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Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001

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19.1 INTRODUCTION

· Sometimes we must deal with structures that do not have simple two-force beams, in this case we must use the method of members.

[picture]

· These structures are commonly called frames, referring to the fact that they have at least one member that has more than two forces. We can see some examples of these members in the picture below,

[picture]

· In basic terms we are just making good use of free body diagrams, and quite often solving parametric equations. Consider how we could isolate the free body diagrams in the figures below.

[picture]

· If we were to assume that beams in a truss have a mass, then we would have to use the method of members to solve the problem.

· A sample problem is given to illustrate the method, ([Hibbeler, 1992], prob. 6-60, pg. )

· Now, lets consider a practice problem,

· Try the problem below,

· Sometimes these problems are made easier with Mathcad,

19.1.1 Practice Problems