Equilibrium of Coplanar, Non-concurrent and Non-parallel Forces

Object: To determine the weight of a plate by equilibrium of coplanar, non-concurrent,

non- parallel forces.

Theory: In non-concurrent force system the line of action of all the forces does not coincide at
a single point. So they generate translational as well as rotational effect. If the system
is in equilibrium then resultant R = 0 and total moment about any point is zero. Force
system is of five forces P1, P2, P3, P4 and self weight of the plate (W) of the plate. As
force system is in equilibrium, resultant (R) of four forces must be equal, opposite &
collinear with the weight of the plate. To get the magnitude and direction of weight of
plate draw force polygon. To get the location of the weight draw space diagram, polar
diagram and funicular diagrams.

Apparatus: Board, sheet of paper, pulleys, strings, mild steel plate, unknown weight,
known weights.

Procedure:
1. Attach the sheet of paper on a vertical board.
2. Pass the strings over pulleys which are attached to four corners A, B, C and D of the plate so that
they remain in same vertical plane constituting a coplanar concurrent force system.
3. Suspend required weights at the other end of the strings to keep the platen in equilibrium in
central portion of the attached sheet.
4. Record the magnitude of weights P1, P2, P3 and P4 attached to the strings passing through the
corners A, B, C, D and the center of the plate.
5. Take the projections of strings and plate to the paper and obtain their directions.
6. Remove the sheet, mark angle θ1, θ2, θ3, θ4 respectively with horizontal.
7. Calculate the value of W analytically.
8. Change the position of lower two pulleys and repeat the procedure with different weight attached
to each.

Result:
Weight of the plate:______________, X=___________________
Conclusions: 1. Check Varignon's theorem and comment.
2. Enlist causes due to which error may occur.
 Fig: COPLANAR NON-CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM


R =
     , α = tan-1



From analytical method (R or w) =_______________ α= ____________,

 =___________