Why are moments not included in free body diagrams?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the inclusion of moments in free body diagrams (FBDs), particularly in the context of beams fixed at walls. It is established that moments are not included in FBDs for hinges due to their free-moving nature and negligible friction. In contrast, for fixed beams, moments should be represented in the FBD when the beam is not constrained at both ends. The necessity of including moments depends on the external forces acting on the body and the constraints imposed by supports.

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  • Understanding of free body diagrams (FBDs)
  • Knowledge of static equilibrium principles
  • Familiarity with beam mechanics and support types
  • Concept of internal and external forces in structural analysis
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  • #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?
 
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  • #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.
 
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