MSE1 FRAMEWORK

Objective:
To determine the forces in members of a plane truss with different loading position.

Apparatus:
1. A truss model (Figure 1).
2. A screw jack for applying load to the truss (Figure 1).
3. A comprehensive digital display unit (Figure 2).
4. Channel switcher (Figure 3).
 Figure 1: Truss model and configuration

Figure 2: Display Unit Figure 3: Channel Switcher

Procedure:
1. The screw jack was attached to the joint to be loaded as shown in Figure 1.
2. The screw jack was loosened so that the truss is free from applied load.
3. The display and beginning with channel 1 were switched on to record the initial reading for
each channel in Table 1.
4. Tare button was pressed to zero the reading.
5. The screw jack was used to apply upwards load to the truss.
6. The reading of each load cell was recorded. This represents the force in the member. (The sign
convention recorded was in opposite sign)
7. The load at the loaded joint was increased by 10N each time up to 50 N and for each
increment record the corresponding load cell reading.
8. The screw jack was loosened so that the truss was free from applied load.
9. For case 2, the screw jack was changed to the end joint on the left and the step 3 to 8 was
repeated and the reading was recorded in Table 2.

Results:
Screw Jack Member 2 Member 3 Member 4 Member 5 Member 6 Member 7
(N) [1] (N) (N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
0 9.9 2.7 -74.4 -10.3 -14.2 86.0
10 9.8 2.7 -64.9 -10.2 -14.3 72.3
20 9.9 2.7 -54.9 -10.2 -14.5 58.8
30 10.0 2.7 -45.8 -10.2 -14.7 45.5
40 10.1 2.9 -37.3 -10.2 -14.9 32.1
50 10.2 2.7 -27.8 -10.1 -14.8 20.7
Table 1: Measured Forces in Members of Truss Case 1

Screw Jack Member 2 Member 3 Member 4 Member 5 Member 6 Member 7

(N) [1] (N) (N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
0 10.8 6.5 -47.4 6.7 4.7 83.7
 10 -3.1 -3.2 -27.7 16.3 15.4 69.9
20 -16.9 -12.3 -8.6 25.6 26.1 55.4
30 -30.6 -21.9 10.5 34.9 36.2 41.8
40 -44.0 -31.6 27.2 42.0 46.4 29.3
50 -58.4 -42.0 48.3 53.8 56.8 16.8
Table 2: Measured Forces in Members of Truss Case 2

1. Calculate the actual forces by subtracting the initial value in 0 N from measured forces for
respective member. Draw this table indicating the nature of forces for the members.

Screw Member 2 Member Member 4 Member 5 Member 6 (N) Member 7

Jack (N) 3 (N) (N) (N) (N)
(N) [1]
0 9.9- (9.9) 2.7- (2.7) -74.4- (-74.4) -10.3- (-10.3) -14.2- (-14.2) 86.0- (86.0)
=0 =0 =0 =0 =0 =0
10 9.8- (9.9) 2.7- (2.7) -64.9- (-74.4) -10.2- (-10.3) -14.3- (-14.2) 72.3- (86.0)
=-0.1 =0 =9.5 =0.1 =-0.1 =-13.7
20 9.9- (9.9) 2.7- (2.7) -54.9- (-74.4) -10.2- (-10.3) -14.5- (-14.2) 58.8- (86.0)
=0 =0 =19.5 =0.1 =-0.3 =-27.2
30 10.0- (9.9) 2.7- (2.7) -45.8- (-74.4) -10.2- (-10.3) -14.7- (-14.2) 45.5- (86.0)
=0.1 =0 =28.6 =0.1 =-0.5 =-40.5
40 10.1- (9.9) 2.9- (2.7) -37.3- (-74.4) -10.2- (-10.3) -14.9- (-14.2) 32.1- (86.0)
=0.2 =0.2 =37.1 =0.1 =-0.7 =-53.9
50 10.2- (9.9) 2.7- (2.7) -27.8- (-74.4) -10.1- (-10.3) -14.8- (-14.2) 20.7- (86.0)
=0.3 =0 =46.6 =0.2 =-0.6 =-65.3
Table 3: Actual Forces in Members of Truss Case 1

