Solving Practical Engineering

Mechanics Problems: Statics

 iii

Synthesis Lectures on
Mechanical Engineering
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Solving Practical Engineering Mechanics Problems: Statics

Sayavur I. Bakhtiyarov
October 2017
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© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022
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without the prior permission of the publisher.

Solving Practical Engineering Mechanics Problems: Statics

Sayavur I. Bakhtiyarov

ISBN: 978-3-031-79585-5 print

ISBN: 978-3-031-79586-2 ebook

DOI 10.1007/978-3-031-79586-2

A Publication in the Springer series

SYNTHESIS LECTURES ON MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, #8

Series ISSN: 2573-3168 Print 2573-3176 Electronic

Solving Practical Engineering
Mechanics Problems: Statics
Sayavur I. Bakhtiyarov
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

SYNTHESIS LECTURES ON MECHANICAL ENGINEERING #8

vi

ABSTRACT
Engineering mechanics is one of the fundamental branches of science that is important in the education of profes-
sional engineers of any major. Most of the basic engineering courses, such as mechanics of materials, fluid and gas
mechanics, machine design, mechatronics, acoustics, vibrations, etc. are based on engineering mechanics courses. In
order to absorb the materials of engineering mechanics, it is not enough to consume just theoretical laws and the-
orems—a student also must develop an ability to solve practical problems. Therefore, it is necessary to solve many
problems independently. This book is a part of a four-book series designed to supplement the engineering mechanics
courses. This series instructs and applies the principles required to solve practical engineering problems in the follow-
ing branches of mechanics: statics, kinematics, dynamics, and advanced kinetics. Each book contains between 6 and 8
topics on its specific branch and each topic features 30 problems to be assigned as homework, tests, and/or midterm/
final exams with the consent of the instructor. A solution of one similar sample problem from each topic is provided.
This first book contains seven topics of statics, the branch of mechanics concerned with the analysis of forces
acting on construction systems without an acceleration (a state of the static equilibrium). The book targets the un-
dergraduate students of the sophomore/junior level majoring in science and engineering. The author welcomes all
feedback/comments from the reader. Please feel free to contact him at [email protected].

KEYWORDS
force, moment, torque, gravity, equilibrium, center of gravity
 vii

Contents
Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ���������������������������� ix

1 Topic S-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ����������������������������� 1

1.1 Determination of the Reaction Forces of Supports for Rigid Body ������������������������������������������ 1
1.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2 Topic S-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��������������������������� 19

2.1 Application of the Method of Joints to Find Unknown Forces in a Plane (2D)
Truss Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.3.1 Determining Reaction Forces by Analytical Method ������������������������������������������������ 32
2.3.2 Determining the Forces in the Truss Members ���������������������������������������������������������� 33

3 Topic S-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��������������������������� 37

3.1 Determination of Reaction Forces of Supports for Composite Stud ���������������������������������������� 37
3.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
3.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

4 Topic S-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��������������������������� 49

4.1 Determination of Reaction Forces of Supports for Composite Construction
(System of Two Bodies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

5 Topic S-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��������������������������� 67

5.1 Determination of Reaction Forces of Supports for Composite Construction
(System of Three Bodies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

6 Topic S-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ��������������������������� 85

6.1 Determination of reaction forces of rods supporting rectangular plate ������������������������������������ 85
6.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
6.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

7 Topic S-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ������������������������� 105

7.1 Determination of Center of Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
7.2 Sample Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
7.3 Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Author Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ������������������������� 125

 ix

Acknowledgments
The author acknowledges that this work is essentially a translation and a revision of selected problems provided
by Professor A. A. Yablonski (Collection of Problems for Course Projects in Theoretical Mechanics, 2nd ed., Vischaya
Shkola Publishers, 1972, in Russian). The author intended to introduce this unique work to western academia,
which is the product of material covered by him in many classes over a period of four decades in a number of
universities and colleges.
 1

CHAPTER 1

Topic S-1

1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR

RIGID BODY
Find reaction forces in supports of the given construction systems schematically shown in Figures 1.1‒1.30. The sizes
are in meters and the loads are shown in the table below.
G P M q α
Problem #
kN kN m kN m Degrees
1 10 5 20 1 30
2 12 8 10 4 60
3 8 4 5 2 60
4 14 - 8 3 30
5 - 6 7 1 45
6 - 10 4 2 60
7 - 6 5 1 45
8 16 7 6 2 60
9 6 6 4 2 30
10 10 8 9 1 30
11 - 4 7 0.5 45
12 10 6 8 - 45
13 12 10 6 2 30
14 10 6 10 1 45
15 4 4 4 2 60
16 20 10 - 2 45
17 25 5 - 0.5 45
18 20 10 10 - 30
19 - 4 8 1 45
20 - 10 6 0.5 45
21 - 8 7 0.5 30
22 - 10 8 1 30
23 - 7 10 2 30
24 - 6 7 1.5 30
25 - 14 20 0.5 45
26 - 16 14 1 30
27 5 4 8 2.5 45
28 - 10 7 3 30
29 - 6 8 1 15
30 15 10 14 0 30
2 1. TOPIC S-1

A α

M B

G P

2 2

Figure 1.1.

P C
q
α α
A
D B
M

2 1 3

Figure 1.2.
 1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR RIGID BODY 3

P
q
α
A B
M

2 2

Figure 1.3.

1 2 3

A B
q M α

Figure 1.4.
4 1. TOPIC S-1

4
M

C B

α 2
p q

Figure 1.5.

P
q
α

3 1

2
M

A B

Figure 1.6.
 1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR RIGID BODY 5

B
α
q
P α

2 M

Figure 1.7.

4 1 3
P

α
F
D E q
M
G
α
A B C

Figure 1.8.
6 1. TOPIC S-1

1 1 2
q
B
A
α M
α
P G

Figure 1.9.

1 1
q
P
M
B α
C
E A 1.5 2
G 2.5
D 2α

Figure 1.10.

P
2α

q M
α
A
4 3

Figure 1.11.
 1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR RIGID BODY 7

C B
P

G M
α
A

Figure 1.12.

D q
α
P M
α A
F C B E
1 1 1 1

G
F

Figure 1.13.
8 1. TOPIC S-1

q
3
1

M A

2
α
1

G
P
Figure 1.14.

1 2

q
G

α
P
4

Figure 1.15.
 1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR RIGID BODY 9

q
P
α
2 2 2

G
A B
Figure 1.16.

P q B
α 1.5
2

Figure 1.17.

α
P

M
G G
α α
A B

Figure 1.18.
10 1. TOPIC S-1

1
2 q
2q

B
3
α

Figure 1.19.

q 2

M C
B α
3 4
P

A α

Figure 1.20.
 1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR RIGID BODY 11

M P
q α
4

2
4 A
B
α
Figure 1.21.

α
P

2 2
2

A
B
α q

Figure 1.22.
12 1. TOPIC S-1

M C
q B

A α

2
Figure 1.23.

3
M
B
α P
2α
2

q
A

Figure 1.24.
 1.1 DETERMINATION OF THE REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR RIGID BODY 13

q P
α
B
2 2

2 M

A
Figure 1.25.

2q
P
α
B
3
3
2

M
A

2 2 q
Figure 1.26.
14 1. TOPIC S-1

Figure 1.27.

M
2

B
2

P α 2

Figure 1.28.
 1.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM 15

2α P 1 M
α B
2

α
A

Figure 1.29.

P
α
B

α G
A

Figure 1.30.

1.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

Define the reaction forces in support A and rod CD of the construction schematically shown in Figure 1.31.
G = 10 kN; P = 5 kN; M = 8 kN m; q = 0.5 kN/m; a = 30°. The sizes are in meters.
16 1. TOPIC S-1

D
q
P
α C M
A B

2 1 1 2

G
Figure 1.31.

