POLYTECHNIC OF NAMIBIA

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Email azulu@polytechnic.edu.na Tel: +264 (61) 207 2514 Fax: +264 (61) 207 2142

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Engineering Mechanics 114 - Statics (AMC 110S)
Examination #2 Date: 27th April 2012 Duration: 2 hours Total marks: 67

Examiner: Mr. A. M. Zulu Moderator: Mr. E. B. J. Siepker

IMPORTANT NOTICES: Write neatly and legibly, as illegible work will not be considered for marks. If you are of the opinion that insufficient information was provided to solve a specific problem, make realistic assumptions, motivate these and continue solving the problem based on your assumptions made. Use F.B.Ds and illustrative diagrams wherever possible. Clearly show the reference Cartesian axes system used for each question. Pay attention to units and show the relevant unit in each calculated answer. No marks will be awarded for answers only. Calculations must contain a minimum number of logically sequenced steps followed by an answer. In cases where two or more different - and undeleted answers are given for the same item, the right answer will not be considered for marks. Use gravitational acceleration g = 9.81 m/s2. Answer all questions.

Question 1 The loaded truss of figure Q1 is hinged at A and roller-supported at C. The members BC, CD and BD form an equilateral triangle and member CD is horizontal. Use the method of joints to determine the forces in all the members [16].

Figure Q1.

Question 2 Figure Q2 shows a planar bridge truss. Using the method of sections, determine the forces in the members EF, NF and NO [15].

Figure Q2.

Question 3 When activated by the force P, the gripper on a robotic arm is able to pick up objects by applying the gripping force F (figure Q3). Given that P = 100 N, calculate the gripping force F for the position shown [9].

Figure Q3.

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Question 4 A motorcyclist travels with a constant velocity along a straight, horizontal, banked road (figure Q4). If he aligns his bike so that the tires are perpendicular to the road at A, determine the frictional force at A. The man has a mass of 60 kg and a mass centre at Gc; the motorcycle has a mass of 120 kg and a mass centre at Gm. If the coefficient of static friction at A is 0.4 and = 20, will the bike slip? If slipping does not occur, what minimum value of the incline angle () is required for slipping to occur? [12].

Figure Q4.

Question 5 In an effort to move two crates, each weighing 45 kg, which are stacked on top of one another, a man weighing 70 kg pushes horizontally on the bottom of crate A (figure Q5). Determine the smallest force P that must be applied in order to cause impending motion and state whether this motion is the slipping of crate A, the slipping of crate B or the tipping of both crates (or any combination of these three scenarios). The coefficient of static friction between the crates is 0.8 and between the bottom crate and the floor is 0.3. Draw all FBDs {a = 50 mm; b = 75 mm} [15].

Figure Q5.

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