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ENGR-1100 Introduction To Engineering Analysis

The document discusses the method of sections for analyzing truss structures, which involves cutting the truss and analyzing the forces at the cut members using equilibrium equations. It provides steps for using the method, including choosing a cut location, determining support reactions, drawing free body diagrams of cut sections, and applying equilibrium equations. An example problem demonstrates determining unknown member forces in a truss using the method of sections.

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Asheesh Kumar
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65 views

ENGR-1100 Introduction To Engineering Analysis

The document discusses the method of sections for analyzing truss structures, which involves cutting the truss and analyzing the forces at the cut members using equilibrium equations. It provides steps for using the method, including choosing a cut location, determining support reactions, drawing free body diagrams of cut sections, and applying equilibrium equations. An example problem demonstrates determining unknown member forces in a truss using the method of sections.

Uploaded by

Asheesh Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ENGR-1100 Introduction to

Engineering Analysis

Lecture 20
THE METHOD OF SECTIONS
Today’s Objectives:
Students will be able to determine:
1. Forces in truss members using the
method of sections. In-Class Activities:
• Reading Quiz
• Applications
• Method of Sections
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz
APPLICATIONS

Long trusses are often used to construct large cranes and


large electrical transmission towers.
The method of joints requires that many joints be analyzed before
we can determine the forces in the middle of a large truss.
So another method to determine those forces is helpful.
THE METHOD OF SECTIONS

In the method of sections, a truss is divided into two parts by


taking an imaginary “cut” (shown here as a-a) through the truss.

Since truss members are subjected to only tensile or compressive


forces along their length, the internal forces at the cut members
will also be either tensile or compressive with the same magnitude
as the forces at the joint. This result is based on the equilibrium
principle and Newton’s third law.
STEPS FOR ANALYSIS

1. Decide how you need to “cut” the truss. This is based on:
a) where you need to determine forces, and, b) where the total
number of unknowns does not exceed three (in general).
2. Decide which side of the cut truss will be easier to work
with (minimize the number of external reactions).

3. If required, determine any necessary support reactions by


drawing the FBD of the entire truss and applying the E-of-E.
STEPS FOR ANALYSIS (continued)

4. Draw the FBD of the selected part of the cut truss. You need to
indicate the unknown forces at the cut members. Initially, you
may assume all the members are in tension, as done when using
the method of joints. Upon solving, if the answer is positive, the
member is in tension as per the assumption. If the answer is
negative, the member must be in compression. (Please note that
you can also assume forces to be either tension or compression
by inspection as was done in the figures above.)
STEPS FOR ANALYSIS (continued)

5. Apply the scalar equations of equilibrium (E-of-E) to the


selected cut section of the truss to solve for the unknown
member forces. Please note, in most cases it is possible to write
one equation to solve for one unknown directly. So look for it
and take advantage of such a shortcut!
EXAMPLE
Given: Loads as shown on the
truss.
Find: The force in members
KJ, KD, and CD.
Plan:

a) Take a cut through members KJ, KD and CD.


b) Work with the left part of the cut section. Why?
c) Determine the support reactions at A. What are they?
d) Apply the E-of-E to find the forces in KJ, KD and CD.
EXAMPLE (continued)

56.7kN

Analyzing the entire truss for the reactions at A, we get


 FX = AX = 0. A moment equation about G to find AY results in:
∑MG = AY (18) – 20 (15) – 30 (12) – 40 (9) = 0; AY = 56.7 kN

Now take moments about point D. Why do this?


+ MD = – 56.7 (9) + 20 (6) + 30 (3) – FKJ (4) = 0
FKJ = − 75.1 kN or 75.1 kN ( C )
EXAMPLE (continued)

56.7 kN

Now use the x and y-directions equations of equilibrium.


↑ +  FY = 56.7 – 20 – 30 – (4/5) FKD = 0;
FKD = 8.38 kN (T)
→ +  FX = (– 75.1) + (3/5) ( 8.38 ) + FCD = 0;
FCD = 70.1 kN (T)
READING QUIZ

1. In the method of sections, generally a “cut” passes through no


more than _____ members in which the forces are unknown.
A) 1 B) 2
C) 3 D) 4

2. If a simple truss member carries a tensile force of T along its


length, then the internal force in the member is ______ .
A) Tensile with magnitude of T/2
B) Compressive with magnitude of T/2
C) Compressive with magnitude of T
D) Tensile with magnitude of T
CONCEPT QUIZ

1. Can you determine the force


in member ED by making the
cut at section a-a? Explain
your answer.
A) No, there are 4 unknowns.
B) Yes, using  MD = 0 .
C) Yes, using  ME = 0 .
D) Yes, using  MB = 0 .
CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)

2. If you know FED, how will you determine FEB?


A) By taking section b-b and using  ME = 0
B) By taking section b-b, and using  FX = 0 and  FY = 0
C) By taking section a-a and using  MB = 0
D) By taking section a-a and using  MD = 0
ATTENTION QUIZ

1. As shown, a cut is made


through members GH, BG
and BC to determine the
forces in them. Which section
will you choose for analysis
and why?
A) Right, fewer calculations.
B) Left, fewer calculations.
C) Either right or left, same
amount of work.
D) None of the above, too
many unknowns.
ATTENTION QUIZ

2. When determining the force in


member HG in the previous
question, which one equation of
equilibrium is the best one to use?
A)  MH = 0
B)  MG = 0
C)  MB = 0
D)  MC = 0
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: Loads as shown on the


truss.
Find: The force in members
GB and GF.
Plan:

a) Take the cut through members GF, GB and AB.


b) Analyze the left section. Determine the support reactions at
A. Why?
c) Draw the FBD of the left section.
d) Apply the equations of equilibrium (if possible, try to do it
so that every equation yields an answer to one unknown.
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

1) Determine the support reactions at


A by drawing the FBD of the entire
truss.

+→  FX = AX = 0

+  MD = – AY (28) + 600 (18) + 800 (10) = 0;


AY = 671.4 lb
Why is Ax equal zero by inspection?
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

2) Analyze the left section.

+  MB = – 671.4 (10) + FGF (10) = 0;


FGF = 671 lb (C)

↑ +  FY = 671.4 –FGB = 0;
FGB = 671 lb (T)

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