Chapter 2

Resultant of Force Systems

Prepared by: Engr. Lucia V. Ortega 8/28/20 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Chapter Objectives:

 To discuss how to determine the rectangular components of a force using the Parallelogram law.
 To calculate the resultant of three or more coplanar concurrent force systems.
 To discuss the concept of the moment of a force and show how to calculate it in two and three dimensions.
 To define the moment of a couple and show how to resolve a force into a force and a couple
 To present methods for determining the resultants of non-concurrent force systems

Introduction

The effect of a system of forces on a body is usually expressed in terms of a resultant. The value of this resultant
determines the motion of the body. If the resultant is zero, the body will be in equilibrium and will not change its
original state of motion. If the resultant of a force system is not zero, the body will have a varying state of motion,
thereby creating a problem in dynamics. In this chapter, we shall consider the technique for determining the
resultant effect of various type of coplanar and non-coplanar force systems.

Forces and Components

Rectangular components of a force

𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃𝑥
𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹 sin 𝜃𝑦

Resultant of force components

2
𝑅 = √(𝐹𝑥 )2 + (𝐹𝑦 )

Direction of the resultant

𝐹𝑦
tan 𝜃𝑥 =
𝐹𝑥

Direction of Resultant Force and Sign of Component Forces

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.1

Determine the X and Y components of the forces shown in the figure.

Solution:
𝐹 = 390 𝑙𝑏
5
𝐹𝑥 = 390 ( ) = 150 𝑙𝑏
13

12
𝐹𝑦 = 390 ( ) = 360 𝑙𝑏
13

𝑇 = 400 𝑙𝑏
𝑇𝑥 = 400 cos 40° = 306.417 𝑙𝑏
𝑇𝑦 = 400 sin 40° = 257.115 𝑙𝑏

𝑃 = 300 𝑙𝑏
𝑃𝑥 = 300 cos 30° = 259.808 𝑙𝑏
𝑃𝑦 = 300 sin 30° = 150 𝑙𝑏

Example 2.2

The horizontal and vertical components of several forces are: (a) 𝑃ℎ = −200 𝑙𝑏, 𝑃𝑣 = 100 𝑙𝑏; (b) 𝐹ℎ = 300 𝑙𝑏,
𝐹𝑣 = −200 𝑙𝑏; (c) 𝑇ℎ = −50 𝑙𝑏, 𝑇𝑣 = −90 𝑙𝑏. Determine each force.

Solution: c) 𝑇ℎ = −50 𝑙𝑏, 𝑇𝑣 = −90 𝑙𝑏

a) 𝑃ℎ = −200 𝑙𝑏, 𝑃𝑣 = 100 𝑙𝑏 𝑇 = √(−50)2 + (−90)2 = 102.956 𝑙𝑏

90
𝑃 = √(−200)2 + (100)2 = 223.607 𝑙𝑏 tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 60.945°
50
b) 𝐹ℎ = 300 𝑙𝑏, 𝐹𝑣 = −200 𝑙𝑏 𝑷 = 𝟐𝟐𝟑. 𝟔𝟎𝟕 𝒍𝒃 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝜽𝒙 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟓𝟔𝟓°
𝐹 = √(300)2 + (−200)2 = 360.555 𝑙𝑏 𝑭 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝒍𝒃 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝜽𝒙 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟔𝟗°
200
tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 33.69° 𝑻 = 𝟏𝟎𝟐. 𝟗𝟓𝟔 𝒍𝒃 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝜽𝒙 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟓𝟔𝟓°
300

Resultant of Three or More Coplanar - Concurrent Forces

The vectors can be resolved into components that coincide with arbitrarily chosen axes. The components of each
vector with respect to these axes can be added algebraically, and the resulting additions will be the components of
the overall resultant vector.
𝑅𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑥 𝑅𝑦 = ∑ 𝐹𝑦
2 ∑ 𝐹𝑦
𝑅 = √(∑ 𝐹𝑥 )2 + (∑ 𝐹𝑦 ) tan 𝜃𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑥

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.3

Determine the resultant of the concurrent forces shown in the figure.

