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Engineering Mechanics (ES 18)

Lecture Notes: R. A. Chua, Jr. University of San Carlos

Chapter 2-Force Systems

1. Concurrent Forces - two or more forces are said to be concurrent at a point if their lines of action intersect at that point

- the two forces acting on a particle maybe replaced with a single equivalent or resultant force

Concurrent Forces
Sample Problem No. 1

The two forces act on a bolt at point A. Determine their resultant.

Concurrent Forces
Solution: 1. Graphical Solution

2. Trigonometric Solution - Law of Cosines - Law of Sines

3. Algebraic Solution -Rectangular components

Concurrent Forces
Rectangular Components

F Fx + Fy =
= Fx i + Fy j F
Fx = F cos

Fy = F sin

F = Fx2 + Fy2
Fy = tan Fx
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Concurrent Forces
Seatwork No.1

Determine the x and y scalar components of each of the three forces.

Force Systems
2. Coplanar Forces - two or more forces are said to be coplanar when they are acting on the same plane
y P1

P2

- the force system acting on the same plane maybe replaced with a single equivalent or resultant force

Coplanar Forces
Moment - the moment of a force about an axis or line is the measure of its ability to produce turning or twisting about the axis - the magnitude is the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action of the force

M = Fd

Coplanar Forces
Principle of Moment (Varignons Theorem) - the moment of a force is equivalent to the sum of the moments of its components

M O = F1 y + F2 x

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Coplanar Forces
Seatwork No.2

Calculate the magnitude of the moment about the base point O of the 600 N force.

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Force System
3. Parallel Forces - the moment produce by two equal, opposite, and noncollinear forces

couple

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Force System
4. Non-concurrent Forces

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Non-concurrent Forces
Sample Problem No.2

Determine the resultant of the four forces and one couple which act on the plate shown.

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Non-concurrent Forces
Solution:

Rx = 66.9 N Ry = 132.4 N R = 148.3 N

= 237 N m ( clockwise ) MO

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Non-concurrent Forces
Solution:

d = 1.60 m

b = 1.792 m

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Problem Set No.1

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Problem Set No.1