MECHANICS OF RIGID BODY

1—4
 Review Innovations CE Review for November 2023 – Engineering Mechanics 1
FORCE SYSTEMS

Force System is defined as any arrangement where two or

more forces act on a body or on a group of related bodies.

1. Concurrent Force Systems

- Forces whose lines of action pass through a common
point
Situation 2: The three forces acting on the beam can be
2. Parallel Force Systems replaced with a single equivalent force R. Determine the
- Forces whose lines of action are parallel following:

3. Non-concurrent Force Systems

- Forces whose lines of action neither are parallel nor
intersect on a common point

Principle of Transmissibility - According to this law the

state of rest or motion of the rigid body is unaltered if a force
acting on the body is replaced by another force of the same
magnitude and direction but acting anywhere on the body
1. The x-component of the resultant force.
along the line of action of the replaced force.
2. The magnitude of R.
3. The corresponding value of q.
Parallelogram Law - The combined effect of two forces may
be represented by a single resultant force that is equivalent
to the diagonal of a parallelogram which contains the two Situation 3: From the given set of forces shown in the figure,
forces in adjacent legs. determine the:

Triangle Law - If two forces acting on a body are represented

one after another by the sides of a triangle, their resultant is
represented by the closing side of the triangle taken from first
point to the last point.

Components of a Force in Plane:

1. the magnitude of the resultant force of the system?

2. angle that the resultant force makes with the horizontal
measured CCW?
3. distance of the line of action of the resultant force from the
origin?
4. the distance from the origin where the resultant intersects
the x-axis?
Δx
Fx = Fcosα = Fsinβ = F
Δr PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE:
Δy
Fy = Fcosb = Fsina = F Situation 1: Resolve the 500-N force into:
Δr

( )
2
Resultant: F = ( Fx )2 + Fy

PROBLEMS:

Situation 1: A barge is pulled by two tugboats. If the

resultant of the forces exerted by the tugboats is a 5000-lb
force directed along the axis of the barge, determine

1. the tension in rope 1 knowing that α = 45°

2. the tension in rope 2 knowing that α = 45° 1. x- and y- components
3. the value of α for which the tension in rope 2 is minimum. 2. x- and y’-components
3. x’- and y-components
4. x’- and y’-components
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Situation 2: The 300-lb force is to be resolved into 3. distance of the line of action of the resultant force from the
components along lines a-a’ and b-b’. origin?
4. the distance from the origin where the resultant intersects
the x-axis?

Situation 6: If the combined moment of the two forces about

point C is zero, determine:

1. Determine the angle α knowing that the component

along line a-a’ is 240-lb.
2. What is the corresponding value of the component along
b-b’?

1. the magnitude of the force P

Situation 3: Knowing that the tension in cable BC is 725N,
2. the magnitude of the resultant of the two forces
determine the resultant of the three forces exerted at point B
of beam AB. 3. the coordinates x and y of the point A on the rim of the
wheel about which the combined moment of the two
forces is a maximum
4. the combined moment MA of the two forces about A

Situation 7: The towline exerts a force P = 4 kN at the end of

the 20-m-long crane boom. If θ = 300,

Situation 4: If θ = 300 and T = 6 kN, determine the magnitude

of the resultant force acting on the eyebolt and its direction
measured clockwise from the positive x axis. 1. determine the placement x of the hook at A so that this
force creates a maximum moment about point O.
2. What is this maximum moment?

Situation 8: Considering the same figure as above, the

towline exerts a force P =4 kN at the end of the 20-m-long
crane boom. If x = 25 m,
1. determine the position of the boom so that this force
creates a maximum moment about point O.
2. What is this moment?

Situation 5: From the given set of forces shown in the figure, Answer Key for Problems for Practice:
determine the:
1. Fx = 433.01 N, Fy = 250.00 N
Fx = 524.01 N, Fy’ = 266.04 N
Fx’ = 500.00 N, Fy = 500.00 N
Fx’ = 766.04 N, Fy’ = 673.65 N
2. α = 76.15º, Fb-b’ = 336.35 lb
3. 225.89 N
4. R = 8.67 N, α = 3.046º
5. 77.14 N, 52.22°, 4.79 m, 6.06 m
6. 61.60 N, 141.26 N, 49.04 mm, 63.20 mm, 15.77 N-m
7. x = 23.96 m, M = 80 kN-m
8. θ = 33.57º, M = 80 kN-m

1. the magnitude of the resultant force of the system?

