V2.1 — Symmetric two-bar (A-frame) truss

A symmetric two-bar (A-frame) pin-jointed truss under a vertical apex load — member forces and apex deflection.

Time
About 5 minutes
Level
All levels
You'll need
None — this is a reference document
You're done when
You can see how V2.1 compares to its reference
On this page
  1. Description
  2. Reference
  3. Model
  4. Comparison
  5. Conclusion

← Verification — Linear (Frames & Trusses)

V2.1 — Symmetric two-bar (A-frame) truss

Exact

Description

A symmetric two-bar (A-frame) pin-jointed truss under a vertical apex load — member forces and apex deflection.

Reference

Method of joints and virtual work (closed form): F = P/(2 sinθ), δ = PLm/(2EA sin²θ).

Model

Two axial (pin-ended) truss members meeting at a shared apex node, each pinned to its own ground support, under a vertical load applied at the apex. Truss members carry axial force only, no bending.

Apex load, P20 kip
Half span120 in
Height90 in
Member length, Lm150 in
Elastic modulus, E29,000 ksi
Member area, A5 in²

Comparison

QuantityReferencevfopro% diffStatus
Apex vertical deflection (in)-0.0287-0.0287-0.00%Exact
Apex lateral deflection (in)00n/aExact
Left member axial force (kip, +tension)-16.67-16.67+0.00%Exact
Right member axial force (kip, +tension)-16.67-16.67+0.00%Exact
Left support vertical reaction (kip)10100.00%Exact
Right support vertical reaction (kip)10100.00%Exact
Left support horizontal reaction (kip)13.3313.33-0.00%Exact
Right support horizontal reaction (kip)-13.33-13.33-0.00%Exact

Conclusion

Every reported quantity matched the closed-form value to at least 6 significant figures.

Last updated September 22, 2026 · applies to vfopro 20260922.0.0 or later