PRACTICE SET 1

Answer all questions neatly in A4 sized paper and submit on 31/10/2011 before 9.30am.
Late submissions will not be accepted.

1. Three forces act through the point O in the directions shown in Figure 1. The magnitudes
of the forces are 15 kN, 10 kN and P.The resultant R acts at an angle of 10° to Ox. Find
the magnitudes of P and R

Figure 1

2. Find the resultant of the forces concurrent at O as shown in figure 2. Use polygon law of
forces. Verify the answer using method of projections.

Figure 2

3. The system of forces shown in figure 3 is in equilibrium. Find the unknown forces P and Q
by considering the components in the x and y directions.
 Figure 3

4. A large cylinder (weight 4G, radius 2r) lies on top of two small cylinders (each having
weight G and radius r) as shown in figure 4. The small cylinders are connected by a wire S
(length 3r). All surfaces are smooth. Determine all contact forces and the magnitude of force
S in the wire. Assume the following numerical data. G = 100N, r = 10cm.

Figure 4

5. a) Determine the forces in cables AC and AB needed to hold the 20kg ball D in
 equilibrium (Figure 5). Take F= 300N and d = 1m.
b) If F =100N, determine the largest dimension d so that tension in cable AC is zero.

Figure 5

6. Determine the horizontal force P required to push the roller of weight 2500N over a 5cm
obstruction as shown in figure 6. The roller is smooth.

Figure 6

7. The rod AB 20m long supports a load of 1200kg as shown in figure7. The cable BC is
horizontal and 10m long. Solve for the forces in rod AB and cable BC

Figure 7
8. Two cylinders, A of weight 6kN and B of weight 4kN rest on smooth inclined surface as
shown in the figure 8. They are connected by a bar of negligible weight hinged to each
cylinder at its centre by smooth pins. Find the force F parallel to the 30° inclined plane
required, as shown, to hold the system in the given position. Also find the reactions of the
inclined plane to the cylinders A and B.

Figure 8

9. Two traffic signals are temporarily suspended from a cable as shown in figure 9. Knowing
that the signal at B weighs 300 N, determine the weight of the signal at C.

Figure 9

10. The 30kg pipe is supported at A by a system of five cords as shown in figure 10.
Determine the force in each cord for equilibrium.

Figure 10