2. angle that the resultant force makes with the horizontal
measured CCW?
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EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCE SYSTEMS Methods in Truss Analysis:

Equilibrium is the term to designate the condition where the 1. Method of Joints
resultant force is zero. It can be characterized as, The equilibrium equations are applied to individual
joints (or pins) of the truss.
1. Static or at rest
2. ∑F = 0 2. Method of Sections
3. If dynamic, acceleration is zero. Analyzes the free-body diagram of a part of a truss that
contains two or more joints.
Different Support Reactions
PROBLEMS:

Situation 1: In the frame shown, members ACE and BCD are

connected by a pin at C and by the link DE. For the loading
shown, determine the

1. reaction at B
2. force in link DE
3. force exerted at C on member BCD

Situation 2: In the figure below, if P = 80 lb, determine the

following:

ANALYSIS OF CABLES

A. Cables under concentrated loads

B. Cables under distributed loads

1. Parabolic Cables
The loading is distributed uniformly along the
1. reaction at A
horizontal
2. reaction at B
2. Catenary Cables 3. tension in segment AC of the cable
The loading is distributed along the length of the 4. tension in segment CD of the cable
cable 5. tension in segment BD of the cable
6. the cable’s total length.
TRUSS ANALYSIS
Situation 3: As shown in the figure, cable ACB supports a
Truss is defined as a structure that is made of straight, load uniformly distributed along the horizontal. The lowest
slender bars that are joined together to form a pattern of point C is located 9 m to the right of point A. Determine the
triangles. Trusses are usually designed to transmit forces value of the following:
over relatively long spans such as roof and bridges.
1. the value of the vertical distance a
The analysis of trusses is based on the following three 2. the minimum tension, in N
assumptions: 3. the maximum tension, in N
1. The weights of the members are negligible. 4. tension at B, in N
2. All joints are pins. 5. slope at A, in degrees
3. The applied forces act at the joints. 6. slope at B, in degrees

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7. the total length of cable

1. Determine the tension in the cable.

2. Determine the reaction at the upper wheel.
Situation 4: Flexible cables CF and DE brace the truss at its
central panel. 3. Determine the reaction at the lower wheel.

Given: h = 4m Situation 3: Knowing that dc = 3 m, determine the following:

s = 3m
W = 30 kN

C D

A B
E F
s s s 1. reaction at A
2. reaction at E
W 3. maximum tension
1. Determine the force in member CD, in kN. 4. minimum tension
2. Determine which diagonal is acting and the force in it, in 5. total length of the cable
kN. 6. distance dB
3. Determine the resulting force in member BD, in kN 7. distance dD

PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE: Situation 4: For the cable loaded as shown in the figure,
determine the following:
Situation 1: From the figure shown, two spheres having
equal weights of 360 N each is placed on top of the three
identical spheres. The radius of the upper two spheres is 0.80
m while that at the bottom is 1.0 m having equal weights of
420 N. Determine the:

1. angle β1
2. angle β2
3. tensile force in segment A-1 of the cable
1. reaction at A 4. tensile force in segment 1-2 of the cable
2. reaction at C 5. tensile force in segment 2-B of the cable
3. reaction at B 6. length of the cable

Situation 2: A loading car is at rest on a track forming an Situation 5: The cable shown supports a horizontal uniform
angle of 25° with the vertical. The gross weight of the car and load of 10 kN/m. Determine the:
its load is 5500 lb, and it is applied at G. The car is held by a
cable.

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1. tension at A
2. slope of the cable at A Situation 9: The tower shown is subjected to three forces as
3. tension at the lowest point C follows:
F1 = 4 kN
Situation 6: A uniform 80-m pipe that weighs 960 kN is F2 = 6 kN
supported entirely by a cable AB of negligible weight. F3 = 6 kN
Determine the
Given: a = 5.8 m
b = 3.2 m
c = 4.8 m
d = 2.0 m

d c
G H
F1

1. horizontal distance of the lowest point from point A b

2. length of the cable E F
F2
3. the minimum force in the cable K
4. the maximum force in the cable b
C D
F3
Situation 7: A cable AB shown supports a uniformly J
distributed load of 200 N/m. Determine the value of the b
following: A I B
1. the minimum tension
2. the maximum tension a a
3. tension at B
4. slope at A in degrees 1. Determine the resultant reaction at B, in kN.
5. slope at B in degrees 2. Determine the force in member AC, in kN.
6. the length of cable 3. Determine the force in member GE, in kN

Situation 10: Using the figure below,

Situation 8: The walkway ABC of the footbridge is stiffened

by adding the cable ADC and the short post of length L. If
the tension in the cable is not to exceed 2000 N, determine the
smallest value of L for which the 80-kg person can be
supported at B.