Solution:
𝑅𝑥 = 300 cos 45° − 400 cos 60° − 200 cos 30°
𝑅𝑥 = −161.073 𝑙𝑏
𝑅𝑦 = 300 sin 45° + 400 sin 60° − 200 sin 30°

𝑅𝑦 = 458.542 𝑙𝑏

𝑅 = √(−161.073)2 + (458.542)2
𝑅 = 486.01 𝑙𝑏
458.542
tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 70.642°
161.073

𝑹 = 𝟒𝟖𝟔. 𝟎𝟏 𝒍𝒃 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝜽𝒙 = 𝟕𝟎. 𝟔𝟒𝟐°

Example 2.4

Determine the resultant of the four forces acting on the body shown in the figure.

Solution:
4 3 1 12
𝑅𝑥 = 600 ( ) + 361 ( ) − 448 ( ) − 260 ( )
5 √13 √5 13

𝑅𝑥 = 340.018 𝑙𝑏
3 2 2 5
𝑅𝑦 = 600 ( ) − 361 ( ) + 448 ( ) − 260 ( )
5 √13 √5 13

𝑅𝑦 = 460.457 𝑙𝑏

𝑅 = √(340.018)2 + (460.457)2
𝑅 = 572.392 𝑙𝑏
460.457
tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 53.557°
340.018

𝑹 = 𝟓𝟕𝟐. 𝟑𝟗𝟐 𝒍𝒃 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝜽𝒙 = 𝟓𝟑. 𝟓𝟓𝟕°

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.5

The resultant of the concurrent forces shown in the figure is 300 lb pointing up along the y-axis. Compute the
values of F and  required to give this resultant.

Solution:
𝑅𝑥 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃 + 240 cos 30° − 500
Since the resultant is up along y-axis, 𝑅𝑥 = 0
0 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃 + 240 cos 30° − 500
500−240 cos 30°
𝐹= eq. 1
cos 𝜃
𝑅𝑦 = 𝐹 sin 𝜃 − 240 sin 30°
Since the resultant is up along y-axis, 𝑅𝑥 = 𝑅 = 300 𝑙𝑏
300 = 𝐹 sin 𝜃 − 240 sin 30°
300+240 sin 30°
𝐹= eq. 2
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 300+240 sin 30°
Equate equations 1 and 2 =
cos 𝜃 500−240 cos 30°
sin 𝜃
𝐹=𝐹 tan 𝜃 = = 1.437598456
500−240 cos 30° 300+240 sin 30° cos 𝜃
= 𝜃 = 55.177° Answer
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
𝐹 = 511.619 𝑙𝑏 Answer

Moment of a Force

The moment of a force about an axis or line is the measure of its

ability to produce turning or twisting about the axis. The magnitude
of the moment of a force about an axis, which is perpendicular to a
plane containing the line of action of the force, is defined as the
product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to
the line of action of the force. From the figure.
𝑀 = 𝐹𝑑
Where 𝑀 = moment, 𝐹 = force and 𝑑 = moment arm of the force

The Principle of Moments: Varignon’s Theorem

“The moment of a force about an axis is equivalent to the sum

of the moments of its components.”

As shown in the figure, when the force is at point A, the moment

about O is
↷ +𝑀𝑜 = 𝐹 ∙ 𝑑 = 𝐹𝑧 ∙ 𝑦 − 𝐹𝑦 ∙ 𝑥

When the force passes at points B and C, the moments about O

are
↷ +𝑀0 = 𝐹𝑥 ∙ 𝑖𝑦 ↷ +𝑀𝑜 = 𝐹𝑦 ∙ 𝑖𝑥

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.6

In the figure assuming clockwise moments as positive, compute the moment of force 𝐹 = 450 𝑙𝑏 and of force
𝑃 = 361 𝑙𝑏 about points A, B, C, and D.
Solution:

a) 𝑭 = 𝟒𝟓𝟎 𝒍𝒃 (slope - 3V:4H)

3 4
𝑀𝐴 = −450 ( ) (1) − 450 ( ) (3) = −1350 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
5 5

3 4
𝑀𝐵 = 450 ( ) (4) + 450 ( ) (3) = 2160 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
5 5

3 4
𝑀𝐶 = 450 ( ) (5) + 450 ( ) (0) = 1350 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
5 5

3 4
𝑀𝐷 = −450 ( ) (1) + 450 ( ) (3) = 810 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
5 5

b) 𝑷 = 𝟑𝟔𝟏 𝒍𝒃 (slope - 3V:2H)

3 2 3 2
𝑀𝐴 = 361 ( ) (2) − 361 ( ) (3) = 0 𝑀𝐶 = −361 ( ) (4) + 361 ( ) (0) = −1201.481 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
√13 √13 √13 √13

