Department of Civil Engineering, UET Peshawar

CE-117: Engineering Mechanics, Spring 2026

MODULE 7

Equilibrium Analysis of Coplanar Force Systems

Course Instructor: Prof. Muhammad Javed

(mjaved@[Link])
 Lecture Objectives

To learn determining unknown (mostly reactions) in

Coplanar force systems under Static Equilibrium
 Equilibrium conditions
The Coplanar force system (in x-y plane) under Static Equilibrium shall
follow the follow eqns. of equilibrium:

ΣFx =0 , ΣFy =0 and ΣMo = 0 …..1a

The summations in above given Eqs. must include all the forces that act
on the body—both the applied forces and the reactions (the forces
provided by supports).

3
 Procedure for Equilibrium Analysis of Force
Systems
Step 1: Draw a free-body diagram (FBD) of the body that shows all
the applied and reaction forces and couples that act on the body.

Step 2: Write the equilibrium equations in terms of the forces and

couples that appear on the free-body diagram.

Step 3: Solve the equilibrium equations for the unknowns

4
 Graphical methods for Equilibrium Analysis

Triangle Law: If three forces are in equilibrium, then, they form a

closed triangle when represented in a Tip to Tail arrangement, as shown
in below Figure

F2

F1
F1
F1
F3
5
 Graphical methods for Equilibrium Analysis

Polygonal Law: If more than three forces are in equilibrium, then, they
form a closed polygon when represented in a Tip to Tail arrangement, as
shown in below Figure

F3 F2
F3 F2

F1
F1
F4
F4
F5 F1
F5
6
 Analytical Method: Solving Equilibrium Equations ,
Developed using Equilibrium Conditions
The analytical method involves developing equations based on equilibrium
conditions.
The Static equilibrium conditions for a coplanar system (in x-y plane) is
mathematically expressed as: ΣFx =0 , ΣFy =0 and ΣMo = 0 …….1a

In many situations the equilibrium analysis can be yʹ

efficiently performed by applying equilibrium conditions at
𝜃 ≠ 900
axes (xʹ, yʹ) which are not orthogonal to each other . in xʹ
this case, The equation 1a may be expressed as follows :

ΣFxʹ =0 , ΣFyʹ =0 and ΣMo = 0 …….1b

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Equilibrium Analysis of a
Concurrent Force System
 Equilibrium conditions for concurrent force system
yʹ
Recalling eqn 1b (reproduced below)
xʹ
ΣFxʹ =0 , ΣFyʹ =0 and ΣMo = 0 …….1b

While performing equilibrium analysis of concurrent force systems, it is often

preferred (though not mandatory ) to use force equilibrium equations to find the
unknowns and use Moment equilibrium equation (ΣMO = 0 ) to verify the results

Moment centre O shall be any point other than point of intersection of forces and
Unknown force or reacton
9
 Problem 7.1

The device shown is used to straighten the frames of wrecked autos.

Determine the tension of each segment of the chain, i.e., AB and BC, if the
force which the hydraulic cylinder DB exerts on point B is 3.50 kN, as shown.

10
 Step1: FBD

Draw the FBD of a point at which the unknown forces, FAB and FBC acts

FAB
β
3.5 kN α
FBC
α = Tan-1 |400/450| = 41.63o
β = Tan-1 |250/450| = 29.06o

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 Step2: Develop Equilibrium eqns.
3.5 Sin 41.63o
FBC Sin 29.06o
• ΣFy= 0

3.5 Cos 41.63o

FBC Cos 29.06o

3.5 Cos 41.63o+FBCCos 29.06o=0
FBC= - 3 kN

• ΣFx= 0
-FAB+3.5 Sin 41.63o-FBC Sin 29.06o=0
FAB = 2.325 -0.486 FBC
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 Step2 . Condt;
• -ve sign indicate the correct direction of FBC is apposite to the assumed one.
However, it is more convenient to keep on using negative sign during rest of
calculations work instead of revising the direction of force FBC and recalculating its
magnitude.

• The resulting eqn from equilibrium along x-axis is:

FAB = 2.325 -0.486FBC = 2.325-0.486*(-3)
or FAB = 3.78 kN (+ve sign indicate that the assumed direction of FAB is correct

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 Step3 (optional): verify the results
Moment centre to
verify the results
ΣMD = -3.78*450+3.5*0-(-3 Sin29.06o*450) 3.78kN -3 Sin 29.06o
-(-3Cos29.06o*400)
or ΣMD = 3.66 [Link] ≈ 0*

-3 Cos 29.06o
This indicate that our calculations are correct.

