How Do Support Reactions Affect 2D Static Equilibrium in a Shopping Cart?

[muna]

Hey guys, help me out a bit here. I want to form 2d static equilibrium equations for a shopping cart. This is for an assignment. I'm kind of confused about the support reactions. I'm not sure how I should analyze the basket. I was going with A as a fixed support (see image) since I'm guessing the weight fw and load fl will create moments there but I don't know if that makes sense since the whole thing seems like a fixed frame but I'm not sure if I should analyze it as a frame. I know for sure D and E would be have one reaction force each as they are roller supports. Also I don't know if a force should be acting from C to A. I would really appreciate some help here because there is just a lot I don't understand about these topics.

 

[haruspex]

It's up to you to decide what components to divide it into. Once you have done that you can consider the forces acting on each component, but ignore forces acting within them.

 

[muna]

It's up to you to decide what components to divide it into. Once you have done that you can consider the forces acting on each component, but ignore forces acting within them.

Okay so I can just look at A as a fixed support? And should I include a force from C to A?

 

[berkeman]

Also I don't know if a force should be acting from C to A.

When you say "static equilibrium", do you mean there are no other forces acting on the cart except for its own weight?

 

[muna]

When you say "static equilibrium", do you mean there are no other forces acting on the cart except for its own weight?

Yes, and a load which acts at the same point as its weight. Okay I see what you are saying. If I include a force there I would probably be an internal force. But would you happen to know if the trolley's basket should be looked at as a fixed support?

 

[haruspex]

Okay so I can just look at A as a fixed support? And should I include a force from C to A?

As I posted, first decide which components to divide it into. I can’t answer that question until you have done that.

 

[Lnewqban]

If you weld a column between points B and E, how that changes the 2d static equilibrium equation (for the whole cart, I guess) that you want to form?