3 2
𝑀𝐵 = −361 ( ) (3) + 361 ( ) (3) = −300.37 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 3 2
√13 √13 𝑀𝐷 = 361 ( ) (2) + 361 ( ) (3) = 1201.481 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
√13 √13

Example 2.7

Two forces P and Q pass through a point A, which is 4 𝑓𝑡 to the right of and 3 𝑓𝑡 above the moment center O.
Force P is 200 𝑙𝑏 directed up to the right at 30 with the horizontal and force Q is 100 𝑙𝑏 directed up to the left
at 60 with the horizontal. Determine the moment of the resultant of these two forces with respect to O.

Solution:
𝑅𝑥 = 200 cos 30° − 100 cos 60° = 123.205 𝑙𝑏
𝑅𝑦 = 200 sin 30° + 100 sin 60° = 186.603 𝑙𝑏

𝑅 = √(123.205)2 + (186.603)2 = 223.607 𝑙𝑏

186.603
tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 56.565°
123.205

𝑀𝑜 = 223.607 (3) cos 56.565° − 223.607 (4) sin 56.565°

𝑀𝑜 = − − 376.794 𝑙𝑏
Alternate solution
𝑀𝑜 = 200(3) cos 30° − 200(4) sin 30° − 100(3) cos 60° −
100(4) sin 60°
𝑀𝑜 = −376.795 𝑙𝑏

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.8

A force P passing through points A and B in the figure below has a clockwise moment of 300 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 about O.
Compute the value of P.

Solution:

The force P must be directed down to the right so that the

moment about the origin will be in clockwise, as shown in the
second figure.

 When P is at Point A
𝑀𝑜 = 𝑃𝑥 (3) = 300 𝑃𝑥 = 100 𝑙𝑏

 When P is at point B
𝑀𝑜 = 𝑃𝑦 (6) = 300 𝑃𝑦 = 50 𝑙𝑏

 The resultant for P

𝑃 = √(100)2 + (50)2 𝑃 = 111.803 𝑙𝑏

Resultant of Parallel Force System

A parallel force system is one, which the action lines of all forces are parallel. The resultant of such system is
determined when it is known in magnitude, direction and position.
𝑅 = ∑𝐹 𝑅 ∗ 𝑑 = ∑ 𝑀𝑜

Example 2.9

A parallel force system acts on the lever shown in the figure. Determine the magnitude and position of the
resultant.

Solution:
𝑅 = ∑𝐹 ↓ + 𝑅 = 30 + 60 − 20 + 40 = 110 𝑙𝑏
𝑀𝑜 = ∑ 𝑀0 ↷ +
𝑀𝑜 = 30(2) + 60(5) − 20(7) + 40(11) = 660 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
Also, 𝑀𝑜 = 𝐹 ∗ 𝑑 660 = 110(𝑑)
𝑑 = 6 𝑓𝑡
𝑹 = 𝟏𝟏𝟎 𝒍𝒃 downward at 𝟔 𝒇𝒕 to the right of A

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.10

The beam AB in the figure supports a load, which varies from an intensity of 50 𝑙𝑏⁄𝑓𝑡 to 200 𝑙 𝑙𝑏⁄𝑓𝑡 . Calculate
the magnitude and position of the resultant load. Hint: Replace the given loading by a uniformly distributed
load of 50 𝑙𝑏⁄𝑓𝑡 plus a triangular load from zero at A to 150 𝑙𝑏⁄𝑓𝑡 at B.

Solution:

 Determine the resultant load

𝑙𝑏 1 𝑙𝑏
𝑅 = 50 (12 𝑓𝑡) + (150 ) (12 𝑓𝑡)
𝑓𝑡 2 𝑓𝑡

𝑅 = 1,500 𝑙𝑏

 Locate the resultant by taking summation of moment at A

12 1 2
𝑀𝐴 = 50 (12 ) ( ) + (150 )(12) { (12)}
2 2 3

𝑀𝐴 = 10,800 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
Also, 𝑀𝐴 = 𝑅 ∗ 𝑑
𝑀𝐴 = 10,800 = 1500(𝑑)
𝑑 = 7.2 𝑓𝑡
𝑹 = 𝟏, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃 located at 𝒅 = 𝟕. 𝟐 𝒇𝒕 to the right of the
support at A.

