Engineering Mechanics
Statics
Soran University
Faculty of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department
Yousif J. Bas
(2022-2023)
Equilibrium of a Particle
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
To introduce the concept of the free-body diagram for a
particle.
To show how to solve particle equilibrium problems using the
equations of equilibrium.
Expected Outcomes
Able to solve the problems of a particle or rigid body in the
mechanics applications by using Equilibrium Equation
Hibbeler R. C., Engineering Mechanics , Statics, 13th edition, 2013
Chapter Outline
Condition for the Equilibrium of a Particle
The Free-Body Diagram
Coplanar Systems
Three-Dimensional Force Systems
Condition for the Equilibrium of a Particle
A particle is said to be in equilibrium i f
it remains at rest if originally at rest
has a constant velocity if originally in motion
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. This condition may be stated mathematically as ΣF = 0
where ΣF is the vector sum of all the forces acting on the particle
Not only is this equation a necessary condition for equilibrium, it is also a
sufficient condition. This follows from Newton’s second law of motion,
which can be written as F = ma. Since the force system satisfies the above
equation, then ma = 0, and therefore the particle’s acceleration a = 0.
Consequently, the particle indeed moves with constant velocity or remains
at rest.
Application of Equilibrium Equation
Application of Equilibrium Equation
The Free-Body Diagram (FBD)
The Free-Body Diagram
Before presenting a formal procedure as to how to draw a free-body diagram,
we will first consider two types of connections often encountered in particle
equilibrium problems.
Springs.
If a linearly elastic spring (or cord) of undeformed length l0
is used to support a particle, the length of the spring will
change in direct proportion to the force F acting on it. A
characteristic that defines the “elasticity” of a spring is the
spring constant or stiffness k .
The magnitude of force exerted on a linearly elastic spring
which has a stiffness k and is deformed (elongated or
compressed) a distance s = l - l0 , measured from its
unloaded position, is
The Free-Body Diagram
If s is positive, F “pull”
onto the spring
If s is negative, F “push”
onto the spring
Cables and Pulleys
Cables (or cords) can be assumed to have
negligible weight and they cannot stretch. Also, a
cable can support only a tension or “pulling”
force, and this force always acts in the direction
of the cable.
The tension force developed in a continuous
cable which passes over a frictionless pulley must
have a constant magnitude to keep the cable in
equilibrium.
Procedure for Drawing a Free-Body Diagram
• Draw Outlined Shape. Imagine the particle to be isolated
or cut “free” from its surroundings by drawing its outlined
shape.
• Show All Forces. Indicate on this sketch all the forces that
act on the particle . These forces can be active forces , which
tend to set the particle in motion, or they can be reactive
forces which are the result of the constraints or supports that
tend to prevent motion.
• Identify Each Force. The forces that are known should be
labeled with their proper magnitudes and directions. Letters
are used to represent the magnitudes and directions of forces
that are unknown.
Example:
The sphere in the figure below has a mass of 6 kg and is supported as shown.
Draw a free-body diagram of the sphere, the cord CE , and the knot at C .
Solution:
Example:
Draw a free-body diagram for the assembly shown below.
Solution:
Coplanar Force Systems
If a particle is subjected to a system of coplanar forces that lie in the x–y plane,
as shown, then each force can be resolved into its x and y components. For
equilibrium, these forces must sum to produce a zero force resultant,
When applying each of the two equations of
equilibrium, we must account for the sense of
direction of any component by using an algebraic
sign which corresponds to the arrowhead direction
of the component along the x or y axis.
It is important to note that if a force has an
unknown magnitude , then the arrowhead sense of
the force on the free-body diagram can be assumed
. Then if the solution yields a negative scalar , this
indicates that the sense of the force is opposite to
that which was assumed.
Procedure for Analysis
Free-Body Diagram.
Establish the x, y axes in any suitable orientation.
Label all the known and unknown force magnitudes and directions on the
diagram.
The sense of a force having an unknown magnitude can be assumed.
Equations of Equilibrium.
Apply the equations of equilibrium, Fx = 0 and Fy = 0.
Components are positive if they are directed along a positive axis, and
negative if they are directed along a negative axis.
If more than two unknowns exist and the problem involves a spring, apply F=
ks to relate the spring force to the deformation s of the spring.
Since the magnitude of a force is always a positive quantity, then if the
solution for a force yields a negative result, this indicates that its sense is the
reverse of that shown on the free-body diagram.
Example:
Determine the tension in cables BA and BC necessary to support the 60-kg
cylinder in the figure below.
Solution:
Example:
The 200-kg crate in the figure below is suspended using the ropes AB and AC .
Each rope can withstand a maximum force of 10 kN before it breaks. If AB
always remains horizontal, determine the smallest angle q to which the crate can
be suspended before one of the ropes breaks.
Solution:
Example:
Determine the required length of cord AC in the figure below so that the 8-kg
lamp can be suspended in the position shown. The undeformed length of
spring AB is lAB = 0.4 m, and the spring has a stiffness of kAB = 300 N/m.
Solution:
Example:
If the mass of cylinder C is 40 kg, determine the mass of cylinder A in order to
hold the assembly in the position shown.
Solution:
+→ ΣFx = – TED+ (40*9.81)cos30° = 0
+↑ ΣFy = (40*9.81)sin 30° – TEA = 0
Solving the above equations,
TED = 340 N ←
TEA= 196 N ↓
