Equilibrium of Force System

- Condition in which the resultant of the forces acting in a body is equal to zero

R = √(ΣFy)² + (ΣFx)²
When : R = 0
Then : ΣFy = 0 ❶
ΣFx = 0 ❷
R●d = Σ M
When : R= 0
ΣM=0 ❸

❶, ❷, & ❸ are the independent equation of static equilibrium

Common Methods of Supporting Bodies (Structure)

1. Roller support - to prevent the vertical movement of the body, supplies vertical reaction.
↑
2. Hinge support - to prevent the vertical & horizontal movement of the body; supply
↑← vertical & horizontal reactions.
3. Link support - supplies reaction that is known direction but unknown magnitude.
Ex. Ropes, cables, chains, flexible cord, ect.

4. Smooth surface - supplies reaction that is normal to the surface.

↖
5. Earth - The weight is gravitational in origin.

6. Fixed Support - Translation & rotation are absolutely prevented.

↑ ←
Free Body Diagram (FBD)
- A diagram that shows only the external effects of the forces acting on a body.
Steps:
1. Draw a diagram of the body completely isolated from all other bodies. The free body
diagram may consist of the entire assembled structure or any combination or part of
it.
2. Represent the action of each body or support that is removed by a force or its
components.
3. Label by each force by its magnitude if known or by a symbol if unknown.

1. The cylinder C weighs 1000 lb. Draw the free body diagram of the cylinder C and of rod AB.
B
FBD of rod AB
FBD of cylinder
60°
D 1000 lb T
↓ ←R E RE →
C E
F ←A H
RF
↑A V
2. The uniform bar AB shown weighs 420 lb and has its center of gravity at G. Draw the free
body diagram of the rod. Neglect the thickness of the rod and assume all contact surface
to be smooth.

FBD of bar AB

↖
N

↓
420 lb
45°
→T
↑
AV
Equilibrium of two or more concurrent Forces
R = √(ΣFy)² + (ΣFx)²
When : R = 0
Then : ΣFy = 0 Independent equations of
ΣFx = 0 static equilibrium

Methods
1. Horizontal & Vertical Axis
2. Shifted or rotated axis
3. Force Triangle
1. The cable and boom shown support a load of 600 lb. Determine the tensile force T in the
cable and the compressive force C in the boom.
ΣFx = 0
C cos 45° − T cos 30° = 0
T cos 30°
C=
cos 45°
C = 1.22 T eq. 1
ΣFy = 0
T sin 30° + C sin 45° − 600 = 0
0.5T + 0.707C = 600 eq. 2
a. Horizontal & Vertical Axis
Substitute ❶ in ❷
T 0.5T + 0.707(1.22T) = 600

30° T = 440 lb
45°
↓
C 600 lb
From ❶
C = 1.22(440 lb)
C = 536.8 lb
b. Shifted or rotated axis c. Force Triangle (only when there are three forces)

Y’ T
X’ 60°
T T
30°
30° 30° 45°
600 lb
45° 45°
C 45° C 45°
C
600 lb
600 lb
ΣFy′ = 0
T sin 75° − 600 sin 45° = 0 C 600 T
= =
600 sin 45° sin 60° sin 75° sin 45°
T=
sin 75°
T = 439 lb 600 sin 60°
C= = 538 lb
sin 75°
ΣFx′ = 0
C − 439 cos 75°− 600 cos 45° = 0 600 sin 45°
T= = 439 lb
C = 113.62 lb + 424.264 lb sin 75°
C = 537.9 lb
2. The system of knotted chord shown supports the indicated weights, compute the tensile
force in each chord.
FBD of chord C & D Force triangle
C
30° C
30° D
105° 400 lb 75°
60°
75°
D

30° C 400 D
= =
sin 75° sin 75° sin 30°

400 sin 75°

C= = 400lb
sin 75°
400 sin 30°
D= = 207 lb
sin 75°
FBD of chord A, B & C
B
ΣFx = 0
− A +B cos 45° + C sin 30° = 0
A − A +914 cos 45° + 400 sin 30° = 0
60°
A = 846 lb

C = 400lb

ΣFy = 0
B sin 45° − 300 − C cos 30° = 0
B sin 45° − 300 − 400 cos 30° = 0
B = 914 lb
3. Determine the values of angles α and θ so that the forces shown will be in equilibrium.

20² = 30² + 40²−2(30)(40) cos θ

α
θ 302 + 402 − 20²
cos θ =
2(30)(40)

θ = 28.96°

Force triangle 30 20
=
sin α sin 28.96°
30 lb 20 lb 30 sin 28.96°
sinα =
θ α 20
40 lb α = 46.6°
Conditions of equilibrium from Moments
R•d = ΣM
When : R = 0
Then : ΣM = 0
Independent equations of
ΣFy = 0 static equilibrium
ΣFx = 0
 1. The truss shown is supported by a hinge at A and a roller at B. A load of 2000lb is applied at
C. Determine the reactions at A and B?

