Quiz SM104

Internal Forces and Moments

Lucas Montogue
Problems
PROBLEM ❶
The simply supported beam shown in the figure below carries two
concentrated loads. Which of the following pairs of graphs best approximates the
shear and bending moment diagrams for this system?

A)

B)

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C)

D)

PROBLEM ❷ (Beer et al., 2013, w/ permission)

Consider beam AB shown below. What are the maximum values for shear
force and bending moment for this system?

A) |𝑉𝑉max| = 365 lb and |𝑀𝑀max| = 3510 lb∙in.

B) |𝑉𝑉max | = 365 lb and |𝑀𝑀max| = 5110 lb∙in.
C) |𝑉𝑉max| = 515 lb and |𝑀𝑀max| = 3510 lb∙in.
D) |𝑉𝑉max | = 515 lb and |𝑀𝑀max| = 5110 lb∙in.

PROBLEM ❸ (Hibbeler, 2010, w/ permission)

Which of the following graphs best illustrates the shear force and bending
moment diagrams for the beam illustrated below?

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A)

B)

C)

D)

PROBLEM ❹ (Merriam & Kraige, 2002, w/ permission)

Consider a beam with the loading pattern shown below. Find the distance
x, measured from the left end, for which the bending moment is maximum.

A) 𝑥𝑥 = 4.47 ft
B) 𝑥𝑥 = 6.12 ft
C) 𝑥𝑥 = 7.54 ft
D) 𝑥𝑥 = 10.0 ft

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PROBLEM ❺ (Beer et al., 2013, w/ permission)
Determine the maximum absolute value of the bending moment in the
beam illustrated below.

A) 𝑀𝑀max = (𝑤𝑤𝑜𝑜 𝐿𝐿2 )⁄(2𝜋𝜋)

B) 𝑀𝑀max = (𝑤𝑤𝑜𝑜 𝐿𝐿2 )⁄𝜋𝜋
C) 𝑀𝑀max = (𝑤𝑤𝑜𝑜 𝐿𝐿2 )⁄(2𝜋𝜋 2 )
D) 𝑀𝑀max = (𝑤𝑤𝑜𝑜 𝐿𝐿2 )⁄𝜋𝜋 2

PROBLEM ❻ (Beer et al., 2015, w/ permission)

Two small channel sections DF and EH have been welded to the uniform
beam AB of weight w = 3 kN to form the rigid structural member shown. This
member is being lifted by two cables attached at D and E. Knowing that 𝜃𝜃 = 30o
and neglecting the weight of the channel sections, determine the maximum values
of the shear force and bending moment in the beam.

A) |𝑉𝑉max| = 600 N and |𝑀𝑀max| = 624 N∙m

B) |𝑉𝑉max | = 600 N and |𝑀𝑀max| = 924 N∙m
C) |𝑉𝑉max| = 900 N and |𝑀𝑀max | = 624 N∙m
D) |𝑉𝑉max | = 900 N and |𝑀𝑀max | = 924 N∙m

PROBLEM ❼ (Hibbeler, 2010, w/ permission)

Determine the ratio of a/b for which the shear force will be zero at the
midpoint C of the double-overhang beam.

A) 𝑎𝑎/𝑏𝑏 = 1/8
B) 𝑎𝑎/𝑏𝑏 = 1/6
C) 𝑎𝑎/𝑏𝑏 = 1/4
D) 𝑎𝑎/𝑏𝑏 = 1/2

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PROBLEM ❽ (Hibbeler, 2010, w/ permission)
Determine the internal normal force, shear force, and moment at point E
of the two-member frame shown. True or false?

1. ( ) The absolute value of the internal normal force at E is less than 1 kN.
2.( ) The absolute value of the shear force at E is less than 1 kN.
3. ( ) The absolute value of the internal moment at E is less than 1.2 kN∙m.

PROBLEM ❾ (Hibbeler, 2010, w/ permission)

If L = 9 m, the beam will fail when the maximum shear force is Vmax = 5 kN
or the maximum bending moment is Mmax = 22 kN∙m. Determine the largest
couple moment M0 the beam will support.

