How does the principle of virtual work apply to solving statics problems?

AI Thread Summary
The principle of virtual work is a method used to solve statics problems by analyzing forces and displacements in a static system. It states that when a system undergoes a virtual displacement, the total work done by all acting forces must equal zero. This principle is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional methods may be cumbersome. Understanding this concept often requires a deeper study, typically through textbooks, as it cannot be easily summarized. Mastery of virtual work is essential for effectively solving complex statics problems.
chandran
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what is the principle of virtual work. In what circumstances this can be used to
solve statics problems?
 
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That looks an awful lot like a homework problem a teacher would give in the hopes that you would simply read the textbook.
 
This isn't really something that can be explained easily in a few sentences. But you use virtual work to find forces, and virtual forces to find displacements. You really need a textbook to learn this. Essentially though, if we allow a static system to undergoe a virtual displacement, the work done by all the forces acting on the system must equal zero.
 
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