BSEE 2

Engineering Mechanics
(ENSC 018)

LESSON 2

Topic:
RESULTANT OF FORCE SYSTEM

Sept 26, 2024

7:30am 10:30am
REVIEW / RECAP
FORCE VECTORS
 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.

• Force is a vector quantity

• Three quantities / properties

1. Magnitude
2. Point of application
3. Direction of application/Line of
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• Types of Force:
1. Concentrated Force / Load
2. Uniformly Distributed Force / Load
3. Uniformly Varying Force / Load
4. Couple / Moment
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Fundamental Concepts
• Effects of Force on a body
Whenever a force acts on a body or
particle, it may produce some external as
well as internal effects or changes.
• A force may change the state or position of a
body by inducing motion of the body. (External
effect)
• A force may change the size or shape of an
object when applied on it. It may deform the
body thus inducing internal effects on the
body.
• A force may induce rotational motion into a
Types of Quantities:
1. Scalar and
2. Vectors
Scalar - any positive or negative physical
quantity that can be completely specified by its
magnitude.
Examples:
time, volume, density, speed, energy, and mass

(+) or (-)

Magnitude or Value = _____

Vectors
Vector - any physical quantity that requires both
a magnitude and direction for its complete
description.
- A vector is shown graphically by an arrow.
- The length of the arrow represents the
magnitude of the vector, and a fixed axis
defines the direction of its line of action.
- The head of the arrow indicates the sense
of direction of the vector.
F

Ø
 Vectors

For handwritten work, it is often convenient to denote a

vector quantity by simply drawing an arrow on top it A .
In print, vector quantities are represented by bold face
letters such as A, and its magnitude of the vector is
italicized, A.
Scalar and Vectors
Vector Operations
Multiplication and division of vector by a scalar:
If a vector is multiplied by a positive scalar, its
magnitude is increased by that amount. When
multiplied by a negative scalar it will also change
the directional sense of the vector.
Vector addition: All vector quantities obey the
parallelogram law of addition. (Please refer to the
succeeding slides)
Vector subtraction: The resultant of the difference
between two vectors 𝐀 and 𝐁 of the same type may
be expressed as:
Vectors
Vector addition of forces:
Experimental evidence has shown that a force is
a vector quantity since it has a specified
magnitude, direction, and sense and it adds
according to the parallelogram law.
Finding a Resultant Force:
The two component forces 𝐅 𝟏 and 𝐅𝟐 acting on
the pin in can be added together to form the
resultant force.
Vectors
Parallelogram and Triangular
Law.
Vectors
Finding the components of a force:
Sometimes it is necessary to resolve a force
into two components in order to study its
pulling and pushing effect in two specific
directions.
Components of a Force:
Vectors
Addition of several forces:

If more than two forces are to be added

successive applications of the parallelogram law
can be carried out in order to obtain the
resultant force. For example if the three forces
𝐅 𝟏, 𝐅𝟐, 𝐅 𝟑 act at a point o, the resultant of any
two of the forces is found (𝐅𝟏 + 𝐅𝟐) and then
this resultant is added to the third force yielding
the resultant of all three forces (𝐅𝐑 = (𝐅𝟏 + 𝐅𝟐)
+ 𝐅𝟑).
Addition of several forces:
 BSEE 2
Engineering Mechanics
(ENSC 018)

LESSON 2

Topic:
RESULTANT OF FORCE SYSTEM

Sept 26, 2024

7:30am 10:30am
GENERAL PRINCIPLES of FORCE
SYSTEM
KINDS:

• COPLANAR Force System:

– System of Forces acting on the same
plane.
(X & Y – axes / plane)

• SPATIAL Force System

- Forces acting on the three dimensional
plane
(X, Y & Z – axes / coordinates)
 Coplanar Forces
Definition:
• Coplanar Force System:
– System of Forces acting on the same plane.
Y
F2

F1 F3

F4

X
 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FORCE
SYSTEM
• Types of Coplanar Force System:

1. Concurrent Coplanar Force System

– Forces acting on the same plane and at a
common point of application or same position.

2. Parallel Coplanar Force System

- Forces acting on the same plane and in the
same direction.

3. General Coplanar Force System

– Forces acting on the same plane but are not
acting at the same point neither parallel.
Concurrent Coplanar Forces

F3
F4

F2
X
F1
Parallel Coplanar Forces

Y F2
F1

F3

F4 X
General Coplanar Forces

F1 F2
F4

F3 X
Moment of a Force:

M
Moment of a Force:
Moment is the measure of the capacity or ability of the force to
produce twisting or turning effect about an axis.
The axis is perpendicular to the plane containing the line of
action of the force. The magnitude of moment is equal to the
product of the force and the perpendicular distance from
the axis to the line of action of the force.
The intersection of the plane and the axis is commonly called
the moment center (O), and the perpendicular distance from
the moment center to the line of action of the force is called
moment arm (d).
From the figure, O is the
moment center and d is the
moment arm. The moment M
M of force F about point O is
equal to the product of F and
d.
M=Fd
Couples
Couple is a system of forces whose magnitude of the
resultant is zero and yet has a moment sum.
Geometrically, couple is composed of two equal forces
that are parallel to each other and acting in opposite
direction, but not co-linear.
The magnitude of the couple is given by C:

