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6.6:

Zero-Force Member

JoVE Core
Mechanical Engineering
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JoVE Core Mechanical Engineering
Zero-Force Member

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A truss member that experiences no stress under loading conditions is called a zero-force member.

For a truss joint with two non-collinear members and no external load or support reaction, both members must be zero-force members.

A free-body diagram is drawn for this joint. The sum of the forces along the vertical direction equals zero, making force along BA zero. Using the equilibrium equation along the horizontal direction gives force along BC as zero.

For a joint with three members, including two collinear members, the third member is a zero-force member, provided no external load or support reaction is applied at this joint.

Again, drawing a free-body diagram and applying the static equilibrium conditions, proves that the force along CA is zero.

Consider a truss with a roller and pin support and an external load at joint E.

The joints with three members, including two collinear members, are identified. The zero-force condition at these joints implies FG, EH and FD are zero-force members.

However,  ED cannot be a zero-force member because of the external load.

6.6:

Zero-Force Member

A truss is a framework that comprises slender members connected at their ends by joints. Trusses are widely used in engineering and architecture to stabilize and strengthen structures like bridges, roofs, and towers. Truss members are designed to carry loads through tension and compression, enabling the truss to withstand external forces.

One critical concept in truss design is the idea of zero-force members. It refers to a truss member that experiences no stress under loading conditions. During the analysis of a truss, certain members may have zero force, indicating that they do not contribute to the overall load-bearing capacity of the structure. Identifying zero-force members is essential for optimizing the design of truss structures.

There are two conditions for the existence of zero-force members. First, if only two non-collinear members form a truss joint, and no external load or support reaction is applied to a joint, both members must be zero-force members. Second, if three members form a truss joint, and two are collinear, the third member is a zero-force member, provided no external force or support reaction has a component that acts along that member.

Figure 1

Consider a truss with a roller and pin support and an external load at joint E. Here, joints H and G are three-member joints with two collinear members. Applying the second condition, EH and FG are zero-force members. Using the zero-force condition to the joint FDF is a zero-force member. However, due to the external load, ED cannot be a zero-force member.

Zero-force members are vital in maintaining truss stability and equilibrium, optimizing structural design, and reducing material and construction costs.

Önerilen Okuma

  1. R. C., Hibbeler  Engineering Mechanics Statics, Pearson. Pp. 282