We make our own realities, our own fate and our own luck… that, is how powerful we are…

and that is how powerful you are---Mike Dooley

ENGINEERING BIOMECHANICS: STATICS1

Carmen M. Figueroa, Evamariely Garcia, Mariel Garcia and Adriana Gonzalez 2

________________________________________________
Numbers in the parentheses refer to the appended references.
1
This review article was prepared on December 8, 2003.
Course Instructor: Dr. Megh R. Goyal, Professor in Agricultural
and Biomedical Engineering, General Engineering Department, PO
Box 5984, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681 – 5984. For details
contact: m_goyal@ece.uprm.edu or visit at:
http://www.ece.uprm.edu/~m_goyal/home.htm/
2
The authors are in alphabetical order.

December 2003 Applications of Engineering Mechanics in Medicine, GED – University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez 1
DIMENSIONS AND UNITS
PROBLEM 1

A cell membrane has a thickness of about 7 nm. How many cell membranes would it take to make a stack 1 inch high?

SOLUTION:

We know that:

1 m = 39.37 in

1 nm = 1 x 10 -9

7 nm = 1 membrane

[1 in] [1 m] [1 nm] [1 membrane] = 4 x 10 6 cell membranes

[39.37 in] [10-9 m] [7 nm]

DIMENSIONS AND UNITS

PROBLEM 2
Express the rate of energy used by a person walking 2 miles per hour (46 + 45 = 91 Calories per hour per 100 pounds
of body mass) in kilojoules per hour per kilogram of body mass.

Solution:
= 3.8 x 10² KJ
[91 Kcal] [4.184KJ]
[1 Kcal]

[100 lb] [1 Kg] = 45.36 kg

2.2 lb

91 kcal/h = 3.8 x 10² kJ /h = 4.4 kJ/h

100 lb 45.36 kg kg

DIMENSIONS AND UNITS

PROBLEM 3:
The concentration of sugar (glucose [C6H12O6]) in human blood ranges from about 80 mg/100ml before meals to
120mg/100ml after eating. Find the molarity (M = mol/L) of glucose in blood before and after eating.

Solution:
C6H12O6 80 mg/ 100 ml 120 mg/ 100 ml

C6 = 6(12)
H12= 12(1)
O6 = 16(6)
MW = 180 g/mol

Molarity = M = moles of solute

Liters of solution

a) Before eating
80 mg 1g 10³ ml 1 mol = 4.44 x 10-3 M before eating
100 ml 10³ mg 1L 180 g

b) After eating
120 mg 1g 10³ ml 1 mol = 6.67 x 10-3 after eating
100 ml 10³ mg 1L 180 g

DIMENSION AND UNITS

PROBLEM 4
To prevent and treat osteoporosis, doctor’s recommends use of calcium, 1500 mg/day. If the patient’s dietary intake is
inadequate, one dose of calcium should be added. How many grams does the patient consume in one week?

Solution:

150 mg 7 days 1g = 10.5 g / week

1 day 1 week 1000 mg

STATICS OF PARTICLES
PROBLEM 1

In order to pull downward with the hand the triceps muscle pulls on the top of ulna. Find the force exerted by the hand
at 14 inches from the joint in the elbow, if the triceps pulls with a force of 50 lb at 1 inch from the joint as shown in the
picture.

SOLUTION:
FBD:

For an equilibrium:

Σ+MB = 0 = (- 50 lb) (1 in) + (F) (14 in) = 0

or F = (50 lb) (1 in) / (14 in) = 3.57 lb

F = 3.57 lb

∑ Fy = 0 = 50 – B + F

B = 50 + F

= 50 + 3.57 = 53.57 lb

STATICS OF PARTICLES
PROBLEM 2
A jogger runs 100 m due west, then changes direction for the second leg of the run. At the end of the run, she is 175 m
away from the starting point at an angle of 15° north of west. What were the directions and magnitude of her second
displacement?