A) M0 = 22 kN∙m
B) M0 = 44 kN∙m
C) M0 = 66 kN∙m
D) M0 = 88 kN∙m

PROBLEM ❿ (Hibbeler, 2010, w/ permission)

Determine the largest intensity w0 of the distributed load that the beam
can support if the beam can withstand a maximum shear force Vmax = 1200 lb and
a maximum bending moment of Mmax = 600 lb∙ft.

A) w = 13.9 lb/ft
B) w = 21.8 lb/ft
C) w = 32.5 lb/ft
D) w = 44.1 lb/ft

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PROBLEM ⓫ (Beer et al., 2015, w/ permission)
For the beam and loading shown, determine the maximum normal stress
due to bending in a transverse section at C.

A) 𝜎𝜎 = 10.9 MPa
B) 𝜎𝜎 = 21.2 MPa
C) 𝜎𝜎 = 30.4 MPa
D) 𝜎𝜎 = 41.0 MPa

PROBLEM ⓬ (Beer et al., 2015, w/ permission)

The beam AB supports two concentrated loads P and Q. The normal stress
due to bending in the bottom edge of the beam is +55 MPa at D and +37.5 MPa at
F. Determine the maximum normal stress due to bending that occurs in the beam.

A) 𝜎𝜎 = 37.5 MPa
B) 𝜎𝜎 = 50.0 MPa
C) 𝜎𝜎 = 62.5 MPa
D) 𝜎𝜎 = 75.0 MPa

Solutions
P.1 ■ Solution
The determination of the expressions for V and M follows. First, consider
segment AB, which encompasses 0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 2 m. The figure below shows the forces
and moments acting on the beam when it is divided into two segments by a point
E, located between A and B, and a distance x away from the left support.

Applying an equilibrium of forces in the y-direction, we have

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 18 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉 = 18 kN
and, from the equilibrium of moments relative to point E,

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐸𝐸 = 0 → 𝑀𝑀 − 18𝑥𝑥 = 0

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 ∴ 𝑀𝑀 = 18𝑥𝑥 kN ∙ m (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 2 m)
Next, we consider the forces and moments at segment BC, 2 < x < 5 m, as
shown below.

Applying the two equations of equilibrium as before, we have

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 18 − 14 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉 = 4 kN
Σ𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 = 0 → 𝑀𝑀 − 18𝑥𝑥 + 14(𝑥𝑥 − 2) = 𝑀𝑀 − 18𝑥𝑥 + 14𝑥𝑥 − 28 = 0
∴ 𝑀𝑀 = 4𝑥𝑥 + 28 kN ∙ m (2 < x < 5 m)
Finally, we consider segment CD, 5 < x < 7 m.

Applying the two equations of equilibrium gives

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 18 − 14 − 28 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉 = −24 kN
Σ𝑀𝑀𝐺𝐺 = 0 → 𝑀𝑀 + 28(𝑥𝑥 − 5) + 14(𝑥𝑥 − 2) − 18𝑥𝑥
∴ 𝑀𝑀 + 42𝑥𝑥 − 140 − 28 − 18𝑥𝑥 = 0
∴ 𝑀𝑀 + 24𝑥𝑥 − 168 = 0
∴ 𝑀𝑀 = 168 − 24𝑥𝑥 kN ∙ m
We are now ready to assemble these results in moment and shear force
diagrams. The shear force varies according to the laws

𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 18 kN (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 2 m)

𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 4 kN (2 < x < 5 m)
𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = −24 kN (5 < 𝑥𝑥 < 7 m)
The plot thus obtained with Mathematica is shown below.
kN
20

10

m
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

10

20

Next, we plot the bending moment diagram, which follows the piecewise
function

𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 18𝑥𝑥 (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 2 m)

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 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 4𝑥𝑥 + 28 (2 < 𝑥𝑥 < 5 m)
𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 168 − 24𝑥𝑥 (5 < 𝑥𝑥 < 7 m)
The plot thus obtained with Mathematica is given below.
kNm
50

40

30

20

10

m
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Bear in mind that the moment M at any section equals the area under the
shear diagram up to that section; that is,

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑉𝑉 = → 𝑀𝑀 = � 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
For instance, in the interval 0 < x < 2 m we have

𝑀𝑀 = � 18𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 18𝑥𝑥 (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 2 m)

■ The correct answer is B.

