Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces
Topics:
1. Free-Body Diagram
2. Equilibrium of two dimensional Force system
Intended Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain the condition of equilibrium of forces.
2. Identify and draw appropriate Free-Body Diagram for given system of forces.
3. Apply equilibrium conditions in solving problems of two-dimensional system of
forces.
Discussion:
Statics deals primarily with the description of the force conditions necessary and sufficient to maintain
the equilibrium of engineering structures. This lecture on equilibrium constitutes the most important part of
statics, and the procedures developed here form the basis for solving problems in both statics and dynamics.
We will make continual use of the concepts developed in moments, couples, and resultants as we apply the
principles of equilibrium.
Condition for the equilibrium of a particle
A particle is in equilibrium provided it is at rest if originally at rest or has a constant velocity if originally in
motion. Most often, however, the term “equilibrium” is used to describe an object at rest. To maintain
equilibrium it is necessary to satisfy Newton’s first law of motion, which requires the resultant force acting on
a particle to be equal to zero.
When a body is in equilibrium, the resultant of all forces acting on it is zero. Thus, the resultant force R and
the resultant couple M are both zero, and we have the equilibrium equations,
𝚺𝑭 = 𝟎, 𝚺𝑴 = 𝟎
Equilibrium of Two-Dimensional Force System
Conditions of Equilibrium
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0, Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0, Σ𝑀 = 0
Free-Body Diagram (FBD) - – is the representation of the isolated body or combination of bodies considered
as a single body, showing all forces applied to it by other bodies.
“The free-body diagram is the most important single step in the solution of problems in mechanics.”
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Drawing a FBD, steps
1). Decide which body to analyze.
2). Separate this body from everything else and sketch the contour,
3). Draw all applied forces (weight).
4). Draw all reactions.
5). Include any necessary dimensions and coordinate axis.
If you don't know a direction assume a direction and let the sign of the answer tell you if the direction is
correct or not.
Rules:
The magnitude and direction of known forces should be clearly indicated (usually applied forces)
Indicate the direction of the force exerted on the body, not the force exerted by the body.
Unknown forces are usually the reactions (constraining forces).
Support or Connections Reactions
Normal reaction with respect to
rollers frictionless
the surface
surface
Parallel reaction with respect to
Cable, rope, any the connector
flexible cord Short link
Pin, hinge Rough Surface
Two force reactions
Restrained Fixed Three force reactions
support (welded
connections)
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Sample Problem
1. Draw the free-body diagram of the 100kg cylinder and the boom ABC of structure shown.
C
cable
D 750
5 ft
cylinder
B
450 E 5 ft
SOLUTION:
FBD of the 100 kg Cylinder and the boom ABC
C
0
T 75
100 kg(9.81m/s2) = 981 N
5 ft
NB
NB B
450
5 ft
NE
AH
A
AV
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Equilibrium of two dimensional Forces
