Engineering Mechanics 114 Statics (AMC 511S)

Examination 1 Date: 16 March 2017

Duration: 2 hours Total marks: 60

Examiner: Mr. A. Zulu

Moderator: Dr. V. Kamara

Important Notices
Write neatly and legibly, as illegible work will not be considered for marks.

Use free-body diagrams, illustrative diagrams and reference (Cartesian) axes where possible or appli-
cable.

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.

Do not write your name or sign anywhere on the answer scripts.

Cellular phones and programmable calculators are not permitted.

Use, where applicable, gravitational acceleration g = 9.81 m/s2 .

Answer all questions!

Question 1
Figure Q1 shows a regular hexagon with point O as the origin. The position vectors of A and B are
~a and ~b respectively. Determine the following in terms of vectors ~a and ~b:
~ [2]
(a) BA
~ [2]
(b) OE
(c) the position vector D [2]
(d) the position vector C [4]
~ and OE
(e) the dot product of vectors OB ~ [2].

Figure Q1. Figure Q2.

Question 2
The resultant of the three forces shown in Figure Q2 (above) is R ~ = 170j[N ] (vertical downward
force of 170 N) acting through point B. Determine the forces P1 , P2 and P3 [14].

Question 3
Figure Q3 shows a window opener mechanism. A 5-N force is applied to the knob when the crank BC
is horizontal.Determine the moments of the 5-N force about the point A and about the line AB. In
which orthogonal axis do you get the maximum moment? Is the moment of the 5-N force the same
at points A and B? Explain your answer [14].

~ = (~r F~ ) ~n].
Figure Q3 [M
Question 4
The bracket shown in Figure Q4 is in equilibrium. Determine the reaction forces at pins A and B [8].

Figure Q4.

Question 5
To cross the crevasse, three mountain climbers position a 3.5 m long ladder as shown in Figure Q5. If
the hiker at A exerts a force of P on the ladder, determine:
(a) the reactions at A and B [6]
(b) the force P [6].

Figure Q5.

The End!