STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

The Overview

Statics of Rigid Bodies is the first part of Engineering Mechanics. The course is a branch
of Mechanics which mainly focuses on the effect of forces on rigid bodies.

The course emphasizes dealing with the problems on solid bodies that are at rest or
moving under constant velocity. It contains topics about forces, its characteristics and theories.

References:

1. Engineering Mechanics, Second Edition by Ferdinand L. Singer

2. Engineering Mechanics: Statics: Modelling and Analyzing Systems in Equilibrium, 1st
Edition by Sheri D. Sheppard, Thalia Anagnos and Sarah L. Billlington
3. Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 12th ediction by R.C. Hibbeler
4. Engineering Mechanics 1 by Gross et.al.

Module 1: RESOLUTION OF FORCES

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Define a force and determine its characteristics and properties.
2. Learn the different types of force system.
3. Deal with the problems about force.

Learning Content:

Force defined

A vector quantity that is drawn by a line with an arrow head. 

Force is assumed to have a sign convention related to its position
on the Cartesian Coordinate System (CCS).

A. Force Component
The equivalent force of the single force about the chosen axis.

Formulas:
a. Using  b. Using  c. Using Slope, if angle is not given
F
Fx  x 
Fx  F cos  Fx  F sin  z
z  x2  y 2
Fy  F sin  Fy  F cos  F
Fy  y 
z
Sample Problems)

1. Problem 204, page 18, Determine the x and y components of each of the forces as shown in
the figure.
Solution:
For force F = 390 lb,
z 52
 12   13
2

F
Fx  x    390 5  150 lb (going to the left)
z 13
F  390
Fy  y   12  360 lb (pointing upward)
z 13

For force P = 300 lb,

Px  P cos 30  259.81lb (going to the right)
Py  P sin 30  300 sin 30  150 lb (downward)

For force T = 400 lb,

T x  T cos 40  400 cos 40  306.42 lb (going to the left)
T y  T sin 40  400 sin 40  257.12 lb (downward)

2. Problem 208, page 19, The horizontal and vertical components of several forces are:
(a) Ph = -200 lb and Pv = 100 lb; (b) Fh = 300 lb and Fv = -200 lb; (c) Th = -50 lb and Tv = -90
lb. Determine each force.

Solution:
Draw the given force components,
a. Ph = -200 lb and Pv = 100 lb
P 200  2
 100 
2

P = 223.61 lb up to the left

P  100 
 P  tan 1 v  tan 1  
Ph  200 
 P  26.57

b. Fh = 300 lb and Fv = -200 lb

F 300  2
 200 
2

F = 360.56 lb down to the right

F  200 
 F  tan 1 v  tan 1  
Fh  300 
 F  33.69

c. Th = -50 lb and Tv = -90 lb

T  50  2
 90 
2

T = 102.96 lb down to the left

T  90 
 T  tan 1 v  tan 1  
Th  50 
  T  10 .20
60.95

3. Problem 211, page 19

The body on the 30 incline as shown in the figure
below is acted upon a force P inclined at 20 with the P
horizontal. If P is resolved into components parallel and 20
perpendicular to the incline and the value of the parallel
component is 400 lb, compute the value of the 30
perpendicular component and that of P.

Solution:
From the given figure and data,
P
P
P 20
P
30
50 30
P// P//

for force P,
P//
cos 50 
P
P// 400
P   622.29 lb
cos 50 cos 50

for perpendicular component,

P
tan 50  
P//
P  P// tan 50  400 tan 50  476.76
0 lb

B. Moment of a Force tends to rotate a body about a chosen point or

axis.

Formula: MO  F  d

The Law of Transmissibility of the Force

A force that is being moved or replaced along its line of action will have a same
magnitude as that of the original force.

The Varignon’s Theorem

The Moment of a Force is equivalent to the algebraic
sum of the moment of its force components.