P.2 ■ Solution
The reactions are easily determined with a free body diagram.

First, we sum moments relative to point A,

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 0 → 𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 (32) − 400(22) − 480(6) = 0 ∴ 𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 = 365 lb

Then, summing forces in the y-direction, we have

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 𝐴𝐴 − 400 − 480 + 365 = 0 ∴ 𝐴𝐴 = 515 lb

and, because Bx is the only force acting on the x-direction, we immediately have
𝐵𝐵𝑥𝑥 = 0.

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 We proceed to investigate the internal forces and moments acting on the
beam. From point A to C, we consider the portion of the beam to the left of section
1 in the figure shown above. The distributed load is replaced with an equivalent
concentrated force. Writing equations for equilibrium of forces in the y-direction
and for equilibrium of moments, we see that

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 515 − 40𝑥𝑥 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 40𝑥𝑥 − 515

𝑥𝑥
Σ𝑀𝑀𝑂𝑂 = 0 → −515𝑥𝑥 + 40𝑥𝑥 � � + 𝑀𝑀
2
∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 515𝑥𝑥 − 20𝑥𝑥 2 (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 12 in. )

These equations describe the variation of shear force and bending

moment with distance x from the left support. Next, we consider the equilibrium
of forces and moments to the left of section 2 in the previous figure. As before, we
replace the distributed load with an equivalent force. The equations of equilibrium
yield

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 515 − 480 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 35 lb

Σ𝑀𝑀𝑂𝑂 = 0 → −515𝑥𝑥 + 480(𝑥𝑥 − 6) + 𝑀𝑀 = 0

∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 35𝑥𝑥 + 2880 (12 < 𝑥𝑥 < 18 in. )

Finally, consider the segment that goes from D to B. Applying the

equations of equilibrium gives

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 515 − 480 − 400 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 365 lb

Σ𝑀𝑀𝑂𝑂 = 0 → −515𝑥𝑥 + 480(𝑥𝑥 − 6) − 1600 + 400(𝑥𝑥 − 18) + 𝑀𝑀 = 0

∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = −365𝑥𝑥 + 11680 (18 < 𝑥𝑥 < 32 in. )

The shear and bending moment diagrams for the entire beam can now be
prepared. Notice that the couple of moment 1600 lb∙in applied at point D
introduces a discontinuity into the bending moment diagram. Inspecting the
graphs below, we verify that |𝑉𝑉max | = 515 lb and |𝑀𝑀max | = 5110 lb-in.

■ The correct answer is D.

P.3 ■ Solution
A free body diagram for a segment of the beam having length x is
illustrated in continuation.

Using proportional triangles, we see that the distributed loading on the

beam segment has an intensity of w/x = 6/9, so that w = (2/3)x. The magnitude of
the resultant force that can replace this distributed load is equal to (1/2)x(2/3)x =

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(1/3)x2. This force acts through the centroid of the distributed loading area, a
distance (1/3)x from the right end, as shown in the previous figure. Writing
equations for equilibrium of forces in the y-direction and for equilibrium of
moments, we see that

1
Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 9 − 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0
3
1
∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 9 − 𝑥𝑥 2
3
1 𝑥𝑥
Σ𝑀𝑀𝑂𝑂 = 0 → −9𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥 2 � � + 𝑀𝑀 = 0
3 3
𝑥𝑥 3
∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 9𝑥𝑥 − (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 9 m)
9
Plots of shear and bending moment are given below.

