Announcements

Equilibrium of a Particle in 2-D

Today’s Objectives
• Draw a free body diagram (FBD)
• Apply equations of equilibrium to solve a
2-D problem

Class Activities
• Applications
• What, why, and how of a Free
Body Diagram
• Equations of equilibrium in 2-D
• Springs and pulleys
• Examples

Engr221 Chapter 3 1
 Applications

For a spool of given

weight, what are the
forces in cables AB
and AC?

Applications - continued

For a given cable

strength, what is the
maximum weight
that can be lifted?

Engr221 Chapter 3 2
 Applications - continued

For a given engine weight, what are the forces in the

cables? What size of cable should you use?

Equilibrium of a Particle in 2-D

This is an example of a 2-D, or

coplanar force system. If the
whole assembly is in
equilibrium, then particle A is
also in equilibrium.
To determine the tensions in
the cables for a given weight
of the engine, we need to
learn how to draw a Free
Body Diagram and apply
equations of equilibrium.

Engr221 Chapter 3 3
 The What, Why, and How of a Free
Body Diagram
Free Body Diagrams are one of the most important things
for you to know how to draw, and how to use.

What is it? - A drawing that

shows all external forces acting
on a particle.

Why draw it? - It helps you write

the equations of equilibrium used
to solve for the unknowns (usually
forces or angles).

How?
• Imagine the particle to be isolated or cut free from its
surroundings
• Show all the forces that act on the particle
- Active forces: They tend to move the particle
- Reactive forces: They tend to resist the motion
• Identify each force and show all known magnitudes
and directions as variables

Engine mass = 250 Kg FBD at A

Engr221 Chapter 3 4
 Equations of 2-D Equilibrium
Since particle A is in equilibrium,
the net force at A is zero.
A
ΣF = 0 (vector equation)
A
or TB + TD + W = 0
FBD at A

In general, for a particle in equilibrium, ΣF = 0 or

ΣFx i + ΣFy j = 0 = 0 i + 0 j (A vector equation)
Or written in scalar form,
ΣFx = 0 and ΣFy = 0
These are two scalar equations of equilibrium (E of E).
They can be used to solve for up to two unknowns.

Example A

Engine mass = 250 Kg

FBD at A
Write the scalar Equations of Equilibrium (E of E):
+ → ΣFx = TB cos 30º – TD = 0
+ ↑ ΣFy = TB sin 30º – 2.452 kN = 0
Solving the second equation gives: TB = 4.90 kN
From the first equation, we get: TD = 4.25 kN

Engr221 Chapter 3 5
 Springs

Spring Force = spring constant × deformation

F=k ×s

Cables and Pulleys

With a frictionless pulley, tensions are equal

Engr221 Chapter 3 6
 Example B
Given: Sack A weighs 20 lb with
geometry as shown
Find: Forces in the cables and
weight of sack B
Plan:

1. Draw a FBD at point E

2. Apply E of E at point E to solve
for the unknowns (TEG & TEC)
3. Repeat this process at point C

Example B - continued

A FBD at E should look like

the one to the left. Note the
assumed directions for the two
cable tensions.

The scalar E of E are:

+ → ΣFx = TEG sin 30º – TEC cos 45º = 0
+ ↑ ΣFy = TEG cos 30º – TEC sin 45º – 20 lbs = 0
Solving these two simultaneous equations for the
two unknowns yields:
TEC = 38.6 lb
TEG = 54.6 lb

Engr221 Chapter 3 7
 Example B - continued

Now, move on to ring C.

A FBD for C should look
like the one to the left.

The scalar E of E are:

+ → Σ Fx = 38.64 cos 45° – (4/5) TCD = 0
+ ↑ Σ Fy = (3/5) TCD + 38.64 sin 45° – WB = 0

Solving the first equation and then the second yields:

TCD = 34.2 lb and WB = 47.8 lb

Example C
Given: The car is towed at constant
speed by the 600 lb force
The angle θ is 25°
Find: The forces in the ropes AB
and AC

Plan:

1. Draw a FBD at point A

2. Apply the E of E to solve for the forces
in ropes AB and AC

Engr221 Chapter 3 8
 Example C - continued
600 lb

FBD at point A
A
25° 30°

FAB FAC

Applying the E of E at point A, we get:

+ → ∑ Fx = FAC cos 30° – FAB cos 25° = 0
+ ↑ ∑ Fy = -FAC sin 30° – FAB sin 25° + 600 = 0
Solving the above equations, we get:
FAB = 634 lb
FAC = 664 lb

Questions
1) When a particle is in equilibrium, the sum of forces acting
on it equals ___
A) a constant B) a positive number C) zero
D) a negative number E) an integer

2) For a frictionless pulley and cable, tensions in the cable

(T1 and T2) are related as _____
A) T1 > T2
B) T1 = T2
C) T1 < T2
D) T1 = T2 sin θ

Engr221 Chapter 3 9
 Question

Select the correct FBD of particle A.

