Why are moments not included in free body diagrams?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the inclusion of moments in free body diagrams (FBDs), particularly in the context of beams fixed to walls or supported by hinges. Participants explore why certain moments are sometimes omitted and the implications of this in analyzing static systems.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question when to include moments in FBDs, particularly for fixed beams and hinges. Some express confusion over the criteria for including moments, while others discuss the implications of neglecting them in specific scenarios.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of the criteria for including moments in FBDs, with various perspectives being shared. Some participants provide examples and reasoning, while others seek clarification on specific cases. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations regarding the treatment of moments in static analysis.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the treatment of moments may depend on the specific setup of the system, such as whether a hinge is considered free or if friction is present. There is also mention of the potential for confusion arising from different representations in textbooks versus practical applications.

  • #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?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban

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