Force-Based Methods in Statics

A new second-generation force-based method is used to solve statically indeterminate problems at the technical level of an engineering statics course. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional examples like those found in a statics course are treated with the force-based approach when there are too many unknown forces or moments to solve the problems with the equations of equilibrium alone. The symbolic algebra capabilities of MATLAB are combined with the force-based method to demonstrate a highly effective approach for solving problems in an engineering statics course. It is also shown how the displacements present in statically indeterminate problems can be found with the force-based method.