2019

ENGINEERING MECHANICS -
STATICS
CHAPTER-2
[Force systems]

EDITED BY:
Assist. Prof. Engineer: Ali Khalid Al-Dulaimy
eng_ali_khalid@[Link]
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY OF TIKRIT

‫يرجى عدم اعادة نشر أو طبع أو أستنساخ هذه المالزم بدون موافقة الناشر‬
 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Force:
In the study of statics, we are concerned with two fundamental quantities: length or
distance, which requires no explanation, and force. The quantity length can be seen
with the eye but with force, the only thing that is ever seen is its effect. We can see a
spring being stretched or a rubber ball being squashed but what is seen is only the effect
of a force being applied and not the force itself. With a rigid body there is no distortion
due to the force and in statics it does not move either. Hence, there is no visual
indication of forces being applied. Force cannot be seen or measured directly but must
always be imagined. Generally, the existence of some force requires little imagination
but to imagine all the different forces which exist in a given situation may not be too
easy. Furthermore, in order to perform any analysis, the forces must be defined
precisely in mathematical terms. For the moment we shall content ourselves with a
qualitative definition of force. A force is that quantity which tries to move the object
on which it acts. This qualitative definition will suffice for statical problems in which
the object does not move but we shall have to give it further consideration when we
study the subject of dynamics. If the object does not move, the force must be opposed
and balanced by another force. So, we identify the force as:
A "force" is an action that changes, or tends to change, the state of motion of the body
upon which it acts. It is a vector quantity that can be represented either
mathematically or graphically
A complete description of a force MUST include its:
1. MAGNITUDE
2. DIRECTION and SENSE
3. POINT OF ACTION
Forces are classified as either contact or body forces. And may be further
classified as either concentrated or distributed Forces. Every contact force is
actually applied over a finite area and is therefore really a distributed force.
However, when the dimensions of the area are very small compared with the
other dimensions of the body, we may consider the force to be concentrated at
a point with negligible loss of accuracy. Force can be distributed over an area,
as in the case of mechanical contact, over a volume when a body force such as
weight is acting, or over a line, as in the case of the weight of a suspended cable.
The weight of a body is the force of gravitational attraction distributed over its
volume and may be taken as a concentrated force acting through the center of
gravity.
Resultant (R): If the Two forces F1 and F2 or more
forces are concurrent at a point and their lines of
action intersect at that a common point of
application, or the two concurrent forces lie in the
same plane but are applied at two different points,
so, by the principle of transmissibility, Thus, they
can be added using the parallelogram law in their
common plane to obtain their sum.
We can also use the triangle law to obtain R, but we need to move the line of
action of one of the forces.
If we add the same two forces as shown in Fig. 2/3d, we correctly preserve the
magnitude and direction of R, but we lose the correct line of action, because R
obtained in this way does not pass-through A. Therefore, this type of
combination should be avoided.
We can express the sum of the two forces mathematically by the vector equation
R = F1 + F2

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Finding the Components of a Force.

The relationship between a force and its vector components along given axes must not
be confused with the relationship between a force and its perpendicular projections
(also called orthogonal projections.) onto the same axes. Figure 2/3e shows the
perpendicular projections Fa and Fb of the given force R onto axes a and b, which are
parallel to the vector components F1 and F2 of Fig. 2/3a. Figure 2/3e shows that the
components of a vector are not necessarily equal to the projections of the vector onto
the same axes. Furthermore, the vector sum of the projections Fa and Fb is not the vector
R, because the parallelogram law of vector addition must be used to form the sum. The
components and projections of R are equal only when the axes a and b are
perpendicular.

RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS
The most common two-dimensional resolution of a force vector is into
rectangular components. It follows from the parallelogram rule that the vector
F of Fig. 2/5 may be written as
F = Fx + Fy (2/1)
Where Fx and Fy are vector components of F in the x- and y-directions.
F = Fxi + Fy j (2/2)
Fx = F cos  F =√𝐹𝑥 2 + 𝐹𝑦 2
𝐹𝑦
Fy = F sin  𝜃 = tan-1 𝐹𝑥
R = F1 + F2 = (F1x i + F1y j) + (F2x i + F2y j)
Or
Rxi + Ry j = (F1x + F2x)i + (F1y+ F2y) j
Rx = F1x+ F2x = ∑Fx
Ry = F1y + F2y = ∑Fy

