Equilibrium of Force System

The body is said to be in equilibrium if the resultant of all forces acting on it is zero. There are
two major types of static equilibrium, namely, translational equilibrium and rotational
equilibrium.

Formulas
Concurrent force system

Parallel Force System

Parallel Force System

Non-Concurrent Non-Parallel

1.Equilibrium
Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System
In static, a body is said to be in equilibrium when the force system acting upon it has a zero
resultant.

Conditions of Static
tatic Equilibrium of Concurrent Forces

The sum of all forces in the x-direction

direction or horizontal is zero.

or

The sum of all forces in the y-direction

direction or vertical is zero.

or
Important Points for Equilibrium Forces

Two forces are in equilibrium

um if they are equal and oppositely directed.
Three coplanar forces in equilibrium are concurrent.
Three or more concurrent forces in equilibrium form a close polygon when connected in head-
head
to-tail manner.

Problem 308 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System
The cable and boom shown in Fig. P P-308 support a load of 600 lb. Determine the tensile force T
in the cable and the compressive for C in the boom.

Solution 308
 answer

answer

Another Solution (By Rotation of Axes)

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 (ok!)

Another Solution (By Force Polygon)

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 ok!)
(ok!
Problem 309 | Equilibrium of Concurrent
Force System
A cylinder weighing 400 lb is held against a smooth incline by means of the weightless rod AB
in Fig. P-309.. Determine the forces P and N exer
exerted
ted on the cylinder by the rod and the incline.

Solution 309
 answer

answer

Another Solution (By Rotation of Axes)

(ok!)
 (ok!)

Another Solution (By Force Polygon)

(ok!)

(ok!)

Problem 310 - 311 | Equilibrium of

Concurrent Force System
Problem 310

lb box is held at rest on a smooth plane by a force P inclined at an angle with the plane
A 300-lb
as shown in Fig. P-310. If = 45, determine the value of P and the normal pressure N exerted
by the plane.
Solution 310

answer
 answer

Problem 311

310 is 180 lb, determine the angle at which it must be inclined with
If the value of P in Fig. P-310
the smooth plane to hold 300-lb lb box in equilibrium.

Solution 311

answer

Problem 312 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System
Determine the magnitude of P and F nnecessary
ecessary to keep the concurrent force system in Fig. P-312
P
in equilibrium.

Solution 312
 answer

answer

Problem 313 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System

Problem 313 | Equilibrium of Concurrent Force SystFigure P-313 313 represents the concurrent force
system acting at a joint of a bridge truss. Determine the value of P and E to maintain equilibrium
of the forces.

Solution 313
 answer

answer
Problem 314 | Equilibrium of Concurrent
Force System
The five forces shown in Fig. P-314
314 are in equilibrium. Compute the values of P and F.
Solution 314

answer

answer
Problem 315 | Equilibrium of Concurrent
Force System
The 300-lb force and the 400-lblb force shown in Fig. P
P-315
315 are to be held in equilibrium by a
third force F acting at an unknown angle with the horizontal. Determine the values of F and .

Solution 315

By Cosine Law

answer
 answer

The correct position of F would be as shown below.

Problem 316 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System
Determine the values of and so that the forces shown in Fig. P
P-316
316 will be in equilibrium.

Solution 316

By Cosine Law
 answer

answer

Problem 317 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System
The system of knotted cords shown in Fig. P-317 support the indicated
ted weights. Compute the
tensile force in each cord.
Solution 317

From the knot containing 400-lb

lb load
 answer

answer

lb load
From the knot containing 300-lb

answer
 answer

Problem 318 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System
Three bars, hinged at A and D and pinned at B and C as shown in Fig. P-318,, form a four-link
four
mechanism. Determinee the value of P that will prevent motion.

Solution 318

At joint B
At joint C
 answer

Problem 319 | Equilibrium of Concurrent

Force System
Cords are loop around a small spacer separating two cylinders each weighing 400 lb and pass, as
shown in Fig. P-319 over a frictionless pulleys to weights of 200 lb and 400 lb . Determine the
angle and the normal pressure N between the cylinders and the smooth horizontal surface.

Solution 319
 answer

answer

Problem 322 | Equilibrium of Force System

The Fink truss shown in Fig. P-322

322 is supported by a roller at A and a hinge at B. The given
loads are normal to the inclined member. Determine the reactions at A and B. Hint: Replace the
loads by their resultant.
Solution 322

answer
Thus,
RB = 4618.80 lb at 30 with horizontal answer
Another Solution

(okay!)

From the Force Polygon

(okay!)

(okay!)

Problem 323 | Equilibrium of Force System

The truss shown in Fig. P-323 is supported by a hinge at A and a roller at B. A load of 20 kN is
applied at C. Determine the reactions at A and B.

Solution 323

answer
Thus,
RA = 21.06 kN down to the left at 34.7 with the horizontal. answer

Another Solution
 (okay!)

(okay!)

(okay!)

Problem 325 | Equilibrium of Three

Three-force
force
System
Determine the amount and direction of the smallest force P required to start the wheel in Fig. P-
325 over the block. What is the reaction at the block?

