Chapter 2: Statics

2.1 Characteristics of a Force

Force
Force is defined as the action of one body on another that affects the state of
motion or rest of the body.

In the late 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton summarized the effects of force in
three basic laws.

First Law: A body at rest will remain at rest and a body in motion will move in a
straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by a force. (Equilibrium)

Second Law: If the resultant force acting on a particle is not zero, the particle
will have acceleration proportional to the magnitude of the resultant force and
in the direction of the resultant force.
(F = ma)

Third Law: For every force of action, there is a reaction that is equal in
magnitude, opposite in direction, and has the same line of action.

Characteristics of a Force
A force is characterized by the following.
Point of application.
- The point of application defines the point where the force is applied.
Magnitude.
- Magnitude refers to the quantity of force, a numerical measure of intensity.
- In English units, force is expressed in units of pound (lb) and kilo-pound
(kip).
- In metric (SI) units, force is expressed in units of Newton (N), or kilo-
Newton (kN = 1,000 N).
Direction.
- The direction of a force is defined by
its line-of-action and sense.
- The sense of the force is indicated by
an angle and an arrowhead.
- The angle is used to denote the line of action of a force in relation to a
reference axis (e.g. horizontal or vertical).

2.1
In the study of forces and force systems, the word particle is used when the size
and shape of the body under consideration does not affect the solution.

Rigid Bodies
In reality, any body under the action of forces undergoes some kind of
deformation (i.e. a change in shape).
In statics, we consider that a body theoretically undergoes no deformation
because the changes are small and considered insignificant.
The concept of a rigid body is purely theoretical (often called an idealization).

Principle of Transmissibility
Principle of transmissibility - The external effects on a body remain unchanged
when a force F1 acting at point A is replaced by a force F2 of equal magnitude
acting at point B, if both forces have the same sense (direction) and the same line
of action.
The two forces have the same effect on the rigid body and are said to be
equivalent.

An example of the principle of transmissibility

The principle of transmissibility is valid only in terms of the external effects on

a body remaining the same, where internally this may not be true (e.g. a test
cylinder).

External effects are the same.

Internal effects (stress and deformation) are different.

2.2
 External and Internal Forces
Forces acting on rigid bodies are separated into two groups:
External forces represent the action of other bodies on the rigid body under
consideration.
Internal forces are the forces that hold together the particles forming the
rigid body.

Types of Force Systems

Force systems are identified based on the arrangement of the forces acting on the
rigid body or particle.
Collinear All forces act along the same straight line (including 2-D and 3-D
systems).
Coplanar All forces act in the same plane (i.e. 2-D system).
Coplanar/parallel All forces are parallel and act in the same plane (i.e. 2-D
system).
Coplanar/concurrent All forces intersect at a common point and lie in the same
plane (i.e. 2-D system).
Noncoplanar/Parallel All forces are parallel to each other, but not all lie in the
same plane (i.e. 3-D system).
Noncoplanar/concurrent All forces intersect at a common point but do not all
lie in the same plane (i.e. 3-D system).
Noncoplanar/nonconcurrent General force system (3-D system).

2.2 Vector Addition

Characteristics of Vectors
If forces act in the same direction (or in opposite directions), the magnitude of
the resultant force can be determined by simply adding the magnitudes of the
given forces.

In general, vectors (including forces) are added according to the Parallelogram

Law.
Vectors, characterized by both magnitude and direction, require a special
procedure for adding them to determine the resultant vector.

Using the Parallelogram Law, we may add vectors graphically or by trigonometric

methods.

2.3
Graphical Solution
Consider the forces acting on a particle
(point).
The force R is called the resultant of
the forces F and P.
- The force R may be obtained by
constructing, to scale, a parallelogram,
using F and P as the sides of the
parallelogram.
- The diagonal line represents the resultant force R and is the vector
addition of forces F and P.

The magnitude of the resultant force R is determined graphically by measuring the

length of the line segment and determining the magnitude based on the scale used
to draw forces F and P.

An angle, such as the angle , is measured from a reference axis (such as the
horizontal axis) to specify the direction of the resultant force.

