BIOE 3110

Introduction to Biomechanics
Chapter 4Analyses of System in Equilibrium
Principles of statics and their applications

Eda Yildirim-Ayan
Bioengineering Department

Chapter 4- Analyses of System in Equilibrium

Newtons Laws
Conditions of Equilibrium
Free-Body Diagram

Equilibrium in Mechanics
and Rigid Body
In mechanics, the term equilibrium implies that
The body of concern is either at rest or moving
with constant velocity.

Rigid Body: Undergo no deformation under the

effect of externally applied forces

Equilibrium in Mechanics
The entire structure of mechanics is based on Newtons Laws

Newtons First Law

Newtons Second Law

Newtons Third Law

First
Law

An object at rest
tends to stay at
rest and an
object in motion
tends to stay in
motion unless
acted upon by an
unbalanced
force.

Newtons Laws
Second
Law

Force equals
mass times
acceleration.
F = ma

Third
Law

For every action

there is an
equal and
opposite
reaction.

Equilibrium in Mechanics
Newtons Second Law (F=ma)

If Fnet 0 and Mnet 0 then a 0

If Fnet =0 and Mnet=0 then a =0 (velocity is constant or 0)
When a=0 then the body is in equilibrium

When =0 then the body is in static equilibrium

Conditions for Equilibrium in Mechanics

Two conditions need to be satisfied for equilibrium

1. It has to be in translational equilibrium (net force=0)

F =0

2. It has to be in rotational equilibrium (net moment=0)

M =0

Conditions for Equilibrium in Mechanics

- Translational equilibriumTranslational equilibrium (net force=0) F =0
F = F1+ F2+ F3=0
Fx=0, Fy=0, Fz=0
Net Force acting on x, y,
and z directions must
be equal to zero.

Conditions for Equilibrium in Mechanics

- Rotational EquilibriumRotational equilibrium (net moment=0)
M = M1+ M2+ M3=0

M =0

Mx=0
My=0
Mz=0

Procedure to Analyze Systems in

Equilibrium
1. Draw a simple diagram of the system
2. Draw free-body diagram of the parts in the system

Show all known and unknown forces and moments

Indicate correct directions of the known forces and moments
If directions are unknown, predict directions for them, at the
end of the analysis the correct directions will be identified.
For instance if the result is positive numerical value, it means
the right direction for that force or moment was picked.

3. Adopt a proper coordinate system

Procedure to Analyze Systems in

Equilibrium
4.

For each free-body diagram, apply the translational and

rotational equilibrium conditions.
F =0
M =0

For 3D system (x,y,z), 6 equations three translational and three rotational

Fx=0
Mx=0
Fy=0
My=0
Fz=0
Mz=0

For 2D system (x,y), 3 equations are available

Fx=0, Fy =0, Mz =0

5. Solve the equations simultaneously for the unknowns.

Free-Body Diagrams
WHY? ----- To identify the forces and moments acting on
individual part of a system
HOW?---- Isolating the parts from their surroundings,
and the effects of surroundings are replaced by
proper forces and moments.

Free Body Diagram

Isolate the portion of the body that is included
in the analysis
Sketch all known applied loads
Sketch unknown forces couples (external and
internal), assign symbols
Jot down axes, label points of importance
No redundant information, keep it simple

13

Support Reactions and Member

Connections

14

Support Reactions and Member

Connections

15

In Class Exercise
The vertical four-sided plate shown in the figure below is pinned at A and
supported by a smooth roller at B. The loading consists of two horizontal
forces, each of magnitude 60 N, together with a couple that gives a moment
as shown of 50 Nm. Determine the reaction force at B.