Why are moments not included in free body diagrams?

Click For Summary
Moments are often excluded from free body diagrams (FBDs) because they are derived from external forces rather than being independent entities. In the case of hinges, they typically do not resist rotation, leading to no moments being represented in the FBD unless the hinge is not free-moving. When analyzing fixed beams, if both ends are fixed, the reaction forces prevent rotation, and thus no moments need to be shown. However, if one end is free, a moment must be included in the FBD to account for the gravitational force causing rotation. Understanding when to include moments depends on the constraints of the system and the specific conditions of the supports involved.
  • #31
haruspex said:
As I wrote, that's not quite true. Ideally there is none, but in the real world there's imprecision and flexing.
As you load the beam it flexes slightly, leading to a torque at each wall.
I remember yes.
Lnewqban said:
I think I understand moment better know. Consider a beam that is fixed to the wall. The gravitational force on the beam causes a moment and where it is fixed to the wall prevents the rotation of the beam thus in a free body diagram we draw a moment there. But if beam is fixed at both ends the gravitational force does not cause a moment. It is the reactionary forces at the walls that prevents rotation. Am I on the right track?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
per persson said:
Consider a beam that is fixed to the wall. The gravitational force on the beam causes a moment and where it is fixed to the wall prevents the rotation of the beam thus in a free body diagram we draw a moment there. But if beam is fixed at both ends the gravitational force does not cause a moment. It is the reactionary forces at the walls that prevents rotation. Am I on the right track?
There still could be, and in general will be, both a net force and a torque at each end, but the situation is ‘statically indeterminate', i.e. there is a continuum of possible combinations.
If we start the beam simply laid across two supports, then apply whatever loads, there will be just a force at each end, no torques. If we now encase the ends rigidly, there's no reason for any torque to arise.
Starting again, encase the ends before applying the loads. Now, flexion in the beam will lead to a torque at each end.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K