University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar
CE-117: Engineering Mechanics
MODULE 4:
Moment and Couple
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Javed & Engr. Mudassir Iqbal
mjaved@[Link] mudassiriqbal@[Link]
1
Lecture Objectives
• How to calculate Moment by using scalar and vector methods.
• How to calculate Couple.
• How to resolve Couple into Force-Couple system or calculate the
resultant of Force-Couple system.
Moment of a force
Moment is also referred to as Torque and is the turning effect of a
force.
Moment about a point
• The magnitude of the Moment of the force F to
rotate the body about the axis O-O perpendicular
to the plane of the body is equal to the product of
the magnitude of the force F and to the moment
arm, d (perpendicular distance from the axis to the
line of action of the force).
Thus, the magnitude of the moment about A
(moment centre ) is:
Direction of Moment
• The right-hand rule is used to identify
the sense of Moment M (vector
quantity) .
• We represent the moment of F about O-
O as a vector pointing in the direction of
the thumb, with the fingers curled in the
direction of the rotational tendency.
Sign convention for Moment
• Moment directions may be accounted for by
using a stated sign convention, such as a plus
sign (+) for counter clockwise moments and
a minus sign (-) for clockwise moments, or
vice versa.
• For the sign convention of given Figure, the
moment of F about point A (or about the z-
axis passing through point A) is positive.
Varignon’s Theorem
One of the most useful principles of mechanics is
Varignon’s theorem (sometime known as
Principle of Moment), which states that The
sum of moment of all forces about a point is equal to
the moment of their resultant about the same point.
Varignon’s Theorem
Proof:
θ
β
α θ
Varignon’s Theorem
Proof (contd.):
M
Problem 4.1
y
In order to raise the lamp post from the
position shown, force F is applied to the
cable. If F= 200 lb determine the
moment produced by F about point A.
Solve problem by 4 scalar methods
x
Ans: 1573 [Link] (CCW)
Problem 4.1: Method 1
y
1. Calculate perpendicular distance
of A from line of action of F
90o d=?
x
Problem 4.1: Method 2
y
1. Shift F to point B (Principle of
Fx
Transmissibility) Fy
2. Calculate perpendicular distances
dx
of point A from line of actions of
Fx and Fy
dy x
3. Calculate Moment by using
Varignon’s theorem
Problem 4.1: Method 3
1. Shift F to intersection point with y
y-axis (Principle of Transmissibility)
Fx
2. Calculate perpendicular distance of
Fy
A from line of action of Fx
iy
3. Calculate Moment by using
Varignon’s theorem
x
Problem 4.1: Method 4
1. Shift F to intersection point with
x-axis (Principle of Transmissibility)
2. Calculate perpendicular distance of
A from line of action of Fy
3. Calculate Moment by using
Varignon’s theorem
c
ix = 10 ft
Vector method of determining Moment
• The moment of F about point A of Figure may be
represented by the cross-product expression
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
Problem 4.2
y
• Solve Problem 4.1 by Vector approach
Soln:
1. Express Force F in term of unit
vectors i and j
2. Express the coordinates of Point B x
(point of application of force) in term
of i and j , taking point A (moment
centre) as origin.
3. MA = rA x F
Problem 4.3
• Determine the angle ,θ, of the force F so that it
produces a maximum moment and a minimum
moment about point A. Also, what are the
magnitudes of these maximum and minimum
moments?
• Ans:
θ = 116.57o for minimum moment about A
θ = 26.57o for maximum moment 40.2 kN.m
about A
Exercise 4.1
1 2
Exercise 4.1
3 4
Exercise 4.1
5 6
Exercise 4.1
7 8
Exercise 4.1
9 10
Exercise 4.1
11 12
Ans: θ =33.6o Ans: 118 [Link] and 140 [Link]
both in C.W. directions
Home Assignment 4.1
• SECTION B: Problems 1,7,9
• SECTION D: Problems 2,6,11