5

Friction
When a body moves or tends to move over another body, a force opposing the motion
develops at the contact surfaces. This force which opposes the movement or the tendency of
movement is called frictional force or simply friction. Friction is due to the resistance to
motion ofiered by minutely projecting particles at the contact surfaces. In this chapter, the
concepts related to friction are explained and the laws of friction presented. Application of
these laws to many engineering problems including wedge and rope/belt are illustrated.

5.1. FRICTIONAL FORCE

As defined above frictional force is the resistance offered by minutely projecting parti-
cles of a body when it moves over another body. Frictional force has a remarkable property of
adjusting itself in magnitude to the force producing or tending to produce the motion so that
motion is prevented.
However, there is a limit beyond which the magnitude of this force cannot increase. If
the applied force is more than this limit, there will be movement of one body over the other.
This limiting value of frictional force when the motion is impending, is known as Limiting
Friction. It may be noted that when the applied force is less than the limiting friction, the
body remains at rest and such frictional force is called Static Friction, which will be havingg
any value between zero and the limiting friction. If the value of applied force exceeds the
hmiting friction, the body starts moving over the other body and the frictional resistance expe-
nenced by the body while moving is known as Dynamic Friction. Dynamic friction is found
0 be less than limiting friction. Dynamic friction may be classified into the following two:

(a) Sliding Friction

6) Rolling Friction. W
Sliding friction is the friction experienced by
a
body when it slides over the other body and the
roling friction is the friction experienced by a body P
r o l l s over a surface. It is experimentally
t h a t the magnitude of limiting friction bears TTTT77
Onstant ratio to the normal reaction between
wO surfaces and this ratio is called Coefifi N
ent of Friction. Thus, referring to Fig. b.I n
which the block has a Fig. 5.1
impending motion,
Coefficient of friction
N
where F is limi
imiting friction and N is normal reaction between the contact surfaces. Coefficient
inetion is denoted by u. Thus8
109
110 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

5.2. LAVws OF FRICTION

The principles discussed in Art. 5.1 are mainly due to the experimental studies by
Coulomb (1781) and by Morin (1831) on solids in dry conditions. These principles constitute
the laws known as Coulomb's laws of friction/laws of dry friction/laws of solid friction. These
laws are listed below:
(1) The force of friction always acts in a direction opposite to that in which body tends to
move.
(2) Till the limiting value is reached, the magnitude of friction is exactly equal to the
force which tends to move the body.
(3) The magnitude of the limiting friction bears a constant ratio to the normal reaction
between the two surfaces of contact and this ratio is called coefficient of friction.
(4) The force of friction depends upon the roughness/smoothness of the surfaces.
(5) The force of firiction is independent of the area of contact between the two surfaces.
(6) After the body starts moving, the dynamic friction comes into play, the magnitude of
which is less than that of limiting friction and it bears a constant ratio with normal force. This
ratio is called coefficient of dynamic friction.

5.3. ANGLE OF FRICTION, ANGLE OF REPOSE AND CONE OF FRICTION

The above three ternms used in this chapter are defined and explained below.
Angle of Friction
W
Consider the block shown in Fig. 5.2 resting
on a horizontal surface and subjected to horizontal
pull P. Let F be the frictional force developed and N
the normal reaction. Thus at contact surface the re-
actions are F and N. They can be combined graphi- 7TT
cally to get the reaction R which acts at angle t o
normal reaction. This angle 0, called the angle of R
friction is given by N

F
tan = Fig. 5.2
N
As Pincreases, F increases and hence 0 also increases. 0 can reach the maximum value
when F reaches limiting value. At this stage

.(5.1)
Lana =
and thia value ofa is called Angle of Limiting Friction. Hence the angle of linmiting frictiorn
may be defined as the angle between the resultant reaction and the normal to the plane on
which the motion of the body is impending
 FRICTION 111

Angle of Repose
It is well known that when grains (food grain, soil, sand etc.) are heaped, there exists a
limit for the inclination of the surface. Beyond this limiting inclinations the grains start roll
ing down. This limiting angle upto which the grains repose (slip) is called the angle of repose
Consider the block of weight W resting on an inclined plane which makes an angle
with the horizontal as shown in Fig. 5.3. When i s small the block will rest on the plane. Ife is
W
inereased gradually a stage is reached at which the
block start sliding down the plane. The angle 0 for
which motion is impending, is called the angle of re-
pose. Thus the maximum inclination of the plane on
which a body, free from external forces, can repose
(sleep) is called Angle of Repose.
Consider the equilibrium of the block shown
N
in Fig.5.3. Since the surface of contact is not smooth,
not only normal reaction, but frictional force also de- iTr7TTITTTTTTTT
velops. Since the body tends to slide downward, the Fig. 5.3
frictional force will be up the plane.
Forces normal to the plane = 0, gives
N =W cos ..5.2)