Note that the shear force diagrams in options A and C are quite similar.
However, they differ in the point of zero shear, which can be easily obtained by
setting the equation of V(x) to zero; that is,

1 1
𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 9 − 𝑥𝑥 2 = 0 → 𝑥𝑥 2 = 9
3 3
∴ 𝑥𝑥 = 271⁄2 = 5.2 m

Hence, the graph in A is the correct shear force diagram.

■ The correct answer is A.

P.4 ■ Solution
The support reactions are most easily obtained by considering the
resultants of the distributed loads on the whole beam. In doing so, the reactions
are determined as R1 = 247 lb and R2 = 653 lb.

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 Consider first the free body diagram for the beam segment that goes from
the left end (i.e., from x = 0) to x = 4 ft, as shown.

Summing forces in the vertical direction and moments relative to the cut
section, we have

ΣFy = 0 → V = 247 − 12.5x 2

x
ΣM = 0 → M + 12.5x 2 � � − 247x = 0
3

∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 247x − 4.17x 3 (0 < x < 4 ft)

Next, we move on to interval 4 < x < 8 ft.

A vertical force summation and a moment summation about the right end
yield, respectively,

ΣFy = 0 → V + 100(x − 4) + 200 − 247 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉 + 100x − 400 + 200 − 247 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 447 − 100x

x−4 2
ΣM0 = 0 → M + 100(x − 4) � � + 200 �x − (4)� − 247x = 0
2 3

∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = −267 + 447x − 50x 2 (4 < x < 8 ft)

Consider now the beam segment such that 8 < x < 10 ft. Summing forces
and moments, we have

𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = −353 lb
𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 2930 − 353𝑥𝑥 (8 < 𝑥𝑥 < 10 ft)
Finally, the last portion is analyzed by inspection. The shear is constant at
+300 lb, and the moment follows a straight-line relation beginning with zero at the
right end of the beam. The final shear force and bending moment diagrams are
shown below.

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 After graphing the diagrams, we note that the maximum positive bending
moment occurs somewhere in the interval 0 < x < 8 ft, while the maximum
negative bending moment is readily seen to be −600 lb∙ft at x = 10 ft. To obtain the
maximum positive bending moment, recall that the internal moment is maximum
when the shear force equals zero. In segment 0 < x < 8 ft, we have V(x) = 447 –
100x. Setting this to zero, we obtain x = 4.47 m. The bending moment at this
position is

𝑀𝑀(4.47) = −267 + 447(4.47) − 50(4.47)2 = 732.0 lb ∙ ft

which is greater in absolute value than 600 lb∙ft; therefore, it is taken as the
maximum bending moment acting on the structure.

■ The correct answer is A.

P.5 ■ Solution
We begin with the assertion that the derivative of shear with respect to x
equals the distributed load w, while the derivative of bending moment with
respect to x yields the shear force. Mathematically,

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋

= −𝑤𝑤 → = −𝑤𝑤0 sin
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐿𝐿
𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = − � 𝑤𝑤0 sin 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = cos + 𝐶𝐶1 =
𝐿𝐿 𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2
𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 2 sin + 𝐶𝐶1 𝑥𝑥 + 𝐶𝐶2
𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿
We have two boundary conditions, namely, M(0) = 0 and M(L) = 0. Applying
these gives
𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿2
𝑀𝑀(0) = 2 sin 0 + 𝐶𝐶1 (0) + 𝐶𝐶2 = 0 → 𝐶𝐶2 = 0
𝜋𝜋
𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿2
𝑀𝑀(𝐿𝐿) = 2 sin �𝜋𝜋 + 𝐶𝐶1 𝐿𝐿 + 𝐶𝐶⏟2 = 0 → 𝐶𝐶1 = 0
𝜋𝜋 =0 =0

Thus the expression for shear force is simply

𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = cos
𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿
while for bending moment,
𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿2 𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = sin (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 𝐿𝐿)
𝜋𝜋 2 𝐿𝐿
We set 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑⁄𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = V = 0. Inspecting the equation for V(x), we see that V(L/2) =
0, in which case we have

𝐿𝐿 𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿 𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿 𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿 𝜋𝜋
𝑉𝑉 � �= cos � � �� = cos � � = 0
2𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿 2 𝜋𝜋 ����2�
=0
The maximum bending moment is then

𝐿𝐿 𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿2 𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿 𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿2 𝜋𝜋 𝑤𝑤0 𝐿𝐿2

𝑀𝑀max = 𝑀𝑀 � � = 2 sin � � �� = 2 sin =
2 𝜋𝜋 𝐿𝐿 2 𝜋𝜋 2 𝜋𝜋 2

■ The correct answer is D.