1.3 SOLUTION
Let’s consider the equilibrium of the forces applied to the stud AB. Remove the supports: pin support at the point A,
the member CD, and the string attached to point B. The actions of the support are replaced by the appropriate reac-
tion forces (Figure 1.32). Because the direction of the reaction force of the pin A is unknown, we need to determine
its components XA and YA. We also show the reaction SCD in member CD and the reaction S in the string, which is
by magnitude equal to P. Evenly distributed load of the intensity q is replaced by the concentrated force Q, which is
equal: Q = 2 ∙ q = 2 ∙ 0.5=1 kN and applied in the center of gravity of the distributed forces.

90°
YA
SCD S
Q M
α C
x
A XA B
G
1 2 1 2

Figure 1.32.
 1.3 SOLUTION 17

Three equilibrium equations can be written for the plane (2D) system of forces applied to the system:

∑ MiA = 0; ‒Q ∙ 1 ‒ G ∙ 3 + SCD ∙ 4 sin 30° ‒ M + S ∙ 6 = 0 (1.1)

∑ Xi = 0;XA ‒ SCD cos 30° = 0 (1.2)

∑ Yi = YA ‒ Q ‒ G + SCD cos 60° + S = 0 (1.3)

From Equation (1.1):

Q ∙ 1 + G ∙ 3 + M ‒ S ∙ 6 1 ∙ 1 + 10 ∙ 3 + 8 ‒ 5 ∙ 6
SCD = = = 4.5 kN.
4 sin 30° 4 ∙ 0.5

From Equation (1.2):

XA = SCD cos 30° = 4.5 ∙ 0.866 = 3.90 kN.

From Equation (1.3):

YA = Q + G ‒ SCD cos 60° ‒ S = 1 + 10 ‒ 4.5 ∙ 0.5 ‒ 5 = 3.75 kN.

The values of XA, YA, and SCD are positive. It means the assumed directions of these forces coincide with their true
directions.
 19

CHAPTER 2

Topic S-2

2.1 APPLICATION OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN

FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE
Using a method of joints find the forces in the members 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the given truss structure. The truss struc-
tures are schematically shown in Figures 2.1‒2.30. The external forces (loads) acting on the trusses are given in the
table below. The sizes are in meters.

P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 a h α
Problem #
kN m m degrees
1 5 5 5 20 30 - - -
2 5 10 20 30 - - - 30
3 10 5 20 20 - 2 6 -
4 10 30 50 - - - - -
5 5 5 20 20 - - - 30
6 10 20 10 10 20 - - 30
7 5 10 20 - - - - 30
8 10 20 30 - - 2 5 -
9 10 20 30 - - - - -
10 20 10 10 20 - - - 45
11 10 20 40 - - - - 45
12 10 20 30 30 - 2 6 -
13 10 10 10 20 20 - - 45
14 10 10 10 10 20 - - -
15 10 20 10 - - 2 1.5 -
16 10 20 20 30 - - - -
17 10 20 20 - - 3 5 -
18 10 40 20 20 - 3 3.5 -
19 10 10 40 20 - 3 3.5 -
20 10 40 20 - - - - -
21 10 20 10 40 - 3 4 -
22 10 10 20 30 - - - -
23 5 10 10 40 20 - - -
24 10 20 20 20 - 2 2.4 -
25 10 20 20 - - 2 2.4 -
26 10 20 20 - - 2 2.3 -
27 10 20 10 - - 2 3 -
28 20 20 10 - - - - -
29 10 20 20 40 - 2 2.2 -
30 10 10 20 30 30 - - -
20 2. TOPIC S-2

P1

P2 3

3a
P3 2
4

A 1
5 B
P4 P5
6a

Figure 2.1.

P1

3
4 2
A 5 α
1 B
P2 P3 P4

6a

Figure 2.2.
 2.1 APP OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE 21

P1
3
P2
90°
4

h
2

A
5 1 B
P4 P3
6a

Figure 2.3.

P1

3
2a

2
4
A B
1 5
P2 P3
4a

Figure 2.4.
22 2. TOPIC S-2

P1

3
90° P2

2 5
4
A 1 α
B
P3 P4
6a

Figure 2.5.

P1
5
3

2 4
A 1 α
B
P2 P3 P4 P5
5a

Figure 2.6.
 2.1 APP OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE 23

P1 P2
45°
B 3 α

P3
4
2 5

1
A

3a

Figure 2.7.

P2
P1
3
90°

h
2
4

A
5 1
P3 B
4a 2a

Figure 2.8.

P1 3
a/2

A B
a

4 2
1 5
P2
P3
6a

Figure 2.9.
24 2. TOPIC S-2

B
P2
P1 60°
3

α 4 2 5
1 A
P3 P4
a a a a a a

Figure 2.10.

B
a a a a a a

P1
3
α 2 5
A
4
P2
1

P3
Figure 2.11.

P1

P2 3

90°
h

2
5

4 A
1
P3 P4
B
2a 4a

Figure 2.12.
 2.1 APP OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE 25

P2 P3
a a a a

3
5 2
P1 α

4 P4 4a

α P5

A B

Figure 2.13.

P3 P4

5
P2

1 2 3 P5
3a

P1

3a 4

B A

Figure 2.14.
26 2. TOPIC S-2

3/2 a 3a P3

P1

h
2h
3 4
P2 5
2
2h

B A

Figure 2.15.

P3
3a
P1

5 4 P4
P2

3
3a

A B

Figure 2.16.
 2.1 APP OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE 27

P2
P1 5 3

2 4
a

A P3
1
4a
h

Figure 2.17.

3
P1 5
3/2 h
h

A 1 4 B

P2 P3 P4
6a

Figure 2.18.
28 2. TOPIC S-2

P1

4 90°
3
P2
3/2 h

h
A 1 5 B

P3 P4
6a

Figure 2.19.

a/2
P1
3

a
2

A 4 1 B

P2 P3
6a

Figure 2.20.
P2

5 3
P1

2 4
h
a

A 1 B

P3 P4
6a

Figure 2.21.
 2.1 APP OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE 29

P2
P1 3 45°

5
2 4
a
P3
A 1 B

P4
6a

Figure 2.22.

6a

P1 3

2
4
P2 1

3a
P4 P5

P3

A B

Figure 2.23.

P2 P3 P4

P1 3 5
h

2 4

A 1 B

6a

Figure 2.24.
30 2. TOPIC S-2

P1 P2

A 5 3 B

h
4 2
P3
1

6a

Figure 2.25.

P1 5 3

h
4
A
1 B

P2 P3
6a

Figure 2.26.

P2 P3

P1 3
a

2 4
1 5
A B

5a

Figure 2.27.
 2.1 APP OF THE METHOD OF JOINTS TO FIND UNKNOWN FORCES IN A PLANE (2D) TRUSS STRUCTURE 31

P1 P2

A 3 5 B

2 4
a

P3 1

4a

Figure 2.28.

P2

5 45° 3 P1

4 2
h

1
A B

P3 P4
6a

Figure 2.29.

5 3 P1
A

2
a

4
P2
B 1

P5 P4 P3
3a

Figure 2.30.
32 2. TOPIC S-2

2.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

The truss schematically is given in Figure 2.31. Define the truss forces S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5.

P1 = 58 kN; P2 = 50 kN; P3 = 85 kN.

3
4 90° P3
a/2

2
a

5
A 1

P1 P2

6a
B

Figure 2.31.

2.3 SOLUTION

2.3.1 DETERMINING REACTION FORCES BY ANALYTICAL METHOD

Let’s consider an equilibrium of the forces applied on the truss. Remove the supports at A and B by replacing
them with appropriate reaction forces. Reaction force at point A is resolved into two components: XA and YA in the
directions of the coordinate system axes. The reaction force at the pin support B will be shown vertically up along
member BN.
The force P3 is resolved into two components P3′ and P 3″ . The magnitudes of these components:

P  ′3 = P3 cos α and P 3″ = P3 sin α (Figure 2.32).

Calculate sin α and cos α:

DE a
sin α = CD = = 0.447;
2√
a2 +(2a )2

CE a
cos α = CD = = 0.894.
2√
a2 +(2a )2

Determine the magnitudes of P  3′ and P 3″:

P  ′3 = 85 ∙ 0.894 = 76 kN; P 3″ = 85 ∙ 0.447 = 38 kN.