Forces parallel to the plane = 0, gives

F= W sin 0 ...5.3)
Dividing eqn. (5.3) by eqn. (5.2), we get

tan .5.4)

Ifo is the value of 6 when motion is impending, frictional force will be limiting friction
and hence

tan
N
=

= tan aX

or =

Thus the value of angle of repose is same as the value of limiting angle of repose.

Cone of Friction W
When a body is having impending motion
n the direction of force P, the frictional force will
be limiting friction and the resultant reaction R
will make limiting angle a with the normal as
snown in Fig. 5.4. If the body is having impending
molon in sBome other direction, the resultant re-
iction makes limiting frietional angle a with the R
Drmal to that direction, Thus when the direction
orce P is
gradually chungod through 360", the N
esultant R generatos a right eircular cone with
He-Central angle equal to o
Fig. 5.4
112 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
If the resultant R is on the surface of this inverted right circular cone wh0se semi.
central angle is limiting frictional angle (a) the motion of the body is impending. If the result.
ant is within this cone the body is stationary. 'This inverted cone with semi-central angle u
equal to limiting frictional angle a, is called Cone of Friction.
Example 5.1. Block A weighing 1000 N rests over block B which weighs 2000 N as
shown in Fig. 5.5(a). Block A is tied to wall with a horizontal string. If the coefficient offriction
between blocks A and B is 0.25 and between B and floor is 1/3, what should be the value of P to
move the block (B), if
(a) P is horizontal.
(b) P acts at 30° upwards to horizontal?
Solution.
(a) When P is horizontal:
The free body diagrams of the two blocks are shown in Fig. 5.5(b). It may be noted that
the frictional forces F, and F, are to be marked in the opposite directions of impending relative
motion. Considering block A,
2V =0
N - 1000 = 0 or N, = 1000 N

1000 N

T
F

F
N

A
2000 N P

B P F
7TT77777777777777TT7YTT77777TT777 N2
(a) (b)
1000 N

P
30

F,
N
(c)

Fig. 5.5
Since F, in limiting frietio,

N 0.26
N
F0.25N, =0.25 x 1000 250 N
 FRICTION
113

XH =0
F-T=0
T F = 250 N
Consider equilibrium of blockB.
V= 0
N, -2000- N, = 0

Or N =2000+ N, = 2000+ 1000 3000 N

Since F is limiting friction,

F u N = x 3000 = 1000 N

H = 0
P- F - F =0
P F + F, = 250 + 1000
P 1250 N Ans.
(6) When P is inclined:
Free body diagram for this case is shown in Fig. 5.5(c).
As in the previous case here also,
N 1000 N =

and F = 250 N. Consider the equilibrium of block B.

V =0
N, 2000 N,
-
Psin 30° 0
+
N, + P sin 30° = 2000 + N,

N, + 0.5 P = 2000 + 1000

N, = 3000- 0.5P
From law of friction,

F=N, =(3000-0.5P)
=1000 p
3
H=0
P cos 30°- F - F2 = 0

P cos 30-250-1000-P=0
3

Pcos30+ 0.5 =1250

3
or
P 1210.43 N Ans.
Ample 5.2. What should be the value of 0 in Fig. 5.6la) that will nmake the moo
0 l o r k down theplane to impend ? The coefficient of friction fir all contact surfaces Is I/3
114 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Solution. 9000 N block is on the verge of moving downward. Hence frictional forces F
and F, [Ref. Fig. 5.6 (b)] act up the plane on 900 N block. Free body diagram of the blocks is as
shown in Fig. 5.66).
300 N

3 0 0N

9 0 0N F
900 N F2

777 TTTTTTTT7TTT7TT N2
(a) (b)

Fig. 5.6

Consider equilibrium of 300 N block.

