Equilibrium of Force Systems

MODULE
RESULTANT OF FORCE SYSTEMS
Learning Objective: At the end of the module, the students will be able to (a) develop the
equations of equilibrium for a rigid body; (b)solve rigid body equilibrium
problems using the equations of equilibrium.
Content : 1. Introduction
2. Free body diagrams
3. Equilibrium of Concurrent Force Systems
4. Conditions of Equilibrium from Moments
5. Equilibrium of Parallel Forces
6. Equilibrium of Non-Concurrent Force Systems
3.1 Introduction
Equilibrium is the term used to designate the condition where the resultant of a system of forces is
zero. A body is said to be in equilibrium when the force system acting upon it has a zero resultant.
The physical meaning of equilibrium, as applied to a body, is that the body either is at rest or is
moving in a straight line with constant velocity.
3.2 Free-Body Diagrams

An isolated view of a body which shows only the external forces exerted o the body is called a free-
body diagram (FBD). These external forces are caused either by direct bodily contact or by
gravitational or magnetic attraction.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

2nd Semester AY 2020-2021
Table 3.1 Support for rigid Bodies Subjected to Two-Dimensional Forces
Sample Problem 3.1

A 200 lb cylinder is supported by a horizontal rod
AB and rests against the uniform rod CD which
weighs 100 lb. Draw the FBD of (a) rod AB, (b) the
cylinder, (c)bar CD and (d) the assembled cylinder
and bar. Assume the pins A, B, C, D and the rollers
to be smooth and frictionless. The rod AB is
assumed to be weightless.

Solution:
3.3 Equilibrium of Concurrent Force Systems

The equations of equilibrium for concurrent force systems are obtained by determining the equations
that produce a zero resultant. The resultant will be zero and equilibrium will exist when the following
equations are satisfied:
ΣX = 0
Σ =0
Sample Problem 3.2

A system of cords knotted together at A and B support the weights shown. Compute the tensions P,
Q, F, and T acting in the various cords.
Solution:
[Σ = 0] cos 15° − cos 30° = 0
[Σ = 0] sin 15° + cos 30° = 0
Solving the eqs simultaneously yields

=
=
Let x-axis pass thru the line of action of T

[Σ = 0] sin 45° − 367 sin 45° − 200 sin 60° = 0
=
[Σ = 0] + 200 cos 60° − 367 cos 45° − 612 cos 45° = 0
=
3.4 Conditions of Equilibrium from Moments

It is possible to express the conditions of equilibrium in terms of moment summations instead of X
and Y summations. The advantage of expressing equilibrium in terms of moment summation is that
any particular force can be eliminated by taking moments about a center on its line of action. Hence,
another equation of equilibrium is:
Σ =0
Sample Problem 3.3
The loads applied to the truss shown cause the reactions shown at A and F. A free-body diagram of
hinge A forms the concurrent force system shown enclosed at A. Determine the magnitude of the
force P and F, directed respectively along bars AB and AE, that maintain equilibrium of this system.
Answer:
=
=
3.5 Equilibrium of Parallel Forces

The conditions for equilibrium of parallel force systems are determined from the conditions
necessary to create a zero resultant. Since equilibrium means a zero resultant, we conclude that
the independent equations of equilibrium are
ΣF = 0
Σ =0
from which only two unknowns may be determined to hold a parallel system of equilibrium.
Sample Problem 3.5

A beam simply supported at the ends, carries a concentrated load of 300 lb and a uniformly
distributed load weighing 100 lb/ft. determine the beam reactions.
Answer:
=
=

3.6 Equilibrium of Non-Concurrent Force Systems
Sample Problem 3.6

The roof truss shown is supported on rollers at A and hinged at B. the wind loads are perpendicular
to the inclined members. Determine the components of the reactions of A and B.
Answer:
=
=
=
_________________________________________________________________
Questions and Problems

1. Determine the values of P and F to maintain the equilibrium of the forces
(a) (b)
2. A 300 lb box is held at rest on a smooth plane by force P inclined at an angle θ with the plane
as shown. If θ=45°, determine the value of P and the normal pressure N exerted by the plane.

3. The system of knotted chords shown support the indicated weights. Compute the tensile force
in each chord.
4. Forces P and F acting along the bars shown maintain equilibrium of pin A. determine the
values of P and F
5. Two weightless bars pinned together as shown support a load of 350 lb. determine the
forces P and F acting respectively along bars AB and AC that maintain equilibrium of pin A.

6. Determine the reaction of the beam shown
7. Determine the reactions of the beam loaded with a concentrated load of 1600 lb and a load
varying from zero to an intensity of 400 lb/ft.
8. Determine the reactions for the beam loaded as shown.
9. Solve for the components of the reactions of the trusses shown.
(a) (b)

(c)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Reference:
Beer, F.P., Cornwell, P.J. et al. (2016). Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics (11th Ed). Mc-Graw
Hill Education
Singer, Ferdinand L. (1970). Engineering Mechanics (2nd Ed). Harper & Row


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MODULE

RESULTANT OF FORCE SYSTEMS

3.2 Free-Body Diagrams

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

Sample Problem 3.1

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

3.3 Equilibrium of Concurrent Force Systems

Sample Problem 3.2

Solving the eqs simultaneously yields

Let x-axis pass thru the line of action of T

3.4 Conditions of Equilibrium from Moments

3.5 Equilibrium of Parallel Forces

Sample Problem 3.5

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

Sample Problem 3.6

Questions and Problems

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

8. Determine the reactions for the beam loaded as shown.

9. Solve for the components of the reactions of the trusses shown.

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

ENSC 21 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

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