* The small error in ΣMD is due to rounding off the values of forces and angle. Using
values up to 3 decimals (α = 41.634o , β = 29.055o) result in FBC= 2.993 KN & FAB= 3.779
kN. Using these values in ΣMD reduce the error to 0.0833 [Link] 14
 Lami’s Theorem
If a system of Three forces is in equilibrium, then, each force of the system
is proportional to sine of the angle between the other two forces (and
constant of proportionality is the same for all the forces). Thus, with
reference to Figure, we have:
F3 F2
α
β γ
Note: While using Lami’s theorem, all the
three forces should be either directed away or
all directed towards the point of concurrence.
F1

Resolve Problem 7.1 using Lami’s theorem

 Problem 7.2
Two traffic signals are attached to the supporting cables as 40ʹ
shown. A Traffic Engineer desires to have a uniform clearance
for traffic (below both signals) by keeping B and C at same 5ʹ
level. Calculate: θ B C 70o
1. Resulting forces in all attached cable segments and θ;
2. length of each cable segments to maintain horizontal
alignment of segment BC. 200 lb 100 lb
Solution
This concurrent force system has four unknowns: three tensile forces and an angle. To find
these, we need two Free Body Diagrams (FBDs), as each FBD provides two equilibrium
equations.
While you can start at any point, you can save time and avoid confusion by choosing
equations with the fewest unknowns first. For example, using σ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 at Point C is a good
strategy because it only involves one unknown force TBC. This allows you to solve one
unknown force directly without having to solve the remaining equations simultaneously.
 Problem 7.2: FBDs and tensile forces in all cables
TCD
෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑇𝐶𝐷 Sin70O − 100 = 0

or 𝑇𝐶𝐷 = 106.42 lb
TBC
෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 ⇒ −𝑇𝐵𝐶 + 𝑇𝐶𝐷 Cos 70O = 0
FBD of C

By inserting 𝑇𝐶𝐷 = 106.42 lb in above eqn, we get 𝑇𝐵𝐶 = 36.40 lb,

100 lb
TAB
෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 ⇒ −𝑇𝐴𝐵 Cos 𝜃 + 𝑇𝐵𝐶 = 0 … … 𝟏

θ
TBC ෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑇𝐴𝐵 Sin 𝜃 − 200 = 0 … … 𝟐

By inserting 𝑇𝐵𝐶 in eqn 1 and then soving simultanous eqns 1 and 2,

FBD of B 200 lb we obtain: 𝑇𝐴𝐵 = 203.28 lb and 𝜃 = 79.7o
 Problem 7.2:
Lengths of cables required to keep B and C at same level

𝐴 𝐷

𝜃 70𝑜
5ʹ
5
𝐿𝐶𝐷 = O
= 5.32ʹ
Sin 70
5
𝐿𝐴𝐵 = O
= 5.08ʹ
Sin 79.7 𝐿𝐵𝐶 =40—ABʹ- CD ʹ
= 40 − 5.08Cos79.7o − 5.32Cos70o = 37.27ʹ

You can verify the correctness of computed results by applying moment equilibrium eq
(σ 𝑀 = 0) about any orbitatry chosen points , other than those points where external
forces intersect (B and C)
 Exercise 7.1
a Three cables are connected at junction ring C, as shown
in Figure. A 30-kg cylinder is suspended from the system.
Determine the tensions in cables AC and BC due to the
weight of the cylinder.

Ans: TAC= 215 N, TBC=264 N

b. Determine the values of α and θ so that the

forces shown in Figure will be in equilibrium.

Ans: α = 46.57o, θ =28.96o

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 Exercise 7.1
c. The distance h=12 in and the tension in cable AD is
200 lb. What are the tensions in cables AB and AC?

Ans: TAB=80.1 lb, TAC= 140.6 lb,

d. A 50-kg chandelier is suspended

using multiple wires.
Determine the tension developed in
each supporting wire.

Ans: FCD= 359N, FBD= 440 N,

FAB= 622 N, FBC = 228 N

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 Exercise 7
e. Determine the force P required to maintain the
position of a 200-kg engine, as shown in Figure, when the
θ is 30∘. Assume the diameter of the pulley at point B is
negligible.
Ans: P = 1759 N

f. Two forces of magnitude TA = 8 kips

and TB = 15 kips are applied as shown to
a welded connection. Knowing that the
connection is in equilibrium, determine
the magnitudes of the forces TC and TD.

Ans: TC = 5.87 kips and TD = 9.14 kips

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Problems from Exercise 7.1 (HA 2)

Problem a

Problem c

Problem e
Equilibrium Analysis of a
Parallel Force System

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 Equilibrium conditions for parallel force system
• Assume that all the forces lying in the xy-plane are parallel to the y-axis. Thus
equation Σ Fx = 0 automatically vanishes, and the number of independent
equilibrium equations are reduced from three to two.
• A more convenient approach is to use 1 force and 1 moment equilibrium eqn.
(to find the unknown forces or/and reactions) i.e.,
ΣFy =0 , ΣMO =0 …………..2
O is any moment centre
Applying ΣM = 0 at a point other than O can be used to verify the results.

Alternatively , 2 moment equilibrium eqns can be used to find the unknown

force/reaction ΣMA =0, ΣMB =0 …………..3

Whereas force equilibrium eqn ΣFy =0 can be used to verify the results. 24
 Problem 7.3

The cantilever beam shown in Figure is built into a wall 2 ft thick so that it rests
against points A and B. The beam is 12 ft long and weighs 100 lb per ft.

