Frames and Machines

Frames and Machines represent problems that are applications of using the equilibrium equations. As such, they do not represent any new ideas.

Strategies and ideas for solving problems:

• Don't write down any equations until you have developed your plan of action.
• Develop your strategy for solving the problem by drawing free-body-diagrams of the entire frame or machine and each one of sub-units. Remember that the free-body-diagram of the complete body is equal to the sum of the free-body-diagrams of its sub-sections.
• For each free-body-diagram analyze the diagram in terms of how you can use the equations to directly solve for some unknowns (Don't write down the equations until you finish analyzing all the free body diagrams).
• Look for any two force members.
• Remember that you can write three equations for each free-body-diagram.
• Don't forget to take advantage of the moment equation to eliminate unknowns.
• After you have analyzed all the free body diagrams, look for the simplest way to get to the solution without writing any extra equations. This will become your plan of attack.
• Once you have formulated your plan, write down the necessary equations and solve for the unknowns.