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MEC1009FS Lect05 Couples

The document discusses couples, which are moments produced by two equal and opposite noncollinear forces. It provides examples of representing couples using vectors and converting between force systems and equivalent force-couple systems by applying moments.

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siphosethutwetwela100
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17 views10 pages

MEC1009FS Lect05 Couples

The document discusses couples, which are moments produced by two equal and opposite noncollinear forces. It provides examples of representing couples using vectors and converting between force systems and equivalent force-couple systems by applying moments.

Uploaded by

siphosethutwetwela100
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MEC1009F/S

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics

Lecture 5
Couples

MK&B 2/5
What is a Couple? MEC1009F/S

The moment produced by two equal, opposite,


and noncollinear forces is called a couple

Note: The magnitude of the


couple is independent of
distance a, i.e. it has the same
value for ALL moment centres.
Vector Algebra Method MEC1009F/S

The Couple is a Free Vector, i.e. it’s


action is not confined to or associated
with a unique line in space.
Representations of Couples MEC1009F/S

Two-Dimensional Representations
Equivalent Couples MEC1009F/S
Force-Couple Systems MEC1009F/S

Any force which acts at a particular location on a


body can be replaced by an equivalent force
which acts at a different location and a couple.
Force-Couple Systems MEC1009F/S

Steps to Create a Force-Couple System


1. Write the force as a vector.
2. Compute the moment or couple which the force
creates about a point at a new location.
3. Redraw the force acting at the new location.
4. Sketch the couple acting at the new location.

The force-couple system has the same effect on the body


which the original force had. It is simply a different way
to visualize the effect of the force acting at a new location.
MK&B Sample Problem 2/8 MEC1009F/S

Replace the horizontal 400 N force acting on the


lever by an equivalent system consisting of a force
at O and a couple.
MK&B Sample Problem 2/7 MEC1009F/S

Consider a rigid structural


member that is subjected to a
couple consisting of the two
100 N forces. Replace this
couple by an equivalent couple
consisting of the two forces
and , each of which has a
magnitude of 400 N.
Determine the proper angle .
MK&B Problem 2/69 MEC1009F/S

Consider an automobile parking-brake lever, as shown in the


accompanying figure, acted on by a force F, with a magnitude of
50 N, at a position of x = 250 mm. Replace the force by an
equivalent force-couple system at the pivot point O.

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