For forces applied to the 2D truss we write three equilibrium equations:

∑ MA = 0; ‒ P1 ∙ a ‒ P2 ∙ 2a ‒ P  ′3 ∙ 5a + P 3″ ∙ a + RB ∙ 5a = 0; (2.1)
 2.3 SOLUTION 33

∑ Xi = 0; ‒ P 3″ + XA = 0; (2.2)

∑ Yi = 0; YA ‒ P1 ‒ P2 ‒ P  ′3 + RB = 0. (2.3)

D P3’
α
P3
a/2

α
E C P3”
YA
a

x
A XA N
P1 P2 RB

6a B

Figure 2.32.

From Equation (2.1):

RB = P1 + P2 ∙ 2 + P  ′3 ∙ 5 ‒ P 3″ = 58 + 50 ∙ 2 + 76 ∙ 5 - 38 = 100o kN.

5 5
From Equation (2.2):

XA = P 3″ = 38 kN.

From Equation (2.3):

YA = P1 + P2 + P  ′3 ‒ RB = 58 + 50 + 76 ‒ 100 = 84 kN.

2.3.2 DETERMINING THE FORCES IN THE TRUSS MEMBERS

Let’s determine the forces in truss members using method of joints. In order to find the forces in the members 1, 2,
and 3 (Figure 2.33) we do a section I-I and we consider an equilibrium of the forces applied to one of the parts of
the truss (Figure 2.34).
It is advisable to consider an equilibrium of that part of the truss where less computations are needed. Also,
it is better if the selected each equilibrium equation contains only one unknown force. It will allow for the determi-
nation of each force independently from forces acting on other members. We will assume that all members are in
extension. Then a negative sign in answer will indicate that the member is in compression.
34 2. TOPIC S-2

y
II I III
P3’
3
4 P3

2 P3”
YA 5

1 x
XA N
P1 P2 RB
II I III
B
Figure 2.33.

I
S3 F P3’
P3

S2 β P3”
3/2 a

H S1 G 2a
I RB
B

Figure 2.34.

To define the force S1 we will write a moment equation about the point where the lines of actions of the forces
S2 and S3 are crossing:

∑ MiF = 0; ‒S1 ∙ 1.5a ‒ P  ′3 ∙ 2a ‒ P 3″ ∙ 0.5a + RB ∙ 2a.

From here:
RB ∙ 2 ‒ P  ′3 ∙ 2 ‒ P 3″ ∙ 0.5 100 ∙ 2 ‒ 76 ∙ 2 ‒ 38 ∙ 0.5
S1 = = = 19.3 kN.
1.5 1.5
To find S2 we will project the forces on axes Ay:

∑ Yi = 0; ‒S2 cos β ‒ P  ′3 + RB = 0,

FG =
where cos β = FH 1.5a = 0.832. From here:
√a2 + (1.5a)2
 2.3 SOLUTION 35

RB ‒ P  ′3 100 ‒ 76
S2= = =28.8 kN.
cos β 0.832

To define the force S2 we will write a moment equation about the point where the lines of actions of the forces
S1 and S3 are crossing:

∑ MiH = 0; S3 ∙ 1.5a ‒ P  ′3 ∙ 3a + P 3″ ∙ a + RB ∙ 3a = 0.

From here:

P  ′3 ∙ 3a + P 3″ ‒ RB ∙ 3a 76 ∙ 3 ‒ 38 ‒ 100 ∙ 3
S3= = = -73.3 kN.
1.5 1.5
In order to find the forces in the member 4 we do a section II-II and we consider an equilibrium of the forces
applied the left side of the truss (Figure 2.35).

II

S4
L
K
YA S6
α

XA V S7
P1 II

Figure 2.35.

An equilibrium equation:

∑ MiV = 0; ‒YA ∙ a ‒ S4 ∙ VK = 0,

where VK = VL ∙ cos α = a · 0.894.

From here:
YA ∙ a 84
S4 = =‒ = ‒94 kN.
0.894a 0.894
In order to find the force S5 we do a section III-III and we consider an equilibrium of the forces applied the
right side of the truss (Figure 2.36).
36 2. TOPIC S-2

III
P3’
α P3
S8
P3”
S5
M
S9
III
2a

Figure 2.36.

Equilibrium equation:

∑ MiM = 0; P  ′3 ∙ 2a + S5 ∙ 2a + P 3″ ∙ 2a = 0.

From here:
P  ′3 ∙ 2 + P 3″ 76 ∙ 2 + 38
S5 = ‒ =‒ = ‒ 95 kN.
2 2
 37

CHAPTER 3

Topic S-3

3.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR

COMPOSITE STUD
Determine the reaction forces and the forces in the interim pins of the composite stud. The studs and acting forces
are schematically shown in Figures 3.1‒3.30. All sizes are in meters. The external forces (loads) acting on the studs
are given in the following table.

P1 P2 P3 M1 M2 q
Problem #
kN kN m kN/m
1 6 10 - 25 - 0.8
2 7 4 - 20 - 1
3 12 18 - 36 - 1.4
4 8 10 5 30 25 -
5 9 15 - 32 - 1.8
6 10 7 - 18 - 0.9
7 4 6 9 20 28 -
8 5 4 - 16 - 1.5
9 10 7 14 24 - 1.2
10 8 14 - 26 - 1
11 10 5 13 12 20 -
12 7 12 - 15 - 1.5
13 8 12 6 24 - 1.6
14 10 7 - 30 - 1.2
15 14 9 5 26 18 -
16 11 15 - 40 - 1
17 8 12 - 20 28 -
18 10 15 8 35 - -
19 9 13 - 25 - 1.4
20 12 6 - 32 - 0.8
21 6 10 - 30 - 1.5
22 12 20 - 30 24 2
23 8 14 - 25 - 1
24 9 15 - 28 - 1.2
25 9 15 12 24 35 -
26 6 12 16 26 - 1.5
27 10 16 - 32 - 1.4
28 7 10 14 26 - 1.3
29 5 13 - 30 - 2
30 18 7 -12 16 - -
38 3. TOPIC S-3

P1 P2 q
M1 60°
A B C
F
D E
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 4.0

Figure 3.1.

P1 q P2
M1
A 60° E F
B C D 45°
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 3.5

Figure 3.2.

P1 q P2
M1
A 60° F
45° B C D E
2.0 2.0 3.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 2.0

Figure 3.3.

P1 P2 P3
M1 M2
60° A 45° D E F
B C
2.0 2.0 1.5 2.5 2.0 1.5 2.5 2.0

Figure 3.4.
 3.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE STUD 39

P1 q P2
M1
A B E F 60°
60° C D
1.5 2.0 3.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 1.5

Figure 3.5.

P1 q P2
M1
A 60° F
B C D E 30°
2.0 2.0 2.0 3.5 2.0 2.0 2.5

Figure 3.6.

P1 P2 P3
M1 M2
A 45° C E 30° F
B D
2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.7.

P1 P2 q
M1
A 60° C D F
B E 30°
1.5 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 2.0 3.5

Figure 3.8.
40 3. TOPIC S-3

P1 P2 q P3
M1
60° A B F
C D 45° E
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 2.5

Figure 3.9.

P1 q P2
M1
A 30° F
45° B C D E

2.5 2.5 2.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

Figure 3.10.

P1 P2 P3
M1 M2
A 60° C E
B D 30°
2.5 3.5 1.5 1.5 3.0 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.11.

P1 q P2
M1
A 45° D 60° E
B C
2.0 2.0 4.0 4.0 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.12.
 3.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE STUD 41

P1 P2 q P3
M1
45° C E 60°
A B D
2.0 1.5 2.5 1.5 2.5 4.0 2.0

Figure 3.13.

P2 q
P1 M1
A 30° E
B C D 30°
2.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 2.0 5.0

Figure 3.14.

