Forces in a Truss

Radia Chowdhury
Shafquat Tanvirul Islam
Muhammad Usman Ahsan
Evangelos Vlachos
Overview

Introduction Data and Analysis

Background Conclusion

Application and Uses References

Procedure
Introduction
A truss is a structure made of two-force members only

The truss in the experiment was a 45 triangulated frame formed from acrylic members joined by fitted pins in reamed

holes.

For the analysis of structures, the assumption is made that for a truss that lies in a plane, joints can be treated as

frictionless pins; this assumption holds true for a statically determinate system when the number of members m and

joints j adhere to the form m=2j-3

Figure 1: Model truss for experiment

Introduction
For each member of the truss, there are strain gauges

attached to each side which transmit the tensile

strain and compressive forces in each member to

the display.

The load mechanism loads the truss using a load cell

and handwheel.

The load cell will measure the load applied while the

handwheel allows for the adjustment of the load

as shown

Figure 2: Load Mechanism for the Truss

Background

Resolve forces at the joints

Two equations, Fx and Fy = 0

Thus, the first joint for the resolution of forces can

have no more than two unknowns

Joints L2, U1, L1

The free body diagram for the truss is shown at

maximum loading.
Figure 3: Free Body Diagram of the Loaded
Truss
Background
For the joint L2:

Fx=0=F2-F1cos45

Fy=0=F1sin45-100N

FyF1=141.4N T, FxF2=100N C

Then at U1 Fx=0=F1cos45-F4

Fy=0=F3-F1sin45

FyF3=100N C, FxF4=100N C

Then at L1 Fx=0=F6-F5cos45-F2

Fy=0=F5sin45-F3

FyF5=141.4N T, FxF6=200N C

Then, these theoretical calculated values can be compared to the experimental values to find the percentage error.

Percentage error = (Theoretical Value - Experimental Value)/Theoretical Value

Applications and Uses
Real world applications of Truss systems include:
- Bridges

- Roofing

- Towers (Eiffel)

- Lifting Cranes
Procedure
Testing the linear elastic behavior
Zero the channel
Apply a preload of 30N
Release the preload a few times so that the members and joints of the truss are settled
Apply loads in 10N increments to the truss go up by a max of 100N
Unload by increments of 10 till the preload of 30N is reached
Procedure
Forces in members
Keep the preload of 30N and make sure the channel is zeroed
Apply a single load until the channel reads 130.
Unload the 100N
Repeat beginning steps.
Data: Part 1a

Table: Initial Data for Part 1a

Analysis: Part 1a
Graph: Applied Loads
VS. Member forces for
loading
Analysis: Part 1a (Contd.)
The ratio of the member forces to the applied load for each truss member are:

Member 1: 16.56

Member 2: -11.887

Member 3: -11.887

Member 4: 8.356

Member 5: 16.56

Member 6: -27.109
Analysis: Part 1a (contd.)
Graph: Applied Loads
VS. Member forces for
loading (0 intercept)
Analysis: Part 1a (Contd.)
The (theoretical) ratio of the member forces to the applied load for each truss

member are:
Member 1: 14.567
Member 2: -10.53
Member 3: -10.614
Member 4: 6.892
Member 5: 14.629

Member 6: -23.822
Data: Part 1b

Table: Initial Data for Part 1b

Analysis: Part 1b
Graph: Applied Loads
VS. Member forces for
loading
Analysis: Part 1b (Contd.)
The ratio of the member forces to the applied load for each truss member are:
Member 1: 14.567
Member 2: -10.53
Member 3: -10.614
Member 4: 6.892
Member 5: 14.629

Member 6: -23.822
Analysis: Part 1b (Contd.)
Graph: Applied Loads
VS. Member forces for
loading (Zero Intercept)
Analysis: Part 1b (Contd.)
The ratio of the member forces to the applied load for each truss member are:
Member 1: 15.085
Member 2: -10.625
Member 3: -11.263
Member 4: 6.8
Member 5: 15.557

Member 6: -24.597
Data: Part 2

Table: Initial Data (and calculated theoretical results) for Part 2

Theoretical Calculation (Part 2)
Analysis: Part 2
Errors For each member was calculated, and found to be:

Member 1: 9.69%

Member 2: 4%

Member 3: 0%

Member 4: 20.27%

Member 5: 9.69%

Member 6: 23.67%
Conclusion
- Each truss member was concluded to be made of a linear elastic material

- Lower force readings for unloading at 0N in comparison to loading at 0N

- Plastic deformation caused by unloading shouldve caused higher force readings

- Note: Creep is usually unnoticeable for rapid loading of 100N

- For immediate loading with 100N:

- Experimentally obtained values for forces in each truss member were relatively precise for all
three trials

- errors may be partially explained by the imperfect precision of the

instruments used to apply and measure the forces on the truss
members
References
- NYU School of Engineering. "Mechanics of Materials Lab Manual." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 2nd Oct. 2016