P.6 ■ Solution
Consider the free body diagram for this structure.

From symmetry, we can infer that Ey = Dy. Further, Ex = Dx = Dy tan 𝜃𝜃.

Summing forces in the y-direction, we have

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 Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 𝐷𝐷𝑦𝑦 + 𝐸𝐸𝑦𝑦 − 3 = 0
∴ 𝐷𝐷𝑦𝑦 = 𝐸𝐸𝑦𝑦 = 1.5 kN
From the previous equality, we have Dx = 1.5tan 𝜃𝜃 → and Ex = 1.5tan 𝜃𝜃 ←.
We replace the forces at D and E with equivalent force-couple systems, as
illustrated below.

The equivalent moment M0 is such that M0 = 1.5tan 𝜃𝜃 × 0.5 = (750

N∙m)tan 𝜃𝜃. Note that the weight of the beam per unit length is

𝑊𝑊 3 kN kN N
𝑤𝑤 = = = 0.6 = 600
𝐿𝐿 5m m m
We are now ready to prepare the shear and bending moment diagrams.
First, consider the segment that goes from A to F.

The sum of forces in the y-direction is such that

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → −𝑉𝑉 − 600𝑥𝑥 = 0 ∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = −600𝑥𝑥

The sum of moments relative to the right end of this
segment is

𝑥𝑥
Σ𝑀𝑀0 = 0 → 𝑀𝑀 + 600𝑥𝑥 � � = 0 ∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = −300𝑥𝑥 2 (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 1.5 m)
2
Note that, for x = 0, we have V(0) = 0 and M(0) = 0, while, for x = 1.5 m, it is
seen that V(1.5) = −900 N and M(1.5) = −675 N∙m. Next, consider the segment that
goes from F to H. The sum of vertical forces and the sum of moments relative to
the right end yield, respectively,

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 1500 − 600𝑥𝑥 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 1500 − 600𝑥𝑥
𝑥𝑥
Σ𝑀𝑀0 = 0 → −1500(𝑥𝑥 − 1.5) + 600𝑥𝑥 � � + 𝑀𝑀 − 𝑀𝑀0 = 0
2
∴ −1500𝑥𝑥 + 2250 + 300𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑀𝑀0 + 𝑀𝑀 = 0
∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑀𝑀0 − 300𝑥𝑥 2 + 1500𝑥𝑥 − 2250 (1.5 < 𝑥𝑥 < 2.5 m)
At x = 1.5 m, we have V(1.5) = 600 N and M(1.5) = M0 – 675 N∙m, while, at x =
2.5 m, we note that V(2.5) = 0 and M(2.5) = M0 – 375 N∙m. From G to B, the diagrams
can be easily obtained through symmetry. The ensuing shear and bending
moment diagrams are as shown.

It is easy to see that the largest shear force is |𝑉𝑉max | = 900 N at x = 1.5 m
and 3.5 m. Now, making 𝜃𝜃 = 60o, moment M0 becomes M0 = 750× tan 60o = 1299
N∙m. Hence, we have, just to the right of point F, M(1.5) = M0 – 675 = 1299 – 675 =

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624 N∙m, while, just to the right of point G, we have M(2.5) = M0 – 375 = 1299 – 375
= 924 N∙m. Accordingly,|Mmax| = 924 N∙m.

■ The correct answer is D.

P.7 ■ Solution
Consider the following free body diagram for the beam segment that
extends itself from the left end to the right of point B.