Example 2.11

Find the values of 𝑃 and 𝐹 so that the four forces shown in the figure to produce an upward resultant of 300 𝑙𝑏
acting at 4 𝑓𝑡 from the left end of the bar.

Solution:
 𝑅 = ∑ 𝐹𝑣 ↑ +
300 = 𝑃 − 𝐹 + 200 − 100
𝑃 − 𝐹 = 200 eq. 1
 𝑅 ∗ 𝑑 = ∑ 𝑀𝐴 ↷ +
−300(4) = −𝑃(2) + 𝐹(5) − 200(7)  Solving equations 1 and 2 simultaneously

−2𝑃 + 5𝐹 = 200 eq. 2 𝑃 = 400 𝑙𝑏 Answer

𝐹 = 200 𝑙𝑏 Answer

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Couples

Couples – are two equal, parallel and oppositely directed forces. The resultant of a couple is zero in magnitude but
have a resultant moment. The perpendicular distance between the action lines of the forces is called the moment
arm of the couple. Their moment sum is constant and independent of the moment center.

Consider the figure on the right:

↷ + ∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 𝐹 ∗ 𝑑
↷ + ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 𝐹(𝑑 + 𝑎) − 𝐹(𝑎) = 𝐹 ∗ 𝑑
Therefore: 𝐹 = 𝐹 ∗ 𝑑
Since the only effect of couple is to produce a moment that is independent
of the moment center, the effect of moment is unchanged if
a) the couple is rotated through any angle in its plane
b) the couple is shifted to any other position in its plane
c) the couple is shifted to a parallel plane

Example 2.12

Refer to the figure shown below. A couple consists of two vertical forces 60 𝑙𝑏 each. One force acts up through
A and the other acts down through D. Transform the couple into an equivalent couple having horizontal forces
acting through E and F.

Solution:

For the 60 𝑙𝑏 couple

𝐶 = 60(2) = 120 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 (counterclockwise)
For the force P acting through E and F
𝐶 = 𝑃(3) = 3𝑃 (counterclockwise)
Equating C and solving for P
𝑷 = 𝟒𝟎 𝒍𝒃

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.13

The cantilever truss shown in the figure carries a vertical load of 2400 𝑙𝑏. The truss is supported by bearings at
A and B which exerts the forces 𝐴𝑣 , 𝐴ℎ and 𝐵ℎ . The four forces shown two couples which must have opposite
moment effects to prevent movement of the truss. Determine the magnitudes of the supporting forces.

Solution:

 Since the two vertical forces constitute a couple,

𝐴𝑣 = 2400 𝑙𝑏 𝐶 = 2400(6) = 14,400 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡

 The couple produce by the two horizontal forces is

𝐶 = 𝐵ℎ (4) = 𝐴ℎ (4)

 Equate the two couple

14,400 = 𝐴ℎ (4) = 𝐵ℎ (4)
𝐴ℎ = 3600 𝑙𝑏 𝐵ℎ = 3600 𝑙𝑏

Resolution of a Force into a Force and a Couple

It sometimes becomes necessary to replace a force

acting at a given point by an equal force acting through
some other point. This introduce a couple.

Example 2.14

In the figure, a system of forces reduces to a downward vertical force of 400 𝑙𝑏 through A plus a
counterclockwise couple of 800 𝑙𝑏 ∗ 𝑓𝑡. Determine the single force that will produce an equivalent effect.
Solution:

From Figure (b):

𝑀𝑜 = 400(4) − 800 = 800 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
Consider Figure (c), the effect of this system must be equal to Figure (b)
𝑅 = ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 400 𝑙𝑏 ↓ 𝑀𝑜 = 400(𝑥) = 800 𝑥 = 2 𝑓𝑡
Therefore, 𝑹 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃 ↓ at 𝟐 𝒇𝒕 to the right of the origin

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.15

Replace the system of forces acting on the frame in the figure by a resultant R at A and a couple acting
horizontally through B and C.

