DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Regulation 2021
II Year – III Semester

ME3351- ENGINEERING MECHANICS

 Syllabus

UNIT I STATICS OF PARTICLES

Fundamental Concepts and Principles, Systems of Units, Method of Problem Solutions, Statics of
Particles -Forces in a Plane, Resultant of Forces, Resolution of a Force into Components, Rectangular
Components of a Force, Unit Vectors. Equilibrium of a Particle- Newton’s First Law of Motion,
Space and Free-Body Diagrams, Forces in Space, Equilibrium of a Particle in Space.

UNIT II EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES

Principle of Transmissibility, Equivalent Forces, Vector Product of Two Vectors, Moment of a Force
about a Point, Varignon’s Theorem, Rectangular Components of the Moment of a Force, Scalar
Product of Two Vectors, Mixed Triple Product of Three Vectors, Moment of a Force about an Axis,
Couple – Moment of a Couple, Equivalent Couples, Addition of Couples, Resolution of a Given
Force into a Force -Couple system, Further Reduction of a System of Forces, Equilibrium in Two
and Three Dimensions – Reactions at Supports and Connections.

UNIT III DISTRIBUTED FORCES

Centroids of lines and areas – symmetrical and unsymmetrical shapes, Determination of Centroids
by Integration , Theorems of Pappus-Guldinus, Distributed Loads on Beams, Centre of Gravity of a
Three-Dimensional Body, Centroid of a Volume, Composite Bodies , Determination of Centroids of
Volumes by Integration. Moments of Inertia of Areas and Mass – Determination of the Moment of
Inertia of an Area by Integration, Polar Moment of Inertia , Radius of Gyration of an Area , Parallel-
Axis Theorem , Moments of Inertia of Composite Areas, Moments of Inertia of a Mass – Moments
of Inertia of Thin Plates , Determination of the Moment of Inertia of a Three-Dimensional Body by
Integration.

UNIT IV FRICTION

The Laws of Dry Friction, Coefficients of Friction, Angles of Friction, Wedge friction, Wheel
Friction, Rolling Resistance, Ladder friction.

UNIT V DYNAMICS OF PARTICLES

Kinematics – Rectilinear Motion and Curvilinear Motion of Particles. Kinetics- Newton’s Second
Law of Motion -Equations of Motions, Dynamic Equilibrium, Energy and Momentum Methods -
Work of a Force, Kinetic Energy of a Particle, Principle of Work and Energy, Principle of Impulse
and Momentum, Impact of bodies.

1
TEXTBOOKS: ME3351 Engineering Mechanics Questions and Answers

1. Beer Ferdinand P, Russel Johnston Jr., David F Mazurek, Philip J Cornwell,

SanjeevSanghi, Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics, McGraw
HigherEducation.,11thEdition,2017.
2. Vela Murali, “Engineering Mechanics-Statics and Dynamics”, Oxford University Press,2018.

References:

1. Boresi P and Schmidt J, Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics, 1/e, Cengage
learning,2008.
2. Hibbeller, R.C., Engineering Mechanics: Statics, and Engineering Mechanics:
Dynamics,13thedition,PrenticeHall,2013.
3. Irving H. Shames, Krishna Mohana Rao G, Engineering Mechanics – Statics and
Dynamics,4thEdition,PearsonEducationAsiaPvt.Ltd.,2005.
4. Meriam J L and Kraige L G, Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Engineering
Mechanics:Dynamics,7thedition,Wileystudentedition,2013.
5. Timoshenko S, Young D H, Rao J V and SukumarPati, Engineering Mechanics,
5thEdition,McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2013.

2
 UNIT I STATICS OF PARTICLES

Mechanics

It is defined as that branch of science, which describes and predicts the conditions of rest
or motion of bodies under the action of forces. Engineering mechanics applies the
principle of mechanics to design, taking into account the effects of forces.

Statics

Statics deal with the condition of equilibrium of bodies acted upon by forces.

Rigid body

A rigid body is defined as a definite quantity of matter, the parts of which are fixed in
position relative to each other. Physical bodies are never absolutely but deform slightly
under the action of loads. If the deformation is negligible as compared to its size, the
body is termed as rigid.

Force

Force may be defined as any action that tends to change the state of rest or motion of a
body to which it is applied.

The three quantities required to completely define force are called its specification or
characteristics. So the characteristics of a force are:
1. Magnitude
2. Point of application
3. Direction of application

3
Concentrated force/point load

Distributed force

Line of action of force

The direction of a force is the direction, along a straight line through its point of
application in which the force tends to move a body when it is applied. This line is called
line of action of force.

