Concurrent Forces vs Non-Concurrent Forces

EXPERIMENT # 3

Submitted To: Sir Ahmed Hafeez

Faizan Anjum 160101007

Asad Akhlaq 160101011
Farrukh Javed 160101006
Mohsin Ali 160101036
Hamza Masood 160101013
Safi-ul-Haq Qazi 160101001

Mechanics of Materials0
GROUP A1 3/16/18
Lab-Report
Table of Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Objective ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
General Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Background ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Apparatus ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Theory ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Scalars ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Vectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Vector Addition ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Laboratory Exercise....................................................................................................................................... 6
Experimental Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 7
Concurrent Forces ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Non-Concurrent Forces ............................................................................................................................. 8
Observations and Calculations for Concurrent System ................................................................................ 9
Observations and Calculations for Non-Concurrent ................................................................................... 10
Data Analysis & Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 11
Sources of Error .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 11
For Concurrent Forces. ........................................................................................................................... 11
For Non-Concurrent Forces. ................................................................................................................... 11
References .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Abstract
In this report, we will analyze concurrent forces and non-concurrent forces acting on a ring at
different points by using parallelogram law of vectors. Report shows the detailed procedure,
calculations and method to analyze that either the forces acting on a certain point a concurrent
or non-concurrent.

1
Objective
To study the graphical and analytical methods used in the composition and resolution of forces
and to examine the conditions for the equilibrium of a particle under the influence of coplanar
forces.
The basic objective of this experiment is that the students will verify the conditions required (zero
net force) for a system to be in equilibrium under the influence of coplanar forces and confirm
Newton’s first law of motion.

General Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to use the force table to experimentally determine the force
which balances two other forces. This result is checked by adding the two forces using their
components and by graphically adding the forces.

Background
The background of this Experiment links with Static Equilibrium. The design of all type of
structures is based on the effect of their own weight, the forces acting on them, and whether the
structure is moving. Normally in structural design there is no motion and the bodies are said to
be in static equilibrium. This Experiment is performed to show us the state where something goes
in static equilibrium. Moreover, this experiment gives us brief in-sight how;
o To study the equilibrium of a set of forces acting in a vertical plane.
o To study the case of concurrent forces which are to be investigated and checked by the
graphical solutions of a triangle of forces (three forces) or a closed polygon for more than
three forces.
o To study the case of non-concurrent forces and the use of a link polygon.

Introduction
The forces that are involved with the experiments are concurrent in the first part of experiment
and in the second part non-concurrent forces are also added. In this experiment angles were
fixed by means of pulleys and threads and the loads were then changed to balance the ring to
which the other end of the thread was attached. This laboratory experiment allows us to take
the mathematical abstraction of a vector to make it tangible as possible.
Apparatus
The Apparatus required to perform
this Experiment is given below;
o Reaction Frame where
Accessories are mounted.
o A3 size drawing papers.
o Ring.
o Slotted weights.
o Hangers.
o Pulleys & Strings.
o Protractor.
o Pencil & Ruler.
o Forces Board.

Figure 1: Forces Board

Theory
There are basically two types of quantities in physics: scalars quantities and vector quantities.

Scalars: A scalar is a quantity, which is simply a number. Examples of scalars are: 32ft, 10
kg, and 8.6 s.

Vectors: A vector is a quantity, which has both a magnitude, and a direction. You can
think of a vector as an arrow.

E.g. a force P of magnitude 120 N is acting at angle  = 200 would be drawn as shown in

Figure 2: Scaling and Angle of Force

 
A
A given vector can be decomposed into its components Ax and Ay (see Figure 3).
y

A
Ay
θ

Ax x

Figure 3: Vector A decomposed.

Note that the vector, A, is in boldface type but the components, Ax and Ay, are in plain face
type.
There are two ways to express the vector A:

1. Magnitude and angle 

2. The two components: Ax and Ay.
From magnitude and angle to components: Ax = A cos  and Ay = A sin 
From the components to the magnitude and angle:

A = √Ax2 + Ay2

and
Ay
 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( ).
𝐴𝑥

Vector Addition
In order to add two vectors, add only the components, which point in the same directions. So,
for example if you want to add vector A and vector B to obtain the resultant vector, C, then you
would add the value of Ax to Bx to obtain the value of Cx and the value of Ay to By to obtain the
value of Cy.
Now vector C has its own two components denoted by Cx and Cy. Naturally these two are the
sums of the previous two components, namely: Cx = Ax + Bx and Cy = Ay + By.
    