Forces normal to plane = 0, gives

N -
300 cos = 0
or N, = 300 cos
From law offriction, F = 1/3 N, = 1/3 x 300 cos
= 100 cos 0
Consider equilibrium of 900 N block:
XForces normal to the plane = 0, gives
0 0
N -N, -900 cos =

N =N, + 900 cos

= (300+900) cos
= 1200 cos
From law of friction,
1 1
F N x
1200 cos 0 =400 cos
Forces parallel to plane = 0, gives

F+ F- 900 sin = 0
100 cos 6 + 400 cos 0 = 900 sin

5
tan 6
9
29.05° Ans.
Example 5.3. A block weighing 500N just starts moving edown a rough inclined pl
when supported by a force of 200N acting parallel to the plae in upward direction. The sar
block is on the verge of moving up the plane when pulled by a force of 300N acting paralle
the plane. Find the inclination of the plane and the cofficient of friction betueen the incln
plane and the block.
Solution. Free body diugram of the block when it just start moving down is shown
Fig. 5.7la). The direction of frictional force 18 upward in this case since the direction of innpen
motion is downward. Since it is limiting cuse
ing
FRICTION 115

F
N
Force perpendicular to plane = 0, gives
N- 500 cos 0 = 0 or N = 500 cos 0 ..(1)
From law of friction,
F = HN = 500 u cos ..(2)
XForces parallel to plane = 0, gives

200+F-500 sin = 0
.e. 200 500 sin 0 -

F
200 500 sin 6-500u cos 8 ..3)
When the block starts moving up the plane when 300 N pull is applied, frictional force
F is downward. Free body diagram for this case is shown in Fig. 5.7(6). In this case,

500 N
500 N
300 N
200 N

N N

(a) (6)
Fig. 5.7

2Forces normal to plane = 0, gives

N- 500 cos 0 = 0 or N =500 cos (4)
From the law of friction
F, N 500 u= = cos 0 (5)
2Forces parallel to plane =0, gives
300-F,-500 sin 0 =

300 F , + 500 sin 0

500 cos 0 + 500 sin 0 ...(6)

Adding eqns. (3) and (6), we get
500 1000 sin 0
or sin 6 = 0.5

30° Ans.
Substituting it in eqn. (6), we get
30°
300 500 cos 30° + 500 sin
Le.
500 cos 30° 300-500 x 0.5 50 =

OT 50 0.11547 Ans.
500 cos 30°
116 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
in Fig. 5.8(a) to cause the
Example 5.4. What is the value of P in the system shown
motion of 500N block to the right side ? Assume the pulley is smooth and the coefficient of

friction between other contact surfaces is 0.20.

wP

30 500 N
500N
TTTTT77TTTTTTT77T 7777 P
750 N
300
T
N0SL 60
60 F
Na
60
F N
(a) (b)
Fig. 5.8

Solution. Free body diagrams of the blocks are as shown in Fig. 5.8(6). Consider the
equilibrium of 750N block.
Forces normal to the plane = 0, gives
N- 750 cos 60° 0 or N, = 375 N.
Since the motion is impending
F uN = 0.2 x 375 = 75 N.
Forces parallel to the plane =
0, gives
T-F,- 750 sin 60° =0
T=F, + 750 sin 60° = 75+ 750 sin 60° = 724.52N.
Consider the equilibrium of 500 N block.
V =0
No- 500+ P sin 30° =0
or Ng+0.5P 500
.e., N =500 -0.5P
From law of friction,
F,
0.2 =
N, 0.2(500 -0.5P)
=
=
100 0.1P
XH = 0
P cos 30°-T-
F, 0 =

P cos 30° 724.52 -(100

-0.1P)
-

= 0
P (cos 30° +0.1) =
"724.52 100 824.52
P
853.52 N Ans.
Example 5.5. Two blocks connected by a horizontal link AB are
planes as shown in Fig. 5.9{a). The coefficient of friction
betwveen
supported on two ro
surface is 0.4. The limiting angle of friction between block B and the block A and horizon
the smallest weight W of the block A for which inclined plane is 20°. Who
ofbloch B is 5 kN? equilibrium of the system can exist, if the wels
 FRICTION
117

Solution. Free body diagrams for block A and B are as shown in Fig. 5.9(6).

B
A
77TTTTTTTrrTTTT W 5 kN

B F
C
N
30 F2 600
30

(a)
Fig. 5.9

Consider the equilibrium of block B.

