I.

Introduction

The principle of moments is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering that plays a
crucial role in understanding how forces cause rotation. It’s especially useful in mechanical
systems and structures where balance and stability are important. The principle states that
for a system to be in equilibrium (balanced), the sum of the clockwise moments around a
pivot point must equal the sum of the counterclockwise moments.

Here’s why the principle of moments is important in daily life:

1. Balancing Objects

Every time we try to balance an object, like hanging a picture on the wall or adjusting
the load in a wheelbarrow, we are using the principle of moments. Understanding how to
distribute weight evenly around a pivot helps prevent objects from toppling over. For
example, when you're lifting a heavy object, if you don't distribute your weight
properly, you might lose balance.

2. Levers and Tools

Many tools we use, like crowbars, seesaws, and scissors, rely on the principle of
moments to function efficiently. These tools apply the idea of a pivot point (fulcrum)
and use forces applied at different distances to make tasks easier. For instance, a long
crowbar allows you to apply a smaller force to lift a heavy object, because the length
increases the moment arm (distance from the pivot).

3. Architecture and Construction

Buildings, bridges, and other structures depend on the principle of moments to stay
upright. Engineers design these structures so that the forces acting on them are
balanced. For example, when designing a bridge, the load from vehicles is distributed
evenly to prevent any part of the structure from collapsing due to unbalanced moments.

4. Sports and Movement

Athletes often use the principle of moments in their performance. For instance, in
gymnastics, when doing a handstand, the body’s weight needs to be perfectly balanced
to avoid falling over. In sports like diving, high jumping, or pole vaulting, athletes
control their center of gravity and the forces applied to maintain balance or create
the desired motion.

5. Household Activities

Even in simple tasks like opening doors, using a wrench, or moving furniture, you are
applying the principle of moments. When you open a door, the handle is placed far from
the hinges to increase the moment (force multiplied by distance), making it easier to
push the door open with minimal effort.

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 6. Car Steering and Mechanics

When driving a car, turning the steering wheel applies the principle of moments. The
larger the steering wheel, the easier it is to turn the car because the increased radius
gives a greater moment, meaning you can apply less force to achieve the same effect.

In short, the principle of moments is vital for ensuring balance, efficiency, and safety in
various applications we encounter daily. Understanding it can help us use tools, design
structures, and manage physical activities more effectively.

II. Practical case

 Introduction

Above shows an outdoor shade lies in the premise of Global Education Centre, Al-
Thakira, Alkhor, Doha, Qatar. These structures often used to provide shelter for
vehicles. It's supported by metal posts and beams, with a canvas or fabric stretched
across to create the shade. These types of structures are common in residential
settings to protect vehicles from the elements, such as sun and rain, or to create
shaded areas for outdoor activities.

 Aim

The aim of this project is to apply the principle of moments to determine the tension
in the cross beam of a carport. By considering the forces acting on the structure,
including the self-weight of the beam and any additional loads, the project seeks to:

 Calculate the self-weight of the beam AB using its dimensions and the
density of the material.

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  Determine the angle of the cross beam with respect to the horizontal
beam using trigonometric functions.
 Set up equilibrium equations to balance the moments acting on the
structure.
 Solve for the tension in the cross beam to ensure the carport remains in
stable equilibrium.

Through this analysis, the project will demonstrate the importance of understanding
forces and moments in the design of everyday structures.

"Due to the difficulty in obtaining certain values, such as the weight of the
carport’s roof and some dimensions, only one side of the entire frame is considered
in this analysis, with the section and dimensions shown below.

The width of the horizontal beam is 0.05m which is not mentioned in the diagram

 Calculations

Step: 1- Calculate the Self-Weight of Beam AB

The self-weight of beam AB is a critical factor in determining the forces acting on

the carport structure. To calculate this weight, we use the beam's dimensions and
the material's density. In this case, the beam is made of steel, which has a known
density of 7850kg/m3.