Trigonometric Solution
The magnitude and direction of the
resultant force R can also be determined by
trigonometry using the Law of Sines and the
Law of Cosines.

Law of Sines: sin A = sin B

a b

Law of Cosines: b2 = a2 + c2 2 a c (cos B)

Addition of Two Vectors

Vectors (including forces) are added according to the Parallelogram Law.
The magnitude of the resultant force R determined from the two forces (F and
P) is not equal to the algebraic summation of the magnitudes (F + P) of the
vectors F and P, except in the special case where F and P are collinear.
When F and P are collinear, the Parallelogram Law reduces to an algebraic or
scalar addition: R = F + P.

2.4
 The parallelogram constructed from the vectors F and P does not depend upon
the order in which F and P are selected.
- The addition of two vectors is said to be commutative, that is

F+P=P + F

An alternative method for determining the sum of two vectors is referred to as

the triangle rule.
Since the side of the parallelogram opposite to F is equal to F in magnitude and
direction, we need only draw half of the parallelogram.
Arrange F and P in a tip-to-tail fashion by connecting the tail of F with the tip
of P or by connecting the tail of P with the tip of F since the addition of
vectors is commutative.

Addition of Three or More Vectors

The resultant of any number of forces (vectors) may be obtained
Graphically by applying repeatedly the Parallelogram Law (or the tip-to-tail
method) to successive pairs of vectors until all of the given vectors are
replaced by a single resultant vector.
By methods of trigonometry (using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines) by
solving interim triangles.
- However, this method can be tedious.

Other, more convenient methods for adding three or more vectors will be
presented.

2.5
Example Problem - Vector Addition

Problem 2.1 (p. 27)

Given: Forces shown acting on the pin.

Find: The resultant force.

a) Solve graphically.
b) Solve by trigonometry.

Solution (graphical)

Scale: 1 = 50 lb

Solution (by trigonometry)

Using the Law of Cosines
R2 = (100)2 + (200)2 2 (100) (200) cos 60
R2 = 30,000
R = 173.2 lb

Using the Law of Sines

sin 60 = sin sin = 200 sin 60/173.2 = 1.00
R 200 = 90
= 180 - 40 - = 180 40 90 = 50

2.6
Example Problem - Graphical Addition of Three or More Vectors

Problem 2.4 (p. 28)

Given: Forces shown.

Find: Magnitudes of T2 and T3 for a

resultant force of 10,000 lb acting
vertically.

Solution (graphical)

Scale: 1 = 2,000 lb

2.7
2.3 Force Systems
Resolution of Forces into Rectangular Components
In many problems, it is desirable to resolve a
force into two components that are
perpendicular to each other.
These components (Fx and Fy) are called
the rectangular components (i.e. the
parallelogram is a rectangle).
The x and y-axes of a rectangular
coordinate system are often assumed to
be horizontal and vertical, respectively;
however, the axes may be chosen in any
two mutually perpendicular directions for
convenience.

A force F with a direction from the horizontal x-axis can be resolved into its
rectangular components Fx and Fy in terms of F and .
Fx = F cos Fy = F sin
(Note: The force triangle is geometrically similar to the dimensional triangle.)

The force components Fx and Fy form the legs of a parallelogram, with the diagonal
representing the original force F.
Using the Pythagorean theorem for right triangles,
F = (Fx2 + Fy2)1/2
tan = Fy / Fx or = tan-1 (Fy / Fx)

2.8
Example Problems - Resolution of Forces into Rectangular Components

Problem 2.6 (p. 32)

Given: Cantilever beam loaded

as shown.

Find: The x and y-components

of the force.

Solution

Fx = F (4/5) = 1000 (0.800)

Fx = 800 lb

Fy = - F (3/5) = - 1000 (0.600)

Fy = - 600 lb

Problem 2.8 (p. 32)

Given: Roof system shown.

Find: Components of the force that are

parallel (x-axis) and perpendicular
(y-axis) to the axis of the rafter.

