Problem Set #1 1.

050 Solid Mechanics

Fall 2002

Problem 1.1
1. For the linkage of section 1.4 in the
text, using XESS (or equivalent spread sheet), eval-
P
uate the non-dimensional quantities P/2kL, the
load, and ∆/L, the vertical displacement, at a range
of values of the angle θ (decreasing from some ini- ∆
tial angle in the unloaded state by 2 degree incre- u B u
ments). Do this for three cases, θ0 = 25o, θ0 = 35o, k L Θ0 L
Θ
k

θ0 = 45o and plot the load versus the displacement A C

(all three on the same graph) again using the spread
sheet. L cos Θ0

L cos Θ

Spread Sheet Format:

“Snap Through” of a 2-bar linkage: An Introductory Exercise

Case #1 θ0 = 25o

θ = θ 0 − 2ο ∆ /L P/ 2kL

degrees
23.0
21.0
19.0
...
- 25

Case #2 θ0 = 35o

...

∆ /L = sinθ0 - sinθ P/ 2kL = sinθ (1 - cosθ0 /cosθ )

(Ref: Section 1.4, Engineering Mechanics of Structures)

What if one of the springs is weaker than the other? What in the analysis presented in the textbook
changes? Conjecture how your plots would change?

Problem Set #1 1.050 Solid Mechanics 8/25/03 LL Bucciarelli

 Problem 1.2
i) For each of the sets of two force vectors: i) sketch the vectors, ii) compute and sketch the result-
ant of the two. Make sure you show your reference axes in your sketch.
FA = 3i+ 5j FA =10i+ 5k FA = 3i+ 5j -2k
FB = -2i+ 3j FB =-10i -2k FB = -3i -2k

Problem 1.3
Go sketch a tree limb (and show its location on the tree trunk); rough in the limbs dimensions; esti-
mate its weight; and then estimate the magnitude of the torque that the limb exerts on the trunk of the tree at
its root.

Problem 1.4
Problem 2.5 in the textbook.

Fall 2002 8/25/03 LL Bucciarelli