UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 1

Problem 1.
Find the magnitude of the vector R and the angle α if A + B + C + R = 0
A = 20 kN, B = 50 kN, C = 30 kN

Ans. R = 48.30i + 50.98j, α = 46o38’

A α

30o

B
C

Figure 1.

Problem 2.
Calculate the dot products A•R, B•R, and C•R for the data of figure 1.
Ans. A•R = – 966, B•R = – 3,366, C•R = – 600

Problem 3.
Phrase vectors B and C of figure 2 in terms of unit vectors i, j, k.
Z
3 2
A

4
C
2 B Y Ans. B = – 3j – 2k, C = – 4i + 2j – 4k

2 4

X
Figure 2.

Problem 4.
Calculate the cross product A x B of vectors from figure 2.

Ans. A X B = – 6i – 8j + 12k

Problem 5.
Calculate the dot products A•B and A•C for the vectors from figure 2.

Ans. A•B = – 9, A•C = 22

 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS - STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 2
Problem 1.

Calculate the x – and y – components of the force P acting on the structural member if
the magnitude of the force is 20 kN.
Ans. Px = – 19.70 kN, Py = 3.47 kN

Problem 2.
The turnbuckle C is tightened until the light cable which is stretched across the frame
is under a tension of 900 N. Compute the x – and y – components of the force exerted
on the frame at B by the cable.

Ans. Fx = – 879 N, Fy = – 195.2 N

Problem 3.
Calculate the magnitude of the single force R which is equivalent to the two forces shown.
Also calculate the angle θ measured counterclockwise from the positive x – axis to R.

Ans. R = 9.17 kN, θ = 109.1o

Problem 4.
Replace the 6-kN and 4-kN forces by a single equivalent force R expressed as a vector
using unit vectors in the x – and y – directions. Compute the angle θ made by R with
the x – axis.

Ans. R = 2.63i + 6.06j kN, θ = 66.6o

Problem 5.

At what maximum angle θ should the force F be directed so that the magnitude
of its component along CA does not exceed 80 percent of the magnitude of its
component along BC?
Ans. θ = 53.0o

Problem 6.

The two forces which act on the rigid frame are to be replaced by a single equivalent force
R applied at point A. Determine the magnitude of R and the distance x to point A. Solve
graphically or algebraically.

Ans. R = 898 N, x = 1.62 m

 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 3

Problem 1.

Calculate the y – coordinate of the point on the y – axis through which the resultant of the
three forces and couple must pass.

Ans. y = 109 mm

Problem 2.

If the combined moment about point A of the 50-kN force and the force P is
zero, determine both graphically and algebraically the magnitude of P. The plate
upon which the forces act is divided into squares.

Ans. P = 51.5 kN

Problem 3.

Determine the angle θ which will maximize the moment Mo of the 200-N force
about the shaft axis at O. Also compute Mo.

Ans. θ = 65.8o, Mo = 59.2 N.m

Problem 4.
Determine the resultant R of the four forces and locate the point A on the upper
chord through which R must pass.

Ans. R = 4000i – 11,460j N, 1.832 m to the right of B

Problem 5.
The jet plane has a mass m of 30 Mg and is climbing at the 15o angle at
constant velocity under the steady thrust T of 86 kN. Since the velocity
is constant, the resultant of all forces acting on the aircraft is zero.
Calculate the drag D, the lift L, and the force P acting on the stabilizer
for the conditions represented.

Ans. D = 9.83 kN, L = 279.6 kN, P = 4.69 kN

 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 4

Problem 1.
(a) The cable exerts a tension of 2 kN on the
fixed bracket at A. Write the vector expression
for the tension T.
Ans. T = 2(– 0.920i + 0.383j + 0.077k) kN

(b) The tension in the supporting cable AB is

10 kN. Express this tension as a force vector
T acting on BC.
10
𝐴𝑛𝑠. 𝑻 = (8𝒊 − 15𝒋 + 10𝒌) 𝑘𝑁
√389

(a) (b)
Problem 2.

(a) Derive the expression for the

component FDC of the force F along the
line directed from D to C.

