3.2. Equilibrium

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define what is meant by equilibrium in a physical context.

   Hint

   Think about balancing weights.

2. 2.

   What are the three types of supports mentioned in structural analysis?

   Hint

   Recall what each support type allows.

3. 3.

   What does equilibrium in static structures refer to?

   • Movement of parts
   • Sum of forces zero
   • External forces only

   Hint

   Think about stability without motion.

4. 4.

   A roller support allows for which of the following?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   What happens at a point of rotational freedom?

5. 5.

   Consider a cantilever beam supported at one end with a point load at the free end. Determine the reactions and sketch the shear and moment diagrams.

   Hint

   Start by applying equilibrium equations!

6. 6.

   A structure in the form of a truss has multiple load applications on its nodes. What approach would you take to analyze each member's force?

   Hint

   Focus on joints, analyze one at a time.