From law of friction,
F = N, tan 20 Isince =tan 20°
V =0
sin 30° + F, sin 60° 5 0
N, -
=

0.5N+N, tan 20° sin 60° = 5

N, = 6.133 kN
F, = 6.133 tan 20° = 2.232 kN
XH = 0

C+F, cos 60°- N, cos 30° = 0

C 6.133 cos 30° -2.232 cos 60°

4.196 kN.
Now consider the equilibrium of block A.
H 0
F-C 0
or C= 4.196 kN
F2 =

From law of friction

F = uN, = 0.4N

N = 2 4196 10.49 kN
0.4 04
V=0
W-N - 0
W = N, = 10.49 kN Ans.
the xample 5.6. Two blocks A and B weighing 2000N each are to be held from slipping by
Arust of two weightless link reds each of which is connected by pin joints at one end to the
cks « other end O, and subjected toa horizontal force P
reauir nterconnected by a pin joint at
for to kep the blocks from
for dall contact slipping a s shown in Fig. 6.10a). Coefficient of friction is 0.25
surfaces.
118 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Solution. Let C, te the force in link A0 and C, be the force in link OB The free bod
A s on the verg
diagrams ofblocksA and B and the hnge O are shown in Fig 5 106 Block
of slipping From the iaw of fretaot

30
60

(a)

FRig 5 10

F,pN, 0.25 N
Consider the equilibrium of block A

H0
N Cos 30=0, or N C cos 30
2V=0
2000= 0
F+C,sin 30
0.25 N, +0.5 C, =2000
0.25 C cos 30 + 0.5 C, z 2000

2000
C 2791.32N
26 cos 30 0.5
Applying Lami's theorem to the equihbrun of the joint O, we get

P C; C
6111 90 Sin 150 sin 120
P 3223.14 N Ans.
and C 1611.57 N An6.
The above solution ho!ds good, provided block B is not slipping. To vernfy this, considr
the equilibrium of block B.

H=0
F-C, cos
60 = 0

F = 1611.57 cos 60 = 805.79 N

V = 0
N-2000 - C, sin 60 = 9
N, = 2000 + 1611.57 sin 60 = 3393.60 N
Hence limiting friction = u N, = 0.25 x 3393.6 = 842.92 N.
 FRICTION
119

Since the actual frietional force F, developed is less than the limiting frictional force,
hlock B is stationary and hence P = 3223.14 N is correct answer.
Note: If F, calculated is more than the limiting friction uN9, there is no possibility of maintain

ing equilibrium condition in the position shown.]

Example 5.7. Two planes AC and BC inclined at 60° and 30° to the horizontal meet at C
us shown in Fig. 5.11a). A block of weight 1000N rests on the inctined plane BC and is tied by
a rope passing over a pulley toa block weighing W newtons and resting on the plane AC. 1f the
the the
coeficient offrictionbetween the block and plane BC is 0.28 and that
plane AC is 0.20, find the least and the greatest value of W for the equilibrium of the system
between block and

1000 N

60

1000 N
F
Na

Ni
60 0
77TTTT7777 777777777777777T

A B
(a)
Fig. 5.11

Solution. (a) For the least value of W:

In this case motion of 1000 N block is impending downward. For this case free body
diagram of blocks are as shown in Fig. 5.116).
Consider the equilibrium of 1000 N block:
2Forces normal to the plane = 0, gives
1000 30° =0 N, = 866.03 newton.
N, -
cos

From the law of frietion,

0.28 866.03 = 242.49 newton.
F =
uN, = x

2Forces parallel to the plane = 0

1000 sin 30° 0
T+F - =

T= -
242.49 + 500 = 257.51 newton.
of block weighing W:
OW Consider the equilibrium
2Forces normal to the plane =0, gives
N, 0.5 W
N- W cos 60° = 0 =

W 0.1 W
N, 0.2 x 0.5
=

P, =
}l =

2Porces parallel to the plane =0, gives

T- F,- W sin 60° = 0
257.61-0.1 W- W sin 60° = 0

257.51
W 266.57 Ans.
(0.11 sin 60°)
hFor Kreatest value of W:
In this ense 1000N blek will be un the verge of moving up the plane. The frve body
yTiam for this euse is as Ahown in F'iy. b.11c)
120 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

1000 N
W
1

F2

Ne N

Fig. 5.11(c)
Consider the equilibrium of block weighing 1000ON
N, = 866.03 newton
and F= 242.49 newton, as in the previous case.
Parallel to plane = 0, gives
T- 1000 sin 30° F , = 0

T
1000 sin 30° + 242.49 =742.49 newton.
Consider the equilibrium of block weighing W.
2Forces normal to plane = 0, gives