Solution

Parallel component
Px = - P sin = - P (4/ 160 )
Px = - 300 (0.316) = - 94.9 lb

Perpendicular component
Py = - P cos = - P (12/ 160 )
Py = - 300 (0.949) = - 284.6 lb

2.9
Vector Addition by Component Method
Vectors may be added based on an analytical approach by using the two rectangular
components of each vector.
Resolve each force into its
rectangular components.
Add algebraically the horizontal
and vertical force components to
determine the horizontal and
vertical components of the
resultant force, respectively.

Sign convention
Force acting to the right or up is + (positive)
Force acting to the left or down is - (negative)

Horizontal components are summed algebraically.

Rx = - Ax + Bx Cx or Rx = Fx

Vertical components are summed algebraically.

Ry = + Ay + By Cy or Ry = Fy

The magnitude of the resultant, or the vector sum of Rx and Ry, is found using the
Pythagorean Theorem.

R = (Rx2 + Ry2)1/2

tan = Ry / Rx = Fy / Fx

= tan-1 (Ry / Rx)

2.10
Example Problems - Vector Addition by the Component Method

Problem 2.9 (p. 40)

Given: Steel gusset plate shown.

Find: Resultant force by analytical

methods.

Solution
Rx = Fx = + F1x - F2x + F3x
= + F1 sin 30 - F2 + (1/ 2 ) F3
= + 10 (0.500) - 12 + (0.707) 18
= + 5.00 12.00 + 12.73
Rx = + 5.73 k

Ry = Fy = + F1y - F2y + F3y

= + F1 cos 30 - 0 - (1/ 2 ) F3
= + 10 (0.866) - 0 - (0.707) 18
= + 8.66 0 - 12.73
Ry = - 4.07 k

R = (Rx2 + Ry2)1/2 = [(5.73)2 + (- 4.07)2]1/2 = 7.03 k

tan = - 4.07/5.73 = - 0.7103

= -35.4

Thus, R = 7.03 k

2.11
Problem 2.12 (p. 41)

Given: Roof truss shown.

F1 and F2 7 kN

Find: Vertical resultant force by

analytical methods.

Given the nature of the loads, Rx = 0 and Ry = 0.

When the loads are balanced (i.e. the resultant force is zero), the condition is
called equilibrium.
Equilibrium will be discussed later in this chapter.

Solution
Rx = Fx = 0
0 = + F1x - F2x = F1 F2 cos 25
F1 = F2 cos 25 = F2 (0.906)

Let F2 = 7 kN (since F2 is the larger force.)

Then F1 = (7) (0.906) = 6.34 kN

Ry = Fy = 0
0 = R + F1y - F2y = R + 0 F2 sin 25
R = F2 sin 25 = F2 (0.423) = 7 (0.423) = 2.96 kN

R = 2.96 k

2.12
Moment of a Force
The tendency of a force to rotate a body
about an axis (or point) is called the moment
of a force.

The moment M of force F about a point A is

defined as the product of the magnitude of
the force F and perpendicular distance d
(referred to as the moment arm) from point
A to the line of action of the force F.
MA = F x d

To increase the moment, increase the force F and/or the distance d.

If the force passes through the axis (i.e. d = 0), there is no moment.

The moment of a force is a vector quantity (i.e. moment has both magnitude and
direction).

Units used for moment are:

English units
Pound-inch (lb-in), pound-foot (lb-ft), kip-inch (k-in), kip-foot (k-ft).
Metric (SI) units
Newton-meter (N-m) or kilo-Newton-meter (kN-m).

In a coplanar (i.e. a two-dimensional) system, the direction of the moment is either

clockwise or counterclockwise.
Sign convention
Counterclockwise is + (positive)
Clockwise is - (negative)

The sign convention (+ or -) corresponds with right-hand rule.

2.13
Example Problems - Moment of a Force

Problem 2.14 (p. 46)

Given: Box with the force shown.

Find: Moment about point A.

Does the box tip over?

Solution
MA = - F d + W d
= - 20 (5) + 25 (4) = - 100 + 100 = 0
MA = 0 lb-ft The box is on the verge of tipping over.

2.14
Problem 2.16 (p. 46)

Given: Wrench with force shown.

Find: Moment MA at center of pipe;

maximum moment from the 39 lb force.