Representation of force

Graphically a force may be represented by the segment of a straight line.

Composition of two forces

The reduction of a given system of forces to the simplest system that will be its
equivalent is called the problem of composition of forces.

Parallelogram law

If two forces represented by vectors AB and AC acting under an angle α are applied to
a body at point A. Their action is equivalent to the action of one force, represented by
vector AD, obtained as the diagonal of the parallelogram constructed on the vectors
AB and AC directed as shown in the figure.

4
Force AD is called the resultant of AB and AC and the forces are called its
components.

R=

Now applying triangle law

P Q R
= =
Sin Sin Sin( −  )

Special cases

Case-I: If α = 0˚
R= = = P+Q

P Q R

R = P+Q

Case- II: If α = 180˚

R= = = = P −Q

5
Q P R

6
Case-III: If α = 90˚

R= = Q
R
α = tan-1 (Q/P)

α
P
Resolution of a force

The replacement of a single force by a several components which will be equivalent in

action to the given force is called resolution of a force.

Action and reaction

Often bodies in equilibrium are constrained to investigate the conditions.

7
Free body diagram

Free body diagram is necessary to investigate the condition of equilibrium of a body or

system. While drawing the free body diagram all the supports of the body are removed
and replaced with the reaction forces acting on it.

1. Draw the free body diagrams of the following figures.

2. Draw the free body diagram of the body, the string CD and the ring.

8
3. Draw the free body diagram of the following figures.

Equilibrium of colinear forces:

Equllibrium law: Two forces can be in equilibrium only if they are equal in
magnitude, opposite in direction and collinear in action.

(tension)

Problem 1:

(compression)

9
Superposition and transmissibility

Problem 1: A man of weight W = 712 N holds one end of a rope that passes over a
pulley vertically above his head and to the other end of which is attached a weight Q =
534 N. Find the force with which the man’s feet press against the floor.

Problem 2: A boat is moved uniformly along a canal by two horses pulling with forces
P = 890 N and Q = 1068 N acting under an angle α = 60˚. Determine the magnitude of
the resultant pull on the boat and the angles β and ν.

P = 890 N, α = 60˚
Q = 1068 N β
R = (P2 + Q2 + 2PQ cos )
ν
= α

= 1698.01N

10
 Q = P = R
sin  sin sin( −  )

Q sin 
sin  =
R
1068 sin 60∘
=
1698.01
= 33∘

P sin 
sin =
R
890  sin 60∘
=
1698.01
= 27∘

Resolution of a force

Replacement of a single force by several components which will be equivalent in

action to the given force is called the problem of resolution of a force.

By using parallelogram law, a single force R can be resolved into two components P
and Q intersecting at a point on its line of action.

Equilibrium of collinear forces:

Equilibrium law: Two forces can be in equilibrium only if they are equal in magnitude,
opposite in direction and collinear in action.

11
Law of superposition

The action of a given system of forces on a rigid body will no way be changed if we add
to or subtract from them another system of forces in equllibrium.

Problem 3: Two spheres of weight P and Q rest inside a hollow cylinder which is resting
on a horizontal force. Draw the free body diagram of both the spheres, together and
separately.

Problem 4: Draw the free body diagram of the figure shown below.

12
Problem 5: Determine the angles α and β shown in the figure.

 762 
 = tan−1
 
 915 
= 39∘ 47 '
 762 
 = tan−1
 610 
 
= 51∘19'

13
Problem 6: Find the reactions R1 and R2.

Problem 7: Two rollers of weight P and Q are supported by an inclined plane and
vertical walls as shown in the figure. Draw the free body diagram of both the rollers
separately.

14
Problem 8: Find θn and θt in the following figure.

Problem 9: For the particular position shown in the figure, the connecting rod BA of
an engine exert a force of P = 2225 N on the crank pin at A. Resolve this force into two
rectangular components Ph and Pv horizontally and vertically respectively at A.

Ph = 2081.4 N
Pv = 786.5 N

Equilibrium of concurrent forces in a plane

• If a body known to be in equilibrium is acted upon by several concurrent,

coplanar forces, then these forces or rather their free vectors, when geometrically
added must form a closed polygon.

• This system represents the condition of equilibrium for any system of concurrent
forces in a plane.

