Statics › Section E · Rigid body equilibrium › Topic E.2
Supports, reactions, and free-body diagrams
Every support holds a body by pushing or pulling back in the directions it blocks. Learning exactly what each support can supply, and drawing it correctly on a free-body diagram, is the most important step in every equilibrium problem.
In this topic
- Replacing supports with forces
- Five steps to a free-body diagram
- Supports that give one unknown
- Supports that give two or three
- The 2D supports at a glance
- Directions and senses
- Worked example: a diving board
- Worked example: a shelf on a cable
- Supports in 3D
- Available and engaged reactions
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…