Taking moments about point B in the beam, we have

1 1
Σ𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0 → (2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) × 𝑤𝑤 � (𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎)� − 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 𝑏𝑏 = 0
2 3
𝑤𝑤
∴ 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 = (2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)(𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎)
2𝑏𝑏
Consider now the following free body diagram.

The problem requires that VC = 0. Summing forces in the vertical direction,

then, we have

𝑤𝑤 1 𝑏𝑏 𝑤𝑤
Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → (2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)(𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎) − �𝑎𝑎 + � = 0
6𝑏𝑏 2 2 2
𝑤𝑤 𝑤𝑤
∴ (2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)(𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎) = (2𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)
6𝑏𝑏 8
𝑎𝑎 1
∴ =
𝑏𝑏 4

■ The correct answer is C.

P.8 ■ Solution
Consider first the free body diagram for member AB.

The vertical component of the reaction at B can be obtained by taking

moments about point A; that is,

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 0 → 𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 × 4 − 1000 × 2 = 0 ∴ 𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 = 500 N

Similarly, the horizontal component of B can be obtained by taking
moments about point C, as shown.

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 Mathematically,

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶 = 0 → −500 × 4 + 225 × 0.5 + 𝐵𝐵𝑥𝑥 × 1.5 = 0 ∴ 𝐵𝐵𝑥𝑥 = 1258.3 kN

Consider now the free body diagram for segment BE, as illustrated in
continuation.

Summing forces in the horizontal direction, we have

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑥𝑥 = 0 → −𝑁𝑁𝐸𝐸 − 1258.3 − 225 = 0

∴ 𝑁𝑁𝐸𝐸 = −1483.3 N
Similarly, summing forces in the y-direction, we see that

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 𝑉𝑉𝐸𝐸 − 500 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉𝐸𝐸 = 500 N
Finally, the bending moment at E can be determined by applying the
second condition of equilibrium to this point, giving

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐸𝐸 = 0 → −𝑀𝑀𝐸𝐸 + 225 × 0.5 + 1258.3 × 1.5 − 500 × 2 = 0

∴ 𝑀𝑀𝐸𝐸 = 1000 N ∙ m

■ Statements 2 and 3 are true, whereas statement 1 is false.

P.9 ■ Solution
The free body diagram of the structure is illustrated below.

First, consider the segment in the interval 0 < x < L/2.

Applying the two conditions of equilibrium, we have

𝑀𝑀0 𝑀𝑀0
Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → − − 𝑉𝑉 = 0 ∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = −
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
𝑀𝑀0 𝑀𝑀0
Σ𝑀𝑀0 = 0 → 𝑀𝑀 + 𝑥𝑥 = 0 ∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = − 𝑥𝑥 (0 < 𝑥𝑥
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
< 𝐿𝐿⁄2)

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 Next, consider the segment located in the interval L/2 < x < L. Applying the
two conditions of equilibrium, we see that

𝑀𝑀0 𝑀𝑀0
Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → − 𝐿𝐿
− 𝑉𝑉 = 0 ∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = − 𝐿𝐿

𝑀𝑀0
Σ𝑀𝑀0 = 0 → 𝑀𝑀 + 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑀𝑀0 = 0 ∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥)
𝐿𝐿
𝑀𝑀0
= 𝑀𝑀0 − 𝑥𝑥
𝐿𝐿
𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿
= 𝑀𝑀0 �1 − � � < 𝑥𝑥 < 𝐿𝐿�
𝐿𝐿 2
When M0 = 500 N∙m and L = 9 m, and noting that Vmax = 5 kN and Mmax = 22
kN∙m, we make use of the expressions

𝑀𝑀0 𝑀𝑀0
𝑉𝑉max = →5=
𝐿𝐿 9
∴ 𝑀𝑀0 = 45 kN ∙ m
and

𝑀𝑀0 𝑀𝑀0
𝑀𝑀max = → 22 =
2 2
∴ 𝑀𝑀0 = 44 kN ∙ m
The lower result controls; thus, the largest couple moment that the beam
is capable of withstanding is M0 = 44 kN∙m.

■ The correct answer is B.