(𝑏 2 − 𝑎2 ) ∙ 𝐹
𝐴𝑛𝑠. 𝑭𝑫𝑪 =
√(𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2 ) ∙ √(𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 )

(b) The force F has a magnitude of 2 kN

and is directed from A to B. Calculate the
component FCD of F along CD
(a) 𝐴𝑛𝑠. 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = √6⁄5 𝑘𝑁 (b)
Problem 3.
(a) The turnbuckle is tightened until the tension in the cable AB equals 1.2 kN. Write the
vector expression for the tension T as a force acting on the lever.

(b) As presented above that the cable AB exerts a force of 1.2 kN on the lever in the direction
from A to B. Calculate the magnitude of the moment of this force about point O.

Ans. T = 0.457(0.8i + 1.5j – 2k) , Mo = 2.81 kN.m

Problem 4.
(a) Determine the moment of the force P about point
A.
Ans. MA = (Pb/5)(– 3i + 4j – 7k)

(b) A steel H-beam acts as a column and supports the

two vertical loads shown. Replace these forces by a
single equivalent force along the vertical centerline of
the column and a couple M.

Ans. M = (– 60i + 40j)103 N.m

 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 5

Problem 1.
(a) The uniform 4.5-m beam has a mass of 200 kg and is loaded in the vertical plane
by the parallel forces shown. Calculate the reactions at the supports A and B.

Ans. A = 3.66 kN, By = 9.62 kN, Bx = 0

(b) The uniform cantilever beam has a

mass of 50 kg per meter of length and
supports the couple and three forces
shown. Isolate the beam to the right of section A and calculate the moment
(couple) M and shear (vertical force) V exerted by the wall support on the beam
at this section.
Ans. V = 3.44 kN up, M = 8.33 kN.m ccw (b)
Problem 2.
(a) Compute the magnitudes T1 and T2 of the tensions in the
two cables attached to the 100-kg crate.

Ans. T1 = 1067 N, T2 = 1730 N

(b) Calculate the pull P on the rope which the man must exert
in order suspend the 200-kg crate in the deflected position
shown. Choose your reference axis so as to solve for P in one
equation without involving the tension in the upper rope.

Ans. P = 871 N

(a)
(b)
Problem 3.
(a) The 200-kg T-frame has its mass center
at G. Calculate the total force supported by
the pin at O after the 3-kN force is applied
to the cable.
Ans. O = 2.36 kN

(b) To test the deflection of the uniform

100-kg beam the 50-kg boy exerts a pull of
150 N on the rope rigged as shown.
Compute the force supported by the pin at
the hinge O.
(a) (b)
Ans. FO = 3.93 kN
Problem 4.
(a) To facilitate shifting the position of a lifting hook when it
is not under load, the sliding hanger shown is used. The
projections at A and B engage the flanges of a box beam when
a load is supported, and the hook projects through a horizontal
slot in the beam. Compute the forces at A and B when the hook
supports a 300-kg mass.
Ans. A = 4.91 kN, B = 1.96 kN

(b) The weight of the rigid truss ABCDE is small compared

with that of the 12-Mg mass which it supports. Compute the
force in the horizontal link at B and the magnitude of the force
supported by the pin joint at A.
(a) (b)
Ans. A = 410 kN, B = 275 kN
 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 6

Problem 1.
(a) The uniform horizontal boom has a mass of 160 kg and is
supported by the two cables in the vertical x-y plane and by the
ball-and-socket joint at O. Calculate the tensions T1 and T2 in
the cables.

Ans. T1 = 507 N, T2 = 366 N

(b) If the weight of the mast is negligible compared with the

applied 30-kN load, determine the two cable tensions T1 and T2
and the force A acting at the ball joint at A.

Ans. T1 = 45.8 kN, T2 = 26.7 kN, A = 44.2 kN

(b)
(a)
Problem 2.

(a) One of the vertical walls supporting end B of the 200-kg uniform shaft is turned through
a 30o angle as shown here. End A is still supported by the ball-and-socket connection in the
horizontal x-y plane. Calculate the magnitudes of the forces P and R exerted on the ball ends
B of the shaft by the vertical walls C and D, respectively.

