Question

Please explain too, thanks! Disregard the answers (unless you get the same thing). I think the first answer is right but not sure if in compression or tension

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FINpIr7M8VsPASiSpkUQygj7zkD1eNvew0ZiXuK9D0s/edit?usp=sharing

Ok try this, sorry for the hassle!! :(

Answer 1

Understanding whether a link is in compression or tension is very important in truss analysis.

This can be understood by two methods:

1. Seeing the sign of the force after applying equilibrium.

Usually if force is + then it is tension otherwise compression

2. The above method is mathematically rigourous, so we can approach a logical method. For this method we have to consider the link as a helical spring and check whether it is compressed or extended due to load.

We can see that EG is stretched hence it is tensile force acting on link EG