1. If P = 3,000 N and Q = 1,000 N, determine the force in

member CD.
2. If P = 3,000 N and Q = 1,000 N, determine the force in
member JK.
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3. If FCD = 6,000 N and FGD = 1,000 N (both under 5. Force in member FH
compression), determine the value of P. 6. Force in member GH

Situation 11: A couple acting on the winch at G slowly raises

the load W by means of a rope that runs around the pulleys
attached to the derrick at A and B. Assuming the diameters Situation 14: A transmission tower is subjected to the wind
of the pulleys and the winch are negligible. loads shown.

1. Determine the vertical reaction (kN) at support A.

1. Determine the force in member EF of the derrick. 2. Determine the axial force (kN) at member GK.
2. Determine the force in member KL of the derrick. 3. Determine the axial force (kN) at member EG.

Answer Key for Problems for Practice:

Situation 12: A plane truss is loaded as shown. Determine 1. RA = 216.48 N, RC = 780 N, RB = 120.27 N
the: 2. T = 4,984.69 lb, RU = 564.04 lb, RL = 1,760.36 lb
3. RA = 28.36 kN, RE = 21.48 kN, Tmax = 28.36 kN, Tmin = 21.48
kN, L = 11.25 m, dB = 1.73 m, dD = 4.20 m
4. β1 = 49.78°, β2 = 19.08°, TA-1 = 2,961 N, T1-2 = 2,023 N, T2-B
= 2,334 N, 29.48 m
5. TA = 217.75 kN, θA = 53.79º, TC = 128.63 kN
6. 50 m, 86 m, 750 kN, 960 kN
7. Tmin = 20.15 kN, Tmax = 25.13 kN, TB = 22.06 kN, θA =
36.70°, θB = 24.02°, L = 127.91 m
8. 0.80 m
9. RB = 18.014 kN, FAC = 9.253 kN (Tension), FGE = 2.752 kN
1. force in member BC (Tension)
2. force in member CE 10. FCD = 5,250 N (Compression), FJK = 2,250 N (Tension), P
3. force in member BF = 5,167.95 N
11. FEF = 1.828W (Tension), FKL =2.83W (Compression)
Situation 13: Given the truss below, determine the: 12. FBC = 16.67 kN (Compression), FCE = 0, FBF = 10.68 kN
(Tension)
13. FAC = 50 kN (Compression), FAD = 0, FDE = 40 kN
(Tension), FGI = 0, FFH = 30 kN (Compression), FGH = 0
14. AV = 9.176 kN, FGK = 2.11 kN (Compression), FEG = 5.35
kN (Compression)

1. Force in member AC
2. Force in member AD
3. Force in member DE
4. Force in member GI
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FORCES IN 3D SPACE 2. Determine the tension in cable AC.
3. Determine the tension in cable AD.

æ Δx ö æ Δy ö æ Δz ö
Fx = F ç ÷ Fy = F ç ÷ Fz = F ç ÷
è Δd ø è Δd ø è Δd ø
where: Δd = ( Δx )2 + ( Δy ) + ( Δz )
2 2

( )
2
Resultant: F = ( Fx )2 + Fy + ( Fz )
2
Situation 4: As shown in the figure, a load P is supported by
the tripod. If the force in any leg is limited to 2000 N,

Vector Notation of a Force: 1. Determine the force in member AD.

®
2. Determine the force in member AC.
F= F λ
®
3. Determine the force in member AB.
(
F = F cosθ x i + cosθ y j + cosθz k ) 4. Determine the maximum load P that can be supported
® by the tripod.
F
F= é( Δx ) i + ( Δy ) j + ( Δz ) k ùû
Δd ë
®
F = Fx i + Fy j + Fz k

where: λ is a unit vector alone the line of action of F

MOMENT OF A FORCE IN 3D SPACE

Situation 5: The homogeneous bar AB weighs 400 N. End B

leans against a frictionless vertical wall and end A is
supported by a ball-and-socket joint.

  
M=rxF
 
r = xi + yj + zk F = Fx i + Fy j + Fz k

PROBLEMS:

Situation 1: A force of 500 N forms angles of 60°, 45°, and

120°, respectively, with the x, y, and z axes. Find the
components Fx, Fy, and Fz of the force.