Ans. P = 1584 N, R = 755 N

(b) The uniform 900- by 1200-mm trap door has a

mass of 100 kg and is propped open by the light strut
AB at the angle θ as shown. Calculate the
compression FB in the strut and the force supported
by the hinge D normal to the hinge axis. Assume that
the hinges act at the extreme ends of the lower edge.
(a)
Ans. FB = 343 N, Dn = 496 N

(b)
Problem 3.
(a) A rectangular sign over a store has a mass of 100 kg, with the center of mass in the center
of the rectangle. The support against the wall at a point C may be treated as a ball-and-socket
joint. At corner D support is provided in the y-direction only. Calculate the tensions T1 and
T2 in the supporting wires, the total force supported at C, and the lateral force R supported at
D.

Ans. T1 = 347 N, T2 = 431 N, R = 63.1 N, C = 768 N

(b) The two steel I-beams, each with

a mass of 40 kg per meter of length,
are welded together at right angles
and lifted by the vertical cables so
that the beams remain in a horizontal
plane. Compute the tension in each of
the cables A, B, and C.

Ans. TA = 392 N, TB = 1472 N, TC = 98 N

(a) (b)
 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 7

Problem 1.
(a) Calculate the force in each member of the loaded truss by the method
of joints. Neglect the weights of the members compared with the forces
they support.
Ans. AB = 3.52 kN (T), BC = 4.62 kN (C), AC = 3.27 kN (T)

(b) Calculate the force in each member of the truss by the method of
joints. Neglect the weights of the members.
Ans. AB = 2.31 kN (T), BC = 2.31 kN (T), AD = 0.58 kN (T)
BD = 2.31 kN (C), CD = 1.15 kN (C)

(c) The signboard truss id designed to support a horizontal wind

load of 4 kN. A separate analysis shows that 5/8 of this force is
transmitted to the center connection at C and the rest is equally
divided between D and B. Calculate the forces in members BE and
BC.
Ans. BE = 2.8 kN (T), BC = 1.5 kN (T)

Problem 2.
(a) Calculate the forces in members CD, BC,
and CG in the loaded truss composed of
equilateral tringles. Use the method of
sections. Neglect the weight of the members
compared with the forces they support.
Ans. CD = 1.873 kN (C), BC = 1.436 kN (C),
CG = 0.436 kN (C)

(b) Determine the forces in members BI, CI,

and HI for the loaded truss. All angles are 30
o
, 60 o, or 90 o. Use the method of joints. Neglect
the weight of the members compared with the
forces they support.
Ans. BI = kN, CI = kN, HI = kN

(c) Calculate the forces in members CH, CB, and GH for the cantilevered truss. Solve for
each force from a moment equation which contains that force as the only unknown. Use
the method of sections. Neglect the weight of the members compared with the forces they
support.
Ans. CH = 30 kN (C), CB = 50 kN (C), GH = 42.4 kN (T)

Problem 3.
(a) Each of the members BE and FC is capable of supporting compression as well as
tension. Compute the forces in members CF, BE, and EF. Use the method of sections.
Neglect the weight of the members compared with the forces they support.
Ans. BE = 1.667 kN (C), FC = 3.33 kN (C), EF = 4 kN (T)

(b) Calculate the forces in each of the loaded

truss. All triangles are isosceles. Use the
method of sections. Neglect the weight of the
members compared with the forces they
support.

Ans. AB = 1.667 kN (C), AE = 3.33 kN (C), BC = 4 kN (T) kN

BE = 1.667 kN (C), CE = 3.33 kN (C), CD = 4 kN (T) kN. ED = 4 kN (T) kN
 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 8

Problem 1.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the force supported by the pin at A
which secures the loaded bracket to the wall. Neglect the mass of the
various members.
Ans. A = 492 N

(b) Calculate the x- and y-components of the force supported by the

pin C for the loaded frame. Neglect the mass of the various
members.
Ans. Cx = 1 kN, Cy = 0.75 kN

Problem 2.
(a) Compute the force supported by pin at A for the channel-lock pliers under a
grip of 100 N. Neglect the mass of the
members.
Ans. A = 525 N

(b) Calculate the x- and y-

components of the force supported by
the pin B. The cables are securely
wrapped around the pulleys which are
fastened together.
(a) Ans. Bx = 809 N, By = 785 N (b)
Problem 3.
(a) Compute the force acting in the link AB of the lifting tongs which
cross without touching. Neglect the mass of the other members.
Ans. FAB = 8.09 kN tension.

