In a simply supported truss, if a member is identified as a zero-force member under gravity loads, how would the presence of a significant temperature change across the truss impact that member's internal force?
In a simply supported truss, a member identified as a zero-force member under gravity loads is one that carries no internal axial force solely due to the weight of the structure itself and any external vertical forces applied. This determination is made based on the truss's specific geometry and the locations of the applied gravity loads, often using methods like the method of joints or sections. However, the presence of a significant temperature change across the truss introduces an entirely different loading condition called thermal loading.