S
You can add more than one vector the same way: The sum of adding forces F 1, F 2, F 3,…
can be found by summing the components:

Sx = Fx = algebraic sum of all Fx-s.

Sy = Fy = algebraic sum of all Fy-s.


S = magnitude of the resultant S = √S𝑥 2 + S𝑦 2

 = angle of (0    360) = tan-1 (Sy /Sx)
S

Figure 4: S=A+B

For Non-Concurrent forces another condition applies that is

∑𝜏 = 0

To be in static equilibrium, a rigid body must also be in rotational static equilibrium. Although the
sum of the forces on the body may be zero and it is not moving linearly, it is possible that it may
be rotating about some fixed axis of rotation. However, if the sum of the torques is zero,
∑𝜏 = 0

The object is in rotational equilibrium, and either it dies not rotate (static case) or it rotates with
a uniform angular velocity. (Forces produce linear motion and torques produce rotational
motion.) A torque, or moment of force, results from the application of force acting at a distance
from an axis of rotation. The magnitude of the torque is equal to the product of the force’s
magnitude and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the force’s line of action,
or 𝜏 = F×d. The distance d is called the lever arm or the moment arm of the force. Relative to an
axis of rotation, a rigid body can rotate in only two directions: clockwise and counterclockwise. It
is therefore customary to refer to clockwise torques and counterclockwise torques, that is,
torques that may produce clockwise rotations and torques that may produce counterclockwise
rotations.
The condition for rotational equilibrium is

∑ 𝜏 = ∑ 𝜏𝑐𝑐 + ∑ 𝜏𝑐𝑤 = 0

Where τcc and 𝜏cw are counterclockwise and clockwise torques, respectively. Designating the
directions arbitrarily by plus and minus signs, Eq. 2 can be written

∑ 𝜏𝑐𝑐 − ∑ 𝜏𝑐𝑤 = 0

𝐹1 𝑑1 +𝐹2 𝑑2 = 𝐹3 𝑑3 + 𝐹4 𝑑4
The forces are due to weights suspended from the rod. Then, with F = mg,
𝑚1 𝑔𝑑1 + 𝑚2 𝑔𝑑2 = 𝑚3 𝑔𝑑3 + 𝑚4 𝑔𝑑4
Which simplifies by cancelling out g
𝑚1 𝑑1 + 𝑚2 𝑑2 = 𝑚3 𝑑3 + 𝑚4 𝑑4

Laboratory Exercise
The experiment consists of balancing the ring at the center of the table under the action of
unequal forces. Choose forces such that angles of 90o between forces are avoided as well as equal
angles of 120o. Some experience is needed on the part of the observer to achieve equilibrium
conditions with a minimum of frictional forces. One may pull the ring aside and observe its return
to the center of the table. Again, when the ring seems to be correctly located, a vertical
displacement and sudden release (snapping the ring) may help in determining the ultimate
balance. Be sure to observe the following precautions.
o Take care that the strings run true over the pulleys, i.e. that the portion of the string that
passes over the table is horizontal and, in the plane, containing the pulley groove.
o The strings should be radial for this equilibrium of a particle experiment.
o Do not let the hook of a weight hanger touch a pulley.
o Be sure to include the weights of the weight hanger as a part of the forces. In fact, it is
good practice to list the weight of the hanger and each weight separately for individual
applied forces.
Experimental Procedure
The Experimental Procedure regarding this Experiment is as follows;
To commence each of the experiment a clean sheet of the drawing paper is to be fitted on the
work surface of the force board using the four clips. Either cut a hole in the middle of the paper
to fit over the center peg or remove the peg to fit the paper and then make a hole in order to
replace the peg.

Concurrent Forces
o Two smooth small pulleys are fixed, one each at the top corners of a drawing board kept vertically.
o The pulleys should move freely without any friction
o A light string is made to pass over both the pulleys.
o Two slotted weights P and Q are taken and are tied to the two free ends of the string.
o Another short string is tied to the center of the other strings at O using a metallic ring.
o A third slotted weight R is attached to the free end of the short string.
o The weights P, Q and R are adjusted such that the system is at rest.