A
30° 40°

100 lb

F1 F2
A
A) B)
30° 40°
100 lb
A
F F1 F2
C) 30° D) 30° 40°
A
A
100 lb 100 lb

Question

Using the FBD for point C, the sum of

forces in the x-direction (Σ FX) is ___ . Use
a sign convention of + → F2

A) F2 sin 50° – 20 = 0 20 lb 50°

B) F2 cos 50° – 20 = 0 C
C) F2 sin 50° – F1 = 0 F1
D) F2 cos 50° + 20 = 0

Engr221 Chapter 3 10
 Textbook Problem 3-10
The 500-lb crate is hoisted using the ropes AB and AC. Each
rope can withstand a maximum tension of 2500 lb before it
breaks. If AB always remains horizontal, determine the
smallest angle θ to which the crate can be hoisted.

For TAB = 2500 lb, θ = 11.31º

For TAC = 2500 lb, θ = 11.54º

Summary

• Draw a free body diagram (FBD)

• Apply equations of equilibrium to solve a 2-D problem

Engr221 Chapter 3 11
 Announcements

• F = mg
• F = ks
• Test Monday

Equations of 2-D Equilibrium - Review

Since particle A is in equilibrium,
the net force at A is zero.
A
ΣF = 0 (vector equation)
A
or TB + TD + W = 0
FBD at A

In general, for a particle in equilibrium, ΣF = 0 or

ΣFx i + ΣFy j = 0 = 0 i + 0 j (A vector equation)
Or written in scalar form,
ΣFx = 0 and ΣFy = 0
These are two scalar equations of equilibrium (E of E).
They can be used to solve for up to two unknowns.

Engr221 Chapter 3 12
 Free Body Diagrams - Review
• Imagine the particle to be isolated or cut free from its
surroundings
• Show all the forces that act on the particle
- Active forces: They tend to move the particle
- Reactive forces: They tend to resist the motion
• Identify each force and show all known magnitudes
and directions as variables

Engine mass = 250 Kg FBD at A

Textbook Problem 3-14

The unstretched length of spring AB is 2 m. If the
block is held in the equilibrium position shown,
determine the mass of the block at D.

FAB = 90 N
FAC = 102 N
W = 126 N
Mass = 12.8 kg

Engr221 Chapter 3 13
 Textbook Problem 3-32
Determine the un-stretched length of spring AC if a
force P = 80 lb causes the angle θ = 60º for
equilibrium. Cord AB is 2 ft long. Take k = 50 lb/ft.

Fs = 40 lb
Luns = 2.66 ft

Equations of 3-D Equilibrium

Since the particle is in equilibrium, the
net force at the origin is zero.
So F1 + F2 + F3 = 0
A
or ΣF = 0
FBD at A

In general, for a particle in equilibrium in 3-D, ΣF = 0 or

ΣFx i + ΣFy j + ΣFz k = 0 = 0 i + 0 j + 0 k

Or written in scalar form:

ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, and ΣFz = 0
These are the three scalar equations of equilibrium. They
can be used to solve for up to three unknowns.

Engr221 Chapter 3 14
 Procedure for Analysis

Free-Body Diagram
• Establish the x, y, and z axes in any suitable orientation
• Label all known and unknown force magnitudes and directions
on the diagram
• Assume senses for unknown magnitudes

Equations of Equilibrium
• Use scalar equations of equilibrium when it is easy to resolve
each force into its x, y, and z components (not often)
• If the 3-D geometry is difficult, express the forces in Cartesian
form, use ΣF = 0, and equate the i, j, and k components to 0
• If the answer is negative, the assumed sense should be reversed

Example 3-D Problem

The 50-kg pot is supported from A by the three

cables. Determine the force acting in each cable
for equilibrium. Take d = 2.5 meters.

FAB = 580 N
FAC = 312 N
FAD = 312 N

Engr221 Chapter 3 15
 Announcements

• Homework notes
• Test Monday
– One crib sheet (given)
– Calculator
– Pencil
– Eraser
– FBD’s, units, process are grading considerations

Procedure for Analysis - Review

Free-Body Diagram
• Establish the x, y, and z axes in any suitable orientation.
• Label all known and unknown force magnitudes and directions
on the diagram.
• Assume senses for unknown magnitudes.

Equations of Equilibrium
• Use scalar equations of equilibrium when it is easy to resolve
each force into its x, y, and z components.
• If the 3-D geometry is difficult, express the forces in Cartesian
form, use ΣF = 0, and set the i, j, and k components to 0.
• If the answer is negative, the assumed sense should be reversed.

Engr221 Chapter 3 16
 Textbook Example 3.8

Textbook Example 3.8 - continued

Engr221 Chapter 3 17
 Example Problem
A small peg P rests on a spring that is contained inside the smooth
pipe. When the spring is compressed so that s = 0.15 m, the spring
exerts an upward force of 60 N on the peg. Determine the point of
attachment A(x,y,0) of cord PA so that the tension in cords PB and
PC equals 30 N and 50 N, respectively.

x = 0.1904 m
y = 0.0123 m

Example Problem
Determine the tension developed in cables OD and OB and the strut
OC, required to support the 50-kg crate. The spring OA has an
unstretched length of 0.8 m and a stiffness of kOA = 1.2 kN/m. The
force in the strut acts along the axis of the strut.

Answers TBD

Engr221 Chapter 3 18
 Chapter 3 Summary

• Draw a free body diagram (FBD)

• Apply equations of equilibrium to solve a 2-D problem
• Apply equations of equilibrium to solve a 3-D problem

Engr221 Chapter 3 19