Exploring the Concept of Moment Conservation in Structural Engineering

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In summary, when the base of a column changes from fixed to pinned, the moment (bending) is redistributed to the top of the column or the beam. This is known as torsion along a beam and follows the principle of Minimal Energy where the displacement is shared along the beam to achieve the lowest elastic energy situation. This results in each part of the beam being twisted equally.
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fanieh
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If the base of a column suddenly turns from fixed to pinned.. the moment (bending) would be redistributed to the top of the column or the beam. Why is that? What is the principle called? Conservation of Moments? Or what?
 
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Not quite sure what you are referring to but I guess it's torsion along a beam (?). The distribution of displacement along the beam will end up as the lowest elastic energy situation - shared along the beam. If one part is twisted more than the adjacent part then the torque will be greater and the adjacent part will be rotated a bit - and so on, down the whole length. I guess the 'principle' you're looking for could be could be Minimal Energy.
 

FAQ: Exploring the Concept of Moment Conservation in Structural Engineering

What is the concept of conservation of moment?

The concept of conservation of moment, also known as conservation of angular momentum, states that the total moment of a system remains constant if there is no external torque acting on it. In simpler terms, it means that the rotational motion of a system remains the same unless an external force is applied to change it.

Why is moment conserved?

The conservation of moment is a fundamental law of physics that arises from the principle of conservation of energy. When there is no external torque acting on a system, the total energy of the system remains constant. Since moment is a measure of rotational energy, it also remains constant in the absence of external torque.

How does the conservation of moment apply to real-life situations?

The conservation of moment applies to various real-life situations, such as a spinning top, a spinning figure skater, and a gyroscope. These systems exhibit a constant moment unless an external force or torque is applied to change their rotational motion. Additionally, the conservation of moment is also essential in understanding the motion of planets in our solar system.

What are the implications of the conservation of moment?

The conservation of moment has several implications in physics and engineering. It allows us to predict the behavior of rotating systems and understand the stability and balance of objects in motion. It also helps in designing machines and devices that rely on rotational motion, such as turbines and motors.

Are there any exceptions to the conservation of moment?

There are a few exceptions to the conservation of moment, such as when there is an external torque acting on a system or when the system undergoes a collision or explosion. In these cases, the total moment of the system can change due to the transfer of moment from one object to another. However, the principle of conservation of moment still applies, and the total moment of the system remains constant.

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