector components.
 
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Looks like you neglected the torque due to the horizontal component of force B. (That's where the beam width will come in.)
 

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