Force system FBD (Free-Body Diagram) x Equilibrium
F 1
F2 Equations
1. Collinear F3
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
F3 F4
2. Concurrent
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
F2 F1
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
F3 F3 F4
3. Parallel
F1
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
F2
∑𝑀 = 0
4. General F1 F3
(Non- ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
Concurrent) M
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
F2 F4
∑𝑀 = 0
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Sample Problem
2. Determine the tension developed in wires CB and CA required for equilibrium of the 10-kg cylinder.
A B
C
300 400
Solution:
Draw the FBD (Free-Body Diagram):
𝑦
𝐴𝐶
𝐶𝐵 600
𝐴𝐶
− 300
0
98.1 𝑁 70 − 400
300 400
𝑥 − −
− −
500 𝐶𝐵
− 0
𝑚 40
10𝑘𝑔 ቀ9.81 2 ቁ = 98.1 𝑁 −
𝑠
Analytical Method:
Apply the condition of equilibrium:
Refer to the FBD:
𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 0, 𝐶𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠 40 − 𝐴𝐶𝑐𝑜𝑠 30 = 0 𝑒𝑞𝑛. 1
𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 0, 𝐶𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛 40 + 𝐴𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑛 30 − 98.1𝑁 = 0 𝑒𝑞𝑛. 2
Equate eqn. 1 and eqn. 2:
𝑪𝑩 = 𝟗𝟎. 𝟒𝟏 𝑵, 𝑨𝑪 = 𝟕𝟗. 𝟗𝟕 𝑵
Alternate Solution (Graphical Method)
Force Triangle
By sine Law:
𝐶𝐵 𝐴𝐶 98.1 𝑁
= =
sin 60 𝑠𝑖𝑛50 sin 70
𝑪𝑩 = 𝟗𝟎. 𝟒𝟏 𝑵, 𝑨𝑪 = 𝟕𝟗. 𝟗𝟕 𝑵
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Sample Problem
3. The uniform 15 m pole has a mass of 150 kg and is supported by its smooth ends against the vertical
walls and the tension T in the vertical cable. Compute the reactions at A and B.
`Solution:
FDB: 4𝑚 8𝑚
𝑁𝐵
8𝑚
𝑚
150𝑘𝑔 ቀ9.81 ቁ
𝑠2
𝑁𝐴
= 1471.5 𝑁
Apply Conditions of Equilibrium:
𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝑇 − 1471.5 𝑁 = 0, 𝑻 = 𝟏𝟒𝟕𝟏. 𝟓 𝑵
𝛴𝑀𝐵 = 0 (assume CLW direction as positive)
−𝑁𝐴 (8𝑚) − 1471.5𝑁(6𝑚) + 𝑇(8𝑚) = 0
𝑵𝑨 = 𝟑𝟔𝟕. 𝟖𝟖 𝑵
𝛴𝑀𝐴 = 0 (assume CLW direction as positive)
−𝑁𝐵 (8𝑚) + 1471.5𝑁(6𝑚) − 𝑇(4𝑚) = 0
𝑵𝑩 = 𝟑𝟔𝟕. 𝟖𝟖 𝑵
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Sample Problem
4. Determine the component reactions at each supports of the truss shown.
SOLUTION:
Draw the FBD (the support reactions):
𝐶𝐻
𝐴𝑣
𝐶𝑣
Apply Conditions of Equilibrium:
𝛴𝑀𝐶 = 0 (assume CLW direction as positive)
𝐴𝑣 (8𝑓𝑡) − 600𝑙𝑏(4𝑓𝑡) − 900𝑙𝑏(12𝑓𝑡) = 0
𝑵𝑨 = 𝟏𝟔𝟓𝟎 𝒍𝒃𝒔.
𝛴𝑀𝐴 = 0 (assume CLW direction as positive)
−𝐶𝑣 (8𝑓𝑡) + 600𝑙𝑏(4𝑓𝑡) − 900𝑙𝑏(4𝑓𝑡) = 0
𝑵𝑩 = −𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝒍𝒃𝒔. the negative sign means the assume direction is wrong, 𝑵𝑩 = 𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝒍𝒃𝒔, 𝑮𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏
𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝑪𝑯 = 𝟎
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
Sample Problem
5. Determine the magnitudes of the forces C and T, which, along with the other three forces shown, act
on the bridge-truss joint.
y
C
3 kN
T
0
16 kN 70 400
8 kN
x
Solution
Apply the condition of equilibrium:
Refer to the FBD:
𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 0,
𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠 40 + 𝐶𝑐𝑜𝑠70 + 8𝑘𝑁 − 16𝑘𝑁 = 0
𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠 40 + 𝐶𝑐𝑜𝑠 70 = 8𝑘𝑁 𝑒𝑞𝑛. 1
𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 0, 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛 40 − 𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑛 70 − 3𝑘𝑁 = 0
𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛 40 − 𝐶𝑠𝑖𝑛 70 = 3𝑘𝑁 𝑒𝑞𝑛. 2
Equate eqn. 1 and eqn. 2:
𝑻 = 𝟗. 𝟎𝟗 𝒌𝑵, 𝑪 = 𝟑. 𝟎𝟑 𝒌𝑵
Module 5: Equilibrium of Two Dimensional Coplanar Forces/JsLumbab
