[Physics] Solving an indeterminate triangle truss structure (statics)

forceshomework-and-exercisesstatics

From the setup of two trusses as shown in this illustration, how can I solve for the axial reaction forces in the trusses, and in the points A and B (Ax, Ay, Bx, By)? It is assumed that the joints exert no torque/bending moment, and the lengths don't really matter, only the angles alpha and beta.

I've drawn two slightly different setups, while the top one reflects the true setup, and the lower one might be easier to solve:

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/dsc00374h.jpg/#

I'm primarily interested in solving this by hand and calculator, and I'm a little rusty on constraint equations and Lagrange multipliers (though that might be overkill).

Best Answer

Like @Doresoom said, the truss member here are "Two Force Members" carrying only tangential forces. Thus the sum of the forces on the triangle tip (Point ?C?) should yield the answer.

$$ T_A \cos \alpha + T_B \cos\beta = 0 \\ T_A \sin \alpha - T_B \sin\beta - F = 0 $$

where $T_A$ and $T_B$ are the tensions on the two members.

Next you construct the strain energy

$$ U = \frac{T_A^2}{2 A E} + \frac{T_B^2}{2 A E} $$ where $A$ is the cross-sectional area and $E$ is the (Young's) Modulus of elasticity.

and solve for the deflection $\delta$ along $F$ as

$$ \delta = \frac{\partial U}{\partial F} = \frac{\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta}{\sin^2 (\alpha+\beta)} \frac{F}{A E} $$

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