Screw Member 2 Member 3 Member 4 (N) Member 5 Member 6 Member 7

Jack (N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
(N) [1]
0 10.8- (10.8) 6.5- (6.5) -47.4-(-47.4) 6.7- (6.7) 4.7- (4.7) 83.7- (83.7)
=0 =0 =0 =0 =0 =0
10 -3.1- (10.8) -3.2- (6.5) -27.7- (-47.4) 16.3- (6.7) 15.4- (4.7) 69.9- (83.7)
=-13.9 =-9.7 =19.7 =9.6 =10.7 =-13.8
20 -16.9- (10.8) -12.3- (6.5) -8.6- (-47.4) 25.6- (6.7) 26.1- (4.7) 55.4- (83.7)
=-27.7 =-18.8 =38.8 =18.9 =21.4 =-28.3
30 -30.6- (10.8) -21.9- (6.5) 10.5- (-47.4) 34.9- (6.7) 36.2- (4.7) 41.8- (83.7)
=-41.4 =-28.4 =57.9 =28.2 =31.5 =-41.9
40 -44.0- (10.8) -31.6- (6.5) 27.2- (-47.4) 42.0- (6.7) 46.4- (4.7) 29.3- (83.7)
=-54.8 =-38.1 =74.6 =35.3 =41.7 =-54.4
50 -58.4- (10.8) -42.0- (6.5) 48.3- (-47.4) 53.8- (6.7) 56.8- (4.7) 16.8- (83.7)
=-69.2 =-48.5 =95.7 =47.1 =52.1 =-66.9
 Table 4: Actual Forces in Members of Truss Case 2

Legend
Positive actual force in member: Indicate the member in tension
Negative actual force in member: Indicate the member in compression

2. Draw the shape of the roof truss for case 1 and 2.

Shape of the roof truss for case 1

Shape of the roof truss for case 2

3. Using methods of joint, calculate the theoretical value of forces in the members subject to the
load acting at the chosen joint for case 1 and 2.

Case 1
 F (load DX (N) CX (N) CY (N)
applied)
(N)
0 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −45(0) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY
0 = 0 + 45(DX ) 0 = 0 − CX 0 = 0 − CY
DX = 0 CX = 0 CY = 0
10 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −45(10) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY
0 = −450 + 45(DX ) 0 = 10 − CX 0 = 10 − CY
DX = 10 CX = 10 CY = 10

20 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −45(20) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −900 + 45(DX ) 0 = 20 − CX 0 = 20 − CY
DX = 20 CX = 20 CY = 20

30 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −45(30) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −1350 + 45(DX ) 0 = 30 − CX 0 = 30 − CY
DX = 30 CX = 30 CY = 30

40 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −45(40) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −1800 + 45(DX ) 0 = 40 − CX 0 = 40 − CY
DX = 40 CX = 40 CY = 40

50 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −45(50) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −2250 + 45(DX ) 0 = 50 − CX 0 = 50 − CY
DX = 50 CX = 50 CY = 50

Screw Jack = 0 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 sin 45
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= −F5 + F2 cos 45
0= −F5 + 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = F2 sin 45 − F3
0 = (0) sin 45 − F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = 0 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 0 N

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = +DX − F4
0 = 0 − F4
F4 = 0 N

Screw Jack = 10 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 sin 45
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= −F5 + F2 cos 45
0= −F5 + 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = F2 sin 45 − F3
0 = (0) sin 45 − F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −10 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 14.14 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −10 + F4
F4 = 10 N (T)

Screw Jack = 20 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 sin 45
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= −F5 + F2 cos 45
0= −F5 + 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = F2 sin 45 − F3
0 = (0) sin 45 − F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −20 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 28.28 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −20 + F4
F4 = 20 N (T)

Screw Jack = 30 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 sin 45
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= −F5 + F2 cos 45
0= −F5 + 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = F2 sin 45 − F3
0 = (0) sin 45 − F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −30 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 42.43 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −30 + F4
F4 = 30 N (T)

Screw Jack = 40 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 sin 45
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= −F5 + F2 cos 45
0= −F5 + 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = F2 sin 45 − F3
0 = (0) sin 45 − F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −40 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 56.57 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −40 + F4
F4 = 40 N (T)

Screw Jack = 50 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 sin 45
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= −F5 + F2 cos 45
0= −F5 + 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = F2 sin 45 − F3
0 = (0) sin 45 − F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −50 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 70.71 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −50 + F4
F4 = 50 N (T)

