Reaction at 4 Points in Rectangle with Force in x-Direction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the reaction forces at four points arranged in a rectangle, with a force applied in the x-direction. The context includes concepts from statics, particularly focusing on statically indeterminate structures and the implications of material properties on force distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about calculating the reaction forces at the corners of a rectangle under a force in the x-direction, suggesting that the problem may be statically indeterminate.
  • Another participant confirms that the scenario is indeed statically indeterminate and notes that additional information, such as the flexibility of the structure, is necessary to solve for the forces at each corner.
  • Questions arise about the nature of the additional information needed, specifically regarding how to quantify the "bendy-ness" of the structure.
  • There is a mention of the modulus of elasticity as a potential quantity related to the flexibility of the structure, along with a query about the use of tensors in solving the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the problem is statically indeterminate and that additional information is required to solve it. However, there is no consensus on the specifics of how to approach the problem or the role of tensors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for further definitions and assumptions regarding the material properties and structural behavior, particularly concerning flexibility and the application of tensors.

larocket83
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I'm pretty rusty on my statics. I'm wondering how I could determine the reaction at four points arranged in a rectangle, with a force acting in the x direction at a distance away from the plate I have shown in this graphic. I seem to remember the term statically indeterminate, I think this applies, but is there any way to figure out the forces that each of these corners see? (Assume the points are fixed to the floor.)

Thanks in advance.

x.png
 
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Hi larocket83! Welcome to PF! :smile:
larocket83 said:
… I seem to remember the term statically indeterminate, I think this applies, but is there any way to figure out the forces that each of these corners see? (Assume the points are fixed to the floor.)

You're right, it is statically indeterminate … you can calculate the forces for a table on three legs, but not on four legs (basically because if you take one leg away, the table will still stand up … or, mathematically, because you have more unknowns than equations).

Of course, you can solve it, but you need one more equation …

in this case, you need to know how bendy the table is. :wink:
 
wow, this is incredibly awesome. if the bendy-ness were given, what kind of quantity would that come as?

also, are tensors used to solve this problem?
 
frustr8photon said:
wow, this is incredibly awesome. if the bendy-ness were given, what kind of quantity would that come as?

A modulus … see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modulus_of_elasticity" :smile:
also, are tensors used to solve this problem?

Maybe … bendy-ness depends on lots of things (it's flexible :wink:).
 
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