Solution:

FBD:

Resultant vector:

-(100cos15)i + (0)j , m

+ -(175cos15)i + (175sin15)j , m

R = -(275cos15)i +(175 sin15)j , m

Magnitude of R

│R│=√((-275cos15)² + (175sin15)²)

│R│= 296.46 m

Direction , θ

θ = (tan-1) [-275cos 15] = -21.5º

[175 sin 15]

STATICS OF PARTICLES
PROBLEM 3
A person walks along a circular path of radius 5 m, around one half of the circle. (a) Find the magnitudes of the
displacement vector. (b) How much the person walks? (c) What is the magnitude of the displacement if the person
walks a complete circle?

Solution:

FBD:

a) │U│=10 m

b) The person walked: 2πr/2 = πr = π (5) = 15.71 m [Which is half the circumference of a circle]

c) If the person walked the complete

circle he would end in the same point were he begun,

thus the displacement would be zero. Therefore │U│= 0 m.

STATICS OF PARTICLES
PROBLEM 4
To exercise the knee, a person is required to maintain the leg shift to the back with a 2 kg weight. If the leg from the
knee to the feet measures 2f and it is producing a shadow of 1.5f at midday, what is the angle needed to produce that
movement?

Solution:

Applying Law of Sine:

sin 90 = sin θ
2 1.5

or sin θ = 1.5 sin 90

2
Ө = tan –1 0.75°

Ө = 36.9˚

EQUIVALENT SYSTEM OF FORCES

PROBLEM 1
A metal tool used to bring support of a broken leg has an 8 lb force that acts on the end of the 1½ ft lever as shown.
Determine the moment of the force about O.

SOLUTION:

FBD:

Q = (8 lb) sin 20º = 2.74 lb

Mo = - Q (1.5 ft) = - (2.74 lb) (1.5 lb) = - 4.10 lb-ft

EQUIVALENT SYSTEM OF FORCES

PROBLEM 2

Find the moment about the joint exerted by one leg at an angle of 30º. The mass of the leg is 23.3 lb and the center of mass is
14.3 inches from the joint.

SOLUTION:
FBD:

Moment = M = F cos θ x

θ = 30˚

M = (23.3 lb) cos 30˚ (14.3 in)

M = 289 lb in
EQUIVALENT SYSTEM OF FORCES
PROBLEM 3:
To lift a heavy crate, a man uses a block and tackle attached to the bottom of an I-beam at hook B. Knowing that the man applies
a 200-lb force to end A of the rope and the moment of that force about the y axis is 175 lb.ft, determine the distance a.

Solution:

FBD:

rA/O = (6 ft ) i + (4 ft ) j

TBA = λBA TBA = ( rA/B / dBA ) TBA

= [{(6 ft) i – (12 ft) j – (a) k} / dBA ] ( 200 lb )

= (200 / dBA) (6 i – 12 j – a k)

| M y | = j . ( rA/O × TBA )

175 lb. ft = | 0 1 0 |
| 6 4 0 | (200 / dBA)
| 6 -12 -a |
EQUIVALENT SYSTEM OF FORCES
Where dBA = √ [(6) 2 + (12) 2 + (a) 2 ] ft

= √ [180 + a2] ft

175 √ [180 + a2] = 1200a

√ [180 + a2] = 6.8571a

or Squaring each side

180 + a2 = 47.020a2

or 46.020a2 = 180

or a2 = [180 / 46.02]

a =  [180 / 46.02]0.5

and taking positive root of a:

a = 1.978 ft
EQUIVALENT SYSTEM OF FORCES
PROBLEM 4
When someone is suffering of the trigger point soft tissue pain, the use of cervical traction is recommended, although it is
unlikely that the neck can actually be “stretched”. The use of the cervical traction should be used for 20 to 30 minutes. It should
be repeated 3 to 4 times daily, depending on response. Answer, which is the total force, applies to the head of a person weighting
54 kg, when pulling it up with a force of 5 lb?

Solution:

= 529.74 N
54 Kg 9.81 m 1N

1 s2 Kg ms-2

= 22.25 N
5 lb 0.453 Kg 9.81 m 1N

1 lb s2 Kg ms-2

For equilibrium, we have

Σ Fy = 0 = F1 + F2 = 22.25N – 529.74N = -507.49 N

EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES

PROBLEM 1

Misako wishes to measure the strength of her biceps muscle by exerting a force on a test strap as shown. The strap is 28 cm from
the pivot point at the elbow, and her biceps muscle is attached at a point 5 cm from the pivot point. If the scale reads 18 N when
she exerts her maximum force, what force does the biceps muscle exert?