Situation 2: A force F of magnitude 500N is directed from A

(-4, 5, 2) to B (6, 1, -2). Find the components Fx, Fy, and Fz of
1. Determine the tension in cable BC.
the force.
2. Determine the wall reaction at B.
Situation 3: In the figure below, three cables support the 3. Determine the total reaction at A.
1,500 kN weight.
1. Determine the tension in cable AB.
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PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE: Situation 4: A tension force F of magnitude 5.3 kN is applied
to the cable attached to the top of the rigid mast and secured
Situation 1: A tower guy wire is anchored by means of a bolt to the ground.
at A. The tension in the wire is 2500 N.

1. Compute the component of F along the x-y plane.

1. Determine the components Fx, Fy, Fz of the force acting
2. Compute the component of F along the x-axis.
on the bolt.
3. Compute the moment Mz of F about the z-axis thru the
2. Determine the angles θx, θy, θz defining the direction of
base of the mast.
the force.
4. Determine the moment of the force about the origin.

Situation 2: A transmission tower is held by three guy wires

Situation 5: A horizontal rigid boom OD is subjected to a
attached to a pin at A and anchored by bolts at B, C, and D.
vertical load P=1000 N and is supported by two cables to a
If the tension in wire AB is 630 lb, determine the:
vertical supporting wall as shown. Assume point O is a
hinged-support.
1. vertical force P exerted by the tower on A.
2. the tension in wire AC
3. the tension in wire AD

1. Determine the tension in cable AC.

2. Determine the tension in cable BC.
3. Determine the magnitude of the reaction at O.
Situation 3: The magnitudes of the three forces acting on the
plate are T1 = 100 kN, T2 = 80 kN, and T3 = 50 kN.
Situation 6: A rectangular plate is supported by brackets at
A and B and by a wire CD. Knowing that the tension in the
1. Determine the x-component of the resultant force.
wire is 200 N, determine the moment about A of the force
2. Determine the magnitude of R.
exerted by the wire on point C.
3. Determine the coordinates of the point where R
intersects the plate.

Situation 7: The horizontal boom OC, which is supported by

a ball-and-socket joint and two cables, carries the vertical
force P = 8000 N.

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1. Determine the tensile force in cable AD.

2. Determine the tensile force in cable CE.
3. Determine the magnitude of reaction at O.

Answer Key for Problems for Practice:

1. Fx = -1060 N, Fy = 2120 N, Fz = 795 N, θx = 115.09º, θy =

32.01º, θ z = 71.46º
2. P = 1,572.10 lb, TAC = 467.42 lb, TAD = 814.35 lb
3. Rx = -24.188 kN, R = 208 kN, (0.707 m, 0.716 m, 0)
4. Fxy = 4.813 kN, Fx = 2.961 kN, Mz = -36.42 kN-m, M =
27.32i – 36.42k
5. TAC = 1,414 N, TBC = 1,751 N, RO = 2,368 N
6. MA = -7,680i + 28,800j + 28,800k
7. TAD = 12,777.66 N, TCE = 7,009.77 N, RO = 13,965.63 N

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FRICTIONAL FORCE

Friction or Frictional Force - The force which opposes the ,#

= -%!&
movement or the tendency of movement. It is due to the ,$
resistance to motion offered by minutely projecting particles
at the contact surfaces.

Limiting Friction - Limiting value of frictional force when Notes:

the motion is impending. • In the equation, T2 will always be larger than T1.
• β must be in radians and may be larger than 2π.
Static Friction - Friction force when the body remains at rest • If a rope is wrapped around a post n times, β = 2πn
and has a value between zero and the limiting friction.
• If the belt is actually slipping, use µk.

Dynamic friction - The frictional resistance experienced by

PROBLEMS:
the body while moving. Dynamic friction is less than limiting
friction.
Situation 1: Determine the maximum force P that can be
applied without causing movement of the 250-lb crate which
Coefficient of friction - A constant ratio of the magnitude of
has a center of gravity at G. The coefficient of static friction
limiting friction to the normal reaction between two surfaces.
at the floor is µs = 0.4.

a. Coefficient Static of friction, !! = #/%

where:
F = limiting friction
N = normal reaction between the contact surfaces

b. Coefficient of Kinetic friction, !" = #/%

where:
F = dynamic friction
N = normal reaction between the contact surfaces

Angle of friction
Situation 2: If the coefficient of static friction at the contact
points A and B is µs = 0.4, determine the following if the girl
is 75-lb and the plank is 20-lb:

Let F be the frictional force developed and N the normal

reaction. Thus, at contact surface the reactions are F and N.