Solution
Find the component of the force F
perpendicular to the wrench handle.
The component of the force that is
parallel to the wrench handle passes
through the axis of rotation and does not
cause rotation.

Find the angle between wrench handle and horizontal axis.

tan = 15/8 = 61.93

Find the angle between force F and horizontal axis.

tan = 5/12 = 22.62

Find the angle between the wrench handle and the force F.
= = 61.93 - 22.62 = 39.31

Find the component of the force F perpendicular to the handle of the wrench
(i.e. Fy).
Fy = F sin = 39 sin 39.31 = 39 (0.634) = 24.71 lb

Find the moment MA at the center of the pipe.

MA = Fy d = 24.71 (17) = 420.0 lb-in (clockwise)

The maximum moment MA at the center of the pipe from the 39 lb force occurs
when the 39 lb force is applied perpendicular to the handle of the wrench.
(MA)max = 39 (17) = 663 lb-in

2.15
Alternate Solutions
Determine the moment MA using the horizontal and vertical components of the
39 lb force.
Applicable equation: MA = - Fx dy + Fy dx

Fx = (12/13) 39 = 36 lb
Fy = (5/13) 39 = 15 lb
tan = 8/15 = 0.533
= 28.07
dx = 17 sin = 17 sin 28.07 = 8.0
dy = 17 cos = 17 cos 28.07 = 15.0

MA = - 36 (15.0) + 15 (8.0)
= - 540.0 + 120.0 = -420.0
MA = 420.0 lb-in (clockwise)

Determine the moment MA using the initial definition of moment, that is,
moment is equal to force times a perpendicular moment arm distance.
Applicable equation: MA = F d

d = 17 sin
=
tan = 15/8 = 1.875
= 61.93
tan = 5/12 = 0.417
= 22.62
= = 61.93 - 22.62 = 39.31

MA = F d = 39 (17 sin )
= 39 (17 sin 39.31) = 39 (17) 0.6335 = 420.0
MA = 420.0 lb-in (clockwise)

2.16
Varignons Theorem
Varignons Theorem The moment of a force about a point (axis) is equal to the
algebraic sum of the moments of the components of the force about the same
point (axis).

Varignons Theorem can simplify the calculation of moments.

Consider the force acting on the bracket.

Find the moment about point A.

Find the moment about point A using the scalar definition of moment (i.e. M = F d).
Calculate the perpendicular distance d
using similar triangles.
6/15 = d/12
d = (6/15) 12 = 4.80

MA = F d = 20 (4.80) = 96.0 lb-in

Find the moment about point A using Varignons Theorem.

Calculate the moment using the
rectangular components of the force.

MA = - Fx (dy) + Fy (dx)
= - 12 (12) + 16 (15) = - 144 + 240
MA = 96.0 lb-in

2.17
Find the moment about point A using Varignons Theorem and the Principle of
Transmissibility.
Calculate the moment using the vertical
component of the force.
- The horizontal component of the
force passes through point A.

MA = 16 (6) = 96.0 lb-in

Find the moment about point A using Varignons Theorem and the Principle of
Transmissibility.
Calculate the moment using the
horizontal component of the force.
- The vertical component of the force
passes through point A.

MA = 12 (8) = 96.0 lb-in

2.18
Example Problems - Varignons Theorem

Problem 2.20 (p. 51)

Given: Truss loaded as shown.

Find: Moment about points B and C.

MB = - Fx (dy) Fy (dx)
= - (12/13) 1300 (5) - (5/13) 1300 (0)
= - 6000 0 = - 6000
MB = 6,000 lb-ft (clockwise)

MC = - Fx (dy) + Fy (dx)
= - (12/13) 1300 (5) + (5/13) 1300 (12)
= -6000 + 6000 = 0
MC = 0 lb-ft (Force F passes through point C.)

2.19
Problem 2.23 (p. 51)

Given: Boom loaded as shown.

