kelvin scott said:
ok so the moment sum should be R1
2R1 = (10*1) +(50*6)+(20*8)
2R1= 10 + 300 +160
R1 = 470/2
R1 =235
and R2
8R2 = (10*5) +(50*8) +(20*8)
8R2 =50 +400+160
R2 = 610/8
R2 = 76.25
not sure I am right on the length, and sorry for the delay
A quick check would be to add up R1 and R2 to see whether all the forces in the vertical direction sum to 0, which I don't think is true here...
Also, with your moment equation for R1, you seem to be defining the distances from different spots within the same equation. The general advice when doing these moment equations is to take moments about the supports. Why? If we take moments about the supports, then the reaction at that support will equal [itex]\vec 0[/itex] as [itex]\vec Moment = \vec r \times \vec F[/itex] and thus we will only have 1 unknown in the equation (the other support). For example, in your equation for R1, you should take moments about support 2. The equation should read something like (defining clockwise as positive):
6R1 - (5*10) - (5 * 10 * 3) + (20 * 2) = 0 (P.s. you need to remember to turn the UDL into a force and treat it as a force acting in the centre of the beam).
Do the same for R2.
For the shear force diagram, I like to start from the left and move left to right. Conceptually, you should be asking yourself: "If I was to consider everything to the left of where I am looking at now, what force in what direction would I need to provide to keep the beam stable?" That is basically what the shear force diagram is.
If you have further questions, I am happy to respond, but I think this should be enough to make some good progress.