Lami's theorem, also known as the Law of Equilibrium of *Lami's Theorem:** Lami's theorem deals with the The

with the The theory of transmissibility of force is a fundamental concept Statically Determinate:** -
Coplanar Forces or the Law of Lami, deals with the equilibrium of forces acting at a point. It states that if in mechanics, particularly in the study of forces acting on rigid A structure is statically determinate if its reactions and internal forces
equilibrium of forces acting at a point. It states that for a three forces are in equilibrium at a point, each force is bodies. It states that the effect of a force on a body remains can be completely determined using the equations of static equilibrium
body in equilibrium under the action of three coplanar proportional to the sine of the angle between the unchanged if the force is applied at different points along its line alone (sum of forces and sum of moments equals zero). - In other
forces, the forces can be represented in magnitude and other two forces. Mathematically, for forces \( F_1, of action. In simpler terms, for a given force, its magnitude, words, for a statically determinate structure, the number of
direction by the sides of a triangle, where each force is F_2, F_3 \) acting at a point with angles \( \alpha, direction, and effect on the body (such as its ability to cause independent equilibrium equations (equations of statics) is sufficient to
proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two \beta, \gamma \) between them respectively, Lami's translation or rotation) are the same regardless of where along solve for all unknown forces and reactions within the structure. -
forces. **Statement of Lami's Theorem:** Forces \( F_1, theorem can be expressed as: \[ \frac{F_1}{\sin its line of action it is applied. Key points regarding the theory of Examples include simple beams, trusses with a specific number of
F_2, \) and \( F_3 \) acting at a point and in equilibrium \alpha} = \frac{F_2}{\sin \beta} = \frac{F_3}{\sin transmissibility of force include: 1. **Magnitude and Direction members and joints, and basic frames with no more supports than
satisfy the following proportion: \[ \frac{F_1}{\sin \alpha} = \gamma} \] This theorem is particularly useful in Consistency**: The force vector itself—its magnitude (strength) needed to keep it stable.
\frac{F_2}{\sin \beta} = \frac{F_3}{\sin \gamma} \] where \( analyzing the equilibrium conditions of objects and direction (line of action)—does not change if it is moved Statically Indeterminate:** -
\alpha, \beta, \gamma \) are the angles between the forces subjected to multiple forces at a single point. It parallel to itself. This means that you can slide the force vector A structure is statically indeterminate if the number of independent
\( F_2 \) and \( F_3 \), \( F_3 \) and \( F_1 \), and \( F_1 \) provides a relationship between the magnitudes and along its line of action without altering its fundamental equilibrium equations available is not sufficient to solve for all the
and \( F_2 \) respectively. **Explanation of Lami's directions of the forces involved. In summary, the characteristics. 2. **Effect on Rigid Bodies**: When a force is unknown forces and reactions within the structure. - This condition
Theorem:** 1. **Equilibrium Condition**: Lami's theorem triangle law of forces helps determine the resultant of applied to a rigid body, it induces both linear and rotational arises when there are more unknown reactions (or internal forces) than
applies to a point where three forces are acting and are in two concurrent forces, while Lami's theorem provides effects depending on its point of application relative to the there are equilibrium equations available from statics alone. - Statically
equilibrium. This means that the vector sum of these forces conditions for the equilibrium of three concurrent body's center of mass or axis of rotation. The theory of indeterminate structures require additional compatibility equations or
is zero, ensuring no resultant force at the point of interest. 2. forces at a point. Both principles are fundamental in transmissibility asserts that these effects remain the same as methods beyond basic statics to determine all internal forces and
**Proportional Relationships**: The theorem establishes the study of statics and dynamics in physics and long as the force vector remains parallel to itself. 3. reactions accurately. - Examples include continuous beams with
that the ratio of each force \( F_i \) to the sine of the angle \( engineering. **Applications in Mechanics**: This principle is crucial in solving multiple spans, frames with more supports than necessary for stability,
\alpha, \beta, \) or \( \gamma \) between the other two problems of equilibrium and analyzing structures under various and complex trusses or structures with redundant members. 3.
