Resolving forces in 7 member bridge help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing forces in a seven-member bridge truss. Participants are exploring methods to determine the forces at each joint and the stresses in the members, with a focus on static equilibrium and trigonometric calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster has calculated reaction forces at the supports but is uncertain about finding forces at each joint and the accuracy of their stress calculations.
  • One participant suggests two methods for analysis: analysis by sections or analysis by joints, indicating that the latter may be simpler.
  • Another participant proposes specific force values for certain members, seeking agreement on these calculations.
  • A participant questions the absence of supports in the truss design, implying a potential oversight in the original poster's setup.
  • There is a concern raised about the accuracy of the lengths and angles used in the calculations, with one participant noting that the triangles do not sum to 180 degrees, suggesting possible errors in the original poster's geometry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods of analysis and the accuracy of the original poster's calculations. There is no consensus on the correctness of the proposed forces or the geometry of the truss.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential inaccuracies in the original poster's lengths and angles, which may affect the calculations of forces and stresses. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

DoctorVictim
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http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/bridgel.png/

I don't answers course just some guidance. I need to find the forces at each joint, and stresses inbetween too. I've calculated the reaction forces by taking moments as 779N at far left and 692.5N at far right.

Now I'm using trig of course to start from the left and work across finding the stresses but I have forgotten how to find the forces at each joint, and I'm not confident my stresses accurate. Could someone point me in the right direction then I can do the rest.

Sorry if my drawing is poor, or if any other info is needed just say

Thanks in advance.
 
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You have two options: analysis by sections, or analysis by joints. Analysis by joints may be the simplest and is accomplished by looking at each joint- the forces imparted on each joint by the members must balance to zero for the joint to be static.

Here's a quick rundown of the two analysis methods: http://emweb.unl.edu/negahban/em223/note12/note12.htm
 
Right can I throw a few answers at you and see if you agree?

Member of length 19 is undergoing 1164N

Length 24 along the bottom is 865
 
You could have posted that image directly here and other members viewing would not then be subject to an advertising barrage.

Why does your truss have no supports?
 
That's all I've been giving,it's been done in excel,and is just the members and a total load, with coordinates for each joint. From there I've found all the lengths and angles and now I'm using that to find stresses
 
You're going to have to try a little harder on your lengths and angles. For a start, none of your triangles add up to 180 degrees, and because of that I'm guessing your lengths might not match with your angles either.
 

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