Parallelogram Law.
• Two “component” forces F1 and F2 in Fig.
2–10 a. add according to the parallelogram law, yielding a
resultant force FR that forms the diagonal of the
parallelogram.
• If a force F is to be resolved into components along two axes
u and v, Fig. 2–10 b, then start at the head of force F and
construct lines parallel to the axes, thereby forming the
parallelogram. The sides of the parallelogram represent the
components, Fu and Fv.
• Label all the known and unknown force magnitudes and the
angles on the sketch and identify the two unknowns as the
magnitude and direction of FR, or the magnitudes of its
components.
Trigonometry.
• Redraw a half portion of the parallelogram to illustrate the
triangular head-to-tail addition of the components.
• From this triangle, the magnitude of the resultant force can
be determined using the law of cosines, and its direction is
determined from the law of sines. The magnitudes of two
force components are determined from the law of sines. The
formulas are given in Fig. 2–10 c.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(C.W.) Sample Problem 2/1

The forces F1, F2, and F3, all of which act on point A of
the bracket, are specified in three different ways.
Determine the x and y scalar components of each of the
three forces.
Solution. The scalar components of F1, from Fig. a, are
F1x = 600 cos 35o = 491 N Ans.
F1y = 600 sin 35 o = 344 N Ans.
The scalar components of F2, from Fig. b, are
4
F2x =-500(5) = - 400 N Ans.
3
F2y = 500 (5)= 300 N Ans.
Note that the angle which orients F2 to the x-axis is
never calculated. The cosine and sine of the angle are
available by inspection of the 3-4-5 triangle. Also note
that the x scalar component of F2 is negative by
inspection.
The scalar components of F3 can be obtained by first
computing the angle  of Fig. c.
0.2
 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 [0.4 ]= 26.6 o Ans.
Then F3x = F3 sin  = 800 sin 26.6 o = 358 N Ans.
F3y = -F3 cos  = - 800 cos 26.6 o = - 716 N

Alternatively, the scalar components of F3 can be

obtained by writing F3 as a magnitude times a unit Helpful Hints
vector nAB in the direction of the line segment AB. 1- You should carefully examine the
Thus, geometry of each component
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 (0.2)𝐢− (0.4)𝐣 determination problem and not rely on
F3 =F3nAB = F3 ̅̅̅̅
= 800 [ ] the blind use of such formulas as
𝐴𝐵 √(0.2)2 +((−0.4)2
= 800 [0.447i - 0.894j] Fx = F cos  and Fy = F sin .
= 358i - 716j N 2- A unit vector can be formed by
The required scalar components are then dividing any vector, such as the
F3x= 358 N Ans. geometric position vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵, by its
length or magnitude. Here we use the
F3y= -716 N Ans.
over arrow to denote the vector which
which agree with our previous results. runs from A to B and the overbar to
determine the distance between A and B.
Sample Problem 2/2
Combine the two forces P and T, which act on the fixed structure at B,
into a single equivalent force R.
Graphical solution. The parallelogram for the vector addition of forces
T and P is constructed as shown in Fig. a. The scale used here is 1 cm
= 400 N; a scale of 1 cm = 100 N would be more suitable for regular-
size paper and would give greater accuracy. Note that the angle a must
be determined prior to construction of the parallelogram. From the
given figure
→ 6 𝑠𝑖𝑛60
𝑡𝑎𝑛 ∝ = 𝐵𝐷 = = 0.866 ∝= 40.9°
→ 3+6 cos 60
𝐴𝐷
Measurement of the length R and direction  of the resultant force R
yields the approximate results
R = 525 N  = 49o Ans.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Geometric solution. The triangle for the vector addition of T and P is shown in Fig. b.
The angle _ is calculated as above. The law of cosines gives
R2 = (600)2 + (800)2 - 2(600)(800) cos 40.9o = 274,300
1- Note the repositioning of P to permit
R = 524 N Ans. parallelogram addition at B.
From the law of sines, we may determine the angle  which
orients R. Thus,
600 534
= sin 40.9° sin 𝜃 = 0.750 𝜃 = 48.6° Ans.
sin 𝜃
Algebraic solution. By using the x-y coordinate system on the
given figure, we may write
Rx = Fx = 800 - 600 cos 40.9o  = 346 N Ans. 2-Note the repositioning of F so as to
preserve the correct line of action of the
resultant R.
The magnitude and direction of the resultant force R as shown
in Fig. c are then
𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥 2 + 𝑅𝑦 2 = √(346)2 + (−393)2 = 524 N Ans.
|𝑅𝑦| 393
𝜃 = tan−1 = tan−1 = 48.6°
|𝑅𝑥| 346
The resultant R may also be written in vector notation as
R = Rxi + Ry j = 346i - 393j N Ans.