SOLUTION:

FBD:

0 = ΣF = Fb 0.05 m) - 18 N (0.28 m) = 0

Fb = (18 N) (0.28 m) / (0.05 m)

Fb = 101 N
EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES
PROBLEM 2
A man is pulling up a box that weight 40 kg. He pulled up in an inadequate way and his tendon suffered a stretch of 10 mm.
Determine the spring constant, k?

Solution:

[40 kg]* [9.81m] = 392.4 N

[ s2]

[10 mm] * [1 m] = 0.01 m

[1000 mm]

Spring force:

F = ks

k = F/s

k = 392.4 N = 39240 N = 392.4 KN

0.01 m m m

EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES

PROBLEM 3
A machine immobilizes a man leg. Member ABC is supported by a pin and bracket at B and by an inextensible cord at A and C
and passing over a frictionless pulley at D. The tension may be assumed to be the same in portion AD and CD of the pulley,
determine the tension in the cord and the reaction at B.

Solution:

FBD:

(T – 300 / T) = 3 / 4

or 3T = 4T – 1200

EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES

or T = 1200 lb

and ( B / T ) = 5 / 4

B = ( 5 / 4 ) T = ( 5 / 4 ) 1200 lb = 1500 lb

Ө = tan-1 ( 3 / 4 ) = 36.870º

Therefore, 1500 lb force at 36.9º →

EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES

PROBLEM 4
A man raises a 10 Kg joist of length 4 m, by pulling on a rope. Find the tension T in the rope and the reaction at A.

Solution:

FBD:

W = mg = (10 kg) (9.81 m/s2) = 98.1 N

AF = BF = (AB ) cos 45º = ( 4 m ) cos 45º = 2.828 m

CD = EF = AE = ½ (AF) = 1.414 m

BD = (CD) cot (45º + 25º) = (1.141 m) tan 20º = 0.515 m

CE = DF = BF – BD = 2.828 m – 0.515 m = 2.313 m

tan k = ( CE / AE ) = ( 2.313 m / 1.141 m ) = 1.636

or k = tan-1 (1.636) = 58.6º

EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES
FBD:

Using Law of Sine:

[T / sin 31.4] = [R / sin 110] = [98.1 N / sin 38.6]

T = 81.9 N

R = 147.8 N at 58.6º→

CENTROIDS AND CENTER OF GRAVITY

PROBLEM 1

A man lies rigidly with his head on one chair and his heels on a scale on another chair. The scale reads 25 kg and the distance
from the heels to the back of his head is 160 cm. The weight of the man standing is 70 kg. How far from the heels is the center of
gravity?

SOLUTION:

FBD:

Given: m1 = 45 kg, m2 = 25 kg

W total = W head + W heels

or m total (9.81) = m head (9.81) + m heel (9.81)

or 70 kg = W head + 25 kg

or W head = 70 kg - 25 kg = 45 kg

or m total = m head + m heels

CENTROIDS AND CENTER OF GRAVITY
× = Center of mass

× = (m1 x1 + m2 x2 ) / m total

× = [ (45)(0) + (25)(160) ] / 70

× = (25 kg / 70 kg) 160 cm = 57.1 cm with respect of the head (origin)

Distance of the center mass with respect of the heels = 160 cm - 57.1 cm = 102.9 cm

CENTROIDS AND CENTER OF GRAVITY

PROBLEM 2
A doctor wants to determine the location of the centroid of the arc of the eye of circle shown. Find the centroid of the arc.

Solution:
FBD:

L = ∫ dL = ∫-xx r dx = 2 rx

Qy = ∫ z dL = ∫-xx ( r cos x ) ( r dx ) = 2r2 sin x

Qy = x L x ( 2rx ) = 2r2 sin x

x = ( r sin x ) / x

CENTROIDS AND CENTER OF GRAVITY

PROBLEM 3
Determine the area of the surface of revolution that the arm is connected with the shoulder, which is obtained by rotating a
quarter circular arc, a vertical axis.