Formulas:
1. Moment of a Force, MO
M O  FX y   FY x 
Moment center
 2. x and y-intercept
M M
xi  O yi  O
FY FX

Sample Problem)
Problem 226, page 30, Determine the moment of the force F = 450
lb and force P = 361 lb about points A, B, C and D. Assume
clockwise motion is positive.
(each force components iikot, if magkaiba ikot edi magkaiba yung sign)
Solution:
Consider the figure assuming clockwise moment positive,
For force F,
4 3
M A  FX 3   FY 1  450 3   450 1  1350lb  ft
5 5
4 3
M B  FX 3   FY 4   450 3   450 4   2160 lb  ft
5 5
3
M C  FX 0   FY 5   0  450 5   1350 lb  ft
5
4 3
M D  FX 3   FY 1  450 3   450 1  810 lb  ft
5 5
For force P,
 2   3 
M A  PX 3   PY 2  361 3   361 2  0
 13   13 
 2   3 
M B  PX 3   PY 3   361 3   361 3   300.37 lb  ft
 13   13 
 3 
M C  PX 0   PY 4   0  361 4   1201.48 lb  ft
 13 
 2   3 
M D  PX 3   PY 2  361 3   361 2  1201.48 lb  ft
 13   13 

C. Resultant

The equivalent force of the combined effect of the forces acting on a force system.

a. Coplanar Concurrent Force System

Force system wherein forces are acting on the same plane
with line of action intersecting at a common point.
1. Resultant, R
R  F    F 
X
2
Y
2

2. Direction Angle, 
  FY 
  tan 1  
  FX 
Sample Problem)
Problem 213, page 22, Determine the magnitude and
direction angle of the resultant from the given forces as shown.

Solution:
1. Resultant, R   F    F 
X
2
Y
2

where:

 FX  300 cos 45  400 cos 60  200 cos 30  161.07 lb

 FY  300 sin 45  400 sin 60  200 sin 30  458.54 lb
then, R  161.07   458.54 
2 2

R  486 lb going up to the left

2. Direction Angle, 
  FY   456.54 
  tan 1    tan 1    70.57  answer
  FX   161.07 

b. Coplanar Parallel Force System

Forces acting have line action parallel to each other.

Formulas:
1. Resultant, R   F
M
2. Location, d  A
R

Sample Problems)
Problem 236, page 34, Determine the magnitude and
position of the resultant of the parallel forces as shown in
the figure below.

Solution:
1. Resultant, R   F    
R  30  60  20  40 =100 lb downward  answer
M
2. Position of the resultant, d  A
R
where: M A  302  605   207   4011  660 lb  ft
660
then, d   6 ft from the right of A  answer
110

c. Distributed Load
Force system wherein forces acting are parallel to
each other and are distributed throughout the span.
Formulas:
1. Resultant,
 L
R = area of the distributed load, or R  0 y dx
2. Location of the resultant, d
M L
d  A , or Rd  0 xy dx
R
where,
y, height of the differential strip
x, distance of the centroid of the differential strip from the moment arm of reference
point or axis
dx, length of the differential strip
L, span or length of the distributed load

Sample Problem)
Determine the magnitude and position of the
resultant of the distributed load as shown in the figure.
formula ng area of trapezoid
Solution:
1st Solution: By Area
1
1. Resultant, R  50  200 12  1500 lb  answer
2
1
50 126   150 128 
MA 2
2. Location, d A   =7.2 m from A
R 1500

2nd Solution: By Calculus

1. Resultant, R
L
R  0 y dx
y  50 x
where:  ; y  12.5 x  50
150 12
12
 x2 
then, R   12.5 x  50  dx   12.5 x dx  50 dx   12.5    50 x 0  1500 N
12 12 12
0 0
 2  0
2. Location of Resultant,
L
Rd  0 xy dx
12 12
 x3   x2 
1500d   x 12.5 x  50  dx   12.5 x  50 x dx  12.5    50    10800
12 12 2
0 0
 3  0  2  0
d  10800 / 1500  7.2 m

d. Coplanar Non-Concurrent Force System

Force system wherein forces are acting on the same plane
but their line of action does not intersect at a common point.
1. Resultant, R   F    F 
X
2
Y
2

1   FY 
2. Direction Angle,   tan  
  FX 
 MO
3. Location, d 
R

Sample Problem)
Problem 262, page 45, Determine completely the resultant of the
forces acting on the step pulley as shown.

Solution: arctan 875

1. Resultant, R   FX    FY 
2 2
899
where:
44.20
 FX  250  750 cos 30  899.52 lb
 FY  1250  750 sin 30  875 lb Mo= (750)(1.25) - (1250)(0.5) - (250)(1.25)
=0

then, R 899.52 2
 875   1254.89 lb  answer
2

D. Force Couple are two forces having the same magnitude with the line of
action directly opposite to each other. Its effect is the same as that of the
moment of a force which is the possible rotation of the body.