P.10 ■ Solution
Since the loading is discontinuous at the midspan, the shear and moment
equations must be written for regions 0 < x < 6 ft and 6 < x < 12 ft of the beam.
The free-body diagrams of the beam’s segment sectioned through the arbitrary
point within these two regions are shown in figures (b) and (c) below. The
reactions at A and B were found as Ay = 7.5w0 and By = 10.5w0.

Consider first the segment for which 0 < x < 6 ft. Summing forces in the
vertical direction and moments, we obtain

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 7.5𝑤𝑤0 − 𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑉𝑉 = 0

∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑤𝑤0 (7.5 − 𝑥𝑥) (I)

𝑥𝑥
Σ𝑀𝑀0 = 0 → 𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 � � − 7.5𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑀𝑀 = 0
2
𝑤𝑤0
∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 7.5𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 − 0.5𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 2 = (15𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 2 ) (0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 6 ft) (II)
2
Next, consider the segment that encompasses 6 < x < 12 ft. Summing
forces and moments as before, we see that

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 Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 10.5𝑤𝑤0 − 2𝑤𝑤0 (12 − 𝑥𝑥) + 𝑉𝑉 = 0 ∴ 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥)
= 2𝑤𝑤0 (12 − 𝑥𝑥) − 10.5𝑤𝑤0 = 24𝑤𝑤0 − 2𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 − 10.5𝑤𝑤0
= 𝑤𝑤0 (13.5 − 2𝑥𝑥) (III)
1
Σ𝑀𝑀0 = 0 → 10.5𝑤𝑤0 (12 − 𝑥𝑥) − 2𝑤𝑤0 (12 − 𝑥𝑥) � (12 − 𝑥𝑥)� − 𝑀𝑀 = 0
2
∴ 𝑀𝑀(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑤𝑤0 (−𝑥𝑥 2 + 13.5𝑥𝑥 − 18) (6 < 𝑥𝑥 < 12 ft) (IV)
The shear diagram is plotted using Equations (I) and (III). The value of the
shear force at x = 6 ft can be evaluated using either equation,

𝑉𝑉(6) = 𝑤𝑤0 (7.5 − 6) = 1.5𝑤𝑤0

The location at which the shear is equal to zero is obtained by setting V = 0
in Equation (III),

𝑤𝑤0 (13.5 − 2𝑥𝑥) = 0

∴ 13.5𝑤𝑤0 − 2𝑤𝑤0 𝑥𝑥 = 0
13.5
∴ 𝑥𝑥 = = 6.75 ft
2
The moment diagram in the figure below is plotted using Equations (II)
and (IV).

The value of the moment at x = 6 ft is evaluated as

𝑤𝑤0
𝑀𝑀(6) = (15 × 6 − 62 ) = 27𝑤𝑤0
2
The value of the moment at x = 6.75 ft is evaluated using Equation (IV),

𝑀𝑀(6.75) = 𝑤𝑤0 (−6.752 + 13.5 × 6.75 − 18) = 27.56𝑤𝑤0

By observing the shear and moment diagrams, we verify that Vmax = 10.5w0
and Mmax = 27.56w0. We can then propose two equalities,

𝑉𝑉max = 10.5𝑤𝑤0 = 1200

∴ 𝑤𝑤0 = 114.3 lb ∙ ft −1
and
𝑀𝑀max = 27.56𝑤𝑤0 = 600
600
∴ 𝑤𝑤0 = = 21.8 lb ∙ ft −1
27.56
The second result governs, and the largest intensity of the distributed load
is taken as w0 = 21.8 lb/ft.

■ The correct answer is B.

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P.11 ■ Solution
Consider segment CB, as shown.

