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Lesson No. 3 in ENS161

This document discusses the equilibrium of rigid bodies, focusing on the conditions necessary for a rigid body to be in equilibrium, which include the resultant force and moment being zero. It emphasizes the importance of free body diagrams in analyzing forces and moments acting on a structure, providing steps for constructing these diagrams. Additionally, it outlines the equilibrium equations for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional rigid bodies, along with sample problems to illustrate the concepts.

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Rohayda Muti
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6 views7 pages

Lesson No. 3 in ENS161

This document discusses the equilibrium of rigid bodies, focusing on the conditions necessary for a rigid body to be in equilibrium, which include the resultant force and moment being zero. It emphasizes the importance of free body diagrams in analyzing forces and moments acting on a structure, providing steps for constructing these diagrams. Additionally, it outlines the equilibrium equations for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional rigid bodies, along with sample problems to illustrate the concepts.

Uploaded by

Rohayda Muti
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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Lesson No. 3.

Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies


Introduction
In the preceding sections, we discussed the methods for determining the resultant of several
forces acting on a particle. That resultant force could reduced to a force-couple system at some arbitrary
point O. It is possible that the resultant would be zero. In such a case, the net effect of the applied
forces is zero, and the rigid body is said to be in equilibrium. The resultant force and the resultant
moment are both zero :

∑F=0 , & ∑M=0

In order to write the equations of equilibrium for a rigid body, it is essential to identify all the
forces acting on that body and then draw the corresponding free body diagram. In addition to the
applied forces to a structure, the reactions exerted on the structure by its supports will be considered. A
specific reactions will be associated with each type of support.

Free Body Diagram


Once we reach a decision about which body or combination of bodies is to be analyzed, then this
body or combination treated as a single body is isolated from all surrounding bodies. This process is
accomplished by means of the free body diagram, which is defined to be a diagrammatic representation
of the isolated body or combination of bodies considered as a single body, showing all external forces
applied to it and by mechanical contact with other bodies like the supports that are imagined to be
removed and changed by the reactions they provide to the body. The first step in the solution of the
problem should be to draw a free-body diagram of the body under consideration.
Here are the suggested steps in the construction of the free- body diagrams :

1. A clear decision is made concerning which body or combination of bodies is to be used.


2. The body or combination chosen is next isolated by a diagram that represents its complete
external boundary.
3. All external forces should be indicated on the free body diagram. The weight of the body should
also be included among the external forces, since it represents the attraction exerted by the
earth on the various particles forming the body, this will be acting at the center of gravity. It is
necessary to be consistent with the assigned characteristics of unknown forces throughout all of
the calculations.
4. The choice of coordinate axes should be indicated directly on the diagram. Necessary
dimensions may also be represented for convenience. Note, that the free body diagram serves
the purpose of focusing accurate attention on the action of the external forces.

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5. The free body diagram should also include dimensions, since these may be needed in the
computation of moments of forces.

Equilibrium of a Rigid Body in Two Dimensions


The conditions for equilibrium of rigid bodies in two dimensional axis :

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0

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Where O is any point in the plane of the structure. The three equilibrium equations can be used to solve
no more than three unknowns.

MECHANICAL ACTION OF FORCES IN TWO- DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

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Sample Problems :

1. Three loads are applied to a beam as shown. The beam is supported by a roller at A and by a
hinge at B. Neglecting the weight of the beam, determine the reactions at A and B.
15 kips 6 kips 6 kips

A B

3 ft 6 ft 2ft 2ft
Solution:
Free- Body Diagram. A free-body diagram of the beam is drawn. The reaction @ A is vertical
and denoted by Ay. The reaction @ B is represented by Bx and By. Each component is assumed
to act in the direction shown.
15 kips 6 kips 6 kips

Bx
Ay By
Equilibrium Equations. We write the following three equilibrium equations and solve for the
reactions indicated :
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝐵𝑥 = 0

+ ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ; assume positive moment for counter clockwise direction.

15 (6) – Ay (9) – 6 (2) – 6(4) = 0


𝐴𝑦 = 6 𝐾 ↑
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝐴𝑦 + 𝐵𝑦 − 15 − 6 − 6 = 0
𝐵𝑦 = 21 𝐾 ↑

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Solve the following problems :

1. The ring supports the 1000 lb load and is held in position by two cables attached to vertical
walls. Find the tensions T1 and T2 .

45° T1 T2 60°

1000 lb

2. Knowing that the tension in wire BD is 1300 N, determine the reactions at the fixed support C of
the frame shown. 750 N 150 mm
500 mm 250 mm
A B

450 N

400 mm 600 mm

C D

Equilibrium of Rigid Body in Three Dimensions

The conditions for equilibrium of rigid body in three dimensional axis :

∑𝐹 = 0 or ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑧 = 0
∑𝑀 = 0 or ∑ 𝑀𝑥 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

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REACTIONS AT SUPPORTS AND CONNECTIONS FOR A THREE DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE

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Solve the following problem:

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