15
Ra = w tan 
S = wsec

Lami’s theorem

If three concurrent forces are acting on a body kept in an equllibrium, then each force
is proportional to the sine of angle between the other two forces and the constant of
proportionality is same.

P Q R
= =
sin  sin  sin

S Ra W
= =
sin 90 sin (180 −  ) sin (90 +  )

16
Problem: A ball of weight Q = 53.4N rest in a right angled trough as shown in figure.
Determine the forces exerted on the sides of the trough at D and E if all the surfaces are
perfectly smooth.

Problem: An electric light fixture of weight Q = 178 N is supported as shown in

figure. Determine the tensile forces S1 and S2 in the wires BA and BC, if their angles
of inclination are given.

S1 S2 178
= =
sin135 sin150 sin 75

S1 cos = P

S = Psecα

17
Rb = W + S sin 
P
=W + sin 
cos

= W + P tan 

Problem: A right circular roller of weight W rests on a smooth horizontal plane and is
held in position by an inclined bar AC. Find the tensions in the bar AC and vertical
reaction Rb if there is also a horizontal force P is active.

Theory of transmissiibility of a force:

The point of application of a force may be transmitted along its line of action without
changing the effect of force on any rigid body to which it may be applied.

Problem:

18
X =0
S1 cos 30 + 20 sin 60 = S2 sin 30
3
S + 20 3 = S2
2 1 2 2
3
S2
= S + 10
3
2 2 1
S2 = 3S1 + 20 (1)

Y = 0
S1 sin 30 + S2 cos 30 = Sd cos 60 + 20
S1 3 20
+S = + 20
2
2 2 2
S1 3
+ S = 30
2 2 2
S1 + 3S2 = 60 (2)

Substituting the value of S2 in Eq.2, we get

S1 + 3 ( )
3S1 + 20 3 = 60

S1 + 3S1 + 60 = 60
4S1 = 0
S1 = 0KN
S2 = 20 3 = 34.64KN

19
Problem: A ball of weight W is suspended from a string of length l and is pulled by a
horizontal force Q. The weight is displaced by a distance d from the vertical position
as shown in Figure. Determine the angle α, forces Q and tension in the string S in the
displaced position.

d
cos =
l
d 
 = cos−1
l
 
sin  + cos2  = 1
2

 sin  = (1− cos2  )

= 1−

=1

Applying Lami’s theorem,

S Q W
= =
sin 90 sin(90 +  ) sin(180 −  )

20
 Q W
=
sin(90 +  ) sin(180 −  )
W cos W  l 
d
Q= =1  
sin 
l
Wd
Q=

W W
S= =
sin  1
l
Wl
=

Problem: Two smooth circular cylinders each of weight W = 445 N and radius r = 152
mm are connected at their centres by a string AB of length l = 406 mm and rest upon a
horizontal plane, supporting above them a third cylinder of weight Q = 890 N and radius
r = 152 mm. Find the forces in the string and the pressures produced on the floor at the
point of contact.

203
cos =
304
  = 48.1∘ Rg Rf

Rg Re Q
= =
sin138.1 sin138.1 83.8
 Rg = Re = 597.86N

21
Resolving horizontally
X =0
S = Rf cos 48.1
= 597.86 cos 48.1
= 399.27N

Resolving vertically
Y = 0
Rd = W + Rf sin 48.1
= 445 + 597.86 sin 48.1
= 890N

Re = 890N
S = 399.27N

Problem: Two identical rollers each of weight Q = 445 N are supported by an inclined
plane and a vertical wall as shown in the figure. Assuming smooth surfaces, find the
reactions induced at the points of support A, B and C.

Ra S 445
= =
sin120 sin150 sin 90

 Ra = 385.38N
 S = 222.5N

22
Resolving vertically
Y = 0
Rb cos 60 = 445 + S sin 30
3 222.5 Rc
 Rb = 445 +
2 2
 Rb = 642.302N

Resolving horizontally
X =0
Rc = R b sin 30 + S cos 30
 642.302 sin 30 + 222.5 cos 30
 Rc = 513.84N

Problem:

A weight Q is suspended from a small ring C supported by two cords AC and BC. The
cord AC is fastened at A while cord BC passes over a frictionless pulley at B and carries
a weight P. If P = Q and α = 50˚, find the value of β.