(C.W.) Sample Problem 2/3

The 500-N force F is applied to the vertical pole as shown. (1)
Write F in terms of the unit vectors i and j and identify both its
vector and scalar components. (2) Determine the scalar
components of the force vector F along the x' and y' axes. (3)
Determine the scalar components of F along the x and y'-axes.
Solution. Part (1). From Fig. a we may write F as
𝐅 = (𝐹 cos 𝜃) 𝐢 − (𝐹 sin 𝜃) 𝐣
= (500 cos 60 °) 𝐢 − (500 𝑠𝑜𝑛 60°)𝐣
=(250 𝐢 − 433 𝐣 )𝐍 Ans.
The scalar components are Fx = 250 N and Fy = - 433 N. The
vector components are Fx = 250i N and Fy= - 433j N.
Part (2). From Fig. b we may write F as F = 500i N, so that the
required scalar components are
Fx' = 500 N Fy' = 0 Ans.
Part (3). The components of F in the x- and y -directions are
nonrectangular and are obtained by completing the parallelogram
as shown in Fig. c. The magnitudes of the components may be
calculated by the law of sines. Thus,
|𝐹𝑥| 500
= |𝐹𝑥| = 1000 𝑁
sin 90° sin 30°

|𝐹𝑦′| 500
= |𝐹𝑦′| = 866 𝑁
sin 60° sin 30°
Helpful Hint
The required scalar components are then 1- Obtain Fx and Fy_ graphically and
Fx = 1000 N Fy' = - 866 N Ans. compare your results with the calculated
values.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Sample Problem 2/4

Forces F1 and F2 act on the bracket as shown. Determine
the projection Fb of their resultant R onto the b-axis.
Solution. The parallelogram addition of F1 and F2 is
shown in the figure. Using the law of cosines gives us
R2 = (80)2 + (100)2 - 2(80)(100) cos 130o R = 163.4 N

The figure also shows the orthogonal projection Fb of R

onto the b-axis. Its length is
Fb = 80 + 100 cos 50o = 144.3 N Ans.
Note that the components of a vector are in general not
equal to the projections of the vector onto the same axes.
If the a-axis had been perpendicular to the b-axis, then the
projections and components of R would have been equal.

(H.W.) Problems:
1- The screw eye in Fig. 2–1 a is subjected to two forces, F1 and F2
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

2- Resolve the horizontal 600-lb force in Fig. 2–2 a into

components acting along the u and v axes and determine
the magnitudes of these components.

3- Determine the magnitude of the component force F in Fig. 2–3 a and the
magnitude of the resultant force FR if FR is directed along the positive y
axis.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

2/4 MOMENT
This rotational tendency is known as the
moment M of the force. Moment is also
referred to as torque.
Moment about a Point
Figure 2/8b shows a two-dimensional body
acted on by a force F in its plane. The
magnitude of the moment or tendency of the
force to rotate the body about the axis O-O
perpendicular to the plane of the body is
proportional both to the magnitude of the force
and to the moment arm d, which is the
perpendicular distance from the axis to the line
of action of the force. Therefore, the magnitude
of the moment is defined as
M=Fd (2/5)
The basic units of moment in SI units are
newton-meters (N.m), and in the U.S.
customary system are pound-feet (lb-ft).
Moment directions may be accounted for by
using a stated sign convention, such as a plus
sign (+) for counterclockwise moments and a
minus sign (-) for clockwise moments, or vice
versa.

The Cross Product

The moment of F about point A of Fig. 2/8b
may be represented by the cross-product
expression
M=rxF (2/6)
Where r is a position vector which runs from
the moment reference point A to any point on
the line of action of F. The magnitude of this
expression is given by
M = Fr sin  = Fd (2/7)

Varignon’s Theorem
Varignon’s theorem, which
states that the moment of a
force about any point is equal
to the sum of the moments of
the components of the force
about the same point.

MO = r x R
R = Q+ P,
r x R = r x (P + Q)
MO = r x R = r x P + r x Q (2/8)
MO = Rd = - pP + qQ

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.1

For each case illustrated in Fig. 4–4, determine the moment of the force about point
O.
SOLUTION (SCALAR ANALYSIS)
The line of action of each force is extended as a dashed line in order to
establish the moment arm d . Also illustrated is the tendency of rotation of
the member as caused by the force. Furthermore, the orbit of the force
about O is shown as a colored curl. Thus,
Fig. 4–4 a MO = (100 N)(2 m) = 200 N . m Ans.
Fig. 4–4 b MO = (50 N)(0.75 m) = 37.5 N . m Ans.
Fig. 4–4 c MO = (40 lb)(4 ft + 2 cos 30_ ft) = 229 lb . ft Ans.
Fig. 4–4 d MO = (60 lb)(1 sin 45_ ft) = 42.4 lb . ft Ans.
Fig. 4–4 e MO = (7 kN)(4 m - 1 m) = 21.0 kN . m Ans.

