UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Resultant of Force System
I. Introduction
This is a continuation of the discussion with regard to Force System. In this module, it will be
discussed how to get the resultant of Parallel Force System and Non-concurrent Force System.
II. Objectives
After completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Solve problems to determine the resultant of force system and its components
2. Apply the fundamental concepts in solving for moments and couples
.
III. Resultant of Parallel Force System
A parallel Force System is one in which the action lines of all the forces are parallel. The resultant
of such system is determined when it is known in magnitude, direction, and position. One of the
outstanding differences between the concurrent and parallel force system is that in the former
the position of the resultant is known whereas in the latter it is not.
Figure 3. 1 Parallel Force System
Consider the system of parallel forces S, T and U as shown in Figure 3.1 using x-axis, the magnitude
of the resultant is computed using eq 3.1 and its position is determined by applying the Varignon’s
theorem by taking Moment at O in eq 3.2.
R =∑F +← R = S + T – U ….. eq 3. 1
Ry = Sy2+ Ty3 – Uy1..... eq 3. 2
25 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ
UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Resultant of Distributed loading
Forces can be point loads which are concentrated at point or location and distributed loads or
force applied over a length or area. Distribution can be uniform or non-uniform.
Figure 3. 2 Uniformly Distributed Loading Figure 3. 3 Uniformly Varying Load
It is shown in Figure 3.2 and 3.3 how to get the equivalent point load of the uniform load and
uniform varying load and its location. If we will based it on its shape, Uniformly Distributed Load
is sometimes called as Rectangular Load and the Uniform Varying load as the Triangular Load.
Example 3.1 Solving the Resultant of Parallel Force System
The four forces shown in the figure are acting on
the beam AB. Determine the magnitude and
position of the resultant.
Solution:
STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 26
UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Example 3.2 Solving the Resultant of Distributed Loading
The beam shown in the figure is subjected to a
uniform varying load of 12kN/m from the left
end to 25kN/m on the right end.
Solution:
Example 3.3 Solving the Resultant of Parallel Force System
The three parallel forces are acting on the truss
shown in the figure. Determine the magnitude
and location of the resultant.
Solution:
27 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ
UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Example 3.4 Solving the unknown force given the resultant
The parallel force system yields an upward
resultant force of 55kN acting at 2.7m from the
left end. Determine the value of the fourth force
and its location.
Solution:
STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 28