Fix-Connected Members
A fix-connected member is one that is rigidly attached to a structure (such as a wall) that is
external to the object whose equilibrium is under study. An example would be a metal rod, one
end of which is welded to a metal wall. A fixed connection can apply a force in any direction,
and it can apply a torque in any direction. When all the other forces lie in a plane, the force
applied by the fixed connection will be in that plane. When all the other torques are along or
parallel to a particular line, then the torque exerted by the fixed connection will be along or
parallel to that same line.
Example 23-2
A horizontal bar of length L and mass m is fix connected to a wall. Find the force
and the torque exerted on the bar by the wall.
Solution
First a sketch:
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