Statics Practice: Drawing Free Body Diagrams on Trusses

The video tutorial covers practice problems from statics, focusing on drawing free body diagrams for various joints in a truss structure. It explains the forces acting on joints A, B, E, and D, emphasizing the importance of equilibrium and the correct representation of forces. The tutorial also highlights the assumptions made about forces being in tension or compression and provides guidance on constructing accurate diagrams.

What components are included in the truss structure discussed in the video?

• Members with varying lengths

• Joints with no members

• Only joints A and B

• Joints ABC, D&E and members with length L

What is the first step in drawing a free body diagram for point A?

• Identify the net force as non-zero

• Draw the forces coming into the dot

• Draw the forces coming out of the dot

• Ignore the given force RA

Which force is already given in the free body diagram for point A?

• Force RA

• Force RB

• Force RC

• Force RD

What is the main difference in drawing the free body diagram for point B compared to point A?

• Point B has more external forces

• Point B is not in equilibrium

• Point B has fewer member forces

• Point B has no pins or rollers

How many arrows are used in the free body diagram for joint E?

• Six

• Five

• Four

• Three

What is the external force applied on joint E labeled as?

• Force P

• Force R

• Force S

• Force Q

What notation does the instructor prefer for the horizontal reaction force at joint D?

• HX

• HD

• DX

• DH