C=Fd C

Where F are the two forces and d is the moment arm,

or the perpendicular distance between the forces.
 Couples C=F
d
C

Couple is independent of the moment center, thus,

the effect is unchanged in the following conditions.
- The couple is rotated through any angle in its
plane.
- The couple is shifted to any other position in its
plane.
- The couple is shifted to a parallel plane.
In a case where a system is composed entirely of
couples in the same plane or parallel planes, the
 Couples C=F
d In a case where a system is
composed entirely of couples in
C the same plane or parallel
planes, the resultant is a couple
whose magnitude is the
algebraic sum of the original
couples.

Resultant (CR) of several couples in the same

plane or parallel planes is equal to the the
algebraic sum of all couples.

CR = C1 + C2 + C3 + C4 ……. +
Cn
Resultant of a Force
System
Resultant of a force system
• is a single force or a couple that will have the same
effect to the body, both in translation and rotation, if
all the forces are removed and replaced by the
Resultant,Y R.
F2 R

F1 F3

F4

X
Resultant of a force system is a force or a couple
that will have the same effect to the body, both in
translation and rotation, if all the forces are removed
and replaced by the eRsultant, R.
Y
R

X
(Remember) The Addition of several forces:
Same on how to determine the Resultant
 GENERAL PRINCIPLES of FORCE
SYSTEM
• Types of Coplanar Force System:

1. Concurrent Coplanar Force System

– Forces acting on the same plane and at a
common point of application or same position.

2. Parallel Coplanar Force System

- Forces acting on the same plane and in the
same direction.

3. General Coplanar Force System

– Forces acting on the same plane but are not
acting at the same point neither parallel.
Resultant of a Coplanar Force System
Resultant of a force system is a force or a couple that will have
the same effect to the body, both in translation and rotation, if
all the forces are removed and replaced by the resultant.
The equation involving the resultant of force system are the
following
(for Coplanar Force System)

Rx = ΣFx = Fx1 + Fx2 + Fx3 +...

The x-component of the resultant is equal to the summation of
forces in the x-direction.

Ry = ΣFy = Fy1 + Fy2 + Fy3 +...

The y-component of the resultant is equal to the summation of
forces in the y-direction.

Note that according to the type of force system, one or two or

three of the equations above will be used in finding the resultant.
 RESULTANT OF COPLANAR
CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System
The line of action of each forces in coplanar concurrent force
system are on the same plane.
All of these forces meet at a common point, thus concurrent.
In x-y plane, the resultant can be found by the following
formulas:

Rx = ΣFx = Fx1 + Fx2 + Fx3 + Fx4

Ry = ΣFy = Fy1 + Fy2 + Fy3 + Fy4

R, then by tangent function, solve for 𝜃

By Phytagorean Theorem:
Solve for the resultant
direction, . x
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System1.
Example
The end of boom O is subjected to three concurrent and
coplanar forces. Determine the magnitude and direction
of the resultant force.
Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System 1:
Example
The end of boom O is subjected to three concurrent and coplanar
forces. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant
force.
Solution: Solve X-Component (Rx) of the
Resultant, R:
Rx = ΣFx = Fx1 + Fx2 + Fx3
Rx = -200 (4/5) + 250Cos 45 – 400
Rx = - (neg. sign means going to the
left)

Then similarly the Y-Component, Ry:

Ry = ΣFy = Fy1 + Fy2 + Fy3
= + 200 (3/5) + 250 Sin 45
Ry = + (pos. sign means going
upward)
By Phytagorean Theorem: Solve for R, then by tangent
function, solve for direction 𝜃.
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System1.
Examples
The end of boom O is subjected to three concurrent and coplanar
forces. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant
force.
Solution (cont’d): Solve X-Component (Rx) of the
Resultant R:
Rx = ΣFx = Fx1 + Fx2 + Fx3
Rx = -200 (4/5) + 250Cos 45 –
400
Rx = - (neg. sign means going to
the left)
Then similarly the Y-Component,
Ry:
Ry = ΣFy = Fy1 + Fy2 + Fy3
= + 200 (3/5) + 250 Sin 45
Ry = + (pos. sign means going
By Phytagorean Theorem: Solve for R, then by tangent function,
upward)
solve for direction 𝜃.
Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System
Examples 1.
The end of boom O is subjected to three concurrent and
coplanar forces. Determine the magnitude and direction of the
resultant
Solution force.
(Cont’d):
By Phytagoras Theorem, Solve for R, then by tangent function,
solve for the direction 𝜃.
y