Resolving horizontally
X =0
S sin 50 = Q sin  (1)
Resolving vertically
Y = 0
S cos 50 + Q sin  = Q
 S cos 50 = Q(1− cos  )
Putting the value of S from Eq. 1, we get

23
S cos 50 + Q sin  = Q
 S cos 50 = Q(1− cos  )
sin 
Q cos 50 = Q(1− cos  )
sin 50

1− cos 
 cot 50 =
sin 
 0.839 sin  = 1− cos 

Squaring both sides,

0.703sin2  = 1+ cos2  − 2 cos 
0.703(1− cos2  ) = 1+ cos2  − 2 cos 
0.703 − 0.703cos2  = 1+ cos2  − 2 cos 
 1.703cos2  − 2 cos  + 0.297 = 0
 cos2  −1.174 cos  + 0.297 = 0
  = 63.13∘

24
Method of moments

Moment of a force with respect to a point:

• Considering wrench subjected to two forces P and Q of equal magnitude. It is

evident that force P will be more effective compared to Q, though they are of
equal magnitude.
• The effectiveness of the force as regards it is the tendency to produce rotation
of a body about a fixed point is called the moment of the force with respect to
that point.
• Moment = Magnitude of the force × Perpendicular distance of the line of action
of force.
• Point O is called moment centre and the perpendicular distance (i.e. OD) is called
moment arm.
• Unit is N.m

Theorem of Varignon:

The moment of the resultant of two concurrent forces with respect to a centre in their
plane is equal to the alzebric sum of the moments of the components with respect to
some centre.

Problem 1:

A prismatic clear of AB of length l is hinged at A and supported at B. Neglecting

friction, determine the reaction Rb produced at B owing to the weight Q of the bar.

Taking moment about point A,

l
R  l = Q cos.
b
2
Q
 Rb = cos
2

25
Problem 2:

A bar AB of weight Q and length 2l rests on a very small friction less roller at D and
against a smooth vertical wall at A. Find the angle α that the bar must make with the
horizontal in equilibrium.

Resolving vertically,
Rd cos = Q

Now taking moment about A,

Rd .a
− Q.l cos = 0
cos

Q.a
 − Q.l cos = 0
cos2 

 Q.a − Q.l cos3  = 0

Q.a
 cos3  =
Q.l
a
  = cos−1
l

Problem 3:

If the piston of the engine has a diameter of 101.6 mm and the gas pressure in the cylinder
is 0.69 MPa. Calculate the turning moment M exerted on the crankshaft for the
particular configuration.

26
Area of cylinder

A = (0.1016)2 = 8.107 10−3 m2
4

Force exerted on connecting rod,

F = Pressure × Area
= 0.69×106 × 8.107×10-3
= 5593.83 N

 178 
Now  = sin −1   = 27.93∘
 380 

S cos = F
F
S= = 6331.29N
cos

Now moment entered on crankshaft,

S cos  0.178 = 995.7N = 1KN

Problem 4:

A rigid bar AB is supported in a vertical plane and carrying a load Q at its free end.
Neglecting the weight of bar, find the magnitude of tensile force S in the horizontal string
CD.

Taking moment about A,

M A =0
l
S. cos = Q.l sin 2
Q.l sin 
S=
l
cos
2
 S = 2Q. tan 

27
Friction

• The force which opposes the movement or the tendency of movement is called
Frictional force or simply friction. It is due to the resistance to motionoffered
by minutely projecting particles at the contact surfaces. However, there is a limit
beyond which the magnitude of this force cannot increase.
• If the applied force is more than this limit, there will be movement of one body
over the other. This limiting value of frictional force when the motion is
impending, it is known as Limiting Friction.
• When the applied force is less than the limiting friction, the body remains at
rest and such frictional force is called Static Friction, which will be having
any value between zero and the limiting friction.
• If the value of applied force exceeds the limiting friction, the body startsmoving
over the other body and the frictional resistance experienced by the body while
moving is known as Dynamic Friction. Dynamic friction is less than limiting
friction.
• Dynamic friction is classified into following two types:
a) Sliding friction
b) Rolling friction
• Sliding friction is the friction experienced by a body when it slides over the other
body.
• Rolling friction is the friction experienced by a body when it rolls over a surface.
• It is experimentally found that the magnitude of limiting friction bears a constant
ratio to the normal reaction between two surfaces and this ratio is called
Coefficient of Friction.

N
F
Coefficient of friction =
N
where F is limiting friction and N is normal reaction between the contact surfaces.

Coefficient of friction is denoted by µ.

