Math Problem Statement

Determine the reaction for the beam shown.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step-by-step.

The given beam has the following components:

  • A 1300 N point load at the left end.
  • A 400 N/m uniformly distributed load (UDL) over a 2 m section.
  • A 1600 N point load at the far right end.
  • A pin support at the left end (provides both vertical and horizontal reactions).
  • A roller support at 2 m from the pin support (provides only a vertical reaction).

We'll assume:

  • The pin support provides the vertical reaction RAR_A.
  • The roller support provides the vertical reaction RBR_B.

Now, let's calculate the reactions using static equilibrium equations:


Step 1: List all forces and moments

  1. 1300 N point load at 1 m from AA.
  2. 400 N/m UDL over 2 m (equivalent total load: 400×2=800N400 \times 2 = 800 \, \text{N}, acts at the center of the UDL span, i.e., 1 m from the left edge of the UDL).
  3. 1600 N point load at the far right end, 5.5 m from AA.

Step 2: Apply equilibrium equations

1. Sum of vertical forces (ΣFy=0\Sigma F_y = 0):

RA+RB13008001600=0R_A + R_B - 1300 - 800 - 1600 = 0

R_A + R_B = 3700 \, \text{N} \tag{1}

2. Sum of moments about AA (ΣMA=0\Sigma M_A = 0):

Taking counterclockwise moments as positive:

  • Moment due to the 1300 N force: 1300×1=1300Nm1300 \times 1 = 1300 \, \text{Nm}.
  • Moment due to UDL: 800×2=1600Nm800 \times 2 = 1600 \, \text{Nm} (acts at 2 m from AA).
  • Moment due to the 1600 N force: 1600×5.5=8800Nm1600 \times 5.5 = 8800 \, \text{Nm}.
  • Moment due to RBR_B (acting at 2 m from AA): RB×2R_B \times 2.

1300+800×2+1600×5.5RB×2=01300 + 800 \times 2 + 1600 \times 5.5 - R_B \times 2 = 0

Simplifying:

1300+1600+8800=2RB1300 + 1600 + 8800 = 2 R_B

11700=2RBRB=117002=5850N11700 = 2 R_B \quad \Rightarrow \quad R_B = \frac{11700}{2} = 5850 \, \text{N}

3. Substitute RBR_B into Equation (1):

RA+5850=3700R_A + 5850 = 3700

RA=37005850=2150NR_A = 3700 - 5850 = -2150 \, \text{N}


Step 3: Interpret the results

Since RAR_A is negative, it means the direction we initially assumed for the reaction at AA is incorrect. Thus, the actual reaction at AA is 2150 N downward.


Final Answers

  • Reaction at A: RA=2150NR_A = -2150 \, \text{N} (downward)
  • Reaction at B: RB=5850NR_B = 5850 \, \text{N} (upward)

Would you like a deeper breakdown of any step?


Here are 5 related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How do you determine the centroid of a distributed load?
  2. What happens if the UDL covers the entire beam?
  3. How does the moment arm affect the reaction forces?
  4. Can reactions be negative in statics problems?
  5. How do pin and roller supports differ in function?

Tip: Always verify the direction of assumed reactions by checking the sign after calculation!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Statics
Equilibrium of Forces
Moment Calculation

Formulas

Sum of Vertical Forces: ΣFy = 0
Sum of Moments: ΣM = 0
Moment = Force × Distance

Theorems

Static Equilibrium

Suitable Grade Level

University Level (Engineering)