Solution 325
 answer

answer

answer

Problem 326 | Equilibrium of Force System

The cylinders in Fig. P-326 have the indicated weights and dimensions. Assuming smooth
contact surfaces, determine the reactions at A, B, C, and D on the cylinders.
Solution 326

From the FBD of 200 kN cylinder

 answer

answer

From the FBD of 400 kN cylinder

answer
 answer

Problem 327 | Equilibrium of Force System

Forces P and F acting along the bars shown in Fig. P-327 maintain equilibrium of pin A.
Determine the values of P and F.

Solution 327

Equation (1)
Substitute F of Equation (1)

answer

From Equation (1)

answer

Problem 328 | Equilibrium of Force System

Two weightless bars pinned together as shown in Fig. PP-328
328 support a load of 35 kN. Determine
the forces P and F acting respectively along bars AB and AC that maintain equilibrium of pin A.
Solution 328

answer

answer

2.Equilibrium
Equilibrium of Parallel Force System
Conditions for Equilibrium of Parallel Forces
The sum of all the forces is zero.

The sum of moment at any point O is zero.

Problem 329 | Equilibrium of Force System

Two cylinders A and B, weighing 100 lb and 200 lb respectively, are connected by a rigid rod
curved parallel to the smooth cylindrical surface shown in Fig. P-329.. Determine the angles
and that define the position of equilibrium.
Solution 329

From the figure

Thus,
 answer

answer

Problem 332 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
Determine the reactions for the beam shown in Fig. P
P-332.

Solution 332

answer
 answer

Problem 333 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
Determine the reactions R1 and R2 of the beam in Fig. P-333
333 loaded with a concentrated load of
1600 lb and a load varying from zero to an intensity of 400 lb per ft.

Solution 333
answer
 answer
Problem 334 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force
System
Determine the reactions for the beam loaded as shown in Fig. P
P-334.

Solution 334

answer
 answer

Problem 335 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The roof truss in Fig. P-335
335 is supported by a roller at A and a hinge at B. Find the values of the
reactions.

Solution 335

answer
 answer

Problem 336 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The cantilever beam shown in Fig. PP-336 is built into a wall 2 ft thick so that it rests against
points A and B. The beam is 12 ft long and weighs 100 lb per ft.
Solution 336

answer

answer

Problem 337 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The upper beam in Fig. P-337
337 is supported at D and a roller at C which separates the upper and
lower beams. Determine the values of the reactions at A, B, C, and D. Neglect the weight of the
beams.
Solution 337

answer

answer

answer
 answer

Problem 338 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The two 12-ft
ft beams shown in Fig. 33-16
16 are to be moved horizontally with respect to each other
and load P shifted to a new position on CD so that all three reactio
reactions
ns are equal. How far apart
will R2 and R3 then be? How far will P be from D?

Solution 338

From FBD of beam CD

answer
Thus, P is 8 ft to the left of D. answer

From the figure above, Rc is at the midspan of AB to produce equal reactions R1 and R2. Thus,
R2 and R3 are 6 ft apart. answer

From FBD of beam AB

answer
 answer

Problem 339 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The differential chain hoist shown in Fig. P-339 consists of two concentric pulleys rigidly
fastened together. The pulleys form two sprockets for an endless chain looped over them in two
loops. In one loop is mounted a movable pul
pulley
ley supporting a load W. Neglecting friction,
determine the maximum load W that can just be raised by a pull P supplied as shown.

Solution 339
answer
Problem 340 - 341 | Equilibrium of Parallel
Force System
Problem 340

For the system of pulleys shown in Fig. P-340, determine the ratio of W to P to maintain
equilibrium. Neglect axle friction and the weights of the pulleys.
Solution 340
From the lowermost pulley

answer

Problem 341

If each pulley shown in Fig. P-340

340 weighs 36 kg and W = 720 kg, find P to maintain
equilibrium.

Solution 341

From pulley A
From pulley B

From pulley C

Thus, answer

Problem 342 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The wheel loads on a jeep are given in Fig. P-342.. Determine the distance x so that the reaction
reactio
of the beam at A is twice as great as the reaction at B.
Solution 342

The reaction at A is twice as the reaction at B

answer

Problem 343 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force

System
The weight W of a traveling crane is 20 tons acting as shown in Fig. P-343.. To prevent the crane
from tipping to the right when carrying a load P of 20 tons, a counterweigh
counterweightt Q is used. Determine
the value and position of Q so that the crane will remain in equilibrium both when the maximum
load P is applied and when the load P is removed.