forces is constant. This proportional relationship remains forces. It simplifies the analysis because it allows forces to be **Redundant Support:** - A redundant support refers to a support in a
valid irrespective of the magnitudes of the forces, as long as considered as acting at a single point (typically where they structure that is not necessary for its stability but introduces additional
equilibrium conditions are met. 3. **Application**: Lami's actually do act), without needing to consider the entire line of unknown reactions. - Redundant supports contribute to the structure
theorem is particularly useful in solving problems involving action for calculation purposes. 4. **Limitations**: While being statically indeterminate by providing more reaction forces than
concurrent forces in a plane. It simplifies the determination transmissibility simplifies calculations in many cases, it assumes needed to keep the structure in equilibrium. - These supports
of unknown forces or angles when given two forces and the ideal conditions where the body is perfectly rigid and the complicate the analysis because they require additional equations or
angle between them, or when all three forces are known but material properties are uniform. In real-world scenarios, methods (such as virtual work, slope-deflection method, or matrix
their magnitudes or directions are unknown. 4. **Special especially with deformable bodies or complex structures, the analysis) to solve for all unknown forces and reactions in the structure.
Cases**: - When \( \alpha = \beta = \gamma = 120^\circ \), exact point of force application can affect results such as stress - Engineers often aim to avoid or minimize redundant supports to
the forces are equal in magnitude. - When \( \alpha + \beta distributions or bending moments. In engineering and physics, simplify the design and analysis process unless their inclusion is
+ \gamma = 180^\circ \), the forces are in equilibrium but the theory of transmissibility is used extensively in the analysis necessary for functional or architectural reasons. In summary, these
might have different magnitudes. of structures, machines, and mechanisms subjected to various terms classify structures based on their ability to be analyzed using
forces. It enables engineers to predict and understand how static equilibrium principles alone. Statically determinate
forces will affect a system's stability, equilibrium, and structural
integrity without the need for complex calculations involving the
entire line of action of each force.
1. **Pin Joints (Hinges)**: It is assumed that all connections *Triangle Law of Forces:** The triangle law of forces, 1. **Translational Equilibrium:** - **Sum of Forces (Force **Angle of Friction:** The angle of friction, denoted as \( \theta \), is a
between members of the truss are perfectly hinged or also known as the triangle rule or the parallelogram Equilibrium)**: The vector sum of all external forces acting on measure used to describe the relationship between the force required
pinned, meaning they can freely rotate but do not allow law, states that if two vectors acting simultaneously the body must be zero. \[ \sum \vec{F} = 0 \] This condition to overcome friction and the normal force between two surfaces in
translation at the joint. This assumption simplifies the forces on a point are represented in magnitude and ensures that there is no net force acting on the body, preventing contact. It is defined as the angle at which an object on an inclined
at the joints to only axial forces (tension or compression) direction by the two adjacent sides of a triangle taken any translational acceleration. 2. **Rotational Equilibrium:** - plane will start to slide due to the force of gravity overcoming the static
along the members. 2. **Straight Members**: It is assumed in order, then their resultant vector is represented in **Sum of Moments (Moment Equilibrium)**: The sum of the frictional force. **Key Points:** 1. **Static Friction:** When an object
that all members of the truss are straight and remain so magnitude and direction by the third side of the moments (or torques) of all external forces about any point is stationary on a surface, static friction opposes the impending motion.