Solution:

g = 2r, p = 2r / π , t = x

x = 2r – (2r / π) = 2r (1 – (1 / π))

A = 2π x L = 2π [2r (1 – (1 / π))] (πr / 2)

A = 2πr2 (π - 1)

CENTROIDS AND CENTER OF GRAVITY

PROBLEM 4
A man is standing on a bench that measures 4 - ft of height. He is 5’6” tall and weighs 40kg. The bench weighs - lbs.
Determine the center of gravity of the system.

Solution:

mtotal = m1 + m2 = 40 + 27.22 = 67. 22 Kg

χ = (Σ mixi) / (Σ mi) = [m1X1 + m2X2] / mtotal

or χ = [( 27.22 * 1.22 ) + (40 * 2.9 ) ] / (67.22 ) = 2.21 m

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
PROBLEM 1

An exercise machine immobilizes a patient’s leg. Assume that the machine is a truss. Determine the force in each member .

SOLUTION:

FBD:

Given: E = 25 lb and C = 45 lb

Σ (+ME = 0

or - F D (6 in) + FB (20 in) - 45 lb (30 in) = 0

or F D = [F B (20 in) - 1350 lb in] / 6 in (1)

+ ΣF x = 0 = - FAx

or FAx = 0

+ ΣFy = 0

or FAy - 25 lb - FD - 45 lb

FAy = FD + 70 lb (2)

0 = Σ(+MB = (-FAy) (20 in ) + ( 25 lb) (40 in) + FD (34 in) + (45 lb) (10 in)

FAy = [1000 lb in + 50 lb in + FD (34 in)] / (20 in) (3)

Equating equations (2) and (3), we get:

[1000 lb in + 50 lb in + FD (34 in)] / (20 in) = FD + 70 lb

or FD (34 in - 20 in) = 1400 lb in - 1050 lb in

or FD = 25 lb
ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
PROBLEM 2

For a exercise machine, determine the components of the forces acting on member CDE at C and D.

Solution:
FBD Frame:

AF = 2 (0.32 m) cos 30º = 0.5543 m

∑MF = 0 = (0.5543 m) Ax – (0.48 m) (100 N)

or Ax = 86.603 N←
ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
↑∑Fy = 0 = Ay – 100 N

or Ay = 100 N↑

FBD members:

∑MB = 0 = ( 0.32 m ) ( cos 30º ) ( 86.603 N )

+ ( 0.16 m ) (cos 30º ) Dy - ( 0.32 m ) ( sin 30º ) (

100 N ) – ( 0.16 m ) ( sin 30º ) Dy

or Dx = Dy tan 30º - 57.736 N

∑Mc = 0 = ( 0.16 m ) Dy – ( 0.40 m ) ( 100 N )

or Dy = 250 N ↑

or Dx = 86.6 N ←

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
FBD members:

→∑Fy = 0 = Cx – 86.6 N

or Cx = 86. 6 N →

↑∑Fy = 0 = - Cy + 250 N – 100 N

or Cy = 150 N ↓
ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
PROBLEM 3
For the frame of machinery used by dentist, determine the components of all forces acting on member ABC.

Solution:
FBD:

∑MF = 0 = (10.8 in) Ay – ( 12 in ) ( 4.5 Kg )

Ay = 5 Kg ↓

→∑Fx = 0 = - Ax + 4.5 Kg

Ax = 4.50 Kg ←

FBD:

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
J = FBE

∑Mc = 0 = (12 in )FBE + ( 10.8 in ) ( 5 Kg )

– (18 in) (4.5 Kg)

FBE = 2.25 Kg

→∑Fx = 0 = Cx + 2.25 Kg – 4.5 Kg

Cx = 2.25 Kg

↑∑Fy = 0 = Cy – 5 Kg

Cy = 5 Kg

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE
PROBLEM 4
If a web of veins has a structure as shown below, determine the force in each member of the truss.