Formula: C  F d

Sample Problem)
Problem 246, page 38, Determine the resultant moment about point
A of the forces acting as shown. Each square measures 1’ each side.
Solution:
Consider the figure,

(200) 3

13

M A  80 2  100  2   200  3   2

3   200 
    
2  100  1 2  100  2 1  560.80 lb  ft
 13   13   5  5

ASSIGNMENT 1:
1. Problem 205, page 19, Compute the x and y components of each of the forces as shown in
the figure below.
2. Problem 231, page 31, A force P passing through points A and B has a clockwise moment of
300 lb-ft about O. Compute the magnitude of force P. Law of Transmisibility
200sin(60)
Figure (231) & (232) Solution
Figure (231) & (232) Solution Continuation
Mo= Px(3)=300
= arctan Px= 300/3
Px= 100 lbs
200cos(60)
= 26.57 Mo=Py(6)=300
d Py=300/6
Py= 50 lbs

P P= (Px)^2 + (Py)^2

= 111.80 lbs
Figure (205) Solution

Fx= Px+Fx-Tx 573.60

= 100.21 = arctan
100.21
Fy=Py+Ty-Fy
= 573.60 =80.09
R= (100.21)^2 + (573.60)^2

= 582.29 lbs

Module 2: EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Determine a body in equilibrium;
2. Draw a free-body diagram;
3. Solve problems dealing with forces in equilibrium in each of the different types of force
system.

Learning Content:

A body is said to be in equilibrium if the resultant of the force system is zero (0).

The Free-Body Diagram (FBD)

The graphical representation of the body that shows the external forces acting, the support
reactions and the internal forces that may act on the body. For sample Free-Body Diagram,
please refer to Table III-1,page 50 of Engineering Mechanics by F. Singer.

A. Coplanar Concurrent Forces in Equilibrium are said to be in equilibrium if it satisfies:

 Fx  0 and  Fy  0

Methods in Solving Concurrent Forces in Equilibrium

a. By Equation is done by setting up equations:

 Fx  0 and  Fy  0

b. By Rotation of Axes
Done by rotating the axes and letting one of the axes coincide with one of the unknown
and setting up the equations:
 Fx '  0 and  Fy '  0 3 F2
F1
1
c. By Force Triangle 2
Done by connecting the forces head to tail and F3
setting up equations for solutions for triangles.
F1 F F
By Sine Law:  2  3
sin1 sin2 sin3

By Cosine Law:
F1  F2  F3  2F2 F3 cos1 ; F2  F1  F3  2F1F3 cos2 ;
2 2 2 2 2 2
 F3  F1  F2  2F1F2 cos3
2 2 2

Sample Problem)
Prob. 308, page 58, The cable and boom as shown in the figure
supports a load of 600 lb. Determine the tensile force T in the cable and the
compressive force C in the boom.

Solution:
FBD,  Fx  0 ; C cos 45  T cos 30  0
C cos 45  T cos 30
C  1.22 T  (1)
 Fy  0 ; C sin 45  T sin 30  600  0  (2)

Substitute (1) to (2), T  439.23 lb

Substitute T = 439.23 lb to (1), C  537.95 lb

Note: try solving the problem using rotation of axes and force triangle, be noted that you must
arrive with the same answer.

B. THEOREM FOR 3-COPLANAR NON-CONCURRENT FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM

3-forces that are non-concurrent can be concurrent if the line of action of the forces
intersects at a common point. Hence, it can be solved by method of solutions for concurrent
forces.

Sample Problem)
Problem 322, page 65, The Fink truss as shown is
supported by a roller at A and a hinge at B. The given
loads are normal to the inclined member. Determine the
reactions at A and B. Hint: Replace the loads by their
resultant.
Solution:
FBD, force triangle,

by Sine law
8000 RA RB
  ; R A  4618.80 lb, R B  4618.80 lb
sin 120 sin 30 sin 30

C. COPLANAR PARALLEL FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM

Parallel forces are said to be in equilibrium if it satisfies  F  0 and  M  0

Sample Problem)
 Problem 334, page 70, Determine the reactions on the beam loaded as shown.