(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.2

Determine the resultant moment of the four forces acting on the rod
shown in Fig. 4–5 about point O.
SOLUTION
Assuming that positive moments act in the +k direction, i.e.,
counterclockwise, we have
+ (MR)O = _Fd;
(MR)O = -50 N(2 m) + 60 N(0) + 20 N(3 sin 30o m) -40 N(4 m + 3 cos 30o m)
(MR)O = -334 N # m = 334 N. m Ans.
For this calculation, note how the moment-arm distances for the 20-N and 40-N forces
are established from the extended (dashed) lines of action of each of these forces.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.3

Determine the moment produced by the force F in Fig. 4–14
a about point O. Express the result as a Cartesian vector.
SOLUTION
As shown in Fig. 4–14 b , either rA or rB can be used to
determine the moment about point O . These position
vectors are
rA = {12k} m and rB = {4i + 12j} m
Force F expressed as a Cartesian vector is
{4𝐢 + 12𝐣 − 12𝐤} m
F = FuAB = 2 kN [ ]
√(4 m)2 +(12 m)2 +(−12 m)2
= {0.4588i + 1.376j - 1.376k} kN
Thus
𝐢 𝐣 𝐤
MO = rA * F = | 0 0 12 |
0.4588 1.376 −1.376

= [0(-1.376) - 12(1.376)]i - [0(-1.376) - 12(0.4588)]j

+ [0(1.376) - 0(0.4588)]k
= {-16.5i + 5.51j} kN.m Ans.
Or
𝐢 𝐣 𝐤
MO = rB * F = | 4 12 0 |
0.4588 1.376 −1.376
= [12(-1.376) - 0(1.376)]i - [4(-1.376) - 0(0.4588)]j
+ [4(1.376) - 12(0.4588)]k
= {-16.5i + 5.51j} kN.m Ans.
NOTE: As shown in Fig. 4–14 b , MO acts perpendicular to
the plane that contains F, rA, and rB . Had this problem been
worked using
MO = Fd, notice the difficulty that would arise in obtaining
the moment arm d .
(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.4
Two forces act on the rod shown in Fig. 4–15 a . Determine the
resultant moment they create about the flange at O . Express the
result as a Cartesian vector.
SOLUTION
Position vectors are directed from point O to each force as shown in
Fig. 4–15 b . These vectors are
rA = {5j} ft , rB = {4i + 5j - 2k} ft
The resultant moment about O is therefore
(MR)O = ∑(r * F) = rA * F1 + rB * F2
𝐢 𝐣 𝐤 𝐢 𝐣 𝐤
=| 0 5 0|+|4 5 −2 |
−60 40 20 80 40 −30
= [5(20) - 0(40)]i - [0]j + [0(40) - (5)(-60)]k + [5(-30) - (-2)(40)]i - [4(-
30) - (-2)(80)]j + [4(40) - 5(80)]k = {30i - 40j + 60k} [Link] Ans.
NOTE: This result is shown in Fig. 4–15 c . The coordinate direction angles were
determined from the unit vector for (MR)O. Realize that the two forces tend to cause
the rod to rotate about the moment axis in the manner shown by the curl indicated on
the moment vector.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.5

Determine the moment of the force in Fig. 4–18 a about point O .

SOLUTION I
The moment arm d in Fig. 4–18 a can be found from trigonometry.
d = (3 m) sin 75o = 2.898 m
Thus,
MO = Fd = (5 kN)(2.898 m) = 14.5 kN.m Ans.
Since the force tends to rotate or orbit clockwise about point O , the moment is
directed into the page.
SOLUTION II
The x and y components of the force are indicated in Fig. 4–18 b .
Considering counterclockwise moments as positive, and applying the principle of
moments, we have
+ MO = -Fxdy - Fydx
= -(5 cos 45_ kN)(3 sin 30_ m) - (5 sin 45_ kN)(3 cos 30_ m)
= -14.5 kN.m = 14.5 kN.m Ans.
SOLUTION III
The x and y axes can be set parallel and
perpendicular to the rod’s axis as shown in Fig.
4–18 c . Here Fx produces no moment about
point O since its line of action passes through
this point. Therefore,
+ MO = -Fy dx
= -(5 sin 75_ kN)(3 m)
= -14.5 kN.m = 14.5 kN.m Ans.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.6

Force F acts at the end of the angle bracket in Fig. 4–19 a. Determine the moment of
the force about point O.
SOLUTION
I (SCALAR ANALYSIS)
The force is resolved into its x and y components, Fig. 4–19 b ,
then
+ MO = 400 sin 30o N(0.2 m) - 400 cos 30o N(0.4 m)
= -98.6 N.m = 98.6 N.m
or
MO = {-98.6k} N.m Ans.
SOLUTION II (VECTOR ANALYSIS)
Using a Cartesian vector approach, the force and position
vectors,
Fig. 4–19 c , are
r = {0.4i - 0.2j} m
F = {400 sin 30o i - 400 cos 30o j} N
= {200.0i - 346.4j} N
The moment is therefore
𝐢 𝐣 𝐤
MO = r * F = 0.4 −0.2 0
200.0 −346.4 0