Solution:

 Consider the first figure

𝑅 = ∑ 𝐹𝑣 ↓ + 𝑅 = 20 + 60 − 30 = 50 𝑙𝑏
Since R is to be placed at point A, consider taking summation of
moment at A.
𝑀𝐴 = 60(4) − 20(1) = 220 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 ↷

 Consider the second figure

To produce a counterclockwise moment, the force at B must be

directed to the left while the force at C must be directed to the right.
𝐹(2) = 220 𝐹 = 110 𝑙𝑏
Therefore: 𝑹 = 𝟓𝟎 𝒍𝒃 ↓, 𝑭𝑩 = 𝟏𝟏𝟎 𝒍𝒃 ←, 𝑭𝑪 = 𝟏𝟏𝟎 𝒍𝒃 →

Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force System

The effect of an unbalanced non-concurrent force system on a body is to give the body a motion consisting of a
combined translation and rotation. Kinetics of rigid bodies covers these translational and rotational effects of forces
on a body. The magnitude of the resultant R whose components are ∑ 𝐹𝑥 and ∑ 𝐹𝑦 will determine the translational
effect while the moment of the resultant force expressed in terms of the applied forces 𝑅 ∗ 𝑑 = ∑ 𝑀 will determine
the rotational effect of forces on the body.

 Resultant of non-concurrent force system

2
𝑅𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑥 → + 𝑅𝑦 = ∑ 𝐹𝑦 ↑ + 𝑅 = √(∑ 𝐹𝑥 )2 + (∑ 𝐹𝑦 )
 To determine the direction of the resultant force
∑ 𝐹𝑦
tan 𝜃𝑥 = ∑
𝐹𝑥
 To locate position of the resultant force
𝑅 ∗𝑑 = ∑𝑀

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.16

The effect of a certain non-concurrent force system is defined by the following data: ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = +90 𝑙𝑏, ∑ 𝐹𝑦 =
−60 𝑙𝑏, and ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 360 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 counterclockwise. Determine the point at which the resultant intersect the x-
and y-axes.

Solution:

To produce counterclockwise moment about the origin, the

point of intersection of the resultant force with the x-axis
should be to the left of the origin
∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 60(𝑥) = −360
𝑦 = −6 𝑓𝑡
Therefore, R will intersect the x-axis at 𝟔 𝒇𝒕 to the left of the
origin

To produce counterclockwise moment about the origin, the

point of intersection of the resultant force with the y-axis
should be below the origin.
∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 90(𝑦) = −360
𝑦 = −4 𝑓𝑡
Therefore, R will intersect the y-axis at 𝟒 𝒇𝒕 below the origin

Example 2.17

Determine completely the resultant of the forces acting on the step pulley shown in the figure.

Solution:
𝑅𝑥 = 250 + 750 cos 30° = 899.519 𝑙𝑏 →
𝑅𝑦 = 750 sin 30° − 1250 = − − 875 𝑙𝑏 ↓

𝑅 = √(899.519 )2 + (−875)2 = 1254.894 𝑙𝑏

Take summation of moments about the axle (center of the pulley)

𝑀𝑜 = 750(1.25) − 250(1.25) − 1250(0.5) = 0
Since 𝑀𝑜 = 0, the resultant force 𝑅 = 1254.894 𝑙𝑏 will pass through the
center

Prepared by: Engr. Lucia V. Ortega Page 11 of 16

Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.18

Completely determine the resultant with respect to point O of the force systems shown in the figure.

Solution:
1 12
𝑅𝑥 = 141.4 ( ) + 300 sin 60° + 260 ( ) − 240 sin 30°
√2 13

𝑅𝑥 = 479.793 𝑙𝑏 →
1 5
𝑅𝑦 = 141.4 ( ) − 300 cos 60° + 260 ( ) + 240 cos 30°
√2 13

𝑅𝑦 = 257.831 𝑙𝑏 ↑

𝑅 = √(479.793)2 + (257.831)2 = 544.682 𝑙𝑏

257.831
tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 28.253°
479.793
1 12 5
𝑀𝑂 = 141.4 ( ) (3) + 300(4) sin 60° + 300(4) cos 60° + 260 ( ) (1) − 260 ( ) (4)
√2 13 13

𝑀𝑂 = 1,779.185 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 (clockwise)
Intersection of the resultant with the x-axis (to produce clockwise moment about O, the resultant should
pass at a point on the left side of the origin)
𝑀𝑂 = 257.831 (𝑥) = 1,779.185 𝑥 = 6.901 𝑓𝑡
Intersection of the resultant with the y-axis (to produce clockwise moment about O, the resultant should
pass at a point above the origin)
𝑀𝑂 = 479.793 (𝑦) = 1,779.185 𝑦 = 3.708 𝑓𝑡

Example 2.19

Determine the resultant of the three forces acting on the dam shown in the figure and locate its intersection
with the base AB. For good design, this interaction should occur within the middle third of the base. Does it?