Find: Weight W for maximum force in

the cable of T = 2,000 lb

Solution
MC = 0 = - W d1 + Tx d2 Ty (d3)
0 = - W (7 + 3) cos 60 + 2000 cos 30 (7 sin 60)
2000 sin 30 (7 cos 60)
0 = - W (10) (0.500) + 2000 (0.866) (6.062) 2000 (0.500) (3.50)
0 = - W (5.00) + 10,499.4 3,500.0
5.00 W = 10,499.4 3,500.0 = 6,999.4

W = 1,400.0 lb

Alternate solution
The components of the force in the cable may be taken parallel and
perpendicular to the boom AC.
The parallel component passes through point C and causes no moment about
point C.

MC = 0 = - W (7 + 3) cos 60 + 2000 sin 30 (7)

0 = - W (10) (0.500) + 2000 (0.500) (7)
0 = - 5.0 W + 7000
5.0 W = 7000
W = 1400.0 lb

2.20
Couple and Moment of a Couple
Two forces having the same magnitude, parallel lines of action, and opposite sense
(direction) are said to form a couple.
Couples cause moment (rotation) of a body only.
The forces cause no translation of the body in the horizontal or vertical
directions - the sums of the horizontal and vertical components of the forces
are zero.

Consider the two equal, opposite, and parallel forces F.

MA = + F (x) F (x + d),

MA = + F x F x - F d

MA = - F d

The moment M is called the moment of the couple.

The moment M is said to be a free
vector (i.e. the moment M will
have the same magnitude and same
direction regardless of the
location of point A).
MA = - F d1 F d2 = - F (d1 + d2),
but d1 + d2 = d
MA = - F d

The moment M of a couple is constant.

The magnitude of M is equal to the product (F) x (d) the magnitude of either
force F times the perpendicular distance d between their lines of action.
The sense (direction) of M (i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise) is determined by
observation.
- The sign convention (+ or -) corresponds with right-hand rule.

2.21
Example Problems - Couple and Moment of a Couple

Problem

Given: Triangular plate subject to the

three couples.

Find: Plate dimension d so that the

resultant couple is 350 Nm
(clockwise).

Solution
MO = - 350 = - F1 d F2 (d sin ) + F3 (d cos )
- 350 = - 100 d 600 d sin 30 + 200 d cos 30
- 350 = - 100 d 300 d + 173.2 d
- 350 = - 226.8 d

d = -350/-226.8 = 1.543
d = 1.543 m

Note: The forces F1, F2 and F3 all pass through point O and cause no moment
about point O.

2.22
Problem

Given: Two couples act on the beam as

shown.

Find: Magnitude of F so that the

resultant couple moment M is 300
lb-ft (counterclockwise).

Solution

MA = + 300 = F (4/5) 1.5 + F (3/5) 4 200 (1.5)

300 = F (1.20) + F (2.40) (200) 1.5
300 = 3.60 F 300
3.60 F = 600

F = 600/3.60 = 166.7

F = 166.7 lb

2.23
Resolution of a Force into a Force and Couple Acting at Another Point
In some problems, it may be useful to change the location of an applied force to a
different point of application on the rigid body.

In a previous section, we discussed the possibility of moving a force F along its line
of action (principle of transmissibility) without changing the external effects on
the body.

F1 = F2 (same line of action)

However, we cannot simply move a force away from the original line of action to a
parallel line of action without modifying the external effects on the rigid body.
For example, if the applied force F
is moved from point A to point B on
the cantilever beam, differing
deflections at the free end will
result.

Consider a force F applied at point B on rigid body AB.

Our goal is to move the force F to point A without changing the external
effects on the rigid body.
Two forces, both with a magnitude
of F, are added at point A.
The lines of action of the two
forces are collinear and parallel to
the line of action of the original
force at B.

The addition of the equal and opposite

forces at A does not change the external
effects on the rigid body.
The external effects are the same: the same translation and the same rotation.
The new system consisting of the three forces is said to be equivalent to the
original system consisting of the single force.

2.24
The force F at point B and the force F at point A are equal and opposite forces
with parallel lines of action, thus forming a couple M.
The moment due to the couple is equal to
F x d and is a constant value anywhere on
the rigid body.
The couple M can be placed at any
convenient location (such as point A) with
the remaining force at point A.

The system of the force and couple at point A is said to be an equivalent force-
couple system.

