A weight on a beam held up by two columns - force problem

[bpollard]

Homework Statement

A weight (mass given) is sitting on a beam that is supported by two columns. Given the location of the weight on the beam, calculate the force on each column.

Homework Equations

not sure

The Attempt at a Solution

not sure

 

[SammyS]

You haven't given nearly enough detail !

 

[SteamKing]

Start by drawing a diagram and labelling what you know. There is a beam with length L, let's say, and there is a weight W sitting somewhere on the beam. The beam is held up by two supports, one at each end. Assume for the time being that the reaction forces are RL and RR (or R1 and R2). If the weight W is located a distance a from the left support, use the equations of statics to determine what RL and RR are in terms of W, L, and a.

After all, this is how beam tables are developed.

 

[bpollard]

Thank you Steam King. This is the type of information I'm looking for. One hint I was given is to use a coordinate system that makes the problem easier to attack. I'm not sure what to do with that. Also, can you point me in the right direction with the basic statics equations?

 

[FireStorm000]

You could also attack this from a static equilibrium point of view, realizing that both net force and net torque must be zero for the thing to stay still.

Your first step is to find the center of mass of the weight and horizontal beam as a distance from a column.

Once you've done that, set the net torque and net force equal to zero and solve.

Also, choosing the left pillar as the origin would be easiest in my opinion.

 

[bpollard]

oh, this is it Firestorm! can you help me out with some equations? I just need to be pointed in the right directions with some equations. any help you can provide would be great.
thanks!

 

[FireStorm000]

Sure; first, realize that F_L + F_R = m * g
and that torque is [itex]\tau[/itex]= r x f

That should get you going.

 

[bpollard]

I tried this problem again, and am still stuck. Please see the attachment for my work thus far.
I know that I need to be able to pick an origin that will make the problem easier and cancel some stuff out, but I don't know what this is.
any other help/ideas/hints?
very much appreciated.

 

[PeterO]

I tried this problem again, and am still stuck. Please see the attachment for my work thus far.
I know that I need to be able to pick an origin that will make the problem easier and cancel some stuff out, but I don't know what this is.
any other help/ideas/hints?
very much appreciated.

I don't think the centre of mass is necessary to calculate.

For an overlaying coordinate system, have the origin at the top of one of the columns - eg the left one.
The mas is then at (4,0) and the top of the other column is at (5,0)

Does the beam have a mass??

Peter

 

[bpollard]

the beam does not have a mass...

 

[PeterO]

the beam does not have a mass...

Well that makes calculating the torques more simple.

Peter