N-W cos 60° = 0 N2 =0.5 W

F =
uN, = 0.2 x 0.5 W = 0.1 W
EForces parallel to plane = 0, gives
T+ F2- W sin 60° =0
742.49+ 0.1W- W sin 60° = 0
742.49
W= = 969.28 newton Ans.
(0.1+ sin 60°)
Example 5.8. Two blocks A and B each weighing 1500N are connected by a uniform
horizontal bar weighing 1000N. If the angle of limiting friction for all contact surfaces is 15,
find the force Pdirected parallel
the right l[Ref. Fig. 5. 12 (a)).
to the 60° inclined plane that will cause motion impending to

Solution. Free body diagrams of block A, beam AB and block B are as shown in
Figs. 5.12(b), (c) and (d) respectively.
From vertical equilibrium condition for AB, it may be found that 500N force is trans*
ferred at A and B, which may be directly added to self weights of the blocks.
Now consider equilibrium of block A.
2V=0
NA cOs 30° + F sin 30° (1500 + 500) = 0
But from law of friction, F = N Lan 15°

N cos 30° + tan 15° sin 30°) = 2000

N = 2000 newton
2 0 0 0 tan 15° = 535.90 newton.
H = 0
-
C+ N sin 30°- F cos 30° 0 =

C N sin 30° - F cos 30°

2000 sin 30° 535.90 cos 30" = 535.90 newton.
 121
FRICTION

1500 500
P

T IT mTEIT 60
, NA
FA

(a) (b)

1500500
P
60 30
W 1000ON

C C

500 N 500 N No
c) (d)

Fig. 5.12
Consider the equilibrium of block B.
2Forces normal to the inclined plane =0, gives
NR 2000 cos 60°-Ccos 30° 0
=

1464.10 newton
N =2000 cos 60°+535.90 cos 30°
F N tan 15° 1464.90 tan 15°
= =

392.30 newton.
Forces parallel to the inclined plane = 0, ives
60° +C sin 30° 0
FR-2000 sin
=
P-
2000 sin 60° 535.90 sin 30°
P 392.30 + +

P 1856.40 Ans.

5.4. WEDGES
Wedges are small pieces of materials with two of their opposite surfaces not parallel.
The
are used to slightly lift heavy blocks, machinery, precast beams etc. for final alignments
a k e place for inserting lifting devices. The weight of the wedge is very small compared
the weight lifted. Hence, in all problems, the self weight of wedge is neglected.

the analysis, instead of treating normal reaction and frictional force independently
dvantageous to consider their resultant. If F is imiting frietion, then resutant makes
should be marked correctly. For this
it sh etional angle a with the normal. Its direction
1oted that the tangential component R is the frictional force and it always acts
ppowite tonpending
imper motion. The analysis procedure is illustrated with two examples below:
to more the uedge shounin
Fig. xample 5.0. Determine the minimum force yuired is l5.
h e angle of friction for all contact surfuces
it towarda lett and blork moves
upwands. Foree
P
o OveAsthewedge
,tion is driven, moves
required system is minimum when the motion is imendung and henee at this
122 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
stage limiting frictional force acts. Hence resultant makes limiting angle of 15° with norma
The free body diagrams for block and wedge are shown in Fig. 5.13(6). The forces on block an
wedge are redrawn in Figs. 5.13(c) and (d) so that Lami's theorem can be applied convenientl
Applying Lami's theorem to the system of forces on block, we get

20 kN

15
W 20 kN

15°
20° R2
--Ja =20 P
Ra 35
T77TTT77TTITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTITTTTT7TTT
(a)

15°
Rg (b)

35° 15
15

R P

35
20 kN

(c) (d)
Fig. 5.13

R R2 20
sin 145° sin 75° sin 140°
R, = 17.847 kN
and R, = 30.047 kN.

Applying Lami's theorem to systenm of forces on the wedge, we get,

P
sin 130 8in 105
P = 23.835 kN Ans.
Example 5.10. The block C, weighing 160 kN is to b" raised by
A and B3 a s shown in Fig. 5.14a). Pind the value of drivin8 U
means
of frre P for impending of the D
motion
upwards, if coefficient of|ricton is 0,25 for all contact
surfaces. Self ueight of wedges ma
eglected
 123
FRICTION

Solution. Let o be the angle of limiting friction. Then

tan = 0.25 = 14.036°

Free body diagrams of wedges A and B, and block C are as shown in Fig. 5.14(6). The
the forces R, and R, on wedges A and B are equal. The system of
oroblem being symmetric,
C and wedge A are shown in the form convenient for applying Lami's theorem
forces on block and
in Figs. 5.14(c) (d).

