TRUSS DESIGN & ANALYSIS
4 Person Team | November 2018 - December 2018
Problem Statement
This was a term project for my Statics course. The overall goal of this project was to build an axisymmetric truss system able to support an external, semi spherical load. The design needed to achieve the greatest possible mechanical advantage while balancing cost efficiency.
Constraints & Assumptions
The only allowed materials were toothpicks and Loctite glue
Each beam was assumed to cost $1 and each joint $3
The sum of length of the truss could not exceed 1500cm
Minimum 20N load capacity
Procedure
We performed FEA and hand calculations on several truss patterns to determine the best design.
I was responsible for all force calculations performed by hand​
We determined a pattern of right triangles would be easiest to fabricate, and highest in strength
The design consisted of 6 pairs of the triangular pattern connected with horizontal beams that would bear little to no load. ​
Results & Analysis
This truss easily exceeded the required minimum load (20N), collapsing under a 196N load. Our design held the second greatest load in all sections of the course.
Failure was ultimately attributed to imperfections (warping) in the construction of the truss. This resulted in unexpected force distributions and moments throughout the design.