= 0i - 0j + [0.4(-346.4) - (-0.2)(200.0)]k
= {-98.6k} N. m Ans.
NOTE: It is seen that the scalar analysis (Solution I) provides
a more convenient method for analysis than Solution II since
the direction of the moment and the moment arm for each
component force are easy to establish. Hence, this method is
generally recommended for solving problems displayed in two
dimensions, whereas a Cartesian vector analysis is generally
recommended only for solving three dimensional problems.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(C.W.) Sample Problem 2/5

Calculate the magnitude of the moment about the base point O of
the 600-N force in five different ways.
Solution. (I) The moment arm to the 600-N force is
d= 4 cos 40o + 2 sin 40o= 4.35 m
By M = Fd the moment is clockwise and has the magnitude
Mo = 600(4.35) = 2610 N.m Ans.
(II) Replace the force by its rectangular components at A
F1= 600 cos 40o =460 N, F2 = 600 sin 40o =386 N
By Varignon’s theorem, the moment becomes
MO = 460(4) + 386(2) = 2610 N. m Ans.
(III) By the principle of transmissibility, move the 600-N
force along its line of action to point B, which eliminates the
moment of the component F2. The moment arm of F1 becomes
d1 = 4+ 2 tan 40o =5.68 m
and the moment is
MO = 460(5.68) = 2610 N. m Ans.
(IV) Moving the force to point C eliminates the moment
of the component F1. The moment arm of F2 becomes
d2 = 2 + 4 cot 40o = 6.77 m
and the moment is
MO = 386(6.77) = 2610 N. m Ans.
(V) By the vector expression for a moment, and by using
the coordinate system indicated on the figure together with the
procedures for evaluating cross products, we have
Mo = r x F = (2i + 4j) x 600(i cos 40o – j sin 40o)
= -2610K N. m
The minus sign indicates that the vector is in the negative z-
direction. The magnitude of the vector expression is
MO = 2610 N. m Ans.

Helpful Hints
1- The required geometry here and in
similar problems should not cause difficulty
if the sketch is carefully drawn.
2- This procedure is frequently the shortest
approach.
3- The fact that points B and C are not on
the body proper should not cause concern,
as the mathematical calculation of the
moment of a force does not require that the
force be on the body.
4- Alternative choices for the position
vector r are r = d1 j = 5.68j m and
r = d2i = 6.77i m.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(C.W.) Sample Problem 2/6

The trap door OA is raised by the cable AB, which passes
over the small frictionless guide pulleys at B. The tension
everywhere in the cable is T, and this tension applied at A
causes a moment MO about the hinge at O. Plot the quantity
MO/T as a function of the door elevation angle  over the
range 0 ≤  _≤ 90o and note minimum and maximum
values. What is the physical significance of this ratio?

Solution. We begin by constructing a figure which shows

the tension force T acting directly on the door, which is
shown in an arbitrary angular position _. It should be clear
that the direction of T will vary as  varies. In order to deal
with this variation, we write a unit vector nAB which “aims”
T:
𝐫 𝐫 −𝐫
𝒏𝑨𝑩 = 𝒓𝑨𝑩 = 𝑶𝑩𝒓 𝑶𝑨 Helpful Hints
𝑨𝑩 𝑨𝑩
Using the x-y coordinates of our figure, we can write 1- Recall that any unit vector can
rOB = 0.4j m and rOA = 0.5(cos  i + sin  j) m be written as a vector divided by its
So magnitude. In this case the vector
rAB = rOB - rOA = 0.4j - (0.5)(cos  i + sin  j) in the numerator is a position
= - 0.5 cos  i + (0.4 - 0.5 sin )j m vector.
and
𝑟𝐴𝐵 = √(0.5 cos 𝜃)2 + (0.4 − 0.5 sin 𝜃)2
=√0.41 − 0.4 sin 𝜃 𝑚
The desired unit vector is
𝐫𝑨𝑩 − 0.5 cos 𝜃 𝐢 + (0.4 − 0.5 sin 𝜃)𝐣
𝒏𝑨𝑩 = =
𝒓𝑨𝑩 √0.41 − 0.4 sin 𝜃
Our tension vector can now be written as
− 0.5 cos 𝜃 𝐢 + (0.4 − 0.5 sin 𝜃)𝐣
T = TnAB = T [_ ]
√0.41 −0.4 sin 𝜃
The moment of T about point O, as a vector, is MO = rOB x T,
where rOB = 0.4j m, or
− 0.5 cos 𝜃 𝐢 + (0.4 − 0.5 sin 𝜃)𝐣 2- Recall that any vector may be
Mo =0.4 j x T [_ ] written as a magnitude times an
√0.41 −0.4 sin 𝜃
0.2 T cos 𝜃 𝐊 “aiming” unit vector.
=
√0.41 −0.4 sin 𝜃 3- In the expression M =r x F,
The magnitude of MO is the position vector r runs from
0.2 T cos 𝜃
Mo = the moment center to any point
√0.41 −0.4 sin 𝜃
on the line of action of F. Here,
and the requested ratio is rOB is more convenient than rOA.
𝑴𝒐 0.2 cos 𝜃
= Ans.
𝑇 √0.41 −0.4 sin 𝜃
which is plotted in the accompanying graph. The expression MO/T is the moment arm
d (in meters) which runs from O to the line of action of T. It has a maximum value of
0.4 m at  = 53.1o (at which point T is horizontal) and a minimum value of 0 at  = 90o
(at which point T is vertical). The expression is valid even if T varies.
This sample problem treats moments in two-dimensional force systems, and it also
points out the advantages of carrying out a solution for an arbitrary position, so that
behavior over a range of positions can be examined.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