under load. This simplifies the calculation of member forces triangle, taken in the opposite order. In simpler terms, must be zero. \[ \sum \vec{M}_P = 0 \] This condition ensures The maximum static friction force \( F_{\text{max}} \) that can be
since only axial forces need to be considered, neglecting any if you have two forces acting on an object that there is no net torque (resultant moment) acting on the exerted before sliding occurs is proportional to the normal force \( N \)
potential bending moments or shearing forces. 3. **External simultaneously, you can find their resultant force by body about any chosen point, preventing any rotational acting perpendicular to the surface. 2. **Angle of Friction Definition:**
Loads and Reactions**: It is assumed that external loads drawing a triangle where the sides represent the acceleration. The tangent of the angle of friction \( \theta \) is equal to the
(applied forces and moments) and reactions at supports are magnitudes and directions of the forces. The - **Static**: The body is at rest or moving at a constant velocity coefficient of static friction \( \mu_s \), which is a dimensionless
applied only at the joints of the truss. This assumption resultant force is then represented by the third side in a straight line (translational equilibrium) or not rotating constant representing the frictional force between the two surfaces.
allows the application of equilibrium equations (sum of of the triangle. (rotational equilibrium). - **No Acceleration**: The body Mathematically, \( \tan \theta = \mu_s \). 3. **Sliding Threshold:** If
forces and moments equals zero) at each joint to solve for experiences no linear or angular acceleration due to balanced the angle of inclination of the plane exceeds \( \theta \), the
unknown forces. 4. **Rigid Connections**: It is assumed forces and moments. - **Independent Points**: Equilibrium component of the object's weight parallel to the surface will exceed the
that the joints of the truss are rigid and do not deform under conditions must hold true regardless of the point chosen to maximum static friction force, causing the object to begin sliding down
load. This implies that the angles between members remain calculate moments, demonstrating the consistency and validity the incline. 4. **Applications:** The angle of friction is crucial in
constant, simplifying the analysis by treating the truss as a of the equilibrium state. various engineering applications, such as determining the stability of
collection of interconnected rigid bodies. 5. **Planar slopes, designing brake systems, understanding the behavior of tires on
Truss**: Trusses are typically analyzed assuming they lie in a road surfaces, and optimizing the performance of machines.
single plane (2D analysis). This assumption simplifies the
geometry and allows the use of simpler mathematical
techniques such as method of joints or method of sections
to determine member forces. 6. **Material Behavior**: It is
assumed that the materials of the truss members behave
linearly and elastically. This means that member forces are
directly proportional to deformations (Hooke's law) and that
any deformation is temporary and recovers upon removal of
the load.
The equation for Varignon’s theorem, which relates the sum A truss is a structural framework composed of straight members D'Alembert's principle, named after the French mathematician and
of moments to the moment of the resultant force, is as connected at joints (typically referred to as nodes). Trusses are physicist Jean le Rond d'Alembert, is a foundational principle in classical
follows: ΣM = Mr In this equation: • ΣM represents the sum designed to efficiently support loads through axial forces mechanics. It states that the sum of the forces acting on a body and the
of the moments of the individual forces about a point. • Mr (tension and compression) along the length of each member. algebraic sum of the moments (torques) about any point is zero in a
represents the moment of the resultant force about the They are widely used in bridges, roofs, towers, and other system in equilibrium or in uniform translational motion. **Statement
same point. Essentially, the equation states that the sum of structures where strength, stability, and lightweight construction of D'Alembert's Principle:** For a particle or a system of particles in
the moments of the forces (ΣM) is equal to the moment of are essential. **Key Features of Trusses:** 1. **Members:** equilibrium or in uniform translational motion, the vector sum of the
the resultant force (Mr) about a specific point. The moments Truss members are usually slender and straight, designed to external forces \( \vec{F}_\text{ext} \) acting on the system is equal to
are calculated by multiplying the magnitude of each force by carry axial loads (tension or compression). Common types of the negative of the mass times the acceleration of the center of mass \(
its perpendicular distance from the reference point or axis. members include bars, rods, or beams. 2. **Joints (Nodes):** \vec{a}_\text{cm} \) of the system, plus the sum of the moments \(
By applying this equation, engineers and physicists can Joints in a truss connect the members together. These joints are \vec{M}_\text{ext} \) of the external forces about any point \( O \): \[
analyze the distribution of forces and determine the overall usually pinned or hinged, allowing rotational movement but \sum \vec{F}_\text{ext} = -m \vec{a}_\text{cm} \] \[ \sum
rotational effect of a system. This simplifies the analysis of restricting translation. This simplifies the analysis by focusing on \vec{M}_\text{ext} = 0 \] where: - \( m \) is the total mass of the
complex force systems, as it allows for the replacement of forces along the members. 3. **Types of Trusses:** - **Planar system, - \( \vec{a}_\text{cm} \) is the acceleration of the center of
multiple forces with a single resultant force located at a Trusses:** Trusses that lie in a single plane, often analyzed using mass of the system, - \( \vec{M}_\text{ext} \) is the moment (torque) of
specific point, without altering the overall moment. 2D methods. - **Space Trusses:** Trusses that extend into three the external forces about any point \( O \). **Key Points:** 1.