Screw Member Member 3 Member 4 Member 5 Member 6 Member 7

Jack 2 (N) (N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
(N) [1]
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 10 0 0 -14.14
 20 0 0 20 0 0 -28.28
30 0 0 30 0 0 -42.43
40 0 0 40 0 0 -56.57
50 0 0 50 0 0 -70.71
Table 5: Theoretical Value of Forces in Members of Truss Case 1
Legend
Positive actual force in member: Indicate the member in tension (T)
Negative actual force in member: Indicate the member in compression (C)

Case 2

F (load DX (N) CX (N) CY (N)

applied) (N)
0 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −90(0) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY
0 = 0 + 45(DX ) 0 = 0 − CX 0 = 0 − CY
DX = 0 CX = 0 CY = 0
10 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −90(10) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY
0 = −900 + 45(DX ) 0 = 20 − CX 0 = 10 − CY
DX = 20 CX = 20 CY = 10

20 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −90(20) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −1800 + 45(DX ) 0 = 40 − CX 0 = 20 − CY
DX = 40 CX = 40 CY = 20

30 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −90(30) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −2700 + 45(DX ) 0 = 60 − CX 0 = 30 − CY
DX = 60 CX = 60 CY = 30

40 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −90(40) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −3600 + 45(DX ) 0 = 80 − CX 0 = 40 − CY
DX = 80 CX = 80 CY = 40

50 +↺ ∑𝑚𝑐 = −90(50) + 45(DX ) +→ ∑FX = +DX − CX +↑ ∑FY = +F − CY

0 = −4500 + 45(DX ) 0 = 100 − CX 0 = 50 − CY
DX = 100 CX = 100 CY = 50

Screw Jack = 0 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F
0 = −F2 sin 45 + 0
F2 = 0 N

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= F5 − F2 cos45
0= F5 − 0
F5 = 0 N

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F3
0 = −(0) sin 45 + F3
F3 = 0 N
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 0 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 0 N

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = 0 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 0 N

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −0 + F4
F4 = 0 N

Screw Jack = 10 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F
0 = −F2 sin 45 + 10
F2 = 14.14 N (C)

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= F5 − F2 cos45
0= F5 − 14.14cos45
F5 = 10 N (T)

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F3
0 = −(14.14) sin 45 + F3
F3 = 10 N (C)
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 14.14 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 10 N (T)

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −10 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 14.14 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −20 + F4
F4 = 20 N (T)

Screw Jack = 20 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F
0 = −F2 sin 45 + 20
F2 = 28.28 N (C)

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= F5 − F2 cos45
0= F5 − 28.28cos45
F5 = 20 N (T)

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F3
0 = −(28.28) sin 45 + F3
F3 = 20 N (C)
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 28.28 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 20 N (T)

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −20 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 28.28 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −40 + F4
F4 = 40 N (T)

Screw Jack = 30 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F
0 = −F2 sin 45 + 30
F2 = 42.43 N (C)

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= F5 − F2 cos45
0= F5 − 42.43cos45
F5 = 30 N (T)

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F3
0 = −(42.43) sin 45 + F3
F3 = 30 N (C)
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 42.43 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 30 N (T)

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −30 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 42.43 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −60 + F4
F4 = 60 N (T)

Screw Jack = 40 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F
0 = −F2 sin 45 + 40
F2 = 56.57 N (C)

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= F5 − F2 cos45
0= F5 − 56.57cos45
F5 = 40 N (T)

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F3
0 = −(56.57) sin 45 + F3
F3 = 40 N (C)
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 56.57 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 40 N (T)

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −40 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 56.57 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −80 + F4
F4 = 80 N (T)

Screw Jack = 50 N

Joint A:
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F
0 = −F2 sin 45 + 50
F2 = 70.71 N (C)

+→ ∑FX = 0
0= F5 − F2 cos45
0= F5 − 70.71cos45
F5 = 50 N (T)

Joint B:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −F2 sin 45 + F3
0 = −(70.71) sin 45 + F3
F3 = 50 N (C)
+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = F2 cos 45 −F6
0 = 70.71 cos 45 −F6
F6 = 50 N (T)

Joint C:

+↑ ∑FY = 0
0 = −CY + F7 sin 45
0 = −50 + F7 sin 45
F7 = 70.71 N (C)

Joint D:

+→ ∑FX = 0
0 = −DX + F4
0 = −100 + F4
F4 = 100 N (T)