(b) The nose-wheel assembly is raised by the application of a torque M

to link BC through the shaft at B. If the arm and wheel AO have a
combined mass of 50 kg with center of mass at G, find the values of M
necessary to lift the wheel when D is directly under B at which position
angle θ is 30 o.

Ans. M = 153.3 N.m

Problem 4.
(a) Find the x- and y-components of the pin reaction at B for
the loaded frame. Neglect the mass of the various members.

Ans. Bx = 248 N, By = 733 N

(b) Calculate the x- and y-components of the force acting at A

and C for the frame loaded by the couple M = 40 N.m. Neglect
the mass of the members
Ans. Ax = 72.2 N, Ay = 125 N
Cx = 125 N, Cy = 93.8 N
 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 9
Problem 1.
(a) Locate the centroid of the shaded area shown.
Ans. x = 2.09, y = 1.43

(b) Calculate the x-coordinate of the centroid of the shaded

area.
Ans. x = b/2

Problem 2.
(a) Determine the y-coordinate of the centroid of the area
under the sine curve shown.
Ans. y = πa/8

(b) Locate the centroid of the area shown in the figure (b)
by direct integration. (Caution: Observe carefully the
proper sign of the radical involved.)

Problem 3.
(a) Determine the y-coordinate of the centroid of the volume
obtained by revolving the shaded area about x-axis through
180o.
Ans. y = 15a/(14π)

(b) Determine the z-coordinate of the mass center of the

homogeneous quarter-spherical shell of radius r.
Ans. z = r/2

Problem 4. (a) Calculate the coordinates of the center of mass of the slender rod bent into the shape shown.
Ans. X = 31.1 mm, Y = 48.9 mm, Z = 31.1 mm

(b) Determine the coordinates of the

center of mass of the bracket, which is
made from a plate of uniform thickness.
Ans. X = – 8.3 mm, Y = – 31.4 mm,
Z = 10.3 mm

(c) Calculate the y-coordinate of the

centroid of the shaded triangular area
in Figure (c).
(a) Ans. Y = 40 mm
(b) (c)
Problem 5. (a) The hemispherical shell and its semicircular base are
formed from the same piece of sheet metal off small
thickness. Use the result of Problem 3(b) and calculate the
coordinates of the mass center of the shell and base
combined.
Ans. X = 0.475r, Y = r/3

(b) Determine the distance H from the bottom of the base

plate to the centroid of the built-up structural section
shown.
Ans. H = 39.3 mm
 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SC 121 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS

TUTORIAL No. 10

Problem 1.
(a) Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the
cantilever beam with the uniform load w per unit
of length.

(b) Draw the shear and moment diagrams for

the uniformly loaded beam and find the
maximum bending moment M.
(a) Ans. M = wl2/8 (b)
Problem 2.
(a) Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the beam, which supports the load of
500 N per meter of beam length distributed over its mid-section.

(b) Draw the shear and moment diagrams

for the cantilever beam with the linear
loading and find the maximum
magnitude M of the bending moment.
Ans. Mmax = wol2/6 (b)

(a)
Problem 3.
(a) Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the linearly loaded simple beam shown.
Determine the magnitude M of the maximum bending moment.
Ans. M = wol2/12

(b) The distributed load increases linearly from 2 to 4

kN/m in a distance of 2 m along a certain beam in
equilibrium. If the shear force and bending moment at
section A are +3 kN and +2 kN.m, respectively,
calculate the shear force and bending moment at
section B. (b)
(a) Ans. VB = –3 kN, MB = 2.67 kN.m