Problem 3.2.1. Q1. Static Equilibrium.



Solution.
First we identify all forces on the beam as shown in FigureΒ 3.2.2. Force from the wall at O is shown as its components \(F_x\) and \(F_y\text{.}\)

Balancing of force, \(\sum \vec F\) on the beam gives
\begin{align}
\amp F_x - T \cos\, 45^\circ = 0 \tag{3.2.1}\\
\amp F_y + T \sin\, 45^\circ - W - \alpha W = 0 \tag{3.2.2}
\end{align}
Balancing torque about O gives
\begin{equation}
TL\sin\,45^\circ - W \frac{L}{2} - \alpha W L = 0.\tag{3.2.3}
\end{equation}
Balancing torque about P gives
\begin{equation}
-F_y L + W \frac{L}{2} = 0.\tag{3.2.4}
\end{equation}
Balancing torque about Q gives
\begin{equation}
F_x L - W \frac{L}{2} - \alpha W L = 0.\tag{3.2.5}
\end{equation}
To check (A), we look at Eq. (3.2.4). This gives
\begin{equation*}
F_y = \frac{W}{2}.
\end{equation*}
Clearly independent of \(\alpha\text{.}\) Therefore (A) is ture.
To check (B), we look at Eq. (3.2.5). Therefore
\begin{equation}
F_x = \left( \alpha + \frac{1}{2}\right) W. \tag{3.2.6}
\end{equation}
For \(\alpha = 0.5\text{,}\) this gives \(F_x = W\text{.}\) Hence, (B) is true.
\begin{equation}
T = \frac{F_x}{\cos\,45^\circ} = \sqrt{2} \left( \alpha + \frac{1}{2}\right) W. \tag{3.2.7}
\end{equation}
For \(\alpha = 0.5\text{,}\) this givbes \(T=\sqrt{2} W e 2W\) . Hence (C) is false.
Rope will break if \(T \gt T_\text{max} = 2\sqrt{2}W\text{.}\) Therefore from Eq. (3.2.7). This will give us \(\alpha\text{.}\)
\begin{equation*}
\sqrt{2} \left( \alpha + \frac{1}{2}\right) W \gt 2\sqrt{2}W\ \ \longrightarrow \ \ \alpha\gt 1.5.
\end{equation*}
Thus (D) is true.

































