# How would the axial force in a rod of a doubly-built in structure be determined?

Assume the horizontal member can be treated as a beam and assuming the diagonal member may be treated as a rod, what is its axial force as a function of the applied loading $P$ and length parameters $L_i$. Assume that the connection between the beam and the rod may be treated as as socket joint.

Firstly, I have defined the vertical, horizontal and moment reactions at the top and bottom built-in ends as $V_1, H_1, M_1, V_2, H_2,$ and $M_2$ respectively. I have also defined the axial force (assumed tensile) in the diagonal member as $T$.

Vertical equilibrium of the beam:

$P + V_1 - Tsin(\phi) = 0$

Horizontal equilibrium of the beam:

$H_1 - T cos(\phi) = 0$

Moment equilibrium of the beam:

$M_1 + P(L_1 + L_2) - T sin(\phi) L_1 = 0$

Vertical equilibrium of the rod:

$T \sin{\phi} + V_2 = 0$

Horizontal equilibrium of the rod:

$T cos(\phi) + H_2 = 0$

Moment equilibrium of the rod:

$M_2 = 0$

Global vertical equilibrium:

$P + V_1 + V_2 =0$

Global horizontal equilibrium:

$H_1 + H_2 = 0$

When I attempt to solve the simultaneous equation, I get an indeterminate problem and can not solve for the value of $T$.

• Welcome to Engineering! This looks like a homework question. In order for such questions to be answered in this site, we need you to add details describing the precise problem you're having. What have you tried to solve this yourself? Please edit your question to include this information. – Wasabi Jan 31 '17 at 0:49
• I have added my working attempts to the solution – aerodokuu Jan 31 '17 at 8:01

• I don't think you can assume the beam is a rod. That would require a full hinge between the bars, which would make the small cantilever ($L_2 + L_3$) hypostatic. – Wasabi Jan 31 '17 at 14:05