Mechanics of Materials questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mechanics of materials problem involving deflection, support reactions, and tension in rods. Participants seek to understand how to apply relevant formulas and principles to solve the problem, which appears to be homework-related.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about applying the deflection formula PL/AE to their specific problem.
  • Another participant suggests starting by finding the reactions of the supports, but notes the presence of too many unknowns complicates this process.
  • Some participants propose using similar triangles to relate deflections and tensions, indicating that hinge forces do not do work.
  • There is a discussion about equating work done by the load to strain work done by tensions in the rods, although participants express uncertainty about how to proceed from this point.
  • One participant calculates a deflection value but remains unsure about how to find tensions T1 and T2.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of obtaining additional equations to solve for the unknowns, suggesting that the first equation provided should be solved first.
  • A later reply mentions the principles of superposition as a method used to find a solution, while another participant argues that their approach does not involve superposition but rather relies on geometric considerations and compatibility equations.
  • Compatibility equations are highlighted as being derived from geometric considerations and are deemed more generally applicable than superposition in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to solve the problem, with some advocating for superposition while others emphasize compatibility. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method to apply.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the number of equations available to solve for the unknowns, as well as the dependence on specific properties of the rods mentioned in the problem.

i-love-physics
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Hello Everyone

I have a mechanics of materials questions which I have been stuck on for hours, I just can't figure it out.

Attached is the questions.


I know the formula for deflection which is PL/ AE

but what do i do with that formula in this situation?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 

Attachments

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The first thing you need to do is find the reactions of the supports. How are you coming with that?
 
minger said:
The first thing you need to do is find the reactions of the supports. How are you coming with that?

The problem is that there are too many unknowns when I try and find the reactions.

For example

If I take moments at A = 0 Then Force CD is a unknown and Force EF is a unknown

IF i take moments at C = 0 Then force Ay is unknown and Force Ef is unknown

I am stuck :(
 
Do we really need the reaction at A?

In the diagram by similar triangles

[tex]\frac{{{\delta _2}}}{{{\delta _1}}}\quad = \quad ?[/tex]

This means

[tex]\frac{{{T_2}}}{{{T_1}}}\quad = \quad ?[/tex]

Since the hinge forces do not move they do no work

Equating work done by load to Strain work done by tensions in rods

[tex]L{\delta _3}\quad = \quad {T_1}{\delta _1}\quad + {\kern 1pt} \quad {T_2}{\delta _2}[/tex]

I have not done it for you but you should be able to figure it out from here.
 

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Last edited:
Studiot said:
Do we really need the reaction at A?

In the diagram by similar triangles

[tex]\frac{{{\delta _2}}}{{{\delta _1}}}\quad = \quad ?[/tex]

This means

[tex]\frac{{{T_2}}}{{{T_1}}}\quad = \quad ?[/tex]

Since the hinge forces do not move they do no work

Equating work done by load to Strain work done by tensions in rods

[tex]L{\delta _3}\quad = \quad {T_1}{\delta _1}\quad + {\kern 1pt} \quad {T_2}{\delta _2}[/tex]

I have not done it for you but you should be able to figure it out from here.

Thanks for the help

so pretty much s2/s1 = t2/t1 and L*s3 = t1*s1 + t2*s2

k so how do i figure out what s3 is??

as the formula for deflection is (T)(L) / (E)(A) for s3 what would the L be? and what would the e and a be?

I am still lost :(
 
L A and E are properties of the rods CD and EF. The question gives these (or enough to compute them anyway)
 
pongo38 said:
L A and E are properties of the rods CD and EF. The question gives these (or enough to compute them anyway)

ok so if s3 = (25000)*(1500) / (70000)*(490.87) then = 1.091 mm

so what do I do now to find t1 and t2?
 
You said earlier that there were too many unknowns, which implies that there were not enough equations.

I offered you some equations; you can get some more by the same methods.

What do you normally do with a bunch of equations?

Hint try solving the first one I gave you, you don't seem to have done that yet.
 
Studiot said:
You said earlier that there were too many unknowns, which implies that there were not enough equations.

I offered you some equations; you can get some more by the same methods.

What do you normally do with a bunch of equations?

Hint try solving the first one I gave you, you don't seem to have done that yet.

I found the answer to the questions.

I used principles of superposition. You could have told me to just read about principles of superposition but you probably had no clue yourself.

Thanks for trying though.
 
  • #10
The solution I offered you does not involve superposition.

By using the geometry of the situation, (similar triangles) you can obtain

[tex]{\delta _2}[/tex] and [tex]{\delta _3}[/tex] in terms of [tex]{\delta _1}[/tex]

Using the elastic relations (hookes law) you can obtain [tex]{T_2}[/tex] in terms of [tex]{T_1}[/tex]

Then you can substitute into my third equation which is a simple energy method.
You then have a single equation in terms of one unknown [tex]{T_1}[/tex].
The rest follows.


I'm glad you eventually found your own solution to what appears to be a homework question.
 
  • #11
Whilst superposition is an important idea, the one thing to take away form this is called compatibility.

Following equilibrium the next most important euqations in the armoury are the equations of compatibility.

These are derived from purely geometric considerations about the situation and are more gnerally and widely applicable than superposition.

In this particular example compatibility requires that the deflections are in the sameratio as the lengths along the beam.
 

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