F
Thus,  =
N

28
Laws of friction

1. The force of friction always acts in a direction opposite to that in which body
tends to move.
2. Till the limiting value is reached, the magnitude of friction is exactly equal to the
force which tends to move the body.
3. The magnitude of the limiting friction bears a constant ratio to the normal
reaction between the two surfaces of contact and this ratio is called coefficient
of friction.
4. The force of friction depends upon the roughness/smoothness of the surfaces.
5. The force of friction is independent of the area of contact between the two
surfaces.
6. After the body starts moving, the dynamic friction comes into play, the
magnitude of which is less than that of limiting friction and it bears a constant
ratio with normal force. This ratio is called coefficient of dynamic friction.

Angle of friction

Consider the block shown in figure resting on a horizontal surface and subjected to
horizontal pull P. 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 which acts at angle θ to normal reaction. This angle θ called the
angle of friction is given by

F
tan =
N

As P increases, F increases and hence θ also increases. θ can reach the maximum value
α when F reaches limiting value. At this stage,

F
tan  = =
N

This value of α is called Angle of Limiting Friction. Hence, the angle of limiting friction
may be defined as the angle between the resultant reaction and the normal to the plane
on which the motion of the body is impending.

Angle of repose

29
Consider the block of weight W resting on an inclined plane which makes an angle θ
with the horizontal. When θ is small, the block will rest on the plane. If θ is gradually
increased, a stage is reached at which the block start sliding down the plane. The angle
θ for which the motion is impending, is called the angle of repose. Thus, the maximum
inclination of the plane on which a body, free from external forces, can repose is called
Angle of Repose.

Resolving vertically,
N = W. cos θ

Resolving horizontally,
F = W. sin θ

F
Thus, tan  =
N
If ɸ is the value of θ when the motion is impending, the frictional force will be limiting
friction and hence,

F
tan  =
N
=  = tan 
 =
Thus, the value of angle of repose is same as the value of limiting angle of repose.

Cone of friction

• When a body is having impending motion in the direction of force P, the

frictional force will be limiting friction and the resultant reaction R will make
limiting angle α with the normal.
• If the body is having impending motion in some other direction, the resultant
reaction makes limiting frictional angle α with the normal to that direction. Thus,
when the direction of force P is gradually changed through 360˚, the resultant R
generates a right circular cone with semi-central angle equal to α.

30
Problem 1: Block A weighing 1000N rests over block B which weighs 2000N as shown
in figure. Block A is tied to wall with a horizontal string. If the coefficient of friction
between blocks A and B is 0.25 and between B and floor is 1/3, what should bethe value
of P to move the block (B), if
(a) P is horizontal.
(b) P acts at 30˚ upwards to horizontal.

Solution: (a)

Considering block A,

V = 0
N1 = 1000N

Since F1 is limiting friction,

F1
=  = 0.25
N1
F1 = 0.25N1 = 0.251000 = 250N

H = 0
F1 − T = 0
T = F1 = 250N

Considering equilibrium of block B,

V = 0
N2 − 2000 − N1 = 0
N2 = 2000 + N1 = 2000 +1000 = 3000N

F2 1
==
N2 3
F2 = 0.3N2 = 0.31000 = 1000N

31
H = 0
P = F1 + F2 = 250 +1000 = 1250N

(b) When P is inclined:

V = 0
N2 − 2000 − N1 + P.sin 30 = 0
 N2 + 0.5P = 2000 +1000
 N2 = 3000 − 0.5P

From law of friction,

1 1 0.5
F = N = (3000 − 0.5P) = 1000 − P
2
3 2 3 3

H =0
P cos 30 = F1 + F2
 0.5 
 P cos 30 = 250 + 1000 −
3 
P
 
 0.5 
 P cos 30 + P  = 1250
3
 
 P = 1210.43N

Problem 2: A block weighing 500N just starts moving down a rough inclined plane
when supported by a force of 200N acting parallel to the plane in upward direction.
The same block is on the verge of moving up the plane when pulled by a force of 300N
acting parallel to the plane. Find the inclination of the plane and coefficient of friction
between the inclined plane and the block.

V = 0
N = 500.cos
F1 =  N = .500 cos

32
H = 0
200 + F1 = 500.sin (1)
 200 + .500 cos = 500.sin

V = 0
N = 500.cos
F2 =  N = .500.cos

H = 0
500 sin + F2 = 300 (2)
 500 sin + .500 cos = 300
Adding Eqs. (1) and (2), we get

500 = 1000. sinθ

sin θ = 0.5
θ = 30˚

Substituting the value of θ in Eq. 2,

500 sin 30 + .500 cos 30 = 300

50
= = 0.11547
500 cos 30

33
Parallel forces on a plane

Like parallel forces: Coplanar parallel forces when act in the same direction.