Solution:
𝑅𝑥 = 10,000 − 6000 sin 60° = 4,803.848 𝑙𝑏 →
𝑅𝑦 = 24,000 + 6000 cos 60° = 27,000 𝑙𝑏 ↓

𝑅 = √(4,803.848)2 + (27,000)2 = 27,424.022 𝑙𝑏

27,000
tan 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 79,911°
4,803.848

𝑀𝑂 = 10,000(6) − 24,000(11) − 6,000(4)

𝑀𝑂 = −228,000 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 (counterclockwise)

Intersection of the resultant with the base AB

𝑀𝐵 = 27,000 (𝑥) = −228,000 𝑥 = −8.444 𝑓𝑡
The resultant of the forces acting on the dam will intersect at 𝟖. 𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒇𝒕 to the left of point B, which is
within the middle third of the base.

Prepared by: Engr. Lucia V. Ortega Page 12 of 16

Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Force System in Space

In the analysis of force system in space, we will apply the same basic concepts used for coplanar force systems. These
basic concepts are (a) the relationship between a force and its components and (b) the moment effect of a force
about a reference axis. The only difference is, these concepts will be extended to include the more general case of
space forces.

The Three Mutually Perpendicular Components of a Force

𝐹 = √𝐹𝑥 2 + 𝐹𝑦 2 + 𝐹𝑧 2

𝐹𝑥
𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃𝑥 cos 𝜃𝑥 =
𝐹
𝐹𝑦
𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃𝑦 cos 𝜃𝑦 =
𝐹
𝐹𝑧
𝐹𝑧 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃𝑧 cos 𝜃𝑧 =
𝐹

𝐹𝑥 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑧 𝐹
= = = 𝑑 = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 𝑑

Example 2.20

Determine the magnitude of the resultant, its pointing, and its direction cosines for the following system of
non-coplanar, concurrent forces, 300 𝑙𝑏 (+3, −4, +6); 400 𝑙𝑏 (−2, +4, −5); 200 𝑙𝑏 (−4, +5, −3)

Solution: 300(−4) 400(4) 200(5)

𝑅𝑦 = + +
√61 3√5 5√2
We can start the solution by assigning letter to
𝑅𝑦 = 226.291 𝑙𝑏 ↑
each one of the forces
300(6) 400(−5) 200(−3)
 𝑃 = 300 𝑙𝑏 (+3, −4, +6) 𝑅𝑧 = + +
√61 3√5 5√2

𝑑 = √(3)2 + (−4)2 + (6)2 = √61 𝑅𝑧 = −152.529 𝑙𝑏 ↗

300
=
𝑃𝑥
=
𝑃𝑦
=
𝑃𝑧 𝑅 = √(−117.161)2 + (226.291 )2 + (−152.529)2
2√14 2 −4 6
𝑅 = 296.984 𝑙𝑏
 𝑄 = 400 𝑙𝑏 (−2, +4, −5)
117.161
cos 𝜃𝑥 = = 0.3945
𝑑 = √(−2)2 + (4)2 + (−5)2 = 3√5 296.984
226.291
400 𝑄𝑥 𝑄𝑦 𝑄𝑧 cos 𝜃𝑦 = = 0.762
= = = 296.984
3√5 −2 4 −5
152.529
cos 𝜃𝑧 = = 0.5136
 𝐹 = 200 𝑙𝑏 (−4, +5, −3) 296.984

𝑑 = √(−4)2 + (5)2 + (−3)2 = 5√2

200 𝐹𝑥 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑧 𝑅 = 296.984 𝑙𝑏 pointing up, to the left and backward at
= = =
5√2 −4 5 −3 cos 𝜃𝑥 = 0.3945, cos 𝜃𝑦 = 0.762, cos 𝜃𝑧 = 0.5136
300(3) 400(−2) 200(−4)
 𝑅𝑥 = + +
√61 3√5 5√2

𝑅𝑥 = −117.161 𝑙𝑏 ←

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.21

Three concurrent forces P, Q, and F have a resultant of 5 𝑙𝑏 directed forward and up to the right at 𝜃𝑥 = 60°,
𝜃𝑦 = 60°, 𝜃𝑧 = 45°. P equals 20 𝑙𝑏 and passes through the origin and the point (2, 1, 4). The value of Q is also
20 𝑙𝑏 and it passes through the point (5, 2, 3). Determine the magnitude of the third force F and the angles it
makes with the reference axes.