(Σ FX = 0)
-RAH + (2000 cos 30°) = 0

←
RAH ↑ RAH = 1732 lb

↙↓
RA RAV
RB RA = √(RAV)² + (RAH)²

(Σ MA = 0) RA = √(1199.36)² + (1732)²
-RB (30) + (2000 sin 30°) 40 + (2000 cos 30°) 15 = 0 RA = 2106.72 lb
RB = 2199.36 lb
RAV
Tan θ =
(Σ FY = 0) RAH
-RAV + (2199.36) − (2000 sin 30°) = 0 1199.36
Tan θ =
1732
RAV = 1199.36 lb
θ = 34.7°
2. Two cylinders A & B weighing 100 lb and 200 lb respectively, are connected by a rigid rod
curved parallel to the smooth cylindrical surface shown. Determine the angles α and θ that
define the position of equilibrium.

r cos α r cos θ

(Σ MO = 0)
(200) r cos θ − 100 r cos α = 0
(200) r cos θ = 100 r cos α
cos θ 100
= = 0.5
cos α 200
 X
90-α cos(90 −α)
r = 0.5
Y α θ cos α
sin α
= 0.5
Y Y cos α
sinα = and cos(90 − α) =
r r Tan α = 0.5
cos(90 − α) = sinα α = 26.56°
but
α + θ = 90°
α + 90 + θ = 180°
α + θ = 90° - 26.56°
θ = 90°

θ = 90°
−α θ = 63.44°
cos θ
= 0.5
cos α
3. The cylinders shown have the indicated weights and dimension. Assuming smooth contact
surfaces, Determine the reactions at A, B, C, & D on the cylinders.

Free Body Diagram of small cylinder FBD of big cylinder

200 lb 400 lb 400 lb

2′ •1′
θ
• ↓ ←R θ
D RA → ↓ 60°

•
R
↗
C

• (Σ FY = 0) ↑R
2′ 2.6′ 1′ B
RC cos 60° − 200 = 0 (Σ FY = 0)

RC = 400 lb RB −400cos 60° − 400 = 0

(Σ FX = 0) RB = 600 lb
3′ θ 2.6
sinθ = 400 sin 60° - RD = 0 (Σ FX = 0)
3
2.6′ RD = 346.4 lb RA −400 sin 60° = 0
θ = 60°
RA = 346.4 lb
Equilibrium of Parallel Forces
R = ΣF ; R•d = ΣM
When : R = 0
Then : ΣF = 0
ΣM = 0
1. Determine the reactions for the beam shown.

(Σ FY = 0)
R2 + 1580KN −300KN −100KN (14m) −400KN = 0

R2 = 520 KN

(Σ MR2 = 0)
R1 (10) − 300KN (16m) − 100KN(14m)(9m) +400KN(4m) = 0

R1 = 1580 KN
2. Determine the reactions for the beam loaded shown.

(Σ MR2 = 0)
1 1
R1 (15) − 120KN (12m) − 60KN (6m)(9m) − (150KN)(6m) (3 (6m)) = 0
2
R1 = 372 KN

(Σ FY = 0)
1
R2 + 372KN − 120KN − 60KN(6m) − (150KN)(6m) = 0
2
R2 = 558 KN
3. The cantilever beam shown is built into a wall 2m thick so that it rest against point A & B. The
beam is 12m long and weighs 100 KN/m. A concentrated load of 2000 KN is applied at the free
end. Compute the reactions at A & B?

RA

↓
↑
RB
(Σ MA = 0)
RB (2m)−2000KN (12m) − 100KN (12m) (6m) = 0

RB = 15,600 KN

(Σ FV = 0)
-RA + 15600KN − 2000 KN −100KN (12m) = 0

RA = 12,400 KN
4. The differential chain hoist shown consist of two concentric pulleys rigidly fasten together. The
pulley form two sprockets for an endless chain looped, over them is two loops. In one loop is
mounted a movable pulley supporting a load W. Neglecting friction, determine the maximum load
W that can just be raised by a pull P applied as shown?

FBD of lower loop FBD of upper loop

T T
W(D − d)
↑ ↑ 2
= PD

2PD
↓ ↓T ↓ W=
D−d
↓ T P
W W
But : T =
(Σ FV = 0) 2
2T =W (Σ MO = 0)
W W d D W D
T = ( )( ) + P 2 )
( − ( 2 )( 2 ) = 0 2
2 2 2

WD Wd
− = PD
2 2
5. The weight W of a traveling crane is 20 Tons acting as shown. To prevent the crane from tipping to
the right when carrying a load P of 20 Tons, a counter weight Q is used. Determine the value and
position of Q so that the crane will remain in equilibrium both when the maximum load is applied
and when the load is removed?

