BASIC ENGINEERING MECHANICS (ME11003)
Tutorial 1: Force System
1. A force F is applied to the surface of a sphere as shown. The angles
θ and φ locate point P, and point M is the midpoint of ON. Express
F in vector form using the x-y-z coordinates.
(2 sin𝜙𝜙−1)(𝒊𝒊 cos𝜃𝜃+𝒋𝒋sinθ)+(2cos𝜙𝜙)𝒌𝒌
Ans: 𝐹𝐹[ ]
�5−4sin𝜙𝜙
2. A 600 N force applied to the bracket at A is to be
replaced by two forces, Fa in the a-a direction and Fb in
the b-b direction. Which together produce the same
effect on the bracket as that of the 600 N force.
Determine Fa and Fb.
Ans: Fa=692.82 N, Fb =346.41 N
3. A 300 N force is applied at A as shown. Determine
(a) the moment of the 300 N force about D,
(b) the smallest force applied at B which creates the same
moment about D.
Ans: (a) 41.7k N.m (b)147.4 N, 450
4. In picking up a load from position B, a cable tension T of
magnitude 24 kN is developed. Calculate the moment which T
produces about the base O of the construction crane.
Ans: (-301.94 i +139.35 j – 83.61 k) kN m
Problems taken from various sources. Figures not own.
5. The structure shown is constructed of circular rod which has
a mass of 7 kg per meter of length. Determine the moment Mo
about O caused by the weight of the structure. Find the
magnitude of Mo.
Ans: 𝑴𝑴𝟎𝟎 = −192.6𝒊𝒊 − 27.5𝒋𝒋 N. m; 𝑀𝑀0 = 194.6 N. m
6. Calculate the moment about the z- axis of the 2 kN tension in
the cable AB.
Ans: 0.92 kNm
7. The rectangular platform is hinged at A and B and
supported by a cable which passes over a frictionless hook at
E. Knowing that the tension in the cable is 1349N, determine
the moment about each of the coordinate axes of the force
exerted by the cable at C.
Ans: −1598 𝒊𝒊 + 959𝒋𝒋 Nm
8. A single force P acts at C in a direction
perpendicular to the handle BC of the crank shown.
Knowing that Mx = +20 Nm, My = − 8.75 Nm,
and Mz = − 30 Nm, determine the magnitude of P
and the values of phi and θ.
Ans: P = 125 N, φ =74° and θ= 53°
Problems taken from various sources. Figures not own.
9. The guy cables AB and AC are attached to the top of the
transmission tower. The tension in cable AC is 8 kN.
Determine the required tension T in cable AB such that the
net effect of the two cable tensions is a downward force at
point A. Determine the magnitude R of this downward
force.
Ans: T = 5.68 kN, R = 10.21 kN
10. If the resultant of the two forces and couple
moment M passes through point O, determine M.
Ans: M = 148.0 N.m CCW
11. For the thrust configuration for an aircraft
shown, determine the equivalent force-couple
system at point O. Then replace this force-couple
system by a single force and specify the point on the
x-axis through which the force passes.
Ans: FO=T(1.9659i + 0.2588 j), Mo=-2.6904T
k, 𝑥𝑥 = −10.3957i
12. If engine 3 of the aircraft shown suddenly fails, determine the resultant of the three remaining engine
thrust vectors, each of which has a magnitude of 90 kN. Also, specify the y-z coordinates of the point
through which the resultant passes.
Ans: F=270 i kN, y=−4 m, z=2.33 m
Problems taken from various sources. Figures not own.