Solution 343

When load P is removed

Equation (1)
When load P is applied

From Equation (1), Qx = 120, thus,

answer

Substitute Q = 20 tons to Equation (1)

answer

3.Equilibrium
Equilibrium of Non
Non-Concurrent
Concurrent Force
System
Problem 346 | Equilibrium of Non-
Concurrent Force System
boom
cable
equilibrium
non-concurrent forces
non-parallel forces
reaction
static equilibrium
support reaction
tensile force
tension member

Problem 346

A boom AB is supported in a horizontal position by a hinge A and a cable which runs from C
over a small pulley at D as shown in Fig. P-346. Compute the tension T in the cable and the
horizontal and vertical components of the reaction at A. Neglect the size of the pulley at D.
Solution 346

answer

answer

answer

Problem 347 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
 boom
cable
equilibrium
non-concurrent forces
non-parallel forces
reaction
static equilibrium
support reaction
tensile force
tension member

Problem 347

Repeat Problem 346 if the cable pulls the boom AB into a position at which it is inclined at 30
above the horizontal. The loads remain vertical.
Solution 347

Because = 60, T is perpendicular to AB.

answer

answer

answer
Problem 348 | Equilibrium of Non
Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 348

The frame shown in Fig. P-348 is supported in pivots at A and B. Each member weighs 5 kN/m.
Compute the horizontal reaction at A and the horizontal and vertical components of the reaction
at B.

Solution 348

Length of DF

Weights of members
answer

answer
 answer

Problem 349 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 349

The truss shown in Fig. P-349 is supported on roller at A and hinge at B. Solve for the
components of the reactions.

Solution 349

answer
 answer

answer

Problem 350 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System

Problem 350

Compute the total reactions at A and B for the truss shown in Fig. P-350.
Solution 350

answer
Thus, up to the left at from horizontal. answer

Problem 351 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent
oncurrent Force System
Problem 351

The beam shown in Fig. P-351 is supported by a hinge at A and a roller on a 1 to 2 slope at B.
Determine the resultant reactions at A and B.

Solution 351
Thus, up to the right at from horizontal. answer

Another Solution

From Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

System,, three coplanar forces in equilibrium are
concurrent.
 okay

okay

okay

Problem 352 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
beam
beam reaction
equilibrium
non-concurrent forces
non-parallel forces
pulley

Problem 352

A pulley 4 ft in diameter and supporting a load 200 lb is mounted at B on a horizontal beam as

shown in Fig. P-352.. The beam is supported by a hinge at A and rollers at C. Neglecting the
weight of the beam, determine
ne the reactions at A and C.

Solution 352

From FBD of pulley

From FBD of beam

answer
Thus, up to the right at from horizontal. answer

Problem 353 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 353

The forces acting on a 1-mm length of a dam are shown in Fig. P-353. The upward ground reaction
varies uniformly from an intensity of p1 kN/m to p2 kN/m at B. Determine p1 and p2 and also the
horizontal resistance to sliding.
Solution 353

Horizontal resistance to sliding

answer

Righting moment
Overturning moment

Eccentricity

Foundation pressure (See Dams at CE Review for more information)

answer

answer
Related post: Resultant of forces in gravity dam

Problem 354 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
equilibrium
non-concurrent forces
non-parallel forces
truss
truss reaction

Problem 354

Compute the total reactions at A and B on the truss shown in Fig. P

P-354.

Solution 354

answer
Thus, up to the right at from horizontal. answer
Problem 355 | Equilibrium of Non
Non-
Concurrent Force System
equilibrium
fink truss
non-concurrent forces
non-parallel forces
reaction at the support
sloping support
support reaction
truss
truss reaction

Problem 355

Determine the reactions at A and B on the Fink truss shown in Fig. P-355.. Members CD and FG
are respectively perpendicular to AE and BE at their midpoints.

Solution 355
 answer

answer

answer

Problem 356 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
cantilever truss
equilibrium
strut
support reaction
truss
truss reaction

Problem 356

The cantilever truss shown in Fig. P

P-356 is supported by a hinge at A and a strut BC. Determine
the reactions at A and B.
Solution 356

From right triangles ACD and ACB.

Notice also that triangle ABD is an equilateral triangle of sides 6 m.

answer
Thus, up to the right at from horizontal. answer

Problem 357 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 357

The uniform rod in Fig. P-357 weighs 420 lb and has its center of grgravity
avity at G. Determine the
tension in the cable and the reactions at the smooth surfaces at A and B.
Solution 357

Distance AB
 answer

answer

answer

Problem 358 | Equilibrium of Non-

Concurrent Force System
Problem 358

A bar AE is in equilibrium under the action of the five forces shown in Fig. P-358
358. Determine P,
R, and T.
Solution 358
 answer

answer

answer

Problem 359 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 359

A 4-m
m bar of negligible weight rests in a horizontal position on the smooth planes shown in Fig.
P-359.. Compute the distance x at which load T = 10 kN should be placed from point B to keep
the bar horizontal.

Solution 359

From the Force Polygon

From the Free Body Diagram

 answer

Problem 360 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 360

Referring to Problem 359, what value of T acting at x = 1 m from B will keep the bar horizontal.

Solution 360
From the Force Polygon

From the Free Body Diagram

answer

Problem 361 | Equilibrium of Non

Non-
Concurrent Force System
Problem 361

Referring to Problem 359,, if T = 30 kN and x = 1 m, determine the angle at which the bar will
be inclined to the horizontal when it is in a position of equilibrium.
Solution 361

From the Force Polygon

From the Free Body Diagram

answer