2.25
Example Problem - Resolution of a Force into a Force and Couple Acting at Another
Point

Problem 2.26 (p. 58)

Given: Column-beam system shown.

Find: Equivalent force-couple system

through the column centerline.

Solution

R = 90 kN

Mcouple = - 90 (180 + 125) = - 90 (305)

= - 27,450 kN-mm
= - 27.45 kN-m
Mcouple = 27.45 kN-m (clockwise)

2.26
Resultant of Two Parallel Forces
Suppose we wish to represent the two forces A and B shown on the girder with a
single resultant force R, which produces an equivalent effect as the original forces.
The equivalent resultant force R must
produce the same translational
tendency as the forces A and B.
The equivalent resultant force R must
produce the same rotational effect as
well.

The magnitude of the resultant R of the parallel forces A and B equals the
algebraic summation of A and B, that is
R=A+B

The location of the resultant force R is obtained by the principle of moments.

The moment of the original forces
about a point must be equal to the
moment of the resultant force
about the same point.

MC = - A a B b = - R x
Rx=Aa+Bb
x = (A a + B b)
R

2.27
Example Problem - Resultant of Parallel Forces

Problem

Given: Building slab subjected

to four parallel column
loadings.

Find: The equivalent resultant

force and specify its
location (x, y) on the floor
slab.

Solution

R = Fz = - 30 40 20 50
R = - 140 kN
R = 140 kN (down)

Cx = Mx = - 30 (11) 40 (13) 50 (3)

= - 330 520 150
Cx = - 1,000 kN-m

Cy = My = + 40 (10) + 20 (10) + 50 (4)

= + 400 + 200 + 200
Cy = + 800 kN-m

ix = |Cy/R| = |+ 800/- 140| = 5.71 m

iy = |Cx/R| = |- 1,000/- 140| = 7.14 m

Location: (5.71, 7.14) m

2.28
2.4 Equilibrium Equations: Two-Dimensional
Equilibrium
When the force and couple are both equal to zero, the external forces form a
force-couple system equivalent to zero and the rigid body is said to be in
equilibrium.

Two equations of equilibrium for a rigid body can be summarized as follows.

F = 0 Necessary and sufficient conditions for
M = 0 the equilibrium of a rigid body.

We may express the necessary and sufficient conditions for the equilibrium of a
rigid body as
Fx = 0 Fy = 0 Mz = 0

Collinear Force System

A collinear force system involves the action of forces along the same line of action
(e.g. tug-of-war).

Concurrent Force System

Equilibrium of a particle: When the resultant of all the forces acting on a particle
is zero, the particle is in equilibrium.
This condition may be stated mathematically as
F = 0

This mathematical expression is not only a necessary condition for equilibrium, but
also it is a sufficient condition.
Since the force system is concurrent, the moment equation (Mz = 0) is
automatically satisfied.

Graphically, a closed polygon represents equilibrium.

Analytically, the following equations of equilibrium are required in order to satisfy

the conditions of equilibrium.
Fx = 0 and Fy = 0

2.29
Consider the coplanar, concurrent force system of a weight suspended by two
cables.

Analytically, we can write the following equations of equilibrium.

Fx = 0 = - FAC cos 45 + FBC cos 30
Fy = 0 = + FAC sin 45 + FBC sin 30 - W

If W is known, then FAC and FBC can be determined.

Nonconcurrent/Coplanar Force System

Equilibrium of a rigid body: When the resultant of all the forces and moments
acting on a rigid body is zero, the rigid body is in equilibrium.
This condition may be stated mathematically as
F = 0 M = 0

Three equations of equilibrium for a rigid body can be summarized as follows.

Fx = 0 Fy = 0 Mi = 0 (where i is any point on the rigid body)

These three equations (called the equations of statics) allow solution for no more
than three unknowns.

The following alternate sets of equations are possible.

Fx = 0 Mi = 0 Mj = 0
or
Fy = 0 Mi = 0 Mj = 0
or
Mi = 0 Mj = 0 Mk = 0

2.30
Free-Body Diagrams
An essential step in solving equilibrium problems involves drawing free-body
diagrams.
A free-body diagram is a simplified representation of a particle or rigid body on
which all of the applied forces and reactions are shown.