Unlike parallel forces: Coplanar parallel forces when act in different direction.

Resultant of like parallel forces:

R
P
Let P and Q are two like parallel forces act at points A and B. Q
R=P+Q

A B

Resultant of unlike parallel forces: P

R=P-Q R

B
R is in the direction of the force having greater magnitude.
A
Q

Couple:

Two unlike equal parallel forces form a couple.

A
l B

The rotational effect of a couple is measured by its moment.

Moment = P × l

Sign convention: Anticlockwise couple (Positive)

Clockwise couple (Negative)

34
Problem 1 : A rigid bar CABD supported as shown in figure is acted upon by two equal
horizontal forces P applied at C and D. Calculate the reactions that will be induced at the
points of support. Assume l = 1.2 m, a = 0.9 m, b =0.6 m.

V = 0
Ra = Rb

Taking moment about A,

Ra = Rb
Rb  l + P  b = P  a
P(0.9 − 0.6)
 Rb =
1.2
 Rb = 0.25P()
 Ra = 0.25P()

Problem 2: Owing to weight W of the locomotive shown in figure, the reactions at the
two points of support A and B will each be equal to W/2. When the locomotive is pulling
the train and the drawbar pull P is just equal to the total friction at the points of contact
A and B, determine the magnitudes of the vertical reactions Ra and Rb.

V = 0
Ra + Rb = W

Taking moment about B,

35
M B =0
Ra  2a + P  b = W  a
W .a − P.b
 Ra =
2a
 Rb = W − Ra
W .a − P.b 
 Rb = W −  2a
 
 Rb = W .a + P.b
2a

Problem 3: The four wheels of a locomotive produce vertical forces on the horizontal
girder AB. Determine the reactions Ra and Rb at the supports if the loads P = 90 KN each
and Q = 72 KN (All dimensions are in m).

V = 0
Ra + Rb = 3P + Q
 Ra + Rb = 3 90 + 72
 Ra + Rb = 342KN
M A =0
Rb  9.6 = 90 1.8 + 90  3.6 + 90  5.4 + 72  8.4
 Rb = 164.25KN
 Ra = 177.75KN

Problem 4: The beam AB in figure is hinged at A and supported at B by a vertical

cord which passes over a frictionless pulley at C and carries at its end a load P. Determine
the distance x from A at which a load Q must be placed on the beam if it is to remain in
equilibrium in a horizontal position. Neglect the weight of the beam.

36
FBD

OR

M A =0
S l = Q x
P.l
x=
Q

Problem 5: A prismatic bar AB of weight Q = 44.5 N is supported by two vertical wires

at its ends and carries at D a load P = 89 N as shown in figure. Determine the forces Sa
and Sb in the two wires.

Q = 44.5 N
P = 89 N

Resolving vertically,
V = 0
Sa + S b = P + Q
 Sa + Sb = 89 + 44.5
 Sa + Sb = 133.5N

37
M A =0
l l
S l = P  + Q 
b
4 2
P Q
 Sb = +
4 2
89 44.5
 Sb = +
4 2
 Sb = 44.5
 Sa = 133.5 − 44.5
 Sa = 89N

Centre of gravity

Centre of gravity: It is that point through which the resultant of the distributed gravity
force passes regardless of the orientation of the body in space.

• As the point through which resultant of force of gravity (weight) of the body acts.

Centroid: Centrroid of an area lies on the axis of symmetry if it exits.

Centre of gravity is applied to bodies with mass and weight and centroid is applied to
plane areas.

xc =  Ai xi
yc =  Ai yi

A1x1 + A2 x2
xc =
A1 + A2
A1 y1 + A2 y2
yc =
A1 + A2

x = y = Moment of area
c c
Total area

xc =  x.dA
A

yc =  y.dA
A

38
Problem 1: Consider the triangle ABC of base ‘b’ and height ‘h’. Determine the
distance of centroid from the base.

Let us consider an elemental strip of width ‘b1’ and thickness ‘dy’.

AEF ABC
b h−y
 1=
b h
h− y
 b1 = b  h 
 
 y
 b1 = b  1− 
h
 
Area of element EF (dA) = b1×dy y 
= b  1−  dy
h
 

yc =  y.dA
A
h
 y
0 y.b1− h  dy
= 1
b.h
2
3
h

y y 
2
b −
=
2 3h  0
1
b.h
2
2  h2 h3 
= −
h  2 3 
2 h2
= 
h 6
h
=
3

Therefore, yc is at a distance of h/3 from base.