The sum of moments relative to point C (the left end of

the cut off segment) must equal zero; that is,
Σ𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶 = 0 → −𝑀𝑀 + 2.2 × 3 × 103 × 1.1 = 0
∴ 𝑀𝑀 = 7.26 kN
Next, we compute the section modulus for the
rectangular section, which is given by

𝑏𝑏ℎ2 100 × 2002

𝑆𝑆 = = = 6.67 × 105 mm3 = 6.67 × 10−4 m3
6 6
Finally, the normal stress can be obtained as the ratio of moment to
section modulus (i.e., the flexure formula),

𝑀𝑀 7260
𝜎𝜎 = = = 1.088 × 107 Pa = 10.9 MPa
𝑆𝑆 6.67 × 10−4

■ The correct answer is A.

P.12 ■ Solution
As in Problem 11, the cross-section of the beam is rectangular, and its
section modulus equals

𝑏𝑏ℎ 2 24 × 602
𝑆𝑆 = = = 14,400 mm3 = 1.44 × 10−5 m3
6 6
Using the flexure formula, we can write 𝜎𝜎 = 𝑀𝑀⁄𝑆𝑆, so that 𝑀𝑀 = 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆. At point
D, we have 𝑀𝑀𝐷𝐷 = 1.44 × 10−5 (55 × 106 ) = 792 N ∙ m, while at point F we have 𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 =
1.44 × 10−5 (37.5 × 106 ) = 540 N ∙ m. Now, consider segment FB of the beam.

The sum of moments relative to point F must equal zero.

Hence,

540
Σ𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 = 0 → −540 + 0.3𝐵𝐵 = 0 ∴ 𝐵𝐵 = = 1800 N
0.3
Next, using free body DEFB, we have the sum of moments

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐷𝐷 = 0 → −792 − 0.3𝑄𝑄 +

0.8(1800) = 0
(−792 + 0.8 × 1800)
∴ 𝑄𝑄 = = 2160 N
0.3
Then, consider the beam as a whole.

Σ𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 0 → −0.2𝑃𝑃 − 0.7 × 2160 + 1.2

× 1800 = 0
−0.7 × 2160 + 1.2 × 1800
𝑃𝑃 = = 3240 N
0.2
Summing forces in the y-direction, we obtain the value of reaction A,

Σ𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 → 𝐴𝐴 − 3240 − 2160 + 1800 = 0 ∴ 𝐴𝐴 = 3600 N

We are now ready to consider the shear diagram and its areas, from
which the moments can be determined.

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 From A to C- (just to the left of C), 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 3600 N and 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 0.2(3600) =
720 N ∙ m = 𝑀𝑀; from C+ (just to the right of C) to E-, we have 𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 3600 − 3240 =
360 N and 𝐴𝐴𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 0.5(360) = 180 N ∙ m = 𝑀𝑀; finally, from E+ to B, it follows that
𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 360 − 2160 = −1800 N and 𝐴𝐴EB = 0.5(−1800) = −900 N ∙ m. Now, the
bending moments are found to be 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 0,𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶 = 0 + 720 = 720 N ∙ m, 𝑀𝑀𝐸𝐸 = 720 +
180 = 900 N ∙ m, and 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 900 − 900 = 0. Clearly, the maximum bending moment
is |𝑀𝑀max | = 900 N ∙ m at point E. The maximum normal stress follows from the
flexure formula,

|𝑀𝑀max | 900
𝜎𝜎max = = = 62.5 MPa
𝑆𝑆 1.44 × 10−5

■ The correct answer is C.

Answer Summary
Problem 1 B
Problem 2 D
Problem 3 A
Problem 4 A
Problem 5 D
Problem 6 D
Problem 7 C
Problem 8 T/F
Problem 9 B
Problem 10 B
Problem 11 A
Problem 12 C

References
 BEER, F., JOHNSTON, E., DEWOLF, J. and MAZUREK, D. (2015). Mechanics of
Materials. 7th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
 BEER, F., JOHNSTON, E., MAZUREK, D. and CORNWELL, P. (2013). Vector
Mechanics for Engineers: Statics. 10th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
 HIBBELER, R. (2013). Engineering Mechanics: Statics. 13th edition. Upper
Saddle River: Pearson.
 MERIAM, J. and KRAIGE, L. (2002). Engineering Mechanics: Statics. 5th
edition. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons.

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