2/5 COUPLE
The moment produced by two equal, opposite, and
noncollinear forces is called a couple.
Consider the action of two equal and opposite forces
F and -F a distance d apart, as shown in Fig. 2/10a.
The combined moment of the two forces about an
axis normal to their plane and passing through any
point such as O in their plane is the couple M. This
couple has a magnitude
M = F(a + d) - Fa
Or
M = Fd
Its direction is counterclockwise when viewed from
above for the case illustrated.
Note especially that the magnitude of the couple is
independent of the distance a. the moment of a
couple has the same value for all moment centers.
Vector Algebra Method
M = rA x F + rB x (-F) = (rA - rB) x F
But: rA - rB = r,
M=rxF
We may represent M by a free vector, as show in Fig. 2/10c.
Equivalent Couples

Important Points
• A couple moment is produced by two noncollinear forces that are equal in magnitude
but opposite in direction. Its effect is to produce pure rotation, or tendency for rotation
in a specified direction.
• A couple moment is a free vector, and as a result it causes the same rotational effect
on a body regardless of where the couple moment is applied to the body.
• The moment of the two couple forces can be determined about any point. For
convenience, this point is often chosen on the line of action of one of the forces in order
to eliminate the moment of this force about the point.
• In three dimensions the couple moment is often determined using the vector
formulation, M = r * F, where r is directed from any point on the line of action of one
of the forces to any point on the line of action of the other force F.
• A resultant couple moment is simply the vector sum of all the couple moments of the
system.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Force–Couple Systems
The effect of a force acting on a body is the
tendency to push or pull the body in the
direction of the force, and to rotate the body
about any fixed axis which does not intersect
the line of the force. We can represent this
dual effect more easily by replacing the given
force by an equal parallel force and a couple
to compensate for the change in the moment of the force.
The replacement of a force by a force and a couple is illustrated in
Fig. 2/12, where the given force F acting at point A is replaced by an equal force F at
some point B and the counterclockwise couple M = Fd.
The transfer is seen in the middle figure, where the equal and opposite forces F and -F
are added at point B without introducing any net external effects on the body.
Note:
By reversing this process, we can combine a given couple and a force which lies in the
plane of the couple (normal to the couple vector) to produce a single, equivalent force.
Replacement of a force by an equivalent force–couple system, and the reverse
procedure, have many applications in mechanics and should be mastered.
For Example, to Simplification of forces and Couple Moments in x - y plane:
We can replace any number of forces and moment couple to one force in specified point
like (E), we can do it by this procedure:
1- Find the  F x   F y for all forces.
2- Find the resultant force 𝐹 = √∑𝐹𝑥 2 + ∑𝐹𝑦 2
∑ 𝐹𝑦
3- Calculate the slope angle with the x- axis as: 𝜃 = tan−1 ∑
𝐹𝑥
4- Calculate the moment  M for all forces around the specified point (E).
5- Calculate the distance (d) and then use the equation:
∑𝑀𝐸 = ∑𝐹𝑅𝑦 𝑑
Or Calculate the component of Fr which produce the moment M
around point E.
Sample Problem 2/7
The rigid structural member is subjected to a couple consisting of the
two 100-N forces. Replace this couple by an equivalent couple
consisting of the two forces P and -P, each of which has a magnitude
of 400 N. Determine the proper angle .
Solution. The original couple is counterclockwise when the plane of
the forces is viewed from above, and its magnitude is
[M = Fd] M = 100(0.1) = 10 N.m
The forces P and -P produce a counterclockwise couple
M = 400(0.040) cos 
1-Equating the two expressions gives
10 = (400)(0.040) cos 
10 10
𝜃 = cos −1 400∗0.04 = cos−1 16 = 51.3° Ans.