Solution:
FBD,
M R1 0
121.5   183   22.56.5   R 2 7.5   0; R 2  29.10 kN  answer
 F  0
R1  R 2  12  18  22.5  0; R1  23.40 kN  answer

D. NON-CONCURRENT FORCES IN EQUILIBRIUM

Non-concurrent forces maintain to be in equilibrium if it satisfies FX, FY and M = 0.

Sample Problem)
Problem 346, page 75, Bar AB is supported by a hinge at A and a
cable from C to a pulley at D. Determine the tension T at the cable and the
reaction at hinge at A.

Solution:
FBD of the bar,

 M A  0; 2002  1006   T sin 63.434 ;

T  279.52 lbs
 Fh  0; R h  T cos 63.43  279.52 cos 63.43; R h  125.02 lbs
 Fv  0; Rv  T sin 63.43  200  100; Rv  50.06 lbs

Assignment No. 2

1. Problem 310, page 58

Determine the value of force P and the normal pressure N acting on
the 300 lb block resting on the smooth plane inclined at 45.
2. Problem 324, page 65
A wheel of 10 in. radius carries a load of 1000 lb.
a. Determine the horizontal force P applied at the center which is
necessary to start the wheel over the 5 in. block. Also find the
reaction at the block.
b. If the force P may be inclined at any angle with the horizontal,
determine the minimum value of P to start the wheel over the
block; the angle that P makes with the horizontal; and the
reaction at the block.

Module 3: FRICTION

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Determine what is a friction and where it is applied;
2. Solve problems dealing with friction.
Learning Content:

Friction is the effect when two bodies come in contact. It is represented by a force called
Frictional Force with the direction directly opposite to the possible motion of the body.

A. Blocks and Wedges

Formulas:
1. Frictional Force, Ff  fN
where: f, coefficient of friction
fs, static coefficient of friction
fk, kinetic coefficient of friction
fs > fk
N, normal force
2. Angle of friction,   tan 1 f
The angle makes by R and Ff from N
3. Least value of force P to impend motion,    and P  R

Sample Problems)
1. Problem 508, page 122, The 200 lb block has impending motion up
the plane caused by the horizontal force of 400lb. Determine the
coefficient of static friction between the contact surfaces.
Solution

 Fy  0  N  200 cos 30  400 sin 30  0; N  373.21lb
 Fx  0  Ff  200 sin 30  400 cos 30  0; Ff  246.41lb


F 246.41
but, Ff  f s N fs  f  f s  0.66  answer
N 373.21
f = tan(33.43)
f= 0.66
33.43
2. Problem 538, page 132, Determine the value of P acting to the left that
is required to pull the wedge out from under the 400 lb block.The angle
of friction for all contact surfaces is 20 degree.
Solution:
FBD of the 400 lb block,

 Fh  0 

R1 cos 20  R 2 sin 10  0; R1  0.1848R 2

 Fv  0  R1 sin 20  R 2 cos 10  400  0
Substitute R1 = 0.1848R2,
R 2  381.67 lb
then, R1  0.1848R 2 ; R1  70.53 lb

FBD of the 10 wedge, 10


 Fv  0  400
100

R 3 cos 20  R 2 cos 10  0; R 3  400 lb 70

 Fh  0 

R 3 sin 20  R 2 sin 10  P  0; P  203.08 lb  answer
R = 400 sin(70) / sin(100) = 381.67 lb
30
P= (381.68) sin(30)/ sin(70) = 203.08 lb
80
70
 Quiz2

Assignment No. 3
1. Problem 537, Determine the value of force P just sufficient to start the
10 wedge under the 400 lb block. The angle of friction is 20on all
points of contact.

Module 4: ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lessons, the learner may able to:

1. Determine what is a truss and the different types of truss;
2. Solve for the bar forces of the members of the truss.

Learning Content:

Truss is a rigid two-force member connected at a node. It is a structure commonly used as roof
frame and bridge frame.

A. Method of Joints
Steps in Analyzing Problems:
1. Solve for unknown reactions.
2. Isolate a node. Choose a node with only two unknown bar force members. The system
will become a concurrent force system.
3. Assume sense of force, tension or compression.
4. Solve for the bar force using solution for concurrent force system in equilibrium.
5. Repeat step 2 to 4 until all the bar forces are determined.

