Sign convention of shear force and moment on beam

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the sign convention for shear forces and bending moments in beam analysis, specifically addressing the treatment of clockwise and anticlockwise moments. The prevailing convention considers clockwise moments on the left side of a beam and anticlockwise moments on the right side as positive to maintain consistency in calculations. Participants emphasize that while this is an arbitrary convention, it is crucial to adhere to it for accurate results. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding the definitions of moments and their effects on bending moment diagrams.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic beam mechanics
  • Familiarity with bending moment diagrams
  • Knowledge of sign conventions in structural analysis
  • Ability to interpret shear force and moment equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of bending moment definitions
  • Learn about different sign conventions in structural engineering
  • Explore the effects of sagging and hogging moments on beam behavior
  • Review examples of bending moment diagrams for various loading conditions
USEFUL FOR

Structural engineers, civil engineering students, and anyone involved in analyzing beam behavior and moment calculations will benefit from this discussion.

chetzread
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Homework Statement


I don't understand why the sign of moment of beam at left (clockwise) and moment at the right of beam (anticlockwise) are considered as positive...
Why we can't assume the clockwise moment as positive and anticlockwise moment as negative?
yS8bRDE.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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chetzread said:

Homework Statement


I don't understand why the sign of moment of beam at left (clockwise) and moment at the right of beam (anticlockwise) are considered as positive...
Why we can't assume the clockwise moment as positive and anticlockwise moment as negative?
yS8bRDE.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

It's just an arbitrary convention assumed by the author to keep calculations consistent.

You can assume a different convention for shear forces and bending moments, as long as you maintain consistency.
 
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SteamKing said:
It's just an arbitrary convention assumed by the author to keep calculations consistent.

You can assume a different convention for shear forces and bending moments, as long as you maintain consistency.
look at the diagram carefully, can i assume moment of beam at left (clockwise) as positive and moment at the right of beam (anticlockwise) are considered as neagtive..?
in OP, the author assume moment of beam at left (clockwise) and moment at the right of beam (anticlockwise) are considered as positive..,which different orientation of moment has same sign...
 
This is similar to another post of yours, to which I replied: What definition of Moment are you using? There are two possible definitions, each of which can be derived from the other. The one I prefer is that the bending moment at a section is the algebraic sum of the moments on ONE SIDE of the section. You have to have a sign convention that should yield the same moment, whether you take it to the left of the section, or to the right.The significant drawings for sign are shown in the lowest line of the table you quote. Sagging moments are positive and are produced by a combination of a clockwise and an anticlockwise moment. Although in some situations it can help to ascribe a sign to a clockwise or anticlockwise moment (determining the overall equilibrium of a body - for example), when drawing bending moment diagrams, you need to consider whther the cause of the bending moment is having a sagging (+) or a hogging (-) effect. Nothing to do with CW or ACW .
 
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