Helpful Hint
1- Since the two equal couples are parallel free vectors, the only
dimensions which are relevant are those which give the perpendicular
distances between the forces of the couples.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Sample Problem 2/8

Replace the horizontal 400-N force acting on the lever by an
equivalent system consisting of a force at O and a couple.

Solution. We apply two equal and opposite 400-N forces at O

and identify the counterclockwise couple
[M = Fd] M = 400(0.200 sin 60o) = 69.3 N.m Ans.
1-Thus, the original force is equivalent to the 400-N force at O
and the couple as shown in the third of the three equivalent
figures.
Helpful Hint
1- The reverse of this problem is often encountered, namely, the
replacement of a force and a couple by a single force. Proceeding
in reverse is the same as replacing the couple by two forces, one
of which is equal and opposite to the 400-N force at O. The
moment arm to the second force would be M/F = 69.3/400 = 0.1732 m, which is 0.2 sin
60o, thus determining the line of action of the single resultant force of 400 N.

(H.W.)EXAMPLE 4.10
Determine the resultant couple moment of the three couples acting on
the plate in Fig. 4–30.
SOLUTION
As shown the perpendicular distances between each pair of couple
forces are d1 = 4 ft, d2 = 3 ft, and d3 = 5 ft . Considering
counterclockwise couple moments as positive, we have
+ MR = ∑M; MR = -F1d1 + F2d2 - F3d3
= -(200 lb)(4 ft) + (450 lb)(3 ft) - (300 lb)(5 ft)
= -950 lb. ft = 950 lb .ft b Ans.

The negative sign indicates that MR has a clockwise rotational sense.

(H.W.)EXAMPLE 4.11
Determine the magnitude and direction of the couple moment acting on the gear in
Fig. 4–31 a .

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

SOLUTION
The easiest solution requires resolving each force into its components
as shown in Fig. 4–31 b . The couple moment can be determined by
summing the moments of these force components about any point, for
example, the center O of the gear or point A . If we consider
counterclockwise moments as positive, we have
+ M = ∑MO; M = (600 cos 30o N)(0.2 m) - (600 sin 30o N)(0.2 m)
= 43.9 N m Ans.
or
+ M = ∑MA; M = (600 cos 30 o N)(0.2 m) - (600 sin 30 o N)(0.2 m)
= 43.9 N .m Ans.

This positive result indicates that M has a counterclockwise rotational sense, so it is

directed outward, perpendicular to the page.
NOTE: The same result can also be obtained using M = Fd , where d is the
perpendicular distance between the lines of action of the couple forces, Fig. 4–31 c .
However, the computation for d is more involved.
Realize that the couple moment is a free vector and can act at any point on the gear
and produce the same turning effect about point O .

(H.W.) Problem F4-20

Determine the resultant couple moment acting on the triangular
plate.

(H.W.) 4–80. Determine the required magnitude of

force F if the resultant couple moment on the frame
is 200 lb .ft , clockwise.

(H.W.) 4–131. The building slab is subjected to four

parallel column loadings. Determine the equivalent
resultant force and specify its location ( x, y ) on the slab.
Take F1 = 20 kN,
F2 = 50 kN.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

2/6 RESULTANTS
The resultant of a system of forces is the simplest force
combination which can replace the original forces without altering
the external effect on the rigid body to which the forces are
applied.
Equilibrium of a body is the condition in which the resultant of all
forces acting on the body is zero. This condition is studied in
statics.
The most common type of force system occurs when the forces
all act in a single plane, say, the x-y plane, as illustrated by the
system of three forces F1, F2, and F3 in Fig. 2/13a. We obtain the
magnitude and direction of the resultant force R by forming the
force polygon shown in part b. Thus, for any system of coplanar
forces we may write

Algebraic Method
We can use algebra to obtain the resultant force and its line of action as
follows:
1. Choose a convenient reference point and move all forces to that point.
This process is depicted for a three-force
system in Figs.
2/14a and b, where M1, M2, and M3 are
the couples resulting from the transfer of
forces F1, F2, and F3 from their
respective original lines of action to
lines of action through point O.
2. Add all forces at O to form the
resultant force R, and add all couples to
form the resultant couple MO. We now
have the single force– couple system, as
shown in Fig. 2/14c.
3. In Fig. 2/14d, find the line of action of
R by requiring R to have a moment of
MO about point O. Note that the force
systems of Figs.
2/14a and 2/14d are equivalent, and that
Σ(Fd) in Fig. 2/14a is equal to Rd in Fig.
2/14d.
Principle of Moments
This process is summarized in equation form by

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

Sample Problem 2/9

Determine the resultant of the four forces and one couple which act
on the plate shown.

