Engineering Mechanics

Lecture 2
5/10, Friday
3-4am

2-Particle Interactions
Sun : earth

f21
f12

Atom : atom
2

f12 = f 21
f12 + f 21 =
0

3-Particle Interactions

F3

3
f32
f31

f ij + f ji =
0
f23

f13

f21

F1

f12
1

F2

i, j = 1, 2,3

Many-Particle Interactions
For an N particles system,
in equilibrium

Newtons 1st law

Fi + f ij =
0
i = 1, 2,
j i

F3

3
Summation of the above equation gives
f32
f31

F + f

f23

f13

f21

F1

f12
1

F2

j i

Newtons 3rd law

f
i

Therefore:

j i

ij

=0

F = 0
i

ij

=
0

Free-Body-Diagram
Isolate the body in question with the representation of
all external forces acting on it.

F = 0
i

Problem 1

Remove Spike from Timber

It is desired to remove the spike from the timber by applying force

along its horizontal axis. An obstruction A prevents direct access, so
that two forces, one is 1.6kN and the other P, are applied by cables
as shown. Compute the magnitude of P necessary to ensure axial
tension T along the spike. Also find T.

Remove Spike from Timber

Vertical:

P sin a = 1.6sin

Horizontal:

=
T P cos a + 1.6 cos

Problem 2

Knot in Static Equilibrium?

F1

F2
Horizontal:

F1 cos = F2 cos

Vertical:

F1 sin + F2 sin =
mg

Mass: m

When strings are

almost straight horizontally
F1

F2

cos
mg
sin cos + cos sin
cos
F2 =
mg
sin cos + cos sin

F1 =

when

0
0
F1
F2

Mass: m