160 kN

P P
16 --16°

7 TTm mTTTTTT7TTTTT7
(a)
160 kN

+ 16 i + 16

(b)

+16° +16°

+16

160 kN

(c) (d)
Fig. 5.14
124 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Consider the equilibrium of block C:
R 160
sin (180° - 16° - o) sin 2(0+16°)

R1 160
i.e. sin 149.96° sin 60.0720Since ) = 14.036°
R = 92.41 kN.
Consider the equilibrium wedge A:
P R
sin (180° -

- -16°) sin (90°+¢)

P =66.256 kN Ans.

5.5. PROBLEMS INVOLVING NON-CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEMS

There are many practical problems of non-concurrent force systems involving friction.
In these cases, apart from law of frietion, three equations of equilibrium are to be used. The
method of solving such problems is illustrated below with typical problems.
Example 5.11. A ladder of length 4 m, weighing 200 N is placed against a vertical wall
as shown in Fig. 5.15(a). The coefficient friction between the wall and the ladder is 0.2 and that
between the floor and the ladder is 0.3. In addition to self weight, the ladder has to support a
man weighing 600 N at a distance of 3 m from A. Calculate the minimum horizontal force to be
applied at A to prevent slipping.

Fe
600 N
600 N
B Np

C
G G

200 N 200 N
60 60
A A
A
NA
(a) (b)
Fig. 5.15
Solution. The free body diagram of the ladder is shown in
as
Fig. 5.15(b).
EM = 0, gives
N % 4 sin 60° + F', x 4 cos 60° 600 x 3 cs 60" 200 x 2 cos 60" =o
Dividing throughout by 4 and rearranging, we get,
0.866 N, +0.5 F, = 275 .(1
From the law of friction,
F = 0.2 N . .
FRICTION
125
Substituting this in eqn. (1), we get
N(0.866 +0.5 x 0.2) = 275
Np 284.68 newton 3)
FR 0.2x 284.68 = 56.934 newton ..4)
V= 0
N-200-600+ FR = 0
N = 200 + 600 56.934 743.066 newton
FA = 0.3 = 0.3 x 743.066 222.92 newton.
EH =0
P+ FA-N = 0
P = Np - F^ = 284.68 222.92
i.e. P 61.76 newton. Ans.
Example 5.12. The ladder shown in Fig. 5.16(a) is 6m long and is supported by a hori
2ontal floor and vertical wall. The coefficient of friction between the floor and the ladder is 0.25
and between wall and the ladder is 0.4. The self weight of the ladder is 200N and may be
considered as concentrated at G. The ladder also supports a vertical load of 900N at C which is
at a distance of lm from B. Determine the least value of a at which the ladder may be placed
without slipping. Determine the reactions developed at that stage.

Fe
900 N
900 NB Ne
C

G
200 N
200 N

77777T777TI7T7777TTT77N FA A
A

NA (6)
(a)
Fig. 5.16

Free body diagram of ladder for this case is as shown in Fig. 5.16(6). From the
law ofSolution.
friction,
FA = 0.25 NA .(1)
and .(2)
F 0.4 N
2V = 0
N -200 900+Fy 0
L.e (3)
N+0.4 N, = 1100
2H = 0
FA-N =0
1.e. .(4)
0.25 N= Ng
 126
ENGINEERING MECHANICS
From eqns. (3) and (4), we get
N+0.4 x 0.25 N = 1100
N = 1000 newton Ans.
FA 0.25 N^ = 0.25x 1000 = 250 newton Ans.
From eqn. (4), Ng = 0.25 N = 0.25 x 1000 = 250 newton Ans.
Substituting it in eqn. (2), we get
FB 0 . 4 x 250 = 100 newton Ans.
CM = 0
NX6 sin a + Fg x 6 cos a - 200 x 3 cos o - 900 x 5 cos a = 0
i.e 250 x 6 sin a + 100 x 6 cos o 600 cos a 4500 cos o 0. - -
=

i.e 1500 sin a = (-600+ 600 + 4500) cos a

tan a = 3
Hence a = 71.563° Ans.
Example 5.13. A horizontal bar AB of length 3m and weighing 500N is lying in a troug
as shown inFig. 5.17(a). Find how close to end A and Ba load of 600N can be placed safëly,
coefficient of friction between contact surfaces is 0.2.
600 N