P1 P2 P3
M1 M2
A 60° D 45°
B C E
3.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 1.5

Figure 3.15.

P2
P1 q
M1 60°
A C
45° B D E
3.0 2.0 3.5 3.5 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.16.
42 3. TOPIC S-3

P1 P2
M1 M2
A B 45°
C D E
2.0 3.5 2.5 2.0 2.5 3.5

Figure 3.17.

P1 P2 P3
M1
30° C 60°
A B D E
2.5 2.0 1.5 3.5 2.5 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.18.

P2
q
M1 P1
A B
30° C 60° D E
3.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 1.5 5.0

Figure 3.19.

P1 P2 q
M2
45° A B
C D E
2.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 4.0 3.0

Figure 3.20.
 3.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE STUD 43

P1 q P2
M1
60° A B E F
C D 30°
2.0 4.0 2.0 3.0 1.5 1.5 2.0
Figure 3.21.

P1 q P2
M1 M2
A 45° B D F
C E
2.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 3.5 2.0 1.5

Figure 3.22.

P1 q P2
M1
A 60° F
30° B C D E
2.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 1.5 1.5

Figure 3.23.

q P1 P2
M1
A C 30° D F
B E 45°
4.0 2.0 3.0 1.5 2.0 1.5 2.0

Figure 3.24.
44 1. TOPIC S-1

P1 P2 P3
M1 M2
60° C 45° D F
A
B E
1.5 1.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 1.5

Figure 3.25.

P3
P1 q P2
M1
A C D 60° F
45° B E
2.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5

Figure 3.26.

q P1 P2
M1
A C E 30°
B D F
4.0 2.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.27.

P1 P2 q P3
M1
A D E
B 60° C
2.0 1.5 2.0 3.5 2.0 3.0 2.0

Figure 3.28.
 3.3 SOLUTION 45

P1 P2
q
M1
C 60° E
A B D 45°
5.0 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.29.

P2
P1 P1
M1 60°
45° B E
30° C D
2.5 1.5 3.0 2.0 3.5 2.0

Figure 3.30.

3.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

A composite stud schematically shown in Figure 3.31. Determine the reaction forces and the forces in the interim
pins if P1 = 12 kN; P2 = 20 kN; M = 50 kNm; and q = 2 kN/m.

P1 q P2
M
A B 60° E
C D
4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.31.

3.3 SOLUTION
A composite stud consists of a system of the simple studs connected via pins. Therefore, we will consider the system
of the forces in equilibrium applied to each simple stud. The forces in the pins connecting these studs will be taking
into the account.
First, we will consider the stud DE (Figure 3.32), as a number of unknown forces (RE, XD, and YD) applied
to this stud is equal to the number of equilibrium equations:

∑MiD = 0; RE ∙ 4 ‒ P2 ∙ 2 cos 30° ‒ Q1 ∙ 1 = 0, (3.1)

where Q1 = q ∙ 2 = 2 ∙ 2 = 4 kN.
46 1. TOPIC S-1

∑Xi = 0; XD ‒ P2 cos 60° = 0, (3.2)

∑Yi = 0; YD ‒ Q1 ‒ P2 cos 30° + RE = 0. (3.3)

From Equation (3.1):

P2 ∙ 2 cos 30° + Q1 ∙ 1 20 ∙ 2 ∙ √ 2 + 4 ∙ 1
3
RE = = = 9.66 kN.
4 4
From Equation (3.2):

XD = P2 cos 60° = 20 ∙ 0.5 = 10 kN.

From Equation (3.3):

YD = Q1 + P2 cos 30° ‒ RE = 4 + 20 ∙ √32 ‒ 9.66 = 11.6 kN.

YD P2
RE
XD 60°
D Q1 E
1.0 1.0 2.0

Figure 3.32.

For the stud BD (Figure 3.33):

∑ MiB = 0; ‒M + RC ∙ 4 ‒ Q2 ∙ 6 ‒ YD′ ∙ 8 = 0, (3.4)

where Q2 = q ∙ 4 = 2 ∙ 4 = 8 kN.

∑ Xi = 0; XB ‒ XD′ = 0; (3.5)

∑ Yi = 0; YB + RC ‒ Q2 - YD′ = 0. (3.6)

From Equation (3.4):

M + Q2 ∙ 6 + YD′ ∙ 8 50 + 8 ∙ 6 + 11.6 ∙ 8
RC = = = 47.7 kN.
4 4
From Equation (3.5):

XB = XD′ = 10 kN.

From Equation (3.6):

YB = RC + Q2 + YD′ = 47.7 + 8 + 11.6 = 28.1 kN.

 47

YB RC
M
XB X D’
B C Q2 D
YD’
4.0 2.0 2.0

Figure 3.33.

For the stud AB (Figure 3.34):

∑ MiA = 0; MA ‒ P1 ∙ 4 ‒ YB′ ∙ 4 = 0; (3.7)

∑ Xi = 0; XA ‒ XB′ = 0; (3.8)

∑ Yi = 0; YA ‒ P1 ‒ YB′ = 0. (3.9)

YA P1
XA B XB’
A
MA YB’
4.0 4.0

Figure 3.34.

From Equation (3.7):

MA = P1 ∙ 4 + YB′ ∙ 8 = 12 · 4 ‒ 28.1 · 8 = -177 kNm.

From Equation (3.8):

XA = XB′ = 10 kN.

From Equation (3.9):

YA = P1 + YB′ = 12 ‒ 28.1 = -16.1 kN.

To verify the obtained results we need to make sure that any equation of equilibrium written for the forces
applied to the whole construction is valid. For example:

∑Yi = 0; YA ‒ P1 + RC ‒ Q2 ‒ Q1 ‒ P2 cos 30° + RE = 0.

 49

CHAPTER 4

Topic S-4

4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR

COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (SYSTEM OF TWO BODIES)
Determine the reaction forces and the forces in the interim pin of the composite construction. The constructions
and the acting forces are schematically shown in Figures 4.1‒4.30. All sizes are in meters. The external forces (loads)
acting on the constructions are given in the table below.

P1 P2 M q
Problem #
kN kNm kN/m
1 6 - 25 0.8
2 5 8 26 -
3 8 10 33 1.1
4 10 - 25 1.3
5 12 - 27 1
6 14 12 - 0.9
7 16 8 18 1.4
8 12 6 20 1
9 14 - 28 1.4
10 8 - 26 0.9
11 15 10 29 1
12 15 8 28 1.5
13 7 6 15 1.1
14 5 - 30 0.9
15 6 10 24 1.5
16 8 11 31 0.8
17 9 15 26 1.1
18 7 16 27 0.8
19 6 18 35 1.1
20 7 16 32 0.8
21 8 17 30 1.2
22 5 6 34 1.5
23 14 10 36 1.2
24 10 13 28 1.3
25 11 10 33 1
26 15 15 18 1.4
27 11 14 36 1.5
28 12 12 30 1.1
29 10 9 35 1.3
30 9 10 29 1.5
50 4. TOPIC S-4

90° P1

q C
3.5

2
A B

4 2

Figure 4.1.

1.5

P1 P2
90°
1.5

M
B
A

2 2 4

Figure 4.2.
4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (2 BODIES) 51

P1
M
30°
1 C P2

q
3.0

2
A B

Figure 4.3.

M
q

3
P1

A B
C
1 1 4

Figure 4.4.
q
P1
M
B 30°
C D

4 4 4
4

Figure 4.5.
52 4. TOPIC S-4

q P2 P1

45° C B
45°
2 2 1 2

2
A

Figure 4.6.

P1 1 3
C
D
M
q P2
2

60°
A B
3 3

Figure 4.7.

3 3

q
C
1

P2
M 30°
P1
2

A B

Figure 4.8.
4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (2 BODIES) 53

q P1

45°

M
2.5

A
B
3 2 2

Figure 4.9.

M
1

q P1

90°
3

A
B

2 1.5 1.5

Figure 4.10.
54 4. TOPIC S-4

1 2 1
P1 q
D
30°
2 1 C
45°
M

2
P2

B A

Figure 4.11.

