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A simple triangular trusses structure model for statics teaching

Abstract

This work presents an experimental teaching resource as an alternative to the classic experiments to verify Hooke's law and those that use electronic sensors to study forces acting on static structures. We developed a model of a typical structure in simple triangular trusses for bridges, with springs attached to each member of the structure. With this model, it is possible to explore the potential for obtaining qualitative and quantitative results on the forces acting on the members of the structure. The springs coupled to the structure's bars have the purpose of allowing us to visualize the compression or traction behavior and obtain data by direct measurement of the axial forces acting on each member using Hooke's law. We compare the experimental values of the axial forces of each member by direct measurement with the results obtained by the method of joints. The qualitative and quantitative results of this comparison indicate the feasibility of using the model for educational purposes.

Keywords:
Instrumentation for teaching; Development of teaching material; Statics; Truss structures; Elastic force

Sociedade Brasileira de Física Caixa Postal 66328, 05389-970 São Paulo SP - Brazil - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: marcio@sbfisica.org.br