G
A
1.5 m 1.5 m-
60
T77TT77TTITT777777T7T 500 N 45
77TTTTTTT7777TT777
(a)

F 600 N
X- 600 N
60 A 1.5m- 45 60
B

30° A 45
NA
B 45 30
500 N 1.5 m- 45
FB Ne NA
FA 500 N Ne
(b)
(c)
Fig. 5.17
Solution. When the load is close to end A, the end A will
slip down and end B
up. For this impending motion the free body diagram is as shown in Fig. 5.17(b). Fromwill
law
friction
FA 0.2 NA
and Fy = 0.2 N
XV =0
N sin 30" + Fa sin 60° + Ng sin 45°- F, sin 45° = 1100
N (sin 30° + 0.2 sin 60°) + N, (sin 45° - 0.2 sin 45°) = 1100
0.67:32 N+0.5657 N, = 1100
H = 0
 FRICTION
127

N cos 30° - F cos 60° - Np cos 45° F n cos 45° 0

N (cos 30° - 0.2 cos 60°) = N, (cos 45° + 0.2 cos 45°)

N 1.1077 Ng ..(4)
Substituting this value of N in eqn. (3), we get
0.6732 x 1.1077 N + 0.5657 N = 1100
N 838.79 newton
=

N = 1.1077 x 839.79 929.13 newton

M =0
600x+ 500 x 1.5 F sin 60° x 3-N, sin 30° x 3 =0
600x=- 750 +0.2 sin 60° x 929.13 x 3 + 929.13 sin 30° x 3
x = 1.877 m from B. Ans
When the load is close to end B, the end B may slide down and end A up. Let x be the
distance of load from the end B, when motion is impending. For this situation the free body
diagram is as shown in Fig. 5.17(a).
EV =0
Nsin 30°-F sin 60°+ Np sin 45° + FR Sin 45° 1100
Nsin 30° 0.2 sin 60°) + N, (sin 45° + 0.2 sin 45°) 1100
-
=

0.3268 N +0.8485 N = 1100 ..(5)

CH = 0
30°+ F cos 60° Ng cos 45°+Fg cOs 45° 0
Ncos
30° +0.2 60°) N, (cos 45° -

0.2 cos 45°)

Ncos cos =

N = 0.5856 Ng ..(6)

Substituting it in (5), we get

N = 1057.82 newton.
and hence, 0.5856 1057,.82 619.67 newton.
N = x =

M =0
600x +500x sin 30° x 3 +F sin 60° x 3 0
1.5-N =

600x=- 750 + 619.67 sin 30° x3- 0.2 x 6.19.67 sin 30° x 3
- 0 . 2 3 7 m.
It means, the motion will be impending when the load is at 0.237 m to the right of B,
Which is not possible case of loading for the bar. Hence load can be placed even on point B
safely.
Thus 600N load can be placed anywhere between B and a point 1.85 m from B.

5.6. ROPE FRICTION

he transmission of power by means of belt or rope drives is possible because of friction.
which exists between the wheels and the belt. Similarly band brakes stop the rotating discs
brcCIUMe of frietion between the belts and the dises. All along the contact surtace the frietional
retance develops. Henee the tension in the rope is more on the side it is pulled andis less on
ide, Accordingly, the two sides of the rope may be called as tight side and slack side.
e
" o n s h i p between the forces on slack side and tight side can be derived as explained
below
128 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Figure 5.18(a) shows a load W being pulled up by a force P over a fixed drum. Let th
force on slack side be T, and on tight side be T2 [Ref. Fig. 5.18(6)]. T, is more than T, beca
frictional force develops between drum and the rope as shown in Fig. 5.18(c). Let 0 be the ang
of contact between rope and the drum. Now consider an elemental length of rope as shown in
Fig. 5.18d).

de

T+dT

T2 N
T2 de

W T T
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Fig. 5.18B
Let Tbe the force on slack side and T+ dT on tight side. There will be normal reactior
N on the rope in the radial direction and frictional force F =uN in the tangential direction
Then
Forces in radial direction =0, gives
de
N-T sin 2
-(T + dT) sin
2

Since de is very small angle, sin de de

2

N-T -(T+ dT) de =0

L.e.
N-T|de
From the law of friction,
dT
F N =HT+ de

where is coefficient of friction.