P1

60°

2 2
1

C M
1

P2
q
4

3
B A
D

Figure 4.12.
4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (2 BODIES) 55

q
P2
B 60°

C
M
P1

4
90°

D A

2 2 2 3 2

Figure 4.13.

C
90°
4

B
5.0

q
A

Figure 4.14.
56 4. TOPIC S-4

2 2
q
C M B 60°

30° A
P1

3
45°
P2

3 3

Figure 4.15.

q P2 90°
2

P1
60°

D C B
M
1 4 1 3

Figure 4.16.
4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (2 BODIES) 57

P2
3 3
C

2
45°
P1
A M
q
2

Figure 4.17.

A
P1
2 2
q
2

M
B 30° C
2
2

60°
P2

Figure 4.18.
58 4. TOPIC S-4

A
q

2
30°
P2

2
P1

2
M
C
60° 2 3 B

Figure 4.19.

D
P1

M
3
2 2
C

q
2

P2
B 60° A

4 4

Figure 4.20.
4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (2 BODIES) 59

D
P1

3
2 2
C

q
2

P2
B 60° A

4 4

Figure 4.21.

3
M P1 P2 q
45° C
A
D B 30°

1 2 1 1
Figure 4.22.

q
P1 P2
45°
M
A D
B C
1 2 1 1.5 2 1

Figure 4.23.
60 4. TOPIC S-4

D
M P1

4
P2

60°
B C

4
2 4 5 2.5 2.5

Figure 4.24.

q
2
B P2
M
1

C D
3
45°
1

90° 1.5
P1
A
1.5
Figure 4.25.

P2
4
P1
M
30° 60° D
F A B C 30°
q
2 2 2 2
Figure 4.26.
4.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (2 BODIES) 61

D
4 P2
q

2
B A M
F 60° C
P1
2 4 2

Figure 4.27.

3
P1
M q
45° A B
D 60°
2 3 P2

Figure 4.28.

q P2
P1 M
30° 45°
A B C D
4 2 2 2

Figure 4.29.
62 4. TOPIC S-4

P2 2 4
P1

60° A
q
30° C B
M
2 2

Figure 4.30.

4.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

A composite structure is schematically shown in Figure 4.31. Determine the reaction forces and the forces in the
interim pin if P1 = 10 kN; P2 = 12 kN; M = 25 kNm; q = 2 kN/m; and α = 60°.

P1
α C

M
P2

q
4

A B

3 3 2 2
Figure 4.31.

4.3 SOLUTION
First, we will consider the system of the forces in equilibrium applied to the entire construction (Figure 4.32). To
simplify a calculation of the moments of the force P1 we will resolve it into two components P1′ and P1″ as:

P 1′ = P1 cos α = 10 ∙ 0.5 = 5 kN,

 4.3 SOLUTION 63

P 1″ = P1 sin α = 10 ∙ 0.866 = 8.66 kN.

The equilibrium equations will be written as:

∑ MiA = 0; P1′ ∙ 4 + P1″ ∙ 3 ‒ Q ∙ 2 ‒ M ‒ P2 ∙ 5 + YB ∙ 7 = 0, (4.1)

where = q ∙ 4 = 2 ∙ 4 = 8 kN.

∑ Yi = 0; ‒P1″ + YA ‒ P2 + YB = 0, (4.2)

∑ Xi = 0; XA + XB ‒ P 1′ + Q = 0. (4.3)

From Equation (4.1):

‒P 1′ ∙ 4 ‒ P 1″ ∙ 3 + Q ∙ 2 + M + P2 ∙ 5 ‒5 ∙ 4 ‒ 8.66 ∙ 3 + 8 ∙ 2 + 25 + 12 ∙ 5
YB = = = 7.86 kN.
7 7
From Equation (4.2):

YA = P 1″ + P2 ‒ YB = 8.66 + 12 ‒ 7.86 = 12.8 kN.

Equation (4.3) contains two unknowns. It is impossible to define those unknowns. We can only determine
the relationship between them.

y
P1
P1”
α C
P’
M
2

P2
Q
2

YA YB

A x
XA B XB
3 3 2 2

Figure 4.32.

Let’s consider an equilibrium of the forces applied to the right side of the construction (Figure 4.33):

∑ MiC = 0; ‒M ‒ P2 ∙ 2 + XB ∙ 4 + YB ∙ 4 = 0, (4.4)
64 4. TOPIC S-4

∑ Xi = 0; XB + XC = 0, (4.5)

∑Yi = 0; YC ‒ P2 + YB = 0. (4.6)

From Equation (4.4):

M + P2 ∙ 2 ‒ YB ∙ 4 25 + 12 ∙ 2 ‒ 7.86 ∙ 4
XB = = = 4.39 kN.
4 4
From Equation (4.5):

XC = XB = ‒4.39 kN.

From Equation (4.6):

YC = P2 ‒ YB = 12 ‒ 7.86 = 4.14 kN.

From Equation (4.3):

XA = ‒XB + P 1′ ‒ Q = ‒4.39 + 5 ‒ 8 = ‒7.39 kN.

YC
XC
C
M
P2
4

YB

XB
x
B
2 2

Figure 4.33.

To verify the obtained results we need to make sure that any equation of equilibrium written for the forces
applied to the entire construction is valid (Figure 4.31). For example:
∑ MiB = 0; P 1′ ∙ 4 + P 1″ ∙ 10 ‒ Q ∙ 2 ‒ YA ∙ 7 ‒ M + P2 ∙ 2 = 5 ∙ 4 + 8.66 ∙ 10 ‒ 8 ∙ 2 ‒ 12.8 ∙ 7 ‒ 25 + 12 ∙ 2 =
130.6 ‒ 130.6 = 0.
The results of simulations are shown in the following table.
 4.3 SOLUTION 65

Forcers, kN
XA YA XB YB XC YC
-7.39 12.8 4.39 7.86 -4.39 4.14
 67

CHAPTER 5

Topic S-5

5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR

COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (SYSTEM OF THREE BODIES)
Determine the reaction forces and the forces in the interim pin of the composite construction. The constructions
and the acting forces are schematically shown in Figures 5.1‒5.30. All sizes are in meters. The external forces (loads)
acting on the constructions are given in the following table.

P1 P2 M1 M2 q
Problem #
kN kNm kN/m
1 6 - 25 - 0.8
2 11 8 34 - -
3 9 12 20 - 1
4 10 14 30 - -
5 8 15 22 - 1.1
6 10 17 28 - -
7 16 - 36 30 -
8 13 - 25 34 -
9 11 - 29 37 -
10 12 - 34 - 1.4
11 8 - 28 - 1
12 12 14 36 - -
13 15 - 30 21 -
14 10 16 35 - -
15 12 8 32 - 1.2
16 13 - 26 - 0.9
17 7 - 23 34 -
18 9 - 29 - 1.3
19 12 7 33 - -
20 11 - 38 - 1.5
21 8 - 36 - 1
22 14 9 28 - -
23 13 - 32 - 1.4
24 10 - 35 - 1.2
25 15 - 40 - 1.5
26 12 - 37 - 1.1
27 9 - 29 - 0.8
28 6 - 25 - 1
29 8 14 30 - -
30 15 - 34 - 1.2
68 5. TOPIC S-5

B
90° P1

C
q
3.5

M1

2
A
D
4 2

Figure 5.1.

C
1.5

P1 P2
90°
1.5

M1
B
D
A
2 2 4

Figure 5.2.
5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (3 BODIES) 69

P1
B M1 C
30°
1 1.5 P2

1
q
3.0

2
A D

2.5
Figure 5.3.

P2
E
90°

P1 D 1.5

2
M 1
60°

A B C
2 2 2 3

Figure 5.4.

P1
1
B 60° D P2

3 1.5 1.5

q
3.0

3.0

M1

A C E

Figure 5.5.
70 5. TOPIC S-5

P2
2 2 1
C 45°
E
B M1 D

1.5
60°
P1
2 2
1.5

Figure 5.6.

