BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

Module 1

Lesson 2

EQUILIBRIUM OF A PARTICLE

Overview

After having studied force vectors, vector operations to determine the resultant
force’s magnitude and direction, we will now study in this module the equilibrium of a particle.
A particle is said to be in equilibrium if it remains at rest if originally at rest, or has a constant
velocity if originally in motion. Most often, however, the term “equilibrium” or, more specifically,
“static equilibrium” is used to describe an object at rest. To maintain equilibrium, it is necessary
to satisfy Newton’s first law of motion, which requires the resultant force acting on a particle to
be equal to zero. This condition is stated by the equation of equilibrium,

∑ F=0
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you must be able to:
1. Draw the free-body diagram for a particle.
2. Solve particle equilibrium problems using the equations of equilibrium.

Lesson Proper

Free Body Diagram

To apply the equation of equilibrium, we must account for all the known and unknown
forces (∑F) which act on the particle. The best way to do this is to think of the particle as
isolated and “free” from its surroundings. A drawing that shows the particle with all the forces
that act on it is called a free-body diagram (FBD).

1. Springs
If a linearly elastic spring (or cord) of undeformed length lo is used
to support a particle, the length of the spring will change in direct
proportion to the force F acting on it. A characteristicthat defines the
“elasticity” of a spring is the spring constant or stiffness k. The
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BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

magnitude of force exerted on a linearly elastic spring which has a stiffness k and is
deformed (elongated or compressed) a distance s = l - lo, measured from its unloaded
position, is

F = ks

2. Cables
the tension force developed in a continuous cable which
passes over a frictionless pulley must have a constant
magnitude to keep the cable in equilibrium. Hence, for any
angle ϴ, shown in Fig, the cable is subjected to a constant
tension T throughout its length.

3. Smooth Contact
If an object rests on a smooth surface, then the surface
will exert a force on the object that is normal to the
surface at the point of contact. An example of this is
shown in Figure. In addition to this normal force N, the
cylinder is also subjected to its weight W and the force T
of the cord. Since these three forces are concurrent at
the center of the cylinder, we can apply the equation of
equilibrium to this “particle,” which is the same as
applying it to the cylinder.

Coplanar Force System

If a particle is subjected to a system of coplanar forces that lie in the x–y plane, then
each force can be resolved into its i and j components. For equilibrium, these forces must sum
to produce a zero force resultant.

The sum of all forces in the x-direction or horizontal is zero.

∑ F H =0
The sum of all forces in the y-direction or vertical is zero.
∑ F V =0
Important Points for Equilibrium Forces
 Two forces are in equilibrium 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-to-tail manner.
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BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

Three-Dimensional Force System

In the case of a three-dimensional force system, as in

Figure, we can resolve the forces into their respective i, j, k
components, so that ∑Fxi + ∑Fyj + ∑Fzk = 0. To satisfy this
equation we require

∑Fx = 0
∑Fy = 0
∑Fz = 0

These three equations state that the algebraic sum of the components of all the forces acting
on the particle along each of the coordinate axes must be zero. Using them we can solve for at
most three unknowns, generally represented as coordinate direction angles or magnitudes of
forces shown on the particle’s free-body diagram.

Problem Solving

1. The cable and boom shown in Figure, support a load of

600 lb. Determine the tensile force T in the cable and the
compressive for C in the boom.

Solution:
Step 1. Draw a Free Body Diagram

Step 2: Compute the value of C in terms of T then calculate for its value.

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BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

2. The sphere in Figure has a mass of 70 kg

and is supported as shown. Calculate the
following:
a. Force CE
b. Force CD
c. Original length of the spring if it was
stretched to 3m and has a stiffness factor
of 500N/m
d. Force BC

Solution:
Step 1. Convert mass into weight
F = mg
F = (70kg)(9.81m/s^2)
F = 686.7 N

Step 2: Calculate each force using joint method

@ Joint E
∑FH = 0
∑Fv = 0 0 = F(CD) - Fv(BC)
0 = F(CE) – W 0 = F(CD) - F(BC) cos60°
F(CE) = W = 686.7 N F(CD) = (792.93) cos60°
F(CD) = 396.47 N
@ Joint C
F = ks
∑Fv = 0 F(CD) = (500)(s)
0 = -Fv(CE) + Fv(BC) 396.47N =(500)(s)
0 = -(686.7) + F(BC) sin60° S = 0.7929m
F(BC) = 792.93N
L = Lo + s
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BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

3m = Lo + 0.7929m Lo = 2.2071m

3. Determine the force in each cable used to support

the 40-lb crate shown in the figure.

Solution:
Step 1: Draw the Free-Body Diagram

Step 2: Obtain the coordinate of each force

and express each force in Cartesian vector
form.
@ B:
B(-3 ft, -4 ft, 8 ft)

@ C:
C(-3 ft, 4 ft, 8 ft)

Step 3: Use Equilibrium Equations to obtain the magnitude of each force.

∑F=0
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BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

FB + FC + FD + W = 0
-0.318FB i - 0.424FB j + 0.848FBk -0.318FC i + 0.424FC j + 0.848FC k + FDi - 40k = 0

Step 4: Equate the respective i, j, k components to zero.

∑Fx = 0; -0.318FB - 0.318FC + FD = 0 (1)
∑Fy = 0; -0.424FB + 0.424FC = 0 (2)
∑Fz = 0 0.848FB + 0.848FC – 40lb = 0 (3)

Solving equations 2 and 3:

FC = FB
FC = FB = 23.6lb

Solving for FD in (1):

FD = 15lb

Problem Exercises
1. The members of a truss are pin connected
at joint O. Determine the magnitudes of F1
and F2 for equilibrium. Set θ = 60⁰.

2. The gusset plate is subjected to the forces of

three members. Determine the tension force in
member C and its angle u for equilibrium. The
forces are concurrent at point O. Take F = 8 kN.

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3. The three cables are used to support the

40-kg flowerpot. Determine the force
developed in each cable for equilibrium.

4. If the tension developed in each cable cannot

exceed 300 lb, determine the largest weight of
the crate that can be supported. Also, what is
the force developed along strut AD?

5. If the tension developed in either cable AB

or AC can not exceed 1000 lb, determine
the maximum tension that can be
developed in cable AD when it is tightened
by the turnbuckle. Also, what is the force
developed along the antenna tower at point
A?

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BES 1 – Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3 – Equilibrium of a Particle

Answer Key

1. F2 = 9.60 kN, F1 = 1.83 kN

2. T = 7.66 kN, θ = 70.1
3. FAD = 763 N, FAC = 392 N, FAB = 523 N
4. FAD = 557 lb, W = 407 lb
5. FAE = 2.91 kip, F = 1.61 kip

Assessment:

Note: Quiz will be conducted online at the conclusion of this Lesson.

References

1. R. C. Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics Statics 13 th Edition © 2013

2. Bedford, Anthony and Wallace Fowler, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 3 rd ed. New
Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc., 2002.
Suggested Reading and Reference
3. Beer, Ferdinand P. and E. Russell Johnston Jr. Vector Mechanics for Engineers:
Statics, 7th SI ed

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