ENGINEERING MECHANICS: STATICS
(BDA 10203)
CHAPTER 2:
STATIC OF PARTICLES
EQUILIBRIUM OF A PARTICLE IN 2-D
Objectives:
Students will be able to :
a) Draw a free body diagram (FBD), and,
b) Apply equations of equilibrium to solve a
2-D problem.
Learning Topics:
•What, why and how of a
FBD
•Equations of
equilibrium
•Analysis of spring and
pulleys
2
APPLICATIONS
For a spool of given
weight, what are the
forces in cables AB
and AC ?
3
APPLICATIONS (continued)
For a given cable
strength, what is the
maximum weight
that can be lifted ?
4
EQUILIBRIUM OF PARTICLE IN 2-D
(Section 3.3)
If the whole assembly is
in equilibrium, then
particle A is also in
equilibrium.
To determine the
tensions in the cables for
a given weight of the
engine, we need to learn
how to draw a free body
diagram and apply
equations of equilibrium.
5
THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW OF A FREE
BODY DIAGRAM (FBD)
Free Body Diagrams are one of the most important
things for you to know how to draw and use.
What ? - It is a drawing that
shows all external forces
acting on the particle.
Why ? - It helps you write
the equations of equilibrium
used to solve for the
unknowns (usually forces or
angles). 6
How ?
1. Imagine the particle to be isolated or cut free from its
surroundings.
2. Show all the forces that act on the particle.
Active forces: They want to move the particle.
Reactive forces: They tend to resist the motion.
3. Identify each force and show all known magnitudes and
directions. Show all unknown magnitudes and / or
directions as variables .
7
Note : Engine mass = 250 Kg FBD at A
EQUATIONS OF 2-D EQUILIBRIUM
Since particle A is in equilibrium, the
net force at A is zero.
So FAB + FAD + FAC = 0
or Σ F = 0
In general, for a particle in equilibrium, Σ F = 0 or
ΣFx i + ΣFy j = 0 = 0 i + 0 j (A vector equation)
Or, written in a scalar form,
ΣFx = 0 and Σ Fy = 0
These are two scalar equations of equilibrium (EofE). They
can be used to solve for up to two unknowns.
8
EXAMPLE 1:
Note : Engine mass = 250 Kg FBD at A
Write the scalar EofE:
+ → Σ Fx = TB cos 30º – TD = 0
+ ↑ ΣFy = TB sin 30º – 2.452 kN = 0
Solving the second equation gives: TB = 4.90 kN
From the first equation, we get: TD = 4.25 kN 9
EXAMPLE 2:
Given: Sack A weighs 20 N.
and geometry is as
shown.
Find: Forces in the cables and
weight of sack B.
Plan:
1. Draw a FBD for Point E.
2. Apply EofE at Point E to solve
for the unknowns (TEG & TEC).
3. Repeat this process at C.
10
EXAMPLE 2: (continued)
A FBD at E should look like the one
to the left. Note the assumed
directions for the two cable
tensions.
The scalar EofE are:
+ → Σ Fx = TEG sin 30º – TEC cos 45º = 0
+↑ Σ Fy = TEG cos 30º – TEC sin 45º – 20 N = 0
Solving these two simultaneous equations for the
two unknowns yields:
TEC = 38.6 N
TEG = 54.6 N
11
EXAMPLE 2 (continued):
Now move on to ring C.
A FBD for C should look
like the one to the left.
The scalar EofE are:
+ → Σ Fx = 38.64 cos 45° – (4/5) TCD = 0
+ ↑ Σ Fy = (3/5) TCD + 38.64 sin 45° – WB = 0
Solving the first equation and then the second yields
TCD = 34.2 N and WB = 47.8 N .
12
EXAMPLE 3:
Determine the required length of the cord AC so
that the 8kg lamp is suspended. The undeformed
length of the spring AB is L’AB = 0.4m, and the
spring has a stiffness of kAB = 300N/m.
13
EXAMPLE 3 (cont.):
Solution: Free Body Diagram (FBD) at Point A
Three forces acting, force by cable AC, force in
spring AB and weight of the lamp.
If force on cable AB is known, stretch of the spring
is found by F = ks.
+→ ∑Fx = 0; TAB – TAC cos30º = 0
+↑ ∑Fy = 0; TABsin30º – 78.5N = 0
Solving,
TAC = 157.0kN
TAB = 136.0kN
14
EXAMPLE 3 (cont.):
TAB = kABsAB
136.0N = 300N/m(sAB)
sAB = 0.453N
For stretched length,
LAB = L’AB+ sAB
LAB = 0.4m + 0.453m
= 0.853m
For horizontal distance BC,
2m = LACcos30°+ 0.853m
LAC = 1.32m 15
IN CLASS TUTORIAL (GROUP PROBLEM
SOLVING)
Given: The car is towed at constant
speed by the 600 N force
and the angle θ is 25°.
Find: The forces in the ropes AB
and AC.
Plan:
1. Draw a FBD for point A.
2. Apply the EofE to solve for the forces in ropes AB and AC. 16
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
600 N
FBD at point A
A
25° 30°
FAB FAC
Applying the scalar EofE at A, we get;
+ → ∑Fx = FAC cos 30° – FAB cos 25° = 0
+ → ∑Fy = -FAC sin 30° – FAB sin 25° + 600 = 0
Solving the above equations, we get;
FAB = 634 N
FAC = 664 N
17
IN CLASS TUTORIAL (GROUP PROBLEM
SOLVING)
The motor at B winds up the cord attached to
the crate of weight W=325N with a constant
speed. Determine the force in cord CD
supporting the pulley and the angle θ for
equilibrium. Neglect the size of the pulley at C.
θ = 78.69°
FCD = 637.4N 18
IN CLASS TUTORIAL (GROUP PROBLEM
SOLVING)
The sack has weight W=150N and is supported by the six cords
tied together as shown. Determine the tension in each cord and
the angle θ for equilibrium. Cord BC is horizontal.
TBE=109.8N
TAB=77.6N
TBC=40.2N
TAC=109.8N
TCD=134.5N
TAH=150.0N
θ = 45.0° 19