Screw Member 2 Member 3 Member 4 Member 5 Member 6 Member 7

Jack (N) (N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
(N) [1]
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 -14.14 -10 20 10 10 -14.14
 20 -28.28 -20 40 20 20 -28.28
30 -42.43 -30 60 30 30 -42.43
40 -56.57 -40 80 40 40 -56.57
50 -70.71 -50 100 50 50 -70.71
Table 6: Theoretical Value of Forces in Members of Truss Case 2
Legend
Positive actual force in member: Indicate the member in tension (T)
Negative actual force in member: Indicate the member in compression (C)

4. For case 1 and 2, choose two members (compression and tension) in the Table 1 and Table 2
and plot the graph of force in the members versus the applied load for the experimental and
theoretical case.

-Member 4 is chose for the tension force while member 7 is chose for the compression force.

Case 1

Experimental Theoretical value

Screw
value
Jack
Member Member Member Member
(N)
4 (N) 7 (N) 4 (N) 7 (N)
[1]
0 0 0 0 0
10 9.5 -13.7 10 -14.14
20 19.5 -27.2 20 -28.28
30 28.6 -40.5 30 -42.43
40 37.1 -53.9 40 -56.57
50 46.6 -65.3 50 -70.71
 Tension Force in Member Against Applied Load
60

50
Tension Force in members,N

40

30
Experimental
value (Tension)
20
Theoretical
value (Tension)
10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Applied load,N

Graph 1: Graph of tension force in members against applied load for experimental and
theoretical value

Compression Force in Member Against Applied Load

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
-10
Compression force in members, N

-20

-30

-40 Experimental
value
-50 (Compression)

Theoretical
-60
value
(Compression)
-70

-80
Applied load,N

Graph 2: Graph of compression force in members against applied load for experimental and
theoretical value
Case 2

Experimental Theoretical value

Screw
value
Jack
Member Member Member Member
(N)
4 (N) 7 (N) 4 (N) 7 (N)
[1]
0 0 0 0 0
10 19.7 -13.8 20 -14.14
20 38.8 -28.3 40 -28.28
30 57.9 -41.9 60 -42.43
40 74.6 -54.4 80 -56.57
50 95.7 -66.9 100 -70.71

Tension Force in Member Against Applied Load

120
Tension Force in members,N

100

80

60
Experimental
value (Tension)
40

Theoretical
20 value (Tension)

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Applied load,N

Graph 3: Graph of tension force in members against applied load for experimental and
theoretical value
 Compression Force in Member Against Applied Load
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

-10
Compression force in members, N

-20

-30

-40 Experiment value

(Compression)
-50
Theoretical value
(Compression)
-60

-70

-80
Applied load,N

Graph 4: Graph of compression force in members against applied load for experimental and
theoretical value
5. Determine the percentage error for the members chosen.

Case 1

Experimental Theoretical value

Screw
value
Jack
Member Member Member Member
(N)
4 (N) 7 (N) 4 (N) 7 (N)
[1]
0 0 0 0 0
10 9.5 -13.7 10 -14.14
20 19.5 -27.2 20 -28.28
30 28.6 -40.5 30 -42.43
40 37.1 -53.9 40 -56.57
50 46.6 -65.3 50 -70.71
∑ 141.3 -200.6 150.0 -212.13

Experimental value−Theoretical value

Percentage error for member 4 = | | x 100
Theoretical value

141.3−150
=| | x 100
150

= 5.8%

Experimental value−Theoretical value

Percentage error for member 7 = | | x 100
Theoretical value

−200.6− (−212.13)
=| | x 100
−212.13

= 5.4%
Case 2

Experimental Theoretical value

Screw
value
Jack
Member Member Member Member
(N)
4 (N) 7 (N) 4 (N) 7 (N)
[1]
0 0 0 0 0
10 19.7 -13.8 20 -14.14
20 38.8 -28.3 40 -28.28
30 57.9 -41.9 60 -42.43
40 74.6 -54.4 80 -56.57
50 95.7 -66.9 100 -70.71
∑ 286.7 -205.3 300.0 -212.13

Experimental value−Theoretical value

Percentage error for member 4 = | | x 100
Theoretical value

286.7−300
= | | x 100
300

= 4.4%

Experimental value−Theoretical value

Percentage error for member 7 = | | x 100
Theoretical value

−205.3 − (−212.13)
=| | x 100
−212.13

= 3.2%
Discussion:

1. State all the zero force members in case 1 and explain why such phenomenon happened.

All the zero force members in case 1 are Member 2, Member 3, Member 5 and Member 6. These
zero force members phenomenon happened is because when two non-collinear members meet in
an unloaded joint, both are zero-force members and if three members meet in an unloaded joint
of which two are collinear, then the third member is a zero-force member. Furthermore, the
reasons for the zero force members in the truss system are these members contribute to the
stability of the structure, by providing buckling prevention for long slender members under
compressive forces or these members can carry loads in the event that variations are introduced
in the normal external loading configuration.