B. Method of Sections
Steps in Analyzing Problems:
1. Solve any unknown reactions, if possible.
2. Create a section line, the line must divide the truss into two segments.
3. Choose a segment then isolate. Members that has been cut by the section line will be
treated as external forces, then assume sense of force.
4. Solve for the unknown bar forces by using solution for non-concurrent force system in
equilibrium.

Sample Problems)
1. Problem 404, Determine the forces in the members of the roof
truss as shown.

Solution:(By Method of Joint)

Solve for the reactions
RA = 50 lb, RDV = 100 lb, RDH = 86.6 lb
From FBD of Joint A,
 FV  0; AB sin 30  50  0; AB  100 lb C  From FBD of Joint C,
 F H  0; AC  AB cos 30  0; AC  86.60 lb T 
 FBD of Left Segment: Solution:(By Method of Section)

86.6 lb
From FBD of Joint C
 FV  0; BC  100 lb T 
 F H  0; CD  AC; CD  86.60 lb T 
From FBD of Joint B, - 86.6 lb = 86.6 lb (T)
 F H  0; AB cos 30  100 cos 30  BD cos 30  0; BD  200 lb C 
- 200lb = 200 lb (C)
2. Problem 417, Using Method of Section, determine the
force on members BD, CD and CE of the roof truss as
shown.
Solution:

 M F  0; R A 36   36012   0; R A  120 lb

 M C  0; R A 12  BD 9   0; BD  160 lb C 
 F V  0; R A  CD3 / 5   0; CD  200 lb C 
 F H  0; BD  CE  CD4 / 5   0; CE  320 lb T 

Midterm 320 lb (T)

Assignment No. 4: 200 lb (C)
Determine the bar forces in each member of the truss as
shown using method of joints and method of sections.

Module 5: FORCE SYSTEM IN SPACE

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the learner may be able to:

1. Analyze a system in 3-dimension.

Learning Content:

To better analyze the force system in space,

structure may be projected in its 2-dimensional view; that
is :
Front view: y-z plane
Top view: x-y plane
Side view: x-z plane

Then the fundamentals of forces in equilibrium can be applied.

Formulas:
1. Length of the member
d  x 2  x1   y 2  y 1   z2  z1 
2 2 2

2. Force-Distance Ratio
 F FX Fy Fz
  
d x y z
3. Resultant
2 2 2
R  R x  Ry  Rz
4. Direction Cosines
 Fx  Fy  Fz
cos x  ; y  ; z 
R R R

Sample Problems)
1. Problem 604, Determine the magnitude of the resultant, its pointing, and its direction cosines
for the following system of non-coplanar, concurrent forces: 200 lb (4, 5 -3); 400 lb (-6, 4, -5);
300 lb (4, -2, -3).

Solution:
a. length of the member
d 200 lb  4  0  5  0   3  0  7.07
2 2 2

d 400 lb   6  0  4  0   5  0  8.77
2 2 2

d 300 lb  4  0   2  0   3  0  5.39
2 2 2

b. by F-D ratio,
200 FX Fy F
   z ; Fx  113.15 lb, Fy  141.44 lb; Fz  84.87 lb
7.07 4 5 3
400 FX Fy F
   z ; Fx  273.66 lb, Fy  182.44 lb; Fz  228.05 lb
8.77  6 4 5
300 FX Fy F
   z ; Fx  222.63 lb, Fy  111.31lb; Fz  166.97 lb
5.39 4 2 3
c. Resultant
R  62.12   212.57    479.89   528.53 lb
2 2 2

d. Direction Cosines
 Fx  Fy  Fz
cos  x   0.1175;  y   0.4022;  z   0.908
R R R

2. Problem 615, The framework shown consists of three

members AB, AC and AD whose lower ends are in the same
horizontal plane. A horizontal force of 1000 lb acting parallel
to the x-axis is applied at A. Determine the force in each
member.