Applications of Varignon’s Theorem dimensions, requiring 3D analysis methods. 4. **Analysis **Equilibrium Condition:** D'Alembert's principle applies to systems in
Varignon’s theorem finds numerous applications in various Techniques:** - **Method of Joints:** A technique for analyzing equilibrium where the acceleration \( \vec{a}_\text{cm} \) of the center
fields, particularly in statics and engineering. truss structures by considering equilibrium at each joint. - of mass is zero. In this case, the sum of forces and moments is zero. 2.
Some of the notable applications of Varignon’s theorem are: **Method of Sections:** A technique for analyzing truss **Uniform Translational Motion:** When a system undergoes uniform
• Structural Analysis: Varignon’s theorem is extensively used structures by cutting through the structure and analyzing the translational motion (constant velocity), the acceleration \(
in analyzing the equilibrium and stability of structures.. • equilibrium of forces in the resulting section. 5. \vec{a}_\text{cm} \) is zero. D'Alembert's principle states that the sum
Mechanical Engineering: In mechanical engineering, **Applications:** - **Bridges:** Trusses are commonly used in of forces is balanced by the inertial forces (mass times acceleration). 3.
Varignon’s theorem is applied to analyze the forces and bridge construction to span distances and support loads **Applications:** D'Alembert's principle is fundamental in mechanics,
moments acting on mechanical systems. • Robotics and efficiently. - **Roof Structures:** Trusses provide stability and used in analyzing systems subject to forces and moments, such as in
Biomechanics: Varignon’s theorem is relevant in the analysis support for roof structures in buildings. - **Towers and the study of dynamics, statics, and in the formulation of equations of
of robotic systems and human movements. • Civil Masts:** Trusses are used in telecommunications and motion for rigid bodies. 4. **Virtual Work Principle:** D'Alembert's
Engineering: In civil engineering, Varignon’s theorem is used observation towers, as well as in supporting antennas. 6. principle is closely related to the virtual work principle, where it states
in analyzing the forces and moments in structures such as **Design Considerations:** - **Load Distribution:** Trusses are that the work done by the external forces during a virtual displacement
bridges, buildings, and dams. By simplifying the force designed to efficiently distribute loads to their supports. - (infinitesimally small displacement) of a system in equilibrium is zero.
systems acting on various structural components, engineers **Material Selection:** Materials such as steel, timber, and
can assess the stability, load distribution, and overall aluminum are commonly used in truss construction based on
structural integrity, ensuring that the design can withstand strength, weight, and durability requirements. - **Economic
the anticipated forces and moments. • Aerospace Considerations:** Truss designs aim to achieve optimal
Engineering: Varignon’s theorem finds applications in strength-to-weight ratios and cost-effective construction.
aerospace engineering for analyzing and designing aircraft
and spacecraft structures. By simplifying the complex force
systems acting on wings, fuselages, and other components,
engineers can determine the overall moments and their
impact on structural stability, performance, and safety.