STATICS (ME 111)
Fall 2021
Lecture 14
Chapter 6: Structural Analysis
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Chapter 6: Structural Analysis
To show how to determine the forces in the members of
a truss
To analyze the forces acting on the members of frames
machines composed of pin-connected members
Simple Trusses
The Method of Joints
Previous Classes
Zero-Force Members
The Method of Sections
Space Trusses
Frames and Machines Today’s Class
Space Trusses
A space truss consists of members joined together at
their ends to form a stable three-dimensional structure.
The simplest form of a space truss is a
tetrahedron, formed by connecting six
members together, as shown in Fig.
Any additional members added to this
basic element would be redundant in
supporting the force P
Space Trusses
Assumptions for Design
The members of a space truss may be treated as
two-force members provided the external
loading is applied at the joints and the joints
consist of ball-and-socket connections.
These assumptions are justified if the welded or
bolted connections of the joined members
intersect at a common point and the weight of
the members can be neglected.
In cases where the weight of a member is to be
included in the analysis, it is generally
satisfactory to apply it as a vertical force, half of
its magnitude applied at each end of the
member.
Example 6.8
Determine the forces acting in the members of the space
truss shown in Fig. 6–20a. Indicate whether the members
are in tension or compression
Example 6.8
Frames and Machines
Frames and machines are also two types of structures,
composed of pin-connected multi-force members
Frames are used to support loads, whereas machines
contain moving parts
Forces are acting at the joints and supports of a frame or
machine
Mechanism for Analysis of Frames and Machines
Disassemble the structure and isolate each part to draw its
free body diagram
If the whole structure is in equilibrium, then each frame
or machine is also in equilibrium
Example 6.9
For the frame shown in Fig. 6–21a, draw the free-body diagram of (a) each
member, (b) the pins at B and A, and (c) the two members connected together.
Example 6.10
A constant tension in the conveyor belt is maintained by using the device shown in
Fig. 6–22a. Draw the free-body diagrams of the frame and the cylinder (or pulley) that
the belt surrounds. The suspended block has a weight of W
Example 6.14
Determine the tension in the cables and also the force P required to support
the 600-N force using the frictionless pulley system shown in Fig. 6–26a.
Example 6.16
Determine the horizontal and vertical components of force which
the pin at C exerts on member BCof the frame in Fig. 6–28a
Example 6.16
Problem sheet (Frames and machines)
Examples 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15, 6.16, 6.17,
6.18, 6.19, 6.20.
6.50, 6.51, 6.59, 6-64; 6-77; 6-81; 6-83; 6-85;
6-86; 6-96; 6-102; 6-106; 6-112