39
Problem 2: Consider a semi-circle of radius R. Determine its distance from diametral
axis.

Due to symmetry, centroid ‘yc’ must lie on Y-axis.

Consider an element at a distance ‘r’ from centre ‘o’ of the semicircle with radial width
dr.

Area of element = (r.dθ)×dr

Moment of area about x =  y.dA

R

=  ( r.d  ).dr  ( r.sin  )

0 0
 R

=  r 2 sin.dr.d
0 0
 R

=  ( r 2.dr ).sin .d

0 0
R
 r3 

=   .sin .d
3 
0 0
 3
R
=
 .sin .d
0 3
R3
 − cos  

=
0
3
R3
=
3
1+1
2
= R3
3

Moment of area
yc =
Total area

40
 2 R3
= 32
R
2
4R
=
3
4R
Therefore, the centroid of the semicircle is at a distance of from the diametric
3

axis.

Centroids of different figures

Shape Figure x y Area

Rectangle b d bd
2 2

Triangle 0 h bh
3 2

Semicircle 0 4R  r2
3 2

Quarter circle 4R 4R  r2
3 3 4

Problem 3: Find the centroid of the T-section as shown in figure from the bottom.

41
Area (Ai) xi yi Ai xi Ai yi
2000 0 110 10,000 22,0000
2000 0 50 10,000 10,0000
4000 20,000 32,0000

y =
Ai yi A1 y1 + A2 y2 32, 0000
= = = 80
c
A A +A 4000
i 1 2

Due to symmetry, the centroid lies on Y-axis and it is at distance of 80 mm from the
bottom.

Problem 4: Locate the centroid of the I-section.

As the figure is symmetric, centroid lies on y-axis. Therefore, x = 0

Area (Ai) xi yi Ai xi Ai yi
2000 0 140 0 280000
2000 0 80 0 160000
4500 0 15 0 67500

y =
Ai yi = A1 y1 + A2 y2 + A3 y3 = 59.71mm

c
A A +A +A
i 1 2 3
Thus, the centroid is on the symmetric axis at a distance 59.71 mm from the bottom.

Problem 5: Determine the centroid of the composite figure about x-y coordinate. Take
x = 40 mm.

A1 = Area of rectangle = 12x.14x=168x2

42
A2 = Area of rectangle to be subtracted = 4x.4x = 16 x2

43
  R2 =  ( 4x ) = 25.13x2
2

A3 = Area of semicircle to be subtracted =

2 2
 ( 4x )2
A4 = Area of quatercircle to be subtracted =  R =
2
= 12.56x2

4 4
1
A5 = Area of triangle =  6x  4x = 12x2
2
Area (Ai) xi yi Ai xi Ai yi
A1 = 268800 7x = 280 6x =240 75264000 64512000
A2 = 25600 2x = 80 10x=400 2048000 10240000
A3 = 40208 6x =240 4  4x 9649920 2730364.448
=67.906
3
 4  4x   4  4x 
A4 = 20096 10x + 4x − 8x + 4x − 9889040.64 8281420.926
 3   3 
 
= 492.09 = 412.093
A5 = 19200 6x 4x 12288000 1023936
14x + = 16x = 53.33
3 3
= 640

A1x1 − A2 x2 − A3 x3 − A4 x4 + A5 x5
xc = A −A −A −A +A = 326.404mm
1 2 3 4 5

A1 y1 − A2 y2 − A3 y3 − A4 y4 + A5 y5
yc = A −A −A −A +A = 219.124mm
1 2 3 4 5

Problem 6: Determine the centroid of the following figure.

1
A1 = Area of triangle =  80  80 = 3200m2
2
R 2
A2 = Area of semicircle = d −
2
2513.274m
2

= A3 = Area of semicircle =

44
 8 2
 D2
1256.64m
2 = 2

45
Area (Ai) xi yi Ai xi Ai yi
3200 2×(80/3)=53.33 80/3 = 26.67 170656 85344
2513.274 40 −4  40 100530.96 -42650.259
= −16.97
3
1256.64 40 0 50265.6 0
A1x1 + A2 x2 − A3 x3
x = = 49.57mm
c
A +A +A
1 2 3
A1 y1 + A2 y2 − A3 y3
y = = 9.58mm
c
A +A −A
1 2 3

Problem 7: Determine the centroid of the following figure.