A free-body diagram shows the following.

Particle or rigid body (with significant dimensions).
Externally applied forces and moments.
Weight of the rigid body (if significant).
Reactive forces and moments.

Free-Body Diagram of Particles

The free-body diagram of a particle is relatively simple because it only shows
concurrent forces acting at a point.

2.31
Example Problems - Equilibrium of a Particle

Problem 2.29 (p. 72)

Given: Frame loaded as shown.

Find: Forces in members AC and BC.

Solution (assuming tension in AC and BC)

The free body diagram is shown below.

Fx = 0 = - 500 cos 20 - AC sin 10 + BC sin 30

0 = - 469.8 0.1736 AC + 0.500 BC
469.8 = 0.1736 AC + 0.500 BC (Divide by 0.1736)
Eq. 1 2,706.20 = - AC + 2.88 BC

Fy = 0 = - 500 sin 20 - AC cos 10 - BC cos 30

0 = - 171.0 0.985 AC 0.866 BC
171.0 = 0.985 AC 0.866 BC (Divide by - 0.985)
Eq. 2 - 173.60 = AC + 0.879 BC

Solve Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 simultaneously by adding the two equations.

Eq. 1 2,706.20 = - AC + 2.88 BC
Eq. 2 - 173.60 = + AC + 0.879 BC
2,532.60 = 0 + 3.759 BC
BC = 2,532.60/3.759 = + 673.7 N
BC = 673.7 N (tension)

AC = - 2,706.20 + 2.880 BC
= - 2,706.20 + 2.880 (673.7) = - 2,706.20 + 1,940.26 = - 765.94
AC = - 765.9 N
AC = 765.9 N (compression)

2.32
2.5 Free-Body Diagrams of Rigid Bodies
Free-body diagrams of rigid bodies include a system of forces that no longer have
a single point of concurrency.
This system of actions may include the following.
- Applied forces and couples (moments) and
- Reactive forces and couples (moments).

Reactions are the forces through which the ground and other bodies oppose a
possible motion of the free body.
Reactions are exerted at points where the free body is supported or connected
to other bodies.

Procedure for Drawing a Free-Body Diagram

1. Draw the isolated body. Include slopes and dimensions, as these may be needed
to compute moments.
2. Show the magnitudes and directions of the known external forces (including the
weight of the body).
3. Show the unknown external forces (support reactions or constraints).

Support Reactions
It is important to understand how to replace certain supports with the appropriate
restraining forces. In general,
If a support prevents translation, then a force is developed on the body in that
direction.
If rotation is prevented, then a couple moment is exerted on the rigid body.

Reactions exerted on two-dimensional structure may be divided into three groups,

corresponding to three types of supports or connections.
1. Reaction equivalent to a force with a known line of action (1 unknown).
This reaction prevents translation of the free body in one direction, but it
cannot prevent the body from rotating about the connection.
The most common examples include the following.
a. Roller support
Prevents translation in the
direction perpendicular to
the plane on which the roller
rests.

2.33
 b. Cables (weightless).
The reaction acts in one
direction along the cable.

c. Short links.
The reaction acts in one
direction along the link.

For all of these there is only one unknown involved, that is, the magnitude of
the reaction.
The line of action is known.

2. Reaction equivalent to a force with an unknown line of action (2 unknowns).

This reaction prevents translation of the free body in all directions, but it
cannot prevent the body from rotating about the connection.
The most common examples include the following.
a. Pin
Prevents vertical and
horizontal translation.

b. Ball and socket (2-D)

The magnitude and direction of the reactive force is unknown.

Normally we work with the components, thus fixing the directions but not
knowing the magnitude of the components.

2.34
3. Reaction equivalent to a force and a couple (3 unknowns).
This reaction is caused by fixed supports which oppose any motion of the
free body and thus constrain it completely, preventing both translation and
rotation.
The most common example include the following.
a. Fixed end.
Prevents vertical and
horizontal translation,
and prevents rotation.

Reactions of this group involve three unknowns, consisting usually of the two
components of the force and the moment of the couple.

