Help Differentiate Work external and Work internal in collapse mechanism

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Differentiate Work external and Work internal in collapse mechanism

 

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In the context of collapse mechanism, Work external refers to the work done by external forces on a system, while Work internal refers to the work done by internal forces within a system.

Work external is typically associated with the input of energy into a system from external sources, such as the application of a force to deform a structure. This work can be used to overcome the resistance of the structure and cause it to collapse. For example, in a building collapse scenario, work external could be done by external factors such as the impact of a nearby explosion or the weight of debris falling onto the structure.

On the other hand, work internal refers to the energy that is stored or released within a system due to the internal forces acting on it. In a collapse mechanism, this work can be seen in the deformation and failure of individual structural elements, such as beams or columns, that make up the overall system. For instance, when a column fails due to buckling, the energy stored in the compressed portion of the column is released, causing it to collapse further. This can lead to a chain reaction of internal failures and collapses, ultimately resulting in the overall collapse of the entire structure.

Differentiating between work external and work internal is important in understanding the factors that contribute to the collapse of a system. By analyzing the sources of external and internal work, engineers and investigators can identify the root causes of failure and develop strategies to prevent similar collapses in the future.