A1 = Area of the rectangle

A2 = Area of triangle
A3 = Area of circle

Area (Ai) xi yi Ai xi Ai yi
30,000 100 75 3000000 2250000
3750 100+200/3 75+150/3 625012.5 468750
= 166.67 =125
7853.98 100 75 785398 589048.5

Ai xi = A1x1 − A2 x2 − A3 x3 = 86.4mm
x =
A A −A −A
c

i 1 2 3
A1 y1 − A2 y2 − A3 y3
=
Ay i i = = 64.8mm
y
A A1 − A2 − A3
c
i

46
Numerical Problems (Assignment)

1. An isosceles triangle ADE is to cut from a square ABCD of dimension ‘a’.

Find the altitude ‘y’ of the triangle so that vertex E will be centroid of remaining
shaded area.

2. Find the centroid of the following figure.

3. Locate the centroid C of the shaded area obtained by cutting a semi-circle of

diameter ‘a’ from the quadrant of a circle of radius ‘a’.

4. Locate the centroid of the composite figure.

Module –II

42
Truss/ Frame: A pin jointed frame is a structure made of slender (cross-sectional
dimensions quite small compared to length) members pin connected at ends and capable
of taking load at joints.

Such frames are used as roof trusses to support sloping roofs and as bridge trusses to
support deck.

Plane frame: A frame in which all members lie in a single plane is called plane frame.
They are designed to resist the forces acting in the plane of frame. Roof trusses and
bridge trusses are the example of plane frames.

Space frame: If all the members of frame do not lie in a single plane, they are called
as space frame. Tripod, transmission towers are the examples of space frames.

Perfect frame: A pin jointed frame which has got just sufficient number of members
to resist the loads without undergoing appreciable deformation in shape is called a
perfect frame. Triangular frame is the simplest perfect frame and it has 03 joints and
03 members.

It may be observed that to increase one joint in a perfect frame, two more members are
required. Hence, the following expression may be written as the relationship between
number of joint j, and the number of members m in a perfect frame.

m = 2j – 3

(a) When LHS = RHS, Perfect frame.

(b) When LHS<RHS, Deficient frame.
(c) When LHS>RHS, Redundant frame.

Assumptions

The following assumptions are made in the analysis of pin jointed trusses:

1. The ends of the members are pin jointed (hinged).

2. The loads act only at the joints.
3. Self weight of the members is negligible.

Methods of analysis

1. Method of joint
2. Method of section

43
Problems on method of joints

Problem 1: Find the forces in all the members of the truss shown in figure.

tan = 1
  = 45∘

Joint C

S1 = S 2 cos 45
 S 1 = 40KN (Compression)
S2 sin 45 = 40
 S2 = 56.56KN (Tension)

Joint D

S3 = 40KN (Tension)
S1 = S 4 = 40KN (Compression)

Joint B

Resolving vertically,
V = 0
S5 sin 45 = S3 + S2 sin 45

44
 S5 = 113.137KN (Compression)

Resolving horizontally,
H =0
S6 = S5 cos 45 + S2 cos 45
 S6 = 113.137 cos 45 + 56.56 cos 45
 S6 = 120KN (Tension)

Problem 2: Determine the forces in all the members of the truss shown in figure and
indicate the magnitude and nature of the forces on the diagram of the truss. All inclined
members are at 60˚ to horizontal and length of each member is 2m.

Taking moment at point A,

M A =0
Rd  4 = 40 1+ 60  2 + 50  3
 Rd = 77.5KN

Now resolving all the forces in vertical direction,

V = 0
Ra + Rd = 40 + 60 + 50
 Ra = 72.5KN

Joint A

V = 0
 Ra = S 1 sin 60 Ra
 S1 = 83.72KN (Compression)

H = 0
 S2 = S1 cos 60

45
 S1 = 41.86KN (Tension)

Joint D

V = 0
S7 sin 60 = 77.5
 S7 = 89.5KN (Compression)

H = 0
S6 = S7 cos 60
 S6 = 44.75KN (Tension)

Joint B

V = 0
S1 sin 60 = S3 cos 60 + 40
 S3 = 37.532KN (Tension)

H =0
S4 = S1 cos 60 + S3 cos 60
 S4 = 37.532 cos 60 + 83.72 cos 60
 S4 = 60.626KN (Compression)

Joint C

V = 0
S5 sin 60 + 50 = S7 sin 60
 S5 = 31.76KN (Tension)

46