2Forces in tangential direction =0, gives
(T+ dT) cos P+ d0
2
=
T cos
2

Since d0 is very small angle, cos 1

2
T+ dT= F+ T or dT = F ..

From eqns. (2) and (3), we get

dT = d0
FRICTION 129

Neglecting small quantity of higher order, we get

dT =uT de
dT
or
T l de

Integrating both sides over 0 to 0, we get

T: dT
Jude

logT
JT

log
Ti
i.e. T2 eu
T
Or T2 = T, e ...4)
INote: 0 should be in radians.]

Example 5.14.A rope making 1turns around a stationary horizontal drum is used to
support a weight W /Fig. 5.19(a)). If the coefficient offriction is 0.3 what range of weight can be
supported by exerting a 600N force at the other end of the
600 N
rope?
Solution. Angle of contact 0 = 1.25 x 2n =
2.5
Case 1. Let the impending motion of the weight be
downward. Then
W
T, = 600 newton and T2 =

'From law of rope friction,

W = 600 ei2.57 = 600 03x2.5n =600 e0.75n W

6330.43 newton.
Fig. 5.19
Case (2). Let the impending motion of weight be
upwards. Then
G00 newion
Wand T2 =

T= T e gives
600 = We.75n
W = 56.87 newton.
Thusa 600N force can support a range of londs between 56.87N to 6330.43 N
Weight on the other side of the drum.
Example 5.15. In Fig. 5.20(a), the coefficient offriction betuween the rope and the fixed
drum
. 2 and between other surfaces of contact is 0.3. Determine the minimum wcight Wto
prevent downward
motion of the 1000N block.
130 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Solution. Since 1000 N block is on the verge of sliding down, the rope connecting it is
tight side and the rope connecting W is the slack side. Free body diagrams for W and 1000 N
block are as shown in Fig. 5.20(6).
tan a =3 / 4 . d = 36.87°
Now,

W T
T2 1000 N T2
VV N
1000
N

F2
N
N2

(a) (6)
Fig. 5.20
Consider the equilibrium of block W
CForces perpendicular to plane =0, gives
N, - W cos a = 0 or N, = W cos 36.87 0.8 W

F, = uN, = 0.3 x 0.8 W= 0.24 WW

2Forces parallel to the plane =
0, gives
T1-F- W sin a = 0
or
T= F+ W sin 36.87° 0.24 W+0.6 W =0.84 W
Angle of contact of rope with pulley 180° = = T radians
From friction equation for rope, we
gett
T2= T, e" = T, e037
T2 = 2.566 T,
Substituting the value of T, from eqn. (3),
T, 2.566 x 0.84 W = 2.156 W
Now conzider the
equilibrium of 1000 N block
Forces perpendicular to the
plune 0, gives, =

N-N,- 1000 con u = 0

N,- N, 800, since co8 (u cos 36.87" =0.8
=
=

Substituting
the value of N, from cqn. (1), we get
N, =N + 800 = 0.8 W+ 800

F, 0.3 N, = 0.3 x 0.8 W+ 0.3 x

80=0.24 W+240
Forces parallel to the plane 0, gives
F,+ F,-1000 sin ou+ T, = 0
 FRICTION 131

1.e. 0.24 W+0.24 W +240 1000 sin 36.87 +2.156 W = 0

W 136.57 newton Ans.
Example 5.16. A torque of 300 N-m acts on a brake drum shown in Fig. 5.21(a). If the
brake band is in contact with the brake drum through 250° and the coefficient offriction is 0.3,
determine the force P applied at the end of the brake lever for the posilion shown in the figure.

M
250
mm

P T

300 mm

50 R
mm

(a) (b)
Fig. 5.21

Solution. Figure 5.21(b) shows the free body diagram of brake drum and the lever arm.

Now, 250x radians, r = 250 mm.

180
0.3

e = 0.3 x 250 x - = 1.309

180
From rope friction equation,
T2= T, eH =
T, el.309 = 3.7025 T
Now, (T2-T)r =M
L.e 3.7025 1) T, x 250 =300 x 10
T, = 444.04 newton
T, = 3.7025 x 444.04 1644.06 newton.
Consider the equilibrium of lever arm
T,x 50 =Px 300
1644.06 x 50
P= 274.0 newton Ans.
300

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS AND FORMULAE

Definitions
The maximum vnhue of the frietional forco, whieh develops between two contacting sur-
Taces when the motion is impendiny is ealled limiting frietion.