Visual language — exercises | Queensferry

Module 1Level 2which impossible

A moment at a pin support

A software bending-moment diagram for a simply supported beam shows a non-zero moment at one of the pin supports. What should you conclude?

Predict first, then reveal

Reason from the supports, the movement and equilibrium — not from what looks familiar.

AThe model is wrong — a pin (simple support) carries no moment, so the diagram cannot be correct however cleanly it converged.BIt must be right, because the solver converged and drew a smooth diagram.CPins can carry a small moment, so a little moment there is normal.

Module 1Level 3software check

Does convergence mean the model is right?

An analysis of a portal frame converges in a few iterations and produces a tidy set of results. A colleague says "it converged, so it's correct." What is the best response?

Predict first, then reveal

Reason from the supports, the movement and equilibrium — not from what looks familiar.

AConvergence only shows the arithmetic is consistent; validate the topology, supports, releases and behaviour independently before trusting it.BAgree — a converged solution is a proof of correctness.CConvergence speed is the real test — a few iterations means a good model.

Module 1Level 2deflected shape

Reading the tension face from the shape

A cantilever droops under a load at its tip. Reading the deflected shape alone, which face of the beam is in tension near the fixed support?

Predict first, then reveal

Reason from the supports, the movement and equilibrium — not from what looks familiar.

AThe top face — the beam hogs near the support, so the top fibre stretches and the moment is drawn above the beam.BThe bottom face, because the load pushes down.CNeither — a cantilever carries only shear, not bending.

Module 1Level 3which impossible

When the deflected shape and the moment disagree

For a simply supported beam under a central point load, a report shows a smooth sagging deflected shape but a bending-moment diagram that is a smooth curve (a parabola). Is the set coherent?

Predict first, then reveal

Reason from the supports, the movement and equilibrium — not from what looks familiar.

ANo — under a point load the moment diagram is straight lines, not a curve; a parabola would need a distributed load. The two claims describe different loads.BYes — the deflected shape is a curve, so the moment diagram should be a curve too.CYes — any smooth diagrams are acceptable as long as they are zero at the supports.

Module 1Level 2software check

Why predict before calculating?

You are about to run an analysis. Why is it worth sketching the expected deflected shape, reactions and moment first?

Predict first, then reveal

Reason from the supports, the movement and equilibrium — not from what looks familiar.

AA prediction gives you something to check the output against, so an impossible result stands out immediately instead of being trusted.BThere is no point — the software is more accurate than a hand sketch.COnly to save time; the sketch replaces the analysis entirely.