P1
M1
C D 45°
B 3.5 E

2 2 2 1 1

M2

Figure 5.7.

P2

45° B C M1
A D
2.5

1 1 2 2 2

E F
M2
3 3

Figure 5.8.
5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (3 BODIES) 71

2 2 2 2

B E
D
M2

1
P1

M1
1.5
C
A

Figure 5.9.

P1
q
M1 60°
D
E
B
2.5 1.5 1.5 1 1.5
3.0

A
C

Figure 5.10.
72 5. TOPIC S-5

P1

C 60°

2 1 1

1
D
q
3.0

M1

2
A B E
1.5 1.5

Figure 5.11.

P1
P2
60°
A F
B E

1 1 1 2 1 1 1
3.0

M1
C D

Figure 5.12.
5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (3 BODIES) 73

M1

C M2
4.5

P1 2 1.5 1.5

2.5
1.5

2
D E
A

Figure 5.13.

P2

60°

1.5
1.5

C D
P1
M1
2
1.5

A B E F

2 3 2

Figure 5.14.
74 5. TOPIC S-5

B
E
45°
P1 P1
M1

3.5
90°

2
C D
A F

1 1 2.5 3.5 2.5 2.5

Figure 5.15.

C
P1
M1
2

1.5

B
D
4
q
3.0

Figure 5.16.
5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (3 BODIES) 75

M1
B
A
D
P1
3
M2

3.0
2 2 C
Figure 5.17.

M1
B C

1
P1
q
60°
4

5
A D

Figure 5.18.

P2
E

90°
2

P1

60° C M1
A
B D

1 1 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Figure 5.19.
76 5. TOPIC S-5

3
M1 D
B

3
2
45°
P1
C q
2

A E
Figure 5.20.

A
E
M1 q
2

C
B
D
2

2 2 3 60°
P1

Figure 5.21.
5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (3 BODIES) 77

2
60° P2
P1 D 45°
E
1.5

M1 2 3 3
A
B
2

Figure 5.22.

C
90° P1
M1
2

1
45° 45° D
B

q
3.0

3 3
Figure 5.23.
78 5. TOPIC S-5

q
P1
M1
2

D E
2 2 B 1 2 1 1
45°

2
C

Figure 5.24.

2.5
D
3
1

P1
M1
2

q
A
E C
45° 2 30°
2

Figure 5.25.
5.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF SUPPORTS FOR COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION (3 BODIES) 79

q
E P1

1
D C

1 2 1.5 1.5

2
3.0

A
M1

Figure 5.26.

A
q
2

M1 2
B
D E 45° P1
1

3 3
2

C
Figure 5.27.
80 5. TOPIC S-5

A
45°

1
P1 E

2
3 2

B
M1

2
q C D

Figure 5.28.

P1

A B
1.5

P2

2 1 M1 60°
E
D
1 1
1.5

C
3
Figure 5.29.
 5.3 SOLUTION 81

2
P1
2 2 2
60°
A
B M1 D
1 1
60° q
C

Figure 5.30.

5.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

A composite structure is schematically shown in Figure 5.31. Determine the reaction forces and the forces in the
interim pins if P1 = 10 kN; P2 = 15 kN; M = 40 kNm; and q = 1.6 kN/m.

P2
2
B 60° C

q 2
2

P1
A M

4
2 2

2
Figure 5.31.

5.3 SOLUTION
First, we will consider the system of the forces in equilibrium applied to the stud BC (Figure 5.32). The equations
of the equilibrium are:

∑ MiB = 0; ‒P2 ∙ 2 sin 60° + YC ∙ 4 = 0, (5.1)

82 5. TOPIC S-5

∑ MiC = 0; ‒YB ∙ 4 + P2 ∙ 2 sin 60° = 0, (5.2)

∑ Xi = 0; XB ‒ P2 ∙ cos 60° ‒ XC = 0. (5.3)

From Equation (5.1):

P2 ∙ 2 sin 60° 15 ∙ 2 ∙ √32
YC = = = 6.5 kN.
4 4
From Equation (5.2):
P2 ∙ 2 sin 60°
YB = = YC = 6.5 kN.
4

P2

XB B 60° C XC

2 2
YB YC
Figure 5.32.

The components XB and XC can be determined from the equations of equilibrium of the forces applied to the
element CD. Let’s consider the equilibrium of the forces applied to the element CD (Figure 5.33):

∑ Yi = 0; YD ‒ YC′ = 0, (5.4)

∑ MiC = 0; M + XD ∙ 4 + YD ∙ 2 = 0, (5.5)

∑ Xi = 0; XC′ + XD = 0. (5.6)

From Equation (5.4):

YD = YC′ = 6.5 kN. .

From Equation (5.5):

M + YD ∙ 2 40 + 6.5 ∙ 2
XD= = = ‒13.3 kN.
4 4
From Equation (5.6):

XC′ = ‒XD = 13.3 kN.

From Equation (5.3):

XB = P2 ∙ cos 60° + XC = 15 ∙ 0.5 + 13.3 = 20.8 kN.

 5.3 SOLUTION 83

2
XC’
C

YC ’

4
YD

XD
D
Figure 5.33.

Finally, we will consider an equilibrium of the forces applied to the element AB (Figure 5.34):

∑ Xi = 0; XA + Q ‒ XB′ = 0, (5.7)

where Q = q ∙ 2 = 1.6 ∙ 2 = 3.2 kN.

∑ Yi = 0; YA ‒ P1 ‒ Y B′ = 0, (5.8)

∑ MiB = 0; MA + XA ∙ 2 ‒ YA ∙ 4 + P1 ∙ 2 + Q ∙ 1 = 0. (5.9)

From Equation (5.7):

XA = Q + XB′ = ‒3.2 + 20.8 = 17.6 kN.

From Equation (5.8):

YA = P1 + YB′ = 10 + 6.5 = 16.5 kN.

From Equation (5.9):

MA = ‒XA ∙ 2 + YA ∙ 4 ‒ P1 ∙ 2 ‒ Q ∙ 1 = ‒17.6 ∙ 2 + 16.5 ∙ 4 ‒ 10 ∙ 2 ‒ 3.2 ∙ 1 = 7.6 kNm.

84 5. TOPIC S-5

YB’
4
XB’
2 B

1
Q
YA P1

1
XA
A
MA

Figure 5.34.

To verify the obtained results we need to make sure that any equation of equilibrium written for the forces
applied to the entire construction is valid (Figure 5.31). For example:

∑ Xi = 0; XA + Q ‒ P2 ∙ cos 60° + XD = 0.

17.6 + 3.2 ‒ 15 ∙ 0.5 ‒ 13.3 = 20.8 ‒ 20.8 = 0.

∑ Yi = 0; YA ‒ P1 ‒ P2 ∙ cos 30° + YD =0.

√3
16.5 ‒ 10 ‒ 15 2 + 6.5 = 23 ‒ 23 = 0.

The results of simulations are shown in the table below.

Moment, kNm Forcers, kN

MA XA YA XB YB XC YC XD YD
7.6 17.6 16.5 20.8 6.5 13.3 6.5 -13.3 6.5
 85

CHAPTER 6

Topic S-6

6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING

RECTANGULAR PLATE
Determine the reaction forces in rods supporting a thin horizontal rectangular plate of weight G under action
of force P applied along the side AB. The constructions and the acting forces are schematically shown in Figures
6.1‒6.30. All sizes (in meters) and the external forces (loads) acting on the plate are given in the table below.

