4.3. Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a shear force?

   Hint

   Think about how forces can act along the length of a beam.

2. 2.

   Define a free-body diagram.

   Hint

   Consider what you'd need to show all acting loads.

3. 3.

   What defines a statically determinate frame?

   • More than enough equations to solve all unknowns
   • Exactly enough equations to solve all unknowns
   • Not enough equations to solve all unknowns

   Hint

   Think about balance in solving equations.

4. 4.

   True or False: The moments on bending moment diagrams are always shown on the tension side of members.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the convention used in these representations.

5. 5.

   Design a beam for given loading conditions: include calculated support reactions, shear forces, and bending moments across its length.

   Hint

   Focus on summing forces in both directions.

6. 6.

   Given a complex frame structure with multiple loads, analyze and predict how displacement varies due to bending moments.

   Hint

   Consider the maximum moment locations.