Solution:
a. length of the member
d AB  6  3 2
 0  6   0  0   6.70
2 2

d AD  0  3 2
 0  6   5  0   8.37
2 2

d AC  0  3 2
 0  6    3  0   7.35
2 2
b. by F-D ratio,
AB AB X AB y AB z
  
6 .7 3 6 0
AD AD AD y AD z
 X
 
8.37 3 6 5
AC AC X AC y AC z
  
7.35 3 6 3

Isolate Front View,

 M D,O,C  0; 10006   AB y 6 ; AB y  1000 lb

from F-D ratio,
AB AB y
 ; AB = 1116.67 lb
6 .7 6

Isolate Right Side View,

 M D  0; AC y 8   AB y 5 ; AC y  625 lb
from F-D ratio,
AC AC y
 ; AC = 765.63 lb
7.35 6
 M C  0; AD y 8   AB y 3 ; AD y  375 lb
from F-D ratio,
AD AD y
 ; AD = 523.13 lb
8.37 6

Assignment No. 5
1. Problem 605, Three concurrent forces P, Q and F have
a resultant of 5 lb directed forward and up to the right at
x = 60, y = 60, z = 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.
2. Problem 617, The points B, C and D of the cantilever
framework are attached to a vertical wall. The 400 lb load is parallel to the z-axis and the
1200 lb load is vertical. Compute the force in each member.

Module 6: CENTROIDS

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Locate the centroid of a 2-dimensional object
2. Locate the centroid of the 3-dimensional object.
Learning Content:

 
A. Centroid is the point C x, y , z of the mass m which is also called the center of gravity.
Formulas:
mx my mz
x y z
m ; m ; m
m x   x c dm m y   y c dm m z   z c dm

Note: Replace m by arc length, area, volume or surface area

B. For Centroids of composite masses, refer to Table VII – 1 on page 178 of Engineering
Mechanics by F. Singer
Formulas:

x
 m x ; y   m y ; z   mz
m m m

C. The Pappus Theorem

The volume of solid generated by revolving an area is equal to the area time the
circumference of the circle traced by the centroid of the area.
Formula:
V  A  C or V  2 r A

Sample Problems)
1. Problem 705, Determine the centroid of an area bounded by the x-axis, the line x = a and the
parabola y2 = kx.
Solution:
y 2  kx; k  y 2 x  b 2 a
2
y2  b x
a
y b x
a

a bx 1 / 2
a b  2a 3 / 2  2
A  0 ydx  0 dx     ab
a 1/ 2 a 1/ 2  3  3
a  bx  b  2a 5 / 2  2a 2 b
1/ 2
a
A x  0 xydx  0 x  1 / 2
dx  1 / 2  
 a  a  5  b
2
2a b / 5 3a
x 
2ab / 3 5
a1 a1 1 a b2x b2 a b 2a
A y  0 y ydx   0 y 2 dx  0 dx   xdx 
2 2 2 a 2a 0 4
2
b a / 4 3b
y 
2ab / 3 8
2. Problem 716, A slender homogeneous wire of uniform cross
section is bent into the shape as shown. Determine the
coordinates of its centroid.
Solution:

Line Length x y Lx Ly
1 6 -4 3 -24 18
2 4 0 2(4)/ 0 32
3 8 4 + 4cos 30 4 sin 30 59.71 16
 26.57 35.71 66

x
 L x  35.71  1.34" ; y   L y  66  2.48"
 L 26.57  L 26.57

3. Problem 736, Determine the volume of a right triangle of sides b and h is rotated about an
axis coinciding with side h to generate a right circular cone.
Solution:

V  2 r A
 1  1 
 2  b  bh 
 3  2 
1
V  b 2 h
3

Assignment No. 6
1. Problem 707, Determine the centroid of the ellipse at the first quadrant.
x2 y 2
The equation of the ellipse is 2  2  1 .
a b
2. Problem 718¸Locate the centroid of the shaded area in the given figure
as shown.
3. Problem 737, Derive the expressions for the surface area and volume
generated by rotating a semicircle of radius r about its diameter.

Module 7: MOMENT OF INERTIA

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Define what is moment of inertia;
2. Determine the moment of inertia of an object at an axis;
3. Define polar moment of inertia, radius of gyration and transfer moment of inertia;
4. Solve the polar moment of inertia;
5. Solve radius of gyration; and
 6. transfer moment of inertia of an object.

Learning Content:

Moment of Inertia is the product of the area and the square of its moment about a
reference axis. It is also called the second moment of an area.

Formulas:
1. Moment of Inertia
I x   y 2 dA I y   x 2 dA

2. Polar Moment of Inertia

J  Ix  Iy J   r 2 dA

3. Radius of Gyration
I Ix Iy J
k kx  ky  kz 
A A A A

4. Transfer Moment of Inertia

I  I  Ad 2
J  J  Ad 2
2
k2  k d2

where: x’, centroidal axis

x, any axis parallel to the centroidal axis
I, moment of inertia about the x-axis
I , centroidal moment of inertia
A, area of the section
d, distance between x and x’

Note: For Moment of Inertia of Composite Areas, refer to Table VIII – 1 on page 203 of
Engineering Mechanics by F. Singer.