G P a b c d
Problem #
kN m
1 20 25 8 2.5 3.5 1
2 28 30 5.5 5 3.5 -
3 18 20 4 4.5 3.5 -
4 28 30 7 4 4 1
5 32 35 8 4 4 -
6 22 25 9 2.5 4.5 -
7 20 25 4 5 3 1.5
8 30 35 5.5 5.5 4 -
9 36 40 6 6 4 -
10 20 25 8.5 2.5 3.5 2
11 8 10 3 2.5 1.5 -
12 33 35 6 5.5 3 1.5
13 24 25 9.5 2.5 3.5 -
14 33 35 6 5.5 4 -
15 35 40 7 5 4 -
16 14 15 4 3.5 3 -
17 20 25 8 2.5 3.5 1
18 33 35 6 5.5 4 -
19 20 25 4 5 4 -
20 33 35 6 5.5 4 -
21 28 30 7 4 4 1
22 16 20 5.5 3 3 -
23 20 25 4 5 3 1.5
24 28 30 7 4 4 -
25 30 35 6 5 4 -
26 20 25 8 2.5 3.5 1
27 33 35 6 5.5 3 -
28 30 25 6 5 3 1.5
29 30 35 5.5 5 4 -
30 20 25 4 5 4 -
86 6. TOPIC S-6

d
B
b 3

c
P A 5 4

1
2

Figure 6.1.

b P

B
c

6 3
5
4
2
1

Figure 6.2.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 87

P B
A
5

c
4
6 2
3
1

Figure 6.3.

6
P
c

A B 2
3
4
5
1

b
Figure 6.4.
88 6. TOPIC S-6

P
B A

6 5
3
1
c

4
2

Figure 6.5.

B P
A

6
5 4
2
c

1 3

Figure 6.6.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 89

6
B

d
A

c
5 4 P
3 1 2

Figure 6.7.

B
c

4 3
6
2
5

Figure 6.8.
90 6. TOPIC S-6

b P

B
4
6
1
5 3
c

Figure 6.9.

b
P
A B

6
d

5 4
2
1
c

Figure 6.10.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 91

B 6 4
5
1 3
c

Figure 6.11.

B
d

A
2
P 1
4 3
c

Figure 6.12.
92 6. TOPIC S-6

b
P
B A

5
6 4

1
c

3
2

Figure 6.13.

P B
A 4
c

6 2
5 3
1

Figure 6.14.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 93

b
B

c
5 4 P 2
3
6
1

Figure 6.15.

b
P B

4
A
c

5 3
6 1

Figure 6.16.
94 6. TOPIC S-6

6
B

d
4
5

c
P A
3
1
2

Figure 6.17.

P
B A

5 4 3
6
c

1
2

Figure 6.18.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 95

P B
A

c
4 2
5 6
3
1

Figure 6.19.

P
b

A
B 4

6 3
5
2
c

Figure 6.20.
96 6. TOPIC S-6

d
B

c
4 A 2
5 P
1

Figure 6.21.

5
P B
c

4 6

1
3
2

Figure 6.22.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 97

P
6 A

c
4 3 B 1 2
5

Figure 6.23.

B 4
c

3
5
1
6
2

b
Figure 6.24.
98 6. TOPIC S-6

5 b
B

A
P 3
4 2
6
c

Figure 6.25.

6
d

3
P 4
c

B
A
5
1

Figure 6.26.
 6.1 DETERMINATION OF REACTION FORCES OF RODS SUPPORTING RECTANGULAR PLATE 99

b P

B 4
5 3
6
c

1 2

Figure 6.27.

6
B d

A 3
c

P 4
5
1 2

Figure 6.28.
100 6. TOPIC S-6

P B
3
A 2

c
5
1 4

Figure 6.29.

b
B P
A

1 2
6 3
5 4
c

Figure 6.30.

6.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

A construction is schematically shown in Figure 6.31. Determine the reaction forces in the supporting rods 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6 if G = 6 kN; P = 9 kN; a = 5 m; b = 5 m; c = 4 m; and d = 2 m.
 6.3 SOLUTION 101

d
6
B

A
P

c
5 4 3 2
1

Figure 6.31.

6.3 SOLUTION
Let’s consider the system of the forces in equilibrium applied to the rectangular plate (Figure 6.32). The given forces
are the gravity force G applied in the center of the gravity of the plate, and the force P. Assuming that all rods are
in extension, their reaction forces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 are directed from the joints. We select the Cartesian coor-
dinate system Oxyz, so its axes will be crossing as much rods as possible. In this case the equilibrium equations will
be simple. We draw right parallelepiped and introduce the angles η, ψ, θ, and φ. The force S6 is resolved into three
components along the axes (Figure 6.32):

S6′ = S6 sin θ sin η; S6″ = S6 sin θ cos η; S6‴ = S6 cos θ.

102 6. TOPIC S-6

θ z
b

d
z1
B D
η S6
S6’’’
S2
A G
S6’
P S6 ”

c
S1
x
S5 S4 S3

Figure 6.32.

Next, we write six equations of equilibrium:

b
∑ Mix = 0; G ∙ 2 + S4 ∙ b + S5 sin φ ∙ b = 0, (6.1)

∑ Miy = 0; G ∙ a2 + S6‴ ∙ a = 0, (6.2)

∑ Miz = 0; ‒P ∙ b + S5 cos φ ∙ b ‒ S6″ ∙ a = 0, (6.3)

∑ Xi = 0; ‒P + S1 cos φ + S5 cos φ ‒ S6′ = 0, (6.4)

∑ Yi = 0; ‒S3 cos ψ ‒ S6″ = 0, (6.5)

∑ Zi =0; ‒G ‒ S1 sin ϕ ‒ S2 ‒ S3 sin ψ ‒ S4 ‒ S5 sin φ + S6‴ = 0. (6.6)

Through the given sizes we can determine the trigonometric functions of the angles:

sin φ = c = 4 = 4 ;
√a2 + c2 √52 + 42 √41

cos φ = a = 5 ;
√a2 + c2 √41

sin ψ = c = 4 = 4 ;
√b2 + c2 √52 + 42 √41
 6.3 SOLUTION 103

cos ψ = b = 5 ;
√b + c2 √41
2

a 5 1
sin η = = = ;
√a2 + b2 √52 + 52 √2
b 1
cos η = = ;
√a2 + b2 √2
√a2 + b2 √52 + 52 5√2 5
sin θ = = = = ;
√a2 + b2 + d2 √52 + 52 + 22 √54 3√3

d 2
cos θ = = .
√a2 + b2 + d 2 √54

From Equation (6.2):

S6″ = 12 ∙ G = 12 ∙ 6 = 3 kN.
S6″ 3√54
As: S6″ = S6 cos θ, then: S6 = = = 11.03 kN.
cos θ 2
From Equation (6.3):
5√2 1
P ∙ b + S6″ ∙ a P S ∙ a sin θ cos η 9√41 1.5 ∙ √54 ∙ 5 ∙ 54 ∙ √2 ∙ √41
S5 = = + 6 = + = 3.3 ∙ √41 = 21.1 kN.
b cos φ cos φ b cos φ 5 5 ·5
From Equation (6.1):
4
S4 = ‒ 12 ∙ G ‒ S5 sin φ = ‒ 12 ∙ 6 ‒ 3.3∙√41 ∙ = ‒3 ‒ 13.2 = ‒16.2 kN.
√41
From Equation (6.5):
‒S ″ S sin θ sin η ‒1.5 ∙ √54 ∙ 5√2 ∙ 1 ∙ √41
S3 = cos6ψ = ‒ 6 cos ψ = √54 √2 = ‒1.5 ∙ √41 = ‒9.62 kN.
5
From Equation (6.4):
P S′ P S sin θ sin η 9√41 1.5 ∙ √54 ∙ 5√2 1
√54 ∙ √2 ∙√41 = (1.8 ‒ 3.3 +
S1 = cos φ ‒ S5 + cos6 φ = cos φ ‒ S5 + 6 cos φ = ‒ 3.3√41 +
5 5
1.5) ∙ √41 = 0.
From Equation (6.6):

S2 = ‒G ‒ S1 sin φ ‒ S3 sin ψ ‒ S4 ‒ S5 sin φ + S 6‴ = ‒G ‒ (S1 + S5) sin φ ‒ S3 sin ψ ‒ S4 + S6 cos θ = ‒6

4 4 2
‒ (0 + 3.3 ∙ √41) ∙ ‒ (‒1.5 ∙ √41) ∙ ‒ (‒16.2) + 1.5 ∙ √54 · = 6 kN.
√41 √41 √54

The results of simulations are shown in the following table.