Figure 2: Gravesend’s Apparatus

o The point O is in equilibrium under the action of the three forces P, Q and R acting along
the strings.
o Now, a sheet of white paper is held just behind the string without touching them.
o The common knot O and the directions of OA, OB and OD are marked to represent in
magnitude, the three forces P, Q and R on any convenient scale.
 Non-Concurrent Forces
o The double cord ring is used and attaches five or six cords, three on one ring and the rest
on the other.
o One of the rings temporarily on the center peg while attaching the pulley brackets round
the frame.
o The load cords are draped over the pulleys and attach load hangers.
o Suitable weights are added to the hangers and carefully release the cord ring from the
center peg.
When a convenient state of equilibrium is attained transfer the lines of action and known forces
to the drawing paper and mark the system with a pencil.
Observations and Calculations for Concurrent System
Observations

Forces Angles from +ve x-axis

(N) (degree)
3 47
2.2 165
2.7 270

At center
ƩFx=0
F1cosƟ1 + F2cosƟ2 = 0
3cos47° + 2.2cos165° = 0.079
Since the summation was supposed to be equal to 0 so there is some error in the readings
which is probably caused by human error.
% error = 7.9%
ƩFy=0
F1sinƟ1 + F2sinƟ2 + F3sinƟ3 = 0
3sin47° + 2.2sin165° + 2.7sin270° = 0.063
Since the summation was supposed to be equal to 0 so there is some error in the readings
which is probably caused by human error.
% error = 6.3%
Observations and Calculations for Non-Concurrent

At point A
Observations

Forces Angle from +ve x-axis

(N) (degree)
0.7 19
0.7 41.5
F3 34
∑Fx=0
F2cos41.5° + F1cos19° = F3cos34°
0.7cos41.5° + 0.7cos19° = F3cos34°
F3 = 1.4 N
At the center
Forces Angle from x-axis
(N) (degree)
1.4 34
0.6 3
1.1 18
-1.6 90
∑Fx = 0
F3cos34° – F4sin3° - F5cos18° = 0
1.4cos34° – 0.6sin3° - 1.1cos18° = 0.096 N
Since the summation was supposed to be equal to 0 so there is some error in the readings
which is probably caused by human error.
% error = 9.6 %
∑Fy = 0
F3sin34° + F4cos3° + F5sin18° - F6sin90° = 0
1.4sin34° + 0.6cos3° + 1.1 sin18° - 1.6sin90° = 0.10 N
Since the summation was supposed to be equal to 0 so there is some error in the readings
which is probably caused by human error.
% error = 10 %
Data Analysis & Discussion
The objective of the experiment was achieved.
This experiment is separated to two parts;
o First part-concurrent forces
o Second part-nonconcurrent forces
From the experiment, the values of internal angles have been calculated & Parallelogram is
satisfied.

Sources of Error
o Points are not marked accurately.
o Accidently hitting the instrument.
o The Cord is stuck at the pulley.
o Hangers along with slotted weights are Moving back & Forth.
o Instrument does not function properly.
o Environmental error must also be accounted for.

Conclusion
The Conclusion for both parts is given below:

For Concurrent Forces.

All the forces make a closed polygon which ensures that these forces are concurrent and as net
force is zero so the system is at equilibrium. This proves the Parallelogram Law of Forces.

For Non-Concurrent Forces.

Combination of all the forces do not make a closed polygon which shows that the net force in the
system is not zero and the sum of all forces is not equals to zero.
References
➢ https://prezi.com/1idpy9o-smsx/experiment-i8-non-concurrent-forces/
➢ physics.bk.psu.edu/teaching/LabManuals/.../11%20Non-concurrent%20ForcesLab.pdf
➢ www.chegg.com › study › science › physics › physics questions and answers
➢ https://www.scribd.com/document/231090292/Equilibrium-of-Non-Concurrent-Forces
➢ web.mit.edu/4.441/1_lectures/1_lecture7/1_lecture7.html
➢ https://www.scribd.com/document/135704515/Equilibrium-of-Force
➢ collegeofsanmateo.edu/physics/docs/physics210/lab03.pdf