Lesson 4-Topic 1 - Equilibrium of A Particle
Lesson 4-Topic 1 - Equilibrium of A Particle
F = 0
where F is the vector sum of all the forces acting on the particle.
The Free-Body Diagram
Since we must account for all the forces acting on the particle when
applying the equations of equilibrium, the importance of first drawing
a free-body diagram cannot be over emphasized. To construct a free
body diagram, the following three steps are necessary.
Cord CE. When the cord CE is isolated from its surroundings, its
free-body diagram shows only two forces acting on it, namely, the
force of the sphere and the force of the knot,
Knot.
The knot at C is subjected to three forces. They are caused by the cords CBA and
CE and the spring CD. As required, the free-body diagram shows all these forces
labeled with their magnitudes and directions. It is important to recognize that the
weight of the sphere does not directly act on the knot. Instead, the cord CE
subjects the knot to this force.
Coplanar Force Systems
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, i.e.,
Both terms are “positive” since both forces act in the positive x direction. When this
equation is solved, F= -10N. Here the negative sign indicates that F must act to the left
to hold the particle in equilibrium. Notice that if the +x axis were directed to the left,
both terms in the above equation would be negative, but again, after solving, F = -10 N,
indicating that F would be directed to the left.
Procedure for Analysis
Free-Body Diagram.
• Establish the x, y axes in any suitable orientation.
• Label all the known and unknown force magnitudes and directions on the
diagram.
• The sense of a force having an unknown magnitude can be assumed.
Equations of Equilibrium.
• Apply the equations of equilibrium, and
• Components are positive if they are directed along a positive axis, and negative if
they are directed along a negative axis.
• If more than two unknowns exist and the problem involves a spring, apply F=ks
to relate the spring force to the deformation s of the spring.
• Since the magnitude of a force is always a positive quantity, then if the solution
for a force yields a negative result, this indicates its sense is the reverse of that
shown on the free-body diagram.
Determine the tension in cables BA and BC necessary to support the
60-kg cylinder
The 200-kg crate is suspended using the ropes AB and AC. Each rope
can withstand a maximum force of 10kN before it breaks. If always
remains horizontal, determine the smallest angle to which the crate can
be suspended before one of the ropes breaks.
Determine the required length of cord AC so that the 8-kg lamp can be
suspended in the position shown. The undeformed length of spring AB
lAB = 0.4 m, is and the spring has a stiffness of kAB = 300 N/m.
If the force in spring AB is known, the stretch of the
spring can be found using F = ks. From the problem
geometry, it is then possible to calculate the required
length of AC.
Three-Dimensional Force Systems
Free-Body Diagram.
• Establish the x, y, z axes in any suitable orientation.
• Label all the known and unknown force magnitudes and directions
on the diagram.
• The sense of a force having an unknown magnitude can be assumed.
Equations of Equilibrium.