Chapter 1 • Introduction – Forces, Equilibrium | 3.
So, Being the angle between the forces.
ΣM0 → sum of the moments of the forces P, Q and S, at 1
point 0. 2 R = [(6 P ) 2 + ( 2 P ) 2 + 2 × 6 P × 2 P × cos α] 2
Rx = Pxp + QxQ + Sxs 1
= [40 + 24 cos α] 2 (2)
Coplanar non-concurrent, non-parallel force system: As
From equations (1) and (2) we have
in the case of an unlike parallel force system, the resultant
may be a single force, a couple in the plane of the system or 1 1
zero. The resultant is given by 2 P[13 + 12 cos α] 2 = P[40 + 24 cos α] 2
or 2[13 + 12 cos α] = [40 + 24 cos α]
(∑ fx )2 + (∑ f y )
2
R= and its angle α with the x-axis
1
cos α = - , α = 120°
∑ Py 2
is given by tan α =
∑ Fx Example 3: A weight ‘W’ is supported by two cables. At
y what value of ‘θ’ the tension is cable making be minimum?
o
x
a b c d
P Q S q 60°
Distributed force system: Distributed forces (or loads) are
W
forces which act over a length, area or volume of a body. On
the other hand, a concentrated force (point load) is a force Solution:
which acts of a point.
T1
T2
Solved Examples
Example 1: Three forces P, 2P and 3P are exerted along the
direction of the three sides of an equilateral triangle as shown q 60°
in the following figure. Determine the resultant force.
Solution: ΣFx = P - 2P cos 60° - 3P cos 60° W
3 ΣFj = 0
= -1.5 P = - P T1 sin θ + T2 sin 60° = W
2
ΣFy = 2P sin 60° − 3P sin 60° T1 cos θ = T2 cos 60°
3 T1 cos θ
= -0.866 P - P T2 = = 2T1 cos θ
2 cos 60°
= T1 sin θ + 2T1 cos θ ⋅ sin 60° = W
R = ∑ Fx 2 + ∑ Fy 2
= T1 sin θ + 2T1 cos θ ⋅ sin 60° = W
9 2 3 2 C T1 sin θ + 3T1 cos θ = W
R= P + P
4 4
dT1
3P 2P = 0 = T1 cos θ + 3T1 ( - sin θ) = 0
12 2 dθ
P = 3P
4 A P B T1 cos θ = 3T1 sin θ
1
tan θ =
Example 2: The resultant of two concurrent forces 3P and 3
2P is R. If the first force is doubled, the resultant is also θ = 30°.
doubled. Determine the angle between the forces. Example 4: An electric fixture weighing 18 N hangs
1
from a point C by two strings AC and BC as shown in the
Solution: R = [(3P ) 2 + ( 2 P ) 2 + 2 × 3P × 2 P × cos α] 2
following figure. The string AC is inclined to the vertical
1
wall at 40° and BC is inclined to the horizontal ceiling at
= P × [13 + 12 cos α] 2 (1)
50°. Determine the forces in the strings.
