Shearing Force Direction and Sign Convention

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of shearing forces and sign conventions in beam mechanics. Specifically, for the segment 0 < x < 3, the 10kN force is disregarded due to the equilibrium condition of the beam. The author establishes that downward forces are considered positive, which is critical for constructing the Shear Force Diagram (SFD). The moment equation for the interval 3 < x < 5 is derived from the equilibrium of forces and moments about a cut in the beam.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of beam mechanics and equilibrium principles
  • Familiarity with Shear Force Diagrams (SFD)
  • Knowledge of sign conventions in structural analysis
  • Ability to apply moment equations in static systems
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  • Study the derivation of Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams
  • Learn about the principles of static equilibrium in beams
  • Explore the implications of sign conventions in structural analysis
  • Investigate the effects of different loading conditions on shear and moment distributions
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Students and professionals in civil engineering, structural engineering, and mechanics who are involved in analyzing beam behavior under various loading conditions.

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Homework Statement


why for 0 <x <3 , why the author ignore the 10kN ? as we can see , the 10kN is located 3m from A ...
2nd question is , the author assume downwards force is positive , am i right ?
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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


for 0 <x <3 , the shearing force V = 4kN , as we can can see , at A the support force (4kN) is pointing upwards , so the shearing force 4kN should be pointing downwards , am i right ? so , the author assume downwards force is positive??
if so , why in the shearing force diagram (SFD) , the 4kN is at positive x direction , shouldn't it at 4kN bottom of the x-axis ?
 
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one more question , why the moment at 3 <x<5 is 4x - 10(x-3) , the author taking moment at which point ?
 
Make an imaginary cut in the beam. If the shear force is pointing up to the left of the cut then shear force is positive by convention.

Everything to the right of the cut we ignore (for purposes of calculating shear force) because we know beam is in equilibrium. That means you can automatically assume whatever shear force (or bending moment) exists on the left face of the cut, it is equal & opposite to that which exists on the right face.
 
Last edited:
David Lewis said:
Make an imaginary cut in the beam. If the shear force is pointing up to the left of the cut then shear force is positive by convention.

Everything to the right of the cut we ignore (for purposes of calculating shear force) because we know beam is in equilibrium. That means you can automatically assume whatever shear force (or bending moment) exists on the left face of the cut, it is equal & opposite to that which exists on the right face.
Why??
 
Because if internal forces are not equal & opposite, the beam will fail. Any imaginary slice will render mirror image shear, torsion, tension and compression forces between the left and right faces of that section.
 

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