a. When the load P is applied Substitute eq. ❷ in eq. ❶

=?
(Σ MB = 0) 5Q + 120 = 220

W (1m)+ P (10m) − Q (5+X) = 0 5Q = 100 Tons

20 (1m)+ 20 (10m)− Q (5+X) = 0 Q = 20 Tons

P = 20 Tons Q (5+X) = 220

From ❷
A B 5Q + Q X = 220 Eq. ❶
Q X = 120
X b. When the load P is removed
(20) X = 120
(Σ MA = 0)
X= 6 m
W (6m) − Q (X) = 0
20 (6m) − Q (X) = 0
Q X = 120 Eq. ❷
Equilibrium of non-concurrent Forces
ΣFV = 0
ΣFH = 0
ΣM = 0
1. The truss shown is supported by a roller at A and a hinge at B. Solve for the components of the
reaction?
(Σ MB = 0)
RA (24) − 400KN(36m)− 600KN (12m) + 240KN(16m) = 0
RA = 740 KN

(Σ FV = 0)
RBV + 740KN − 600 KN − 400KN = 0
←R BH
↑ ↑ RBV = 260 KN
RA RBV
(Σ FH = 0)
240KN − RBH = 0

RBV = 240 KN
2. The force acting on a 1m length of a dam are shown in the figure below. The upward ground
reaction varies uniformly from the intensity of P1 KN/m at A to P2 KN/m at B. Determine P1 and P2
and also the horizontal resistance to sliding?

ΣMB = 0
(27000 KN) X - 6000KN (4) - 24000 KN(11)+ 10000KN(6) = 0

X = 8.44 m 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐵
30°

←
↑ xR H

Rv
ΣFv = 0
Rv -24000 KN − 6000 sin 30° = 0
Rv = 27,000 KN
ΣFh = 0
10000 KN − Rh − 6000 cos 30° = 0
Rh = 4,804 KN (𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔)
 Equate ❶ & ❷

18P1+ 9𝑎 = 27000 6 Eq. ❶

162P1 + 54𝑎 = 227880 Eq. ❷
Subtract ❶ & ❷
P1 P1
↑ 9
6 a
P2
108P1 + 54𝑎 = 162000
18P 1
↑9𝑎 (−) 162P1 + 54𝑎 = 227880
↓ 8.44 − 54P1 = − 65880
27000 P1 = 1220 KN/m

R = ΣFv
From Eq. ❶ From the figure
18P1+ 9𝑎 = 27000 Eq. ❶
18P1+ 9𝑎 = 27000
P2 = P1 + 𝑎
R•d = ΣMB 27000 − 18(1220KN/m)
𝑎 = P2 = 1220+ 560
18P1 (9) + 9𝑎 (6) = 27000 (8.44) 9
𝑎 = 560 KN/m P2 = 1780 KN/m
162P1 + 54𝑎 = 227880 Eq. ❷
3. The cantilever truss shown is supported by a hinge at A and a strut at BC. Determine the
reactions at A & B?
ΣMA = 0
RB sin 60° (20) − (100)(10) − 100(20) − 100(30) = 0
→ RAH
↑RAV RB = 346.4 KN
20 m ΣFv = 0
90°
RAV − (100)cos 30° (4) + 346.4 cos 60° = 0
RAV = 173.2 KN
60°

15 RB ΣFH = 0
AC =
cos 30° RAH + (100)sin 30° (4) − 346.4 sin 60° = 0
AC = 17.32 m RAH = 100 KN
17.32 173.2
AB = RA = (173.2)2 +(100)² Tan θ =
cos 30° 100

AB = 20 m RA = 200 KN θ = 60°
4. The uniform rod weighs 420 KN and has its center of gravity at G. Determine the tension in the
cable and the smooth surfaces at A & B?

ΣFv = 0 Equate ❶ in ❹
A + N cos 45° − 420 KN = 0 A + 0.707 N = 420 3 Eq. ❶
A + 0.707 N = 420 KN Eq. ❶ 3A + 2.121 N = 1260
ΣFh = 0 4A − 2.121 N = 420 Eq. ❹
T − N sin 45° = 0 7A = 1680
T = 0.707 N Eq. ❷ A = 𝟐𝟒𝟎 𝐊𝐍
FBD of bar AB ΣMB = 0 From ❶
↖ A(8) − T (6) − 420 (2) = 0 240 + 0.707 N = 420 KN
45°
N
↓420 4A − 3T − 420 = 0 Eq. ❸ N = 𝟐𝟓𝟒 𝐊𝐍
45°
→T Subs. ❷ in ❸ From ❷
4A − 3 (0.707 N) − 420 = 0 T = 0.707 (254)
↑
A 4A − 2.121 N = 420 Eq. ❹ T = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝐊𝐍
5. A 12m bar of negligible mass rests in a horizontal position on the smooth planes shown.
Compute the distance X at which a load T=100KN should be placed from point B to keep the bar
horizontal.

300KN
↓
12m 12m
30° 45° RB 30° 45° RB
RA RA = 219.6 KN

Force triangle ΣMB = 0

RA 300 RB 219.6 Cos 30°(12) − (200) (9) − 100 x = 0
= =
RB sin 45° sin 105° sin 30°
45° x = 4.82 m
300 105° 300 sin 45°
30°
RA = = 219.6 KN
RA sin 105°
300 sin 30°
RB = = 155.29 KN
sin 105°