Solution:
↑ Σ Fy = 0: Ay –480 N = 0

Ay = 480 N ↑

Σ MA = 0: (6m) Dx = 0 Dx = 0

→ Σ Fx = 0: -Ax = 0 Ax = 0

Joint FBDs:

Joint A:

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES
Joint B:

480 N/6 = Fab / 2.5 = Fac / 6.5

Fab = 200 N

Fac = 520 N

200 N / 2.5 = Fbe / 6 = Fbc / 6.5

Fbe = 480 N

Fbc = 520 N

FORCES IN BEAMS AND CABLES

PROBLEM 1

As a runner's foot touches the ground, the shearing force acting on an 8 mm thick sole. If the force of 25 N is distributed over an
area of 15 cm², find the angle of shear 2 shown, given that the shear modulus of the sole is 1.9 x 10 5 N/m².

SOLUTION:

FBD:

Shear modulus = 1.9 x 10 5 N/m²

Shear modulus = [F distributed / Area] / tan θ

Area in m² = 15 cm² / 100² cm² = 0.0015 m²

(1.9 x 10 5 N/m²) (tan θ) = [ F distributed / Area ]

θ = tan -1 {F distributed / (1.9 x 10 ^ 5 N/m²)} = tan -1 {25 N / (0.0015 m²) (1.9 x 10 ^ 5 N/m²)}

θ = tan -1 (0.0877) = 5˚

FORCES IN BEAMS AND CABLES

PROBLEM 2
Two people pull on a stubborn mule, as shown by the helicopter view. Find (a) the singles force that is equivalent to the two
forces shown, and (b) the force that a third person would have to exert on the mule to make the net force equal to zero.

Solution:

FBD:

a. P1 + P2 = (120cos60) i +(120sin60) j

+ -(80cos75) i +(80sin75) j

143.22 i + 181.20 j, N

│P1+2│= √ [(143.22) ² + (181.20) ²]

│P1+2│= 230.96 N

b. If the mule is not moving the sum of the forces is

already equal to zero, therefore a third person would

have a force equal to 0 N.

FORCES IN BEAMS AND CABLES

PROBLEM 3
Two people pull as hard as they can on ropes attached to a boat that has a mass of 200 kg. If they pull in the same direction, the
boat has an acceleration of 1.52 m/s² to the right. If they pull in opposite direction, the boat has an acceleration of 0.578 m/s² to
the left. What is the force exerted by each person on the boat? (Disregard any other forces on the boat.)

Solution:

FBD:

ΣFx= ma

P1x + P2x = 200 kg (1.52 m/s²)

P1x - P2x = 200 kg (-0.578 m/s²)

P1x + P2x = 304 N (1)

P1x - P2x = -115.6 N (2)

Solve equation (1) and (2) to get P1x and P2x:

P1x = 94.2 N

P2x = 209.8 N

FORCES IN BEAMS AND CABLES

PROBLEM 4
The structure that transmits the force of the muscle contraction to the bone is called a tendon. Tendons come in many shapes and
sizes. Some are very small, like the ones that cause movements of your fingers, and some are much larger, such as your Achilles
tendon in your heel. Trigger finger is a common complaint that causes pain and locking of the fingers.

Solution:

FBD:

→ Σ F x = 0: -F = 0

or F=0

↑Σ Fy = 0: V – 20 lb –20 lb

or V = 40.0 lb↑

ΣMj = 0: M – (2 in.)(20 lb) – (6 in.)(20 lb)

or M = 160.0 lb.in

FRICTION
PROBLEM 1

A worker pushes with a horizontal force of 500 N on a 100 kg crate resting on a thick pile carpet. The coefficients of static and
kinetic friction are 0.6 and 0.4, respectively. Find the frictional force exerted by the surface.