If a free-body diagram for the rigid body is drawn, only external forces are shown.
Internal forces are not represented on a free-body diagram for the entire rigid
body.

The weight of the rigid body is usually insignificant compared to the applied
forces.
When the weight of a body must be considered, a force representing the
weight is used with its point of application acting through the center of gravity
of the rigid body.

When the direction of an unknown force or couple is not known, no attempt should
be made to determine the correct direction.
The sense of the force or couple can be arbitrarily assumed.
The sign of the answer obtained will indicate whether or not the assumption is
correct.

2.35
Consider the loaded beam shown and
the steps in drawing the free-body
diagram.

Steps
1. Draw the isolated body.

2. Add the applied forces.

3. Show the reactive forces.

a. Does the support at A prevent
1) Horizontal translation?
2) Vertical translation?
3) Rotation?
b. Does the support at B prevent
1) Horizontal translation?
2) Vertical translation?
3) Rotation?

Idealized Models
In order to perform a correct force analysis of any object, it is important to
consider a corresponding analytical or idealized model that gives results that
approximate as closely as possible the actual situation.
Example: An underground pump station. Is reinforced concrete slab simply
supported by the concrete block walls, or fixed-fixed?

2.36
Example Problem - Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies

Problem 2.34 (p. 84)

Given: Pole loaded as shown.

Find: Horizontal and vertical components

of the reactions at A and B.

MA = 0 = + Bx (10) 300 (3) + 100 (4)

Bx (10) = 300 (3) 100 (4) = 900 400 = 500
Bx = 50 lb

Fx = 0 = - Bx - 100 + Ax = - 50 100 + Ax
Ax = 150 lb

Fy = 0 = Ay 300
Ay = 300 lb

2.37
Example

Given: Beam loaded as shown.

Find: Range of values for P for a

safe beam:
RA and RB 25 kips
(i.e. compression in the
columns at A and B)

Fx = 0 = Ax Ax = 0 kips

Let RA = 0 kips
MB = 0 = 6 P - 6 (2) 6 (4)
6 P = 12 + 24 = 36
P = 6.0 kips

Check RB: Fy = 0 = - 6 6 6 + RB
RB = 18.0 kips < 25.0 kips OK

Let RA = 25 kips
MB = 0 = - 25 (9) + 6 P - 6 (2) 6 (4)
6 P = 225 + 12 + 24 = 261
P = 43.5 kips

Check RB: Fy = 0 = 25 - 43.5 6 6 + RB

RB = 30.5 kips > 25.0 kips NG

Let RB = 25 kips
MA = 0 = - 3 P + 9 (25) 6 (11) 6 (13)
3 P = 225 66 78 = 78
P = 27.0 kips

Check RA: Fy = 0 = - 27 + 25 6 6 + RA
RA = 14.0 kips < 25.0 kips OK

Therefore, 6.0 kips P 27.0 kips Answer

2.38
2.6 Statical Indeterminacy and Improper Constraints
In the analysis of a beam, truss, or framework, the first step usually involves the
drawing of a free-body diagram. From the FBD, we can determine
Whether the necessary and available equations of equilibrium are sufficient to
satisfy the given loads conditions and
The unknown support forces and couples.

In the case where the support restraints adequately resist translation (x and y)
and rotation to satisfy the conditions of equilibrium, the reactions are said to be
statically determinate, and the rigid body is said to be completely constrained.

When the number of unknowns exceeds the number of equations of equilibrium, the
rigid body is said to be statically indeterminate.
The degree of indeterminacy is the difference between the number of
unknowns and the number of equations of equilibrium.

Determinate

Determinate

Determinate

SI1
(Degree of Redundancy)

2.39
SI3

SI1

Mobile structure
(Improperly constrained)

Improper Constraints
Although the number of unknowns is equal to the number of equations of
equilibrium, no support exists that restrains the horizontal translation and the
equilibrium equation (e.g. Fx = 0) cannot be satisfied.
These constraints are improperly arranged; this condition is referred to as
improperly constrained.

If the reactions involve less than three unknowns, there are more equations than
unknowns, and some of the equations of equilibrium cannot be satisfied under a
general loading condition.
The rigid body is only partially constrained.

2.40