SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING,

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,

ISLAMABAD.

ME-115 ENGINEERING MECHANICS OPEN ENDED LAB

Name Registration # Section Sub-Group
Hafs Malik 366393 B A3

Determination of Forces in Members of a given Truss using SOLIDWORKS

Abstract:
Brief about the work being done, practical importance of quantity being measured, your observations
and deduced results (75 to 100 words).
Objective:
To find out forces in members of a truss assembly of given specifications, virtually, using
SOLIDWORKS.
Solve the same truss assembly theoretically using method of joints.
Validate your software analysis by comparing corresponding forces with theoretical ones.
Introduction:
Brief about trusses (their components, types and applications). (200 words)
Methodology:
Solid works is a computer aided design (CAD) tool Which is widely used by engineers and
architects for designing 3D machine parts as well as for designing the 3D structures of buildings.

Sum of digits of registration no. = SDR =3+6+6+3+9+2=29

F1 = 50 +SDR = 79 N
F2 = 200 + 10*SDR = 490 N
A = 1000 + 20*SDR = 1580 mm
B = 500 + 10*SDR = 790 mm C = 300 – 2*SDR = 242 mm

Forces found in each member employing both software and hand calculations in tabular form.

SolidWorks Analysis:
1. Draw a given system of trusses with dimensions defined.

2. Now exit sketch and go to “Structural Members” in Weldments.

3. In structural member, change standard = iso, type= pipe, size= 21.3*2.3. and select
groups, the members that are continuous forms one group, the diagonal members form
second group.

4. From Solid works add-ins click on Solid works Simulation, then start New Study.
5. Rename the Name to “Truss’’:

6. Now, open the part>>cut list, select all members by ctrl+ member, as shown in fig.
then right click and click edit definition, and check Truss, and click enter.

7. Now below the part, right click on fixtures and then select fixed geometry:
8. In the new opened window and select immovable (no transition) and click on the joint as shown in fig.
and click enter. As there is pin joint on the said joint so there will reaction only in the, x and y
directions. Immovable means finite rotations at the edges.

9. Again, go to fixture>>fixed geometry, now use reference geometry, click on the said joint in fig, select
reference plane as front plane. Allow translations only in the y-direction by clicking on it. At the said
joint there is rocker so the reaction will be in y-direction only.

10. Again, go to fixture>>fixed geometry, now use reference geometry, click on the said joints in fig, select
reference plane as front plane. Allow translations only in the z-direction by clicking on it.

11. Now the Forces look like:

12. Now, below fixtures, right click external loads>>Force.

13. In the new window, select joints, click on the joint in the fig., select reference plane as front plane.
Apply the force of F1=79 N in the x-direction.

14. Repeat step no.14 and 15, but this time apply the force of F2=490 N in the reverse y-direction.
15. Now, below external loads, right click mesh>> mesh and run.

16. A new window with results will be opened, right click on results>>list beam forces. In the new window
check forces then ok. A new dialog box with list of forces will be opened. Save the list by clicking save
on the bottom of list.
ANALYSIS USING METHODS OF JOINTS:

Sum of digits of registration no. = SDR =3+6+6+3+9+2=29

F1 = 50 +SDR = 79 N
F2 = 200 + 10*SDR = 490 N
A = 1000 + 20*SDR = 1580 mm

B = 500 + 10*SDR = 790 mm C = 300 – 2*SDR = 242 mm

B = 500 + 10*SDR = 790 mm C = 300 – 2*SDR = 242 mm

𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛-1 ( 𝑐 /(𝐵/2) ) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛-1 ( 242/ (790/2) ) = 31.5°

EXTERNAL FORCES:
Open Ended Lab ME-115 Engineering Mechanics

Discussion:
1. Briefly explain what you have done.
2. Important results and observations.
3. Comparison between theoretical and simulated results.
4. Explanation of graphs (if any).
Concluding Remarks:
(Not more than 2 lines)