“Tall trees cast cool shade, grand houses have wide doors,” but to build tall houses, you need solid foundations. And to ensure solid foundations, we must understand the internal forces within structures. So how do we “see through” these hidden forces? The answer lies in internal force diagrams – the “compass” guiding every structural engineer. Let’s explore how to draw mechanical structural internal force diagrams with HOC LAM!
Understanding Internal Forces and Internal Force Diagrams
What are internal forces? Simply put, they are like the “hidden strength” within a structure, responsible for resisting external forces. Internal force diagrams are visual representations of these “strengths,” making it easy to analyze and design structures.
Why Are Internal Force Diagrams Important?
Just as doctors need X-rays to diagnose illnesses, engineers need internal force diagrams to “see” inside structures. From there, we can identify the locations bearing the greatest stress, thereby optimizing designs, saving materials, and ensuring safety. Professor Nguyen Van A, a leading structural expert at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, emphasized in his book “Secrets to Sustainable Structural Design”: “Internal force diagrams are the golden key to unlocking success in structural design.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Mechanical Structural Internal Force Diagrams
Drawing internal force diagrams isn’t as difficult as you might think. Just grasp the basic steps, and anyone can do it.
Step 1: Identify Applied Loads
First, we need to clearly identify the loads acting on the structure. Loads can be static loads (like the structure’s self-weight) or dynamic loads (like wind or earthquakes).
Step 2: Calculate Reactions
After identifying the loads, we calculate the reactions at the supports. This is like finding the fulcrum to balance the structural “seesaw.”
Step 3: Cut the Structure and Consider Equilibrium
Next, we “cut” the structure at the sections we need to investigate and consider the equilibrium of each segment. This is the most crucial step in determining internal forces.
Step 4: Draw the Diagrams
Finally, we draw the internal force diagrams based on the calculated results. The diagrams usually include shear force diagrams, bending moment diagrams, and axial force diagrams.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to distinguish between shear force and bending moment? Shear force causes the structure to be “sheared,” while bending moment causes the structure to “bend.”
- What software supports drawing internal force diagrams? Many software programs offer support, such as SAP2000, ETABS, RISA-3D…
- What do I need to learn to draw internal force diagrams proficiently? You need a solid understanding of structural mechanics, strength of materials, and statics.
Advice from Experts
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi B, lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, shares: “Consistent practice is the key to mastering drawing internal force diagrams. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter initial difficulties.” This advice is similar to the Vietnamese proverb, “Persistence will pierce a stone.”
HOC LAM Is Always Here to Support You
Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand how to draw mechanical structural internal force diagrams. If you want to learn more about wealth creation, earning money, and career guidance, please visit the HOC LAM website. We have many helpful articles waiting for you. Contact us at Phone Number: 0372888889, or visit us at: 335 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer care team. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share this article if you find it useful!