Rod number 1 2 3 4 5 6
Reaction forces, kN 0 6 -9.62 -16.2 21.1 11.03

As seen from the table, the rods 2, 5, and 6 are in extension, the rods 3 and 4 are in compression, and the rod
1 has zero reaction force.
104 6. TOPIC S-6

To verify the obtained results we will write an equilibrium equation, for example, a moment equation about
axis z1:

∑ Miz1 = ‒S1 cos φ ∙ b + S3 cos ψ ∙ b + S6′ ∙ b = ‒S1 cos φ ∙ b + S3 cos ψ ∙ b + S6 sin θ sin η ∙ b = 0 + (‒1.5√41)
5 5√2 1
∙ ∙ 5 + 1.5 ∙ √54 ∙ ∙ ∙ 5 = ‒37.5 + 37.5 = 0.
√41 √54 √2
 105

CHAPTER 7

Topic S-7

7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY

Determine the center of gravity of the construction consisting of the homogeneous rods of the same weights per
unit of their lengths (Figures 7.1‒7.6), the plane objects (Figures 7.7‒7.18 and 7.24‒7.30) or the 3D objects (Figures
7.19‒7.23) (Figures 7.1‒7.30). In Figures 7.1-7.6 the sizes are in meters, in Figures 7.7‒7.30 in centimeters.

y
2.5
2.5

x
O
4
Figure 7.1.
106 7. PROBLEM S-7

5
2.5

45°
x
O

Figure 7.2.

30° 45°

15°

30°
x
O
Figure 7.3.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 107

45°
1.5

2
45°

x
O

Figure 7.4.

90°

60° 30°
x
O
3.5 3.5

Figure 7.5.
108 7. PROBLEM S-7

90°

60°
60° 60°
x
O
2 2

Figure 7.6.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 109

4
x
O
60

Figure 7.7.
5

x
O

30

Figure 7.8.
110 7. PROBLEM S-7

y
8

4
2
2
10

2
2

x
O
12

Figure 7.9.
y
15
4

x
O
8
2
20
Figure 7.10.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 111

60°

60°
x
O
30

Figure 7.11.
y

R2
18

9 2
2

16

Figure 7.12.
112 7. PROBLEM S-7

x
O
4

2 2

16

Figure 7.13.

20

7.5 7.5
7

O
7

x
2

Figure 7.14.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 113

10 10

7
x
O

30

Figure 7.15.
114 7. PROBLEM S-7

6 6

3
4

20
x

10

Figure 7.16.
y 5

20
10

45° O
x

Figure 7.17.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 115

15
x
O

Figure 7.18.

z
25

O y
15

10

10
25
x

Figure 7.19.
116 7. PROBLEM S-7

15

17
O y
10

x 40

Figure 7.20.

10 10
10

O y
25

20

30
x

Figure 7.21.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 117

z
15

10
O y

13 5
15

25
x

Figure 7.22.

z 10

15
20

O y
15

x
35

10

Figure 7.23.
118 7. PROBLEM S-7

40 y

x
O
15 40 20

Figure 7.24.

y
10
25
15
15

x
O
15 40

Figure 7.25.
 7.1 DETERMINATION OF CENTER OF GRAVITY 119

R15
40
x
O
65

Figure 7.26.

20
40

x
O
70

Figure 7.27.
120 7. PROBLEM S-7

35

25
15
7

x
O
40
60

Figure 7.28.

4 4
30
40

O
5

x
5

Figure 7.29.
 7.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM 121

20 10

10

30
x
O
50

Figure 7.30.

7.2 SAMPLE PROBLEM

Determine the coordinates of the gravity center of the plane object shown in Figure 7.31.

30

R20

x
80

Figure 7.31.
122 7. PROBLEM S-7

7.3 SOLUTION
The coordinates of the gravity center are determined by formulas:
∑ Fi xi ∑ Fi xi
xc = ; yC= . (7.1)
F F
In order to use these formulas, we need to cut the area into small objects with known centers of gravity. In this
problem these objects are a rectangle, a triangle, and a semicircle (Figure 7.32). The area of the semicircle will be cut
from the rectangle area, so we will consider it with the negative sign.
The area of the rectangle:

F1 = 40 ∙ 30 = 1,200 cm2.

The area of the triangle:

40 ∙ 50
F2 = = 1,000 cm2.
2
The area of the semicircle:
π ∙ 202
F3 = = 200π = 628 cm2.
2

30 50

C1
40

C3
C
C2
yC

x
xC

Figure 7.32.

The gravity centers of selected elements will have the following coordinates.
1. Rectangle:
x1 = 15 cm; y1 = 20 cm.
 7.3 SOLUTION 123

2. Triangle:
50 40
x2 = 30 + 3 = 46.7 cm; y2 = 3 = 13.3 cm.
3. Semicircle:
4R 4 ∙ 20
x3 = = = 8.5 cm; y3 =20 cm.
3π 3π

To calculate the coordinates of the gravity center of the entire plane object, we provide the following table.

Element # Fi, cm2 Xi, cm Yi, cm Siy = Fi xi, cm3 Six=Fi yi, cm3
1 1,200 15 20 18,000 24,000
2 1,000 46.7 13.3 46,700 13,300
3 -628 8.5 20 -5,338 -12,560
Total 1,572 - - 59,362 24,700

The coordinates of the gravity center of the given plane object will be calculated by Equations (7.1):
59,362 24,700
xC = = 37.8 cm; yC = = 15.7 cm.
1,572 1,572
The center of gravity is shown in Figure 7.32.
Note: The areas and the gravity centers’ coordinates of some plane objects are given in the following table.

Gravity Centers’
Plane object Area
Coordinates
Triangle y
1 1
F= 2 aha xC = 3 (x1 + x2 + x3),
B where x1, x2, and x3 are the
coordinates of the vertices 0,
A, and B;
1
yC = 3 h a
C ha

yC
A
0
x
xC

a
Circular Sector
2R sin α R2b
F = αR2 xC = =
3α 3F
R
a x
a C

xC
124 7. PROBLEM S-7

π πR2 4R
α=2 F= xC =
2 3π
(semicircle)

π πR2 2R
α= 6 F= xC =
6 π

Circular
Segment 1 4R sin3 α b3
R F = 2 R2 ∙ (2α ‒ xC = =
a
3(2α ‒ sin 2α) 12F
x
a C sin 2α)

xC
 125

Author Biography

Dr. Sayavur I. Bakhtiyarov is a Professor at New Mexico Institute of Mining and

Technology (Socorro, NM, USA) and a Fulbright Fellow. Dr. Bakhtiyarov obtained his
Ph.D. from the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1978, and in 1992 a D.Sc. from the
Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. His areas of expertise are: multiphase flows,
nanotechnology, nonlinear fluid mechanics, tribology, rheology, and self-healing com-
posites. Dr. Bakhtiyarov taught engineering courses over four decades in several coun-
tries (Azerbaijan, Russia, China, UK, Turkey, U.S.). Dr. Bakhtiyarov authored 350+
scientific publications in refereed scholarly journals, books, international conferences
and symposia proceedings, and 14 patents. Dr. Bakhtiyarov was elected as a foreign
member of Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and International Ecoenergy Acad-
emy. He served as a Program director of US DOE and NASA research projects,
INSRP US DOD coordinator for NASA’s Mars Science Lab mission. Dr. Bakhtiyarov is a lead organizer of the
ASME annual symposia and forums, Editor in Chief of two international journals, Mechanics and Solids (IJM&S)
and Manufacturing Science and Technology (IJMS&T), and an Editorial Board Member of i-manager's Journal on
Engineering and Technology (IJET), Mathematics Applied in Science and Technology (MAST), International Journal of
Applied Engineering Research (IJAER), International Journal of Dynamics of Fluids (IJDF), and Far-East Journal of
Mathematics (FEJM).