R=
R 𝑅𝑦
tan 𝜃=
𝜃=
Ry 𝑅𝑥
𝜃

Rx x
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
Examples
System2:
Three ropes are tied to a small metal ring. At the end of each rope
three students are pulling, each trying to move the ring in their
direction. If we look down from above, the forces and directions
they are applying are shown in the figure below. Find the net force
on the ring due to the three applied forces.
Solution: Draw the
FBD
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System
Solution of Problem 2 (cont’d):

Rx = ΣFx = Fx1 – Fx2 – Fx3

Rx = 30cos37∘ − 50cos45∘ −
80cos60∘
Rx = − 51.40 lb
Rx = 51.40 lb to the left

Similarly:
Ry = ΣFy = Fy1 + Fy2 – Fy3
Ry = 30sin37∘ + 50sin45∘ −
80sin60∘
Ry = − 15.87 lb
Ry = 15.87 lb downward
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System
Solution (cont’d):

By Phytagorean Theorem, Solve for R, then by tangent

function, solve for the direction 𝜃x.

R = 53. 29 lb.
𝑅𝑦
tan 𝜃=
𝑅𝑥

x = 17.16∘
RESULTANT OF COPLANAR
PARALLEL FORCE SYSTEM
 Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
• Note:
• Parallel forces can be in the same or in opposite
directions.
• The sign of the direction can be chosen arbitrarily,
meaning, taking one direction as positive makes the
opposite direction negative.
• The complete definition of the resultant is according
to its magnitude, direction, and line of action.
 Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
Resultant of Distributed Loads
• The resultant of a distributed load is equal to the area of the
load diagram.
• It is acting at the centroid of that area as indicated.
• The figure below shows the three common distributed loads
namely; rectangular load, triangular load, and trapezoidal load.
Rectangular Load
R = woL

Triangular Load
R = 1/2woL

Trapezoidal Load
R=
wo1L+1/2(wo2−wo1)L
Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
Example 1:
A parallel force system acts on the lever shown in the
figure below. Determine the magnitude and position
of the resultant.
Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
Example 1:
A parallel force system acts on the lever shown in the figure below.
Determine the magnitude and position of the resultant.

Solution:

R = ΣF Rd = ΣFx
R = 30 + 60 − 20 110d = 2(30) + 5(60) − 7(20) +
+ 40 11(40)

R = 110 lb d = 6 feet
downward Thus, R = 110 lb downward at 6
ft to the right of A.
Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
Example 2:
The beam AB in the figure below supports a load
which varies an intensity of 220 N/m to 890 N/m.
Calculate the magnitude and position of the resultant
load.
 Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
Example 2:
The beam AB in the figure below supports a load which varies an intensity
of 220 N/m to 890 N/m. Calculate the magnitude and position of the
resultant load.
Solution:

F1 = 6(220) = 1320 N
F2 = 1/2(6)(670)
=2010
R = F1 N
+ F2 = 1320 + 2010
R = 3330 N

Rd = 3F1 + 4F2
3330d = 3(1320) + 4(2010)
3330d = 12000
d = 3.6 m

Thus, R = 3330 N downward at 3.6 m to the

RESULTANT OF COPLANAR
GENERAL FORCE SYSTEM
 Resultant of a Coplanar General Force
• Note: System
• Forces acting on the same plane and are not acting at the
same point neither parallel.
• The resultant of Coplanar General force system is defined
according to magnitude, inclination, and position.
 Resultant of a Coplanar General Force
Example 1: System
Determine the resultant of the force system shown in the
figure below and its x and y intercepts.
 Resultant of a Coplanar General Force System
Example 1:
Determine the resultant of the force system shown in the figure below and
its x and y intercepts.

Solution:

𝜃
 Resultant of a Coplanar General Force
Example 1: System
Determine the resultant of the force system shown in the figure below and
its x and y intercepts.
Solution (cont’d):

Thus, R = 161.314 lb upward to the right at θx = 21.69°

and intercepts at (1.668, 0) and (0, -0.671).
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System
Assignment :
Problem 1.
Resolve each force acting on the post into its x and y
components.
 Resultant of a Coplanar Concurrent Force
System
Assignment 2:
Problem 2.
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on
the corbel and its direction θ measured counterclockwise
from the x axis.
 Resultant of a Coplanar Parallel Force System
Assignment 2:
Problem 3.
Locate the amount and position of the resultant of the
loads acting on the Fink truss in the figure below.
 Resultant of a Coplanar General Force
System
Assignment 2:
Problem 4.
Completely determine the resultant with respect to
point O of the force system shown in the figure below.
That’s all for today
class, God bless
and see you next
meeting…
 Take Aways and Assignment:
1. Relax and Enjoy Studying
2. Don’t hesitate to ask questions
3. Read/Solve Assignment Problems
4. Advanced Reading for next Topic
5. Ingatz……
6. Pray…….
7. That’s all for today class, God bless
and see you next meeting…