They can be graphically combined to get the reaction R

1. Reaction at A
which acts at angle θ to the normal reaction.
2. Reaction at B
3. minimum distance d can a girl stand on the plank
This angle θ called the angle of friction is given by:
without causing it to slip.
'()* = #/%
Situation 3: The man is trying to push the homogeneous 20-
As P increases, F increases and hence θ also increases. θ can kg ladder AB up a wall by applying the horizontal force P.
reach the maximum value α when F reaches limiting value. The coefficient of static friction between the ladder and both
At this stage, contact surfaces is 0.3.

'()+ = #/% = ! 1. Determine the smallest value of P that would move the
ladder.
This value of α is called Angle of Limiting Friction. 2. Determine the reaction at A.
3. Determine the reaction at B.

Belt Friction
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2. Compute the T for impending tipping.
3. Compute the maximum tension that can be applied for
which the log remains at rest.
4. Compute the normal reaction between the log and the
plane.
5. Compute the location of normal reaction from A.

Situation 3: As shown in the figure block D is used to

support the 100-kg uniform pole ABC in the position shown.

Situation 4: Calculate the pull P that must be exerted to

slowly lower the mass m=102 kg down the incline plane
considering the following cases.

1. The friction between the drum and the rope is negligible 1. Find the normal force at point B.
while the coefficient of friction between the mass and the 2. Find the frictional force at point B.
inclined surface is 0.25. 3. Calculate the weight of the lightest block D than can be
2. The coefficient of friction at all surfaces of contact is 0.25. used to support the pole against impending sliding.
3. The maximum pull P required to start raising the mass 4. Calculate the weight of the lightest block D than can be
up the incline considering the situation of part 2. used to support the pole against impending tipping.
5. Calculate the weight of the lightest block D than can be
PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE:
used to support the pole.
Situation 1: The crate has a mass of 50 kg. µs = 0.25 µk = 0.20
Situation 4: The uniform 50 kg plank in the figure is resting
on rough surfaces A and B. The coefficients of static friction
are shown in the figure. If an 80 kg man starts walking from
A towards B. Compute the:

1. Determine the minimum horizontal force P required to

hold the crate from sliding down the plane.
2. Determine the minimum force P required to push the
crate up the plane.
1. reaction at A.
3. Determine the minimum force P required to keep it
2. reaction at B.
moving up the plane.
3. distance x when the plank will start to slide.
Situation 2: The winch in the figure is used to move the 150-
Situation 5: A 6-m long ladder weighing 600 N is shown. It
kg uniform log AB. The coefficient of static friction between
is required to determine the horizontal force P applied at C
the log and the plane is 0.40.
to hold the ladder from sliding. The coefficient of friction
between the ladder and the contact surfaces at A and B is
0.20.

1. Determine the reaction at A.

2. Determine the reaction at B.
3. Determine the required force P.

1. Compute the tension T for impending sliding.

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Situation 6: Determine the smallest horizontal force P

required to lift the 200-kg crate. The coefficient of static
friction at all contacting surfaces is µs = 0.30. Neglect the mass
of the wedge.

.
Situation 7: A cylinder having a mass of 250 kg is to be
supported by the cord which wraps over the pipe. If µs = 0.2,
determine the largest vertical force F that can be applied to
the cord without moving the cylinder. The cord passes:

1. once over the pipe β = 1800

2. two times over the pipe, β = 540°.

Answer Key for Problems for Practice:

1. P = 140.31 N, P = 474.27 N, P = 431.07 N

2. T = 695.41 N, T = 849.57 N, T = 695.41 N, N = 869.26 N, x
= 0.617 m
3. NB = 441.45 N, fB = 88.29 N, 1,165.4 N, 1,730.5 N, 1,730.5
N
4. RA = 707.76 N, RB = 597.63 N, x = 2.14 m
5. RA = 519.97 N, RB = 459.60 N, P = 348.70 N
6. P = 1,978.37 N
7. F = 4,597.10 N, F = 16,152.32 N

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Mechanics 1
 3

PROBLEMNO,3
Mechanics 2
5
 4
.

St

52
PROBLEM NO:04:
Mechanics 3

51

S2

NOTES:
*
 >ROBLEM NO.4
>ROBLEM NO. 3
>ROBLEM NO.5
Mechanics 4