Static equilibrium - girl on diving board

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a static equilibrium problem involving a diving board supported at a point. The diver's weight (w1) and the board's weight (w2) are critical factors in determining the forces at the support point (n1) and the end of the board (n2). The equations of equilibrium, including the sum of forces in the x and y directions and the sum of torques, are utilized to derive relationships between the unknown forces. The solution involves expressing n2 in terms of w1 and w2, followed by calculating n1 using the established force equations.

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Homework Statement


A diving board of length L is supported at a point a distance x from the end, and a diver weighing w1 stands at the free end (Figure 1) . The diving board is of uniform cross section and weighs w2.

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(Figure 1)​

  1. Find the force at the support point.
  2. Find the force at the end that is held down.

Homework Equations



\sum\tau_{z} = 0

\sum F_{x} = 0

\sum F_{y} = 0

The Attempt at a Solution


So first I found the x & y components of the forces on the diving board. Oh, I also defined n2 as the normal force on the left end of the board, and n1 as the normal force at the support point. Up is positive and down is negative.

\sum F_{x} = 0

\sum F_{y} = 0 = n_{1} - n_{2} - w_{1} - w_{2}

Now to take the torque about an axis, since I have a lot of unknowns here. Here I've chosen the left normal force as the axis of rotation. Counter-clockwise is positive and clockwise is negative.

\sum\tau_{n_{2}} = 0 = n_{1}(L - x) - w_{2}(\frac{L}{2}) - w_{1}(L)

Now I'm stuck and can't solve the two problems. I have a lot of unknowns and no other equations in my toolbox afaik. Help please!
 
Last edited:
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Use the moment equation to find n2 in terms of w1 and w2. Then you can use the force equation to find n1 in terms of w1 and w2. That's all you can do with this problem.
 

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