Applications in

Engineering Mechanics
Dr. Wayne Whiteman
Director of the Office of Student Services
and Senior Academic Professional
School of Mechanical Engineering

This course addresses the modeling and analysis of static

equilibrium problems with an emphasis on real world engineering
systems and problem solving.

School of Mechanical Engineering

 Module 8 Learning Outcomes

Make use of the Method of Sections to analyze

truss structures.

2
Example: Determine the force in member GH of the truss below using
the Method of Sections.
Method of Sections
Isolates more than1 joint.
Non-concurrent force system
Can solve for 3 unknowns.

Used with permission from Engineering

Mechanics: Statics, McGill/King, 4th Ed, 2003
Cutting trusses
Cut through members of interest, only once.
Do not cut through joints.
Continue the cut through the truss to isolate a portion of
the truss.
Assume tension in cut members.
Solve for external reactions only if within the cut.
3
Solve for External Reaction -
FBD entire structure
What equation should you use to
solve for Fy?

Fy

Used with permission from Engineering

Mechanics: Statics, McGill/King, 4th Ed, 2003

4
Solve for External Reaction -
FBD entire structure + M A 0

1(3) 1.5(6) (3)(9) (2)(4) Fy (12) 0

47
Fy 3.92
12

Fy 3.92 j kN
Fy
Used with permission from Engineering
Mechanics: Statics, McGill/King, 4th Ed, 2003

5
Section FBD

Used with permission from Engineering

Mechanics: Statics, McGill/King, 4th Ed, 2003

What equation should you use to

solve for FGH?
6
Section FBD
+ M D 0

Used with permission from Engineering

Mechanics: Statics, McGill/King, 4th Ed, 2003