What Forces Act on a Rod Stabilized by Three Fulcrum Points?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a homogeneous rod stabilized on three fulcrum points with varying distances between them. Participants are exploring the forces acting at each fulcrum point, given the mass of the rod and the requirement for stability, which necessitates that the net force and torque are zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for the net force from the fulcrum points to equal the weight of the rod and the condition for net moment to be zero. Questions are raised about the number of unknowns and equations needed to solve the problem, as well as the parameters provided.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the setup and exploring the relationships between the forces and distances involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions for equilibrium, but no consensus has been reached on a specific approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

The only known parameters are the mass of the rod and the unequal lengths between the fulcrum points, which may limit the ability to derive a complete solution without additional information.

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Homework Statement



There is a homogeneous rod stabilized on three fulcrum points. The separation of the fulcrums are of different distances. What forces act in the individual fulcrum points, if the mass of the rod is m? [The rod has to be stable, and hence the net force, torque = zero]



Homework Equations



no

The Attempt at a Solution



still thinking
 
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The three fulcrum points must apply a net force that is equal to the weight of the rod.

Then the net moment about any of the fulcrum must also be zero.
 
How many unknowns do you have?
How many equations do you need?
"any" ideas?
 
The only given parameters are the mass, m, and the four unequal lengths p,q,r and s. You just need to find the forces acting on the points A, B and C.
 

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