SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING,

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,

ISLAMABAD.

ME-115 ENGINEERING MECHANICS OPEN ENDED LAB

Name Registration # Section Sub-Group
Hafs Malik 366393 B A3

Determination of Forces in Members of a given Truss using SOLIDWORKS

Abstract:
Brief about the work being done, practical importance of quantity being measured, your observations
and deduced results (75 to 100 words).
Objective:
To find out forces in members of a truss assembly of given specifications, virtually, using
SOLIDWORKS.
Solve the same truss assembly theoretically using method of joints.
Validate your software analysis by comparing corresponding forces with theoretical ones.
Introduction:
Brief about trusses (their components, types and applications). (200 words)
Methodology:
Solid works is a computer aided design (CAD) tool Which is widely used by engineers and
architects for designing 3D machine parts as well as for designing the 3D structures of buildings.

Sum of digits of registration no. = SDR =3+6+6+3+9+2=29

F1 = 50 +SDR = 79 N
F2 = 200 + 10*SDR = 490 N
A = 1000 + 20*SDR = 1580 mm
Open Ended Lab ME-115 Engineering Mechanics

B = 500 + 10*SDR = 790 mm C = 300 – 2*SDR = 242 mm

Forces found in each member employing both software and hand calculations in tabular form.

SolidWorks Analysis:
1. Draw a given system of trusses with dimensions defined.

2. Now exit sketch and go to “Structural Members” in Weldments.

3. In structural member, change standard = iso, type= pipe, size= 21.3*2.3. and select
groups, the members that are continuous forms one group, the diagonal members
form second group.
Open Ended Lab ME-115 Engineering Mechanics

4. From Solid works add-ins click on Solid works Simulation, then start New Study.

5. Rename the Name to “Truss’’:

Open Ended Lab ME-115 Engineering Mechanics

6. Now, open the part>>cut list, select all members by ctrl+ member, as shown in
fig. then right click and click edit definition, and check Truss, and click enter.

Discussion:
1. Briefly explain what you have done.
2. Important results and observations.
3. Comparison between theoretical and simulated results.
4. Explanation of graphs (if any).
Concluding Remarks:
(Not more than 2 lines)