SOLUTION:

FBD:

W = m g = 100 kg (9.81 m / s²) = 981 N

ΣF = ma

+ΣFy = FN - 981 N = m ay = 0

FN = 981 N

+ ΣFx = 500 N - f = 0 f = Frictional force

f = 500 N but taking in consideration the coefficients of friction:

fs = μs (FN) = (0.6) ( 981 N) = 588.6 N

fk = μk (FN) = (0.4) ( 981 N) = 392.4 N

FRICTION
Problem 2
A woman at an airport is towing her 20.0-kg suitcase at constant speed by pulling on a strap at an angle of θ above the horizontal.
She pulls on the strap with a 35.0 N force, and the friction force on the suitcase is 20.0 N. (a) Draw a free body diagram of the
suitcase. (b) What angle does the strap make with the horizontal? (c) What normal force does the ground exerts on the suitcase?

Solution:

FBD:

ΣF = ma = 0; because velocity is constant therefore

acceleration is equal to zero.

b) ↑ +ΣFx = 0 = 35cosθ -20

or cosθ = (20/35)

θ = cos-1 (20/35)

θ = 55.2º

→ +ΣFy= 0 = N + 35cosθ

or N = - 35cosθ = - 35 cos 55.15 = - 20N

or N = 20 N

FRICTION
PROBLEM 3
A man is exerting a 100 lb force to a 300 lb block placed on an inclined plane. The coefficients of friction between the block and
the plane are μs= 0.25 and μk= 0.20. Determine whether the block is in equilibrium, and find the value or the friction force.

Solution:

FBD:

+ Σ Fx =0

+ Σ Fx = 100 lb – 3/5(300 lb) – F =0

F= -80 lb

+ Σ Fy =0

+ Σ Fy = N – ¾(300 lb) = 0

N = 240 lb

Also:

Fs,max = μsN

Fs,max = 0.25(240 lb) = 60 lb

Fk= μkN
Fk= 0.20(240 lb) = 48 lb

The above acting forces are not balanced. This means that the block is in motion.
FRICTION
PROBLEM 4
When the meniscuses of the heel joint are worn, the bones started to experience a painful friction between their ends. If the force
in the heel is 34 N and the static friction force is 20 N, determine the coefficient of static friction.

Solution:
F = μK * N

μK = F / N = 20 N / 34 N = 0.5882

MOMENTS OF INERTIA
PROBLEM 1

The methane (CH4) has four hydrogen atoms located at the vertices of a regular tetrahedron of side length 1.45 nm, with the
carbon atom at the center of the tetrahedron. Find the moment of inertia of this molecule for rotation about an axis that passes
through the carbon atom.

SOLUTION:

I = Icm + m h2

I = 2/3 mR2 m= mass = 12 g R = radius = 77 pm

h = 1.4 nm / 2 = 0.7 nm

2/3 mR2 = Icm + m h2

or 2/3 (12 g) (77 x 10 –12 m)2 = Icm + (12 g) (0.7 x 10-9 m)2

or 4.74 x 10 –20 g m = Icm + 5.88 x 10 –24 g m

or I cm = 4.74 x 10 –20 g m - 5.88 x 10 –24 g m

or I cm = 4.74 x 10 –20 g-m

MOMENTS OF INERTIA
PROBLEM 2
Determine the moment of inertia of a slender rod, used in open heart surgery, of length L and mass m with respect to an axis
which is perpendicular to the rod and passes through one end of the rod.

Solution:
dm = (m/L) dx

Iy = ∫ x² dm = ∫0-L x² (m/L) dx = [(m/L)(x³/3)]0-L

Iy = 1/3 mL²
MOMENTS OF INERTIA
PROBLEM 3
The form of a pacemaker is round. Find the centroidal moment of inertia of the pacemaker by direct integration.

Solution:

Jo= ∫ dJo = ∫0-r u² (2πu du) = 2π ∫0-r u³ du

Jo = (π/2) r4

MOMENTS OF INERTIA
PROBLEM 4
In a restaurant, a nurse is helping a kid who is conscious, but his respiratory track is partially obstruct due to a piece of food with
a radius = 3 cm. What is the polar momentum of inertia in reference to the diaphragm? Note: the distance from the piece of food
to the diaphragm is 10inches.

Solution:
10 inches = 25.4 cm = 0.0254 m

Jo = ∫ dJo = ∫ u2 (2πu du ) = 2π ∫ u3 du =

(π / 2)(r4) = (π / 2)( 0.0254 m) 4 = 6.54 x 10 -4 m -4