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 Given Data:
Length of beam AB: L = 5.8 m
Width of beam AB: W = 0.05 m
Thickness of beam AB: T = 0.1 m
Density of steel: p = 7850 kg/m³
Acceleration due to gravity: g = 9.81 m/s²

Step 1.1: Calculating the Volume of Beam AB

The volume of beam AB can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a
rectangular prism:

Volume= L× W× T

Substituting the given values: Volume = 5.8m x 0.05m x 0.1 m = 0.029 m²

Step 1.2: Calculating the Mass of Beam AB

The mass of the beam is calculated using the density formula:

Mass = Density × Volume

Substituting the values: Mass = 7850 kg/m³ x 0.029 m3 = 227.65 kg

Step 1.3: Calculating the Self-Weight of Beam AB

The self-weight of the beam is calculated by multiplying the mass by the
acceleration due to gravity:

Weight Mass × g

Substituting the values: Weight = 227.65kg × 9.81 m/s² = 2233.25 N

Result:
The self-weight of beam AB is approximately 2233.25 Ν.

Step 2: Finding the Angle of the Cross Beam Using Trigonometric Functions

In this step, we aim to find the angle between the cross beam (BC) and the horizontal
beam (AB) using trigonometry. Given the dimensions, specifically the horizontal distance
(AC = 4.6 m) and the vertical height (BC = 1.0 m), we can use the tangent function to
calculate the angle.
Given Data:
Horizontal distance (AC): 4.6 m (this is the adjacent side)

Vertical height (BC): 1.0 m (this is the opposite side)

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 Step 2.1: Using the Tangent Function to Find the Angle

In a right-angled triangle, the tangent of the angle (8) is the ratio of the opposite
side (BC) to the adjacent side (AC):

Substituting the values:

So,

Using a calculator:

Result:
The angle between the cross beam (BC) and the horizontal beam (AC) is
approximately 12.3°.

Step 3: Setting Up the Equilibrium Equations

Using the principle of moments, we need to establish the balance of forces acting on the
carport structure. Since we're analysing only one side, we'll focus on the forces acting on
beam AB and the cross beam BC.

Forces Involved:

1. Self-weight of the beam AB: WAB= 2233.25 N (acting at the midpoint of AB).

2. Tension in the cross beam BC: T (This is what we aim to calculate in Step 4).

Assumptions:
 The beam AB is horizontal, and the tension in BC provides stability.

 We'll take point A as the pivot for calculating moments.

Moment Calculation:

Using the principle of moments around point A:

Sum of clockwise moments = Sum of counter clockwise moments

 Clockwise moment (from the self-weight of AB):

MAB = WAB × 2.9 m = 2233.25 N × 2.9 m = 6476.425 Nm

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  Counterclockwise moment (from the tension in BC): The vertical component of
the tension in BC creates the moment. From trigonometry, the vertical
component of the tension is T x sin (θ), where θ = 12.3°.

 The moment arm (horizontal distance) is the length of beam AC, which is 4.6m.

 Moment from the tension is: MTension = T x sin(θ) × 4.6

Step 3: Solving for the Tension in the Cross Beam

We set the moments equal:

6476.425 = T x 0.213 x 4.6

Where sin (12.3) ≈ 0.213, Substitute into the equation

6476.425 = T x 0.213 x 4.6

Now, solve for T:

Result:

The tension in the cross beam BC is approximately 6605.51 N.

 Conclusion

In this project, the principles of mechanics, specifically the principle of moments, were
applied to analyse the tension in the cross beam of a carport structure. By focusing on one
side of the frame, we calculated the self-weight of beam AB using its dimensions and the
density of steel, which was found to be approximately 2233.25 N.

Furthermore, through trigonometric functions, we determined the angle of the cross beam
from the horizontal beam to be approximately 12.3°. This angle was crucial in calculating
the moments about point A, allowing us to establish equilibrium in the system.

Ultimately, the tension in the cross beam BC was found to be approximately 6605.51 N.
This analysis underscores the significance of understanding the forces and moments
acting on structural components to ensure stability and safety in design.

The insights gained from this project highlight the importance of applying principle of
moment to practical engineering problems, thereby enhancing our understanding of
structural mechanics in everyday applications.

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