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Difficulty: MediumLoad Distribution and Balancing

A heavy jet engine is suspended horizontally from a 1212-foot rigid lifting beam. The lifting beam is supported by two overhead hoists: Hoist 1 at the left end and Hoist 2 at the right end. Rank the following attachment points for the jet engine based on the tension load experienced by Hoist 1, from GREATEST to LEAST.

  1. 1The engine is attached 33 feet from Hoist 1.
  2. 2The engine is attached exactly in the center, 66 feet from Hoist 1.
  3. 3The engine is attached 99 feet from Hoist 1.
  4. 4The engine is attached directly beneath Hoist 2, 1212 feet from Hoist 1.

Answer

The correct sequence from greatest to least load on Hoist 1 is: 33 feet from Hoist 1, 66 feet from Hoist 1, 99 feet from Hoist 1, and 1212 feet from Hoist 1.
In a simple beam supported at both ends, the load distributed to each support is directly proportional to how close the weight is to that support. The closer the jet engine is to Hoist 1, the more weight Hoist 1 must support. Therefore, arranging the attachment points from the shortest distance (33 feet) to the longest distance (1212 feet) correctly orders the load on Hoist 1 from greatest to least.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between load position and support reaction forces in a static beam system.
The closer a load is to a specific support point, the greater the proportion of the weight that support must carry.
This is a fundamental principle of lever mechanics and load distribution.
2
Determine the relative distances of each attachment point from Hoist 1.
The distances are 33 feet, 66 feet, 99 feet, and 1212 feet.
Establishing the distances allows for direct comparison of the load distribution.
3
Order the distances from shortest to longest to rank the load from greatest to least.
Shortest distance (33 ft) creates the greatest load on Hoist 1, followed by 66 ft, 99 ft, and the longest distance (1212 ft) creates the least load.
Because the load on a support is inversely proportional to the load's distance from that support.

Key Concept

The proportion of a load carried by a support is inversely related to the distance between the center of gravity of the load and that support.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Load Distribution and Balancing

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