Solution:

 𝑃 = 20 𝑙𝑏 (2, 1, 4)  2.5 =
20(1)
+
20(2)
+ 𝐹𝑦
√21 √38

𝑑 = √(2)2 + (1)2 + (4)2 = √21 𝐹𝑦 = −8.353 𝑙𝑏

20 𝑃𝑥 𝑃𝑦 𝑃𝑧
= = =  3.536 =
20(4)
+
20(3)
+ 𝐹𝑧
√21 2 1 4
√21 √38
 𝑄 = 20 𝑙𝑏 (5, 2, 3) 𝐹𝑧 = −23.655 𝑙𝑏
𝑑= √(5)2 + (2)2 + (3)2 = √38  𝐹 = √(−22.451 )2 + (−8.353)2 + (−23.655)2
20 𝑄𝑥 𝑄𝑦 𝑄𝑧
= = = 𝐹 = 33.666 𝑙𝑏
√38 5 2 3

𝑅𝑥 22.451
 cos 60° = 𝑅𝑥 = 2.5 𝑙𝑏  cos 𝜃𝑥 = 𝜃𝑥 = 48.174°
5 33.666
𝑅𝑦 8.353
 cos 60° = 𝑅𝑦 = 2.5 𝑙𝑏  cos 𝜃𝑦 = 𝜃𝑦 = 75.634°
5 33.666

𝑅𝑧 23.655
 cos 45° = 𝑅𝑧 = 3.536 𝑙𝑏  cos 𝜃𝑧 = 𝜃𝑧 = 45.361°
5 33.666

20(2) 20(5) 𝐹 = 33.666 𝑙𝑏 pointing backward and down to the left at

 2.5 = + + 𝐹𝑥
√21 √38
𝜃𝑥 = 48.174° , 𝜃𝑦 = 75.634°, 𝜃𝑧 = 45.361°
𝐹𝑥 = −22.451 𝑙𝑏

Moment of a Force about an Axis

𝑀𝑥 = 𝐹𝑦 ∗ 𝑧 − 𝐹𝑧 ∗ 𝑦

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.22

A force of 100 𝑙𝑏 is directed from A toward B in the cube shown in the figure. Determine the moment of the
force about each of the coordinate axes.

Solution:

 Coordinates of A and B

𝐴(0, 4, 4) and 𝐵(4, 1, 0)

 Distance AB

𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √(4 − 0)2 + (1 − 4)3 + (0 − 4)2

𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √41

 Components of the force AB

100 𝐴𝐵𝑥 𝐴𝐵𝑦 𝐴𝐵𝑧
= = =
√41 4 3 4

 Moment about x-axis (y-z plane)  Moment about z-axis (x-y plane)

100(4) 100(3) 100(4)

𝑀𝑥 = (4) − (4) = 62.47 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡 𝑀𝑧 = (4) = 249.878 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
√41 √41 √41

 Moment about y-axis (x-z plane)

100(4)
𝑀𝑦 = (4) = −249.878 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
√41

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 2: Resultant of Force Systems

Example 2.23

A force P is directed from a point 𝐴(4, 1, 4) toward a point 𝐵(−3, 4, −1). If it causes a moment 𝑀𝑧 = 1900 𝑙𝑏 ∙
𝑓𝑡, determine the moment of P about the x- and y-axes.

Solution:
 Distance AB
𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √(−3 − 4)2 + (4 − 1)3 + (−1 − 4)2
𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √83
 Components of the force P
𝑃 𝑃𝑥 𝑃𝑦 𝑃𝑧
= = =
√83 7 3 5
 Moment about z-axis
7𝑃 3𝑃
𝑀𝑧 = (1) + (4) = 1900
√83 √83
𝑃 = 911.043 𝑙𝑏

 Moment about x-axis

5𝑃 3𝑃
𝑀𝑥 = (1) + (4) = 1700 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
√83 √83

 Moment about y-axis

5𝑃 7𝑃
𝑀𝑦 = (4) − (4) = −800 𝑙𝑏 ∙ 𝑓𝑡
√83 √83

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