Week 8

During las week's lab we were introduced with a way of analyzing the forces on each part of a truss. This method is called the joint method analysis, this method basically analyzes the force on each junction. Using basic trigonometry the forces of tension and compression can be calculated. We spent the whole lab period doing calculations and figuring out how these forces will help us produce the best design possible for the final project. This week our focus will be to collaborate, and use the joint method analysis to improve on our current design and see how the design changes with the added length.

This method of analysis will be useful but not in all the situation we may encounter. Unfortunately this method of analysis only considers the front part of the truss, ignoring its third dimension. This method is also a very simplistic way of considering how the force acts on the truss. It considers the force to be even at a certain point and fails to consider it coming from more than one point, this will change the results of tension and compression forces. The material which the bridge is constructed is also very important when considering the forces that it will actually support. A detail that will have to be kept in mind is how the actual KNEX react with the forces that are added to them.