MODULE 19

Parallel Forces in Space

This module consists of concepts, principles, illustration, solved problems and

Resultant of Parallel Forces in Space

The amount and direction of the resultant of any number of parallel forces in space
are given by the algebraic sum of the forces.

R = P1 ± P2 ± P3 ± …..

To locate the position of the resultant, moments may be taken about two
rectangular axes.

y
R P4

P1
x
O z P2
1
x z
4 4
x z
1 2
P3 z
3

x
2

x
3
z

From the figure above, the moment equations that we can derive to locate the x and z
coordinates of the resultant are:

∑Mx = Rz ; Rz = P1 (z1) + P2 (z2) + P3 (z3) – P4 (z4)

∑Mz = Rx ; Rx = P1 (x1) + P2 (x2) + P3 (x3) – P4 (x4)

Equilibrium of Parallel Forces in Space

R=0 and ∑M = 0
Number of Equations to be used:

One summation of Forces and two summations of moments with respect to any
two non-parallel axes.

EXAMPLE 1. Determine the amount and location of the resultant of the parallel forces
shown in the figure below;

F1= 200N

R (2m,3.3m)

F2= 500N x

F4= 300N

F3= 400N 6m

F5= 200N

z 6m

Solution:

R = F1 ± F2 ± F3 ± F4 ± F5

R = 200N + 500N + 400N – 300N + 200N = 1000Nans

∑Mz = Rx ;

Rx = F1 (x0) + F2 (x2) + F3 (x3) – F4 (x4) + F5 (x5);

But: R = 1000N and F1 (x0) is equal to zero because the force is lying on the z-axis and the moment
arm is zero; therefore:

1000N x = 500N (2m) + 400N (3m) – 300N (4m) + 200N (5m) = 2000N

1000N x = 2000Nm

X = 2 mans
 ∑Mx = Rz ;

Rz = F1 (z0) + F2 (z2) + F3 (z5) – F4 (z3) + F5 (z6) ;

But: R = 1000N and F1 (z0) is equal to zero because the force is also lying on the x-axis and the
moment arm is zero; therefore:

1000N z = 500N (2m) + 400N (5m) – 300N (3m) + 200N (6m)

1000N z = 3300Nm

Z = 3.3 mans

Therefore, the location of the Resultant of the said Parallel Forces is:

F1= 200N

R= 1000N

F2= 500N x

F4= 300N

F3= 400N 6m
(2m, 3.3m)

F5= 200N

z 6m
EXAMPLE 2. The plate shown carries a load of 10 KN applied at point E, and is supported
in a horizontal position by three vertical cables attached at A,B, and C. Find the tension
in each cable.

10KN

B
30cm

40cm 60cm C
60cm

Solution:

Consider the Top View of the Plate:

y
B
x’
30cm
10KN
E C x
40cm 60 cm

60cm

A x'’

Let: A = Tension in Cable A;

∑My = 0; + - (Tensions in Cables A and B are zero because they are lying on the
axis of rotation y and their moment arm is zero).

10 KN (40cm) – C (100cm) = 0

C = 4KN (T)ans
∑Mx’ = 0; + - (Tension in Cable B is zero because it is lying on the axis of rotation
x' and its moment arm is zero).

A (90cm) + C (30cm) – 10KN (30cm) = 0

A (90cm) + 4KN (30cm) = 300cm

A = 2KN (T)ans

∑Mx = 0; + - (Tension in Cable C and 10KN force are zero because they are lying
on the axis of rotation x and their moment arm is zero).

A (60cm) – B (30cm) = 0

2KN (60cm) = B (30cm)

B = 4KN (T)ans