Sample Problems)
1. Problem 816, A rectangle is 3 in. by 6 in. Determine the polar moment of inertia and the radius
of gyration with respect to a polar axis through one corner.

Solution:
a. Polar moment of inertia
J  I X  Iy
36 
3

where: I x  I X  Ad 2   63 3 2   216 in4

12

I y  I y  Ad 2 
6 3
3

 63 1.5 2   54 in4

12
then,
J  216  54  270 in4
 b. Radius of Gyration
J 270
k  =3.87 in.
A 63 

2. Problem 817, Determine the moment of inertia and radius of gyration with respect to a polar
centroidal axis of the cross section of a hollow tube whose outside diameter is 6 in. and inside
diameter is 4 in.

Solution:
a. Polar moment of inertia
 
J R 4
r 4 3 4
 24 
2 2
J  102.10 in4

b. Radius of Gyration
J 102.10
k  = 2.55 in.
 2
A
6  4 2 
4

Quiz No. 1

Problem 1) A rod as shown was acted upon by four forces.

Determine the magnitude of the resultant, its
direction angle and the moment generated about
point O.

Problem 2) Determine the magnitude of the resultant and its

location from point A.

Problem 3) What value of T acting at x = 1m from B will keep the bar horizontal?

Quiz No. 2

Problem 1) Given that the angle of friction is 20 at all contact surfaces, determine:
a. the resultant of the friction force and the normal force action at the base of the block;
b. the resultant of the friction force and the normal force action at the side of the block; and
c. the value of force P to start the wedge.

Problem 2) Given is a truss as shown in the figure, determine the bar forces on all members and
identify the sense of force. Create a table.
Midterm Examination:

Objective Type Questions: 1 point each

1. A force that intersects an axis will:
a. produce moment c. have no moment about an axis
b. create horizontal component d. create vertical component
2. It produces purely rotational effect; therefore, it has a moment but no resultant force.
a. moment of a force c. force components
b. force couple d. equilibrium of forces
3. These are distributed loads that are directed normal to the surface on which they act.
a. normal force c. distributed loads
b. pressure d. concentrated load
4. A body is said to be in equilibrium if the resultant of the force system that acts on the
body –
a. is parallel to its resultant c. vanishes
b. is a resultant couple d. has moment equal to zero
5. These are forces that are exerted on a body by the supports to which it is attached.
a. applied force c. resultant forces
b. reaction force d. components
6. These are forces acting on a body that are not provided by the supports.
a. resultant forces c. components
b. reaction force d. applied force
7. A force reaction that is perpendicular to the surface acting on the point of contact.
a. normal force b. reaction force c. force couple d. applied force
8. Forces in which lines of action neither are parallel nor intersect in a common point.
a. non concurrent b. parallel c. concurrent d. distributed
9. It states that the external effect of a force on a body is the same for all points of application
along its line of action.
a. principle of equilibrium c. principle of moment
b. principle of transmissibility d. principle of force components
10. It is the measure of the ability of the force to produce turning or twisting about the axis.
a. torque c. couple
b. moment d. equilibrium
11. These defines that the moment of a force is equivalent to
the sum of the moments of its force components.
a. principle of transmissibility
b. principle of moment
c. principle of force component
d. principle of equilibrium
Problem 1) Given is a masonry dam as shown with a width of 6m, determine the magnitude of
the resultant and its horizontal and vertical component.

Final Examination:

Problem 1) The beam as shown is supported by a pin and

a roller and is subjected to a 2-kN force. Determine:
1. the horizontal reaction at A;
2. the vertical reaction at A; and
3. the reaction at the roller support at B.

Problem 2) From the figure below, determine:

1. the horizontal reaction at A;
2. the vertical reaction at A; and
3. the moment generated the support at A.

Problem 3) A uniform stone has a mass of 500 kg and is held

in the horizontal position using the wedge at B. If the
coefficient of friction is f = 0.3 at the surfaces of contact, determine:
1. the normal force exerted at point A;
2. the normal force exerted at point B;
3. the normal force exerted at point C; and
4. the minimum force P to remove the wedge.