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Calculation of Reactions in Engineering Mechanics

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94 views8 pages

Calculation of Reactions in Engineering Mechanics

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fozyrsha56
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Calculation of Reactions in Engineering Mechanics

Introduction:

In engineering mechanics, calculating support reactions is essential for analyzing


structures and ensuring their stability. Reactions are the forces or moments
generated at support points to maintain equilibrium under applied loads. These
reactions can be determined using static equilibrium equations, which ensure that
the structure is neither moving nor rotating.

The three fundamental equilibrium equations for a two-dimensional system are:

1. The sum of all horizontal forces is zero:

2. The sum of all vertical forces is zero:

3. The sum of all moments about any point is zero:

By applying these equations, we can calculate the unknown reactions at the


supports.

Practical steps for calculating reactions:

1. Free Body Diagram:

• Draw the body, identifying the external forces and reactions.

• Identify the type of supports (hinged, cylinder, fixed, etc.) and the forces that
can be produced by them.

2. Determine the number of equations and the number of unknowns:


• For each plane body, you have 3 equilibrium equations (ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, ΣM
= 0).

• Make sure that the number of unknowns does not exceed the number of
equations.

3. Write the equilibrium equations:

• Start with the moment equation to quickly reduce the number of unknowns.

• Then use the horizontal and vertical force equations.

4. Solve the equations:

• Use algebraic methods or numerical solutions if the system is complex.

Examples of reactions according to the type of support:

1. Pin Support:

• Produces two reactions: a horizontal force (R_x) and a vertical force (R_y).

2. Roller Support:

• Produces only a vertical force (R_y).

3. Fixed Support:

• Produces 3 reactions: a horizontal force (R_x), a vertical force (R_y), and a


moment (M)

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