Solving Forces in Structures: Eliminating Members & Calculating Forces

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around the stiffness matrix method applied to structural analysis, specifically focusing on eliminating members and calculating forces within a given structure. The original poster seeks assistance in transitioning from an initial diagram to a modified one with certain members removed and forces determined.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss isolating specific members and drawing free body diagrams (FBDs) to apply static equilibrium equations. There are attempts to calculate forces based on moment equations, but uncertainties arise regarding the magnitude of distributed loads and the appropriateness of chosen points for moment calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using FBDs and static equilibrium equations, while others express confusion about specific calculations and assumptions. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to solving the problem, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the unclear magnitude of the distributed load and question the validity of certain assumptions regarding forces acting on the structure. The discussion reflects the complexities involved in structural analysis and the need for clarity in the problem setup.

MMCS
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See attachment for question and diagrams.
This problem is concerned with using the stiffness matrix method to find displacements and force in a structure. My problem is pre-eliminating the members. i have attached 2 diagrams. i would like help in trying to get from the first diagram, to the second diagram ( with eliminated members and forces calculated)

I know that

∑Fx=0
∑Fy=0
∑M=0

However, the UDL and other factors are causing me problems.
I don't know where to start with this

Thanks
 

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From the diagram attached, it's not clear what the magnitude of the distributed load q is.

If you are trying to eliminate the beam 1-6-7 and the support strut 5-6 from the rest of the structure,
isolate it and draw a FBD for these members. You should be able to write equations of static equilibrium using the FBD and solve those to find the reaction forces, which can be applied to the remaining structure.
 
ok so my attempt,
I have isolated 1-6-7 and 5-6.
Taking moments about point 1 i have

6metres * 5kn/m * 3metres = Force at 5 * sqrt(2^2 + 2^2)
Force at 5 = 31.8

This value seems correct. I have tried the get the forces at 1 but have had no luck. Where is the best place to take moments from ? intuitively it seems odd that the force in the x direction is greater than P, as P seems like the only force acting this way

Thanks
 
SteamKing said:
From the diagram attached, it's not clear what the magnitude of the distributed load q is.

If you are trying to eliminate the beam 1-6-7 and the support strut 5-6 from the rest of the structure,
isolate it and draw a FBD for these members. You should be able to write equations of static equilibrium using the FBD and solve those to find the reaction forces, which can be applied to the remaining structure.

ok so my attempt,
I have isolated 1-6-7 and 5-6.
Taking moments about point 1 i have

6metres * 5kn/m * 3metres = Force at 5 * sqrt(2^2 + 2^2)
Force at 5 = 31.8

This value seems correct. I have tried the get the forces at 1 but have had no luck. Where is the best place to take moments from ? intuitively it seems odd that the force in the x direction is greater than P, as P seems like the only force acting this way

Thanks
 
SteamKing said:
From the diagram attached, it's not clear what the magnitude of the distributed load q is.

If you are trying to eliminate the beam 1-6-7 and the support strut 5-6 from the rest of the structure,
isolate it and draw a FBD for these members. You should be able to write equations of static equilibrium using the FBD and solve those to find the reaction forces, which can be applied to the remaining structure.

q=5kn/m
 
MMCS said:
ok so my attempt,
I have isolated 1-6-7 and 5-6.
Taking moments about point 1 i have

6metres * 5kn/m * 3metres = Force at 5 * sqrt(2^2 + 2^2)
Force at 5 = 31.8

This value seems correct. I have tried the get the forces at 1 but have had no luck. Where is the best place to take moments from ? intuitively it seems odd that the force in the x direction is greater than P, as P seems like the only force acting this way

Thanks

Static equilibrium is more than just taking moments about an arbitrary point. You've got to write both the force and the moment equations to get the complete picture.
 

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