2. State the relationship between the applied load and the force in the members for compression
and tension in both cases.
Experimental
The relationship between the applied load and the force in members for compression in both
cases is when the applied load increase, the force in the members for compression will also
increase. While the relationship between the applied load and the force in members for tension in
both cases is when the applied load increase, the force in the members for tension will increase
too.
Theoretical
The relationship between the applied load and the force in members for compression in both
cases is the applied load increase directly proportional to the force in the members for
compression. While the relationship between the applied load and the force in members for
tension in both cases is the applied load increase directly proportional to the force in the
members for tension.

3. State the possible source of errors and assumptions used in this experiment.
The possible source of errors:
1. The most possible source of error is the human’s inaccuracy in conducting the experiment.
As an example, to make the truss is free from the applied load, the screw jack need to be
loosened but before pressing the tare button to zero the reading, the screw jack maybe has not
loosened fully.
Therefore, this might cause the error to the reading in this experiment.
2. Furthermore, the broken part of the apparatus or instrument drift might cause errors in the
experiment. As an example, after turning the screw jack to increase the load at the loaded
joint by 10N, the reading value of the load at the joint will slightly decrease or increase over
the time. Therefore, there will not have the constant value of load at the loaded joint and this
will cause the error to the reading.
3. Besides, the environment factors might cause the error to the reading. As an example,
surrounding influence such as vibrations, drafts, changes in temperature may cause the
systematic or random error to the experiment. For the temperature change maybe cause the
change in the length of particular member so that the change in length of member will cause
the change of the reading.
4. In addition, other source of the error is lag time and hysteresis. As an example, the measuring
devices require time to reach equilibrium, and taking a measurement before the instrument is
stable will result in a measurement that is generally too low.
5. Finally, the other source of error is that it is impossible to make exact measurements when
that the measurement is not always clearly defined.

The possible assumptions:

1. The possible assumption used in this experiment is there are no any human’s inaccuracy in
conducting the experiment. For instance, the screw jack maybe has loosened fully to make
the truss is free from the applied load before pressing the tare button to zero the reading.

2. Moreover, other assumption is there is no any instrument drift over the time. The amount of
drift is generally not a concern, but occasionally this source of error can be significant and
should be considered.

3. Apart from that, environment factors such as vibrations, drafts, changes in temperature are
another assumption in the experiment. This is because, for the change in temperature will
cause the change in length of the member or truss.

4. All loads are applied at the joints.

5. The members are joined together by smooth pins.

Conclusion:
In this experiment of case 1, the loading position is at the joint E. Therefore, when the load is at
the joint E, there are four zero force members and two force members. This zero force member
phenomenon happened is because when only two members form a truss joint and no external
load or support reaction is applied to the joint, the two members must be zero force members or
when only three members form a truss for which two of the members are collinear, the third
member is a zero force members if there are no any external load or support reaction is applied to
the joint. While in this experiment of case 2, the loading position is at the joint A. Therefore,
when the load is at the joint A, there are no any zero force member. Hence, through the
experiments of different cases of loading position, it shows that the different of loading position
will cause the member to become either zero force member or force member and determine
whether the force in that particular member is compression or tension.

References:
1. Www2.southeastern.edu. (2018). Sources of Error. [online] Available at:
https://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/Faculty/rallain/plab193/labinfo/Error_Analysis/06
_Sources_of_Error.html [Accessed 12 Jun. 2018].

2. Physics.nmsu.edu. (2018). TYPES OF EXPERIMENTAL. [online] Available at:

http://www.physics.nmsu.edu/research/lab110g/html/ERRORS.html [Accessed 13 Jun.
2018].

3. Rpi.edu. (2018). [online] Available at: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/core-

eng/WWW/IEA/f15/lectures/Lecture19.pdf [Accessed 13 Jun. 2018].