Solution. Point O is selected as a convenient reference point for the

force–couple system which is to represent the given system.
[Rx = ΣFx] Rx = 40 + 80 cos 30o - 60 cos 45 o = 66.9 N Ans.
[Ry = ΣFy] Ry = 50 + 80 sin 30 o + 60 cos 45 o = 132.4 N Ans.
[R =√(𝑅𝑥)2 + (𝑅𝑦)2 ] R =√(66.9)2 + (132.4)2 =148.3 N Ans.
𝑅𝑦 132.4
𝜃 = tan−1 𝑅𝑥 = tan−1 66.9 = 63.2 o Ans.

[MO = Σ(Fd)] MO = 140 - 50(5) + 60 cos 45 o (4) - 60 sin 45 o (7)

= -237 N.m
The force–couple system consisting of R and MO is shown in Fig. a.
We now determine the final line of action of R such that R alone
represents the original system.
[Rd = |MO|] 148.3d = 237 d = 1.600 m
Hence, the resultant R may be applied at any point on the line which
makes a 63.2 o angle with the x-axis and is tangent at point A to a
circle of 1.600-m radius with center O, as shown in part b of the
figure. We apply the equation Rd = MO in an absolute-value sense
(ignoring any sign of MO) and let the physics of the situation, as
depicted in Fig. a, dictate the final placement of R. Had MO been
counterclockwise, the correct line of action of R would have been
the tangent at point B. Helpful Hints
The resultant R may also be located by determining its intercept 1- We note that the choice of
distance b to point C on the x-axis, Fig. c. With Rx and Ry acting point O as a moment center
through point C, only Ry exerts a moment about O so that eliminates any moments due to
237 the two forces which pass
Ry b = |MO| and b = 132.4 = 1.792
through O. Had the clockwise
Alternatively, the y-intercept could have been obtained by noting sign convention been adopted,
that the moment about O would be due to Rx only. MO would have been +237 ,
A more formal approach in determining the final line of action of with the plus sign indicating a
R is to use the vector expression sense which agrees with the
r = R x MO sign convention.
where r = xi + yj is a position vector running from point O to any Either sign convention, of
point on the line of action of R. Substituting the vector course, leads to the conclusion
expressions for r, R, and MO and carrying out the cross product of a clockwise moment M .
O
result in 2- Note that the vector
(xi + yj) x (66.9i + 132.4j) = -237k approach yields sign
(132.4x - 66.9y)k = -237k information automatically,
Thus, the desired line of action, Fig. c, is given by whereas the scalar approach is
132.4x - 66.9y = -237 more physically oriented. You
2-By setting y = 0, we obtain x = -1.792 m, which agrees with should master both methods.
our earlier calculation of the distance b.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS CHAPTER-2

(H.W.)EXAMPLE 4.1
For each case illustrated in Fig. 4–4 , determine the moment of the force about point
O.
SOLUTION (SCALAR ANALYSIS)
The line of action of each force is extended as a dashed line in order to
establish the moment arm d . Also illustrated is the tendency of
rotation of the member as caused by the force. Furthermore, the orbit
of the force about O is shown as a colored curl. Thus,
Fig. 4–4 a MO = (100 N)(2 m) = 200 N.m Ans.

Fig. 4–4 b MO = (50 N)(0.75 m) = 37.5 N.m Ans.

Fig. 4–4 c MO = (40 lb)(4 ft + 2 cos 30_ ft) = 229 [Link] Ans.

Fig. 4–4 d MO = (60 lb)(1 sin 45_ ft) = 42.4 [Link] Ans.

Fig. 4–4 e MO = (7 kN)(4 m - 1 m) = 21.0 kN.m Ans

(H.W.) EXAMPLE 4.2

Determine the resultant moment of the four forces acting on the rod
shown in Fig. 4–5 about point O .
SOLUTION
Assuming that positive moments act in the +k direction, i.e.,
counterclockwise, we have
+ (MR)O = _Fd;
(MR)O = -50 N(2 m) + 60 N(0) + 20 N(3 sin 30o m) -40 N(4 m + 3
cos 30 o m)
(MR)O = -334 N.m = 334 N.m Ans.

For this calculation, note how the moment-arm distances for the 20-N and 40-N forces
are established from the extended (dashed) lines of action of each of these forces.

19