In a real structure, the reaction between A

and B varies in a distributed manner.
However, to make the calculation simpler,
we will replace that complex distribution
with two-point reactions (one each at A
and B).

Calculate Reactions at A and B.

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 FBD & Equilibrium eqns.

RA

12/2= 6 ft

100*12 = 1200 lb RB

By substituting value of RB in eqn. I, RA = -3200+15600 = 12400 lb

+ve answers of RA and RB indicate that our assumed directions are correct
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 Results Verification (optional)

Select a moment centre other than A RA =12400 lb

12/2= 6 ft

100*12 = 1200 lb RB =15600 lb

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 Problem 7.4

The wheel loads on a jeep are given

in Figure. Determine the distance x so
that the reaction of the beam at A is
twice as great as the reaction at B.
Ignore the self weight of small bridge
(which is wrong but to decided to
simplify the problem)

To be solved in class x=4 ft

Equilibrium Analysis of a Non-Parallel, Non-
Concurrent Force System

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Equilibrium conditions for non-parallel, non-concurrent force system
• Approach 1: Use 2 force and 1 moment equilibrium eqns. (to find the unknown
forces or/and reactions) i.e.,

ΣFx’ =0 , ΣFy’ =0 , ΣMO =0 ……… 1b

Applying ΣM = 0 at a point other than O can be used to verify the results.

• Approach 2: Use 1 force and 2 moment equilibrium eqns. Assuming we use

following equations: ΣFxʹ =0 , ΣMA =0 and ΣMB = 0 …….3

A and B are any two distinct points. Remaining force equilibrium eqn ΣFyʹ =0 can be
used to verify the results. One can also use ΣMO = 0 for this purpose. Where O is
any moment centre other than A or B
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 Problem 7.5
The supporting cable of the beam has an allowable
tensile force of 1000 lb. Find the maximum value of P
that can be applied without failure of the cable. Also
determine the corresponding support reactions
Solution P
Step 1: Draw FBD of body of interest
In given situation the beam is the body of interest (Why Choose the Beam?)
Pulley FBD: Focuses only on pulley mount reactions
Support FBD: Isolates the pin but ignores the load and cable.
Beam FBD: Essential to bridge the gap between the external load and the reactions at A

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 Problem 7.5 1000 lb
1000 lb

Ax

Isolate the Body of interest (Beam) Ay

FBD of Beam
෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
The most convenient approach is to develop Moment
equilibrium equation with A as moment center 𝐴𝑥 − 1000 Cos30o = 0

⇒ 𝐴𝑥 = 866.03 lb
෍ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 or − 1000Sin30o ∗ 90 + 𝑃 ∗ 60 − 1000 ∗ 30 = 0
⇒ 𝑃 = 1250 lb

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 Problem 7.5

෍ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

⇒ 𝐴𝑦 + 1000 − 1250 + 1000 Sin30o = 0

⇒ 𝐴𝑦 = −250 lb -ve Sign ??

Verification of calculations

෍ 𝑀𝐶 =

(−250) ∗ 90 + 1000 ∗ 60 − 1250 ∗ 30 = 0 ⇒ 𝑂𝐾

Question to Ponder: Why did we use negative sign in (-250)*90

although as per our sign convention clock wise moment is positive
 Exercise 7.2

a Determine the reactions at the support of

beam
Ans: 1580 and 520 lb

b
The roof truss in Figure is supported by a
roller at A and a hinge at B. Find the values
of the reactions.
Ans: RA= 96.67 kN, RB= 93.33 kN

34
 Exercise 7.2
c. The framework is supported by the member AB which
rests on the smooth floor. When loaded, the pressure
distribution on AB is linear as shown. Determine the
length d of member AB and the intensity w for this case.
Ignore weight of framework
Ans: d= 6ft and w=267 lb/ft

d. The beam shown in Figure is supported by a

hinge at A and a roller on a 1 to 2 slope at B.
Determine the resultant reactions at A and B.

Ans: Ax = 15 kN, Ay = 10 kN and RB= 33.54 kN

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 Exercise 7.2
e. Determine the horizontal and vertical components of
reaction at the pin A and the tension developed in cable
BC used to support the steel frame.

Ans: T= 34.62 kN, Ax= 20.8 kN Ay= 87.7kN

f. Determine the reactions at the supports

Ans: By= 40 kN A and Bx =26.7 kN

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 Exercise 7.2

g. Determine the reactions at the pin

support A
Ans: Ax= 0.502 kN Ay= 0.87 kN

h. Determine the reactions at the pin

support A and tension in the cable

Ans: Ax= 554lb Ay= 160 lb downward

And T= 640 lb

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 Exercise 7.2

i. The person shown in Figure stands on

frictional surface. Determine the reactions
at D. The centre of gravity of the 850-N
man is at G. Take b=0.4 m

Ans: Dx= 313.5 N leftward, Dy= 669 N

upward

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Problems from Exercise 7.2 (HA 2)

Problem c

Problem f

Problem h