Edition

Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
CE 102 Statics

Chapter 4

Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Contents
Introduction Equilibrium of a Rigid Body in Three
Free-Body Diagram Dimensions

Reactions at Supports and Connections Reactions at Supports and Connections for a

for a Two-Dimensional Structure Three-Dimensional Structure

Equilibrium of a Rigid Body in Two Sample Problem 4.5

Dimensions
Statically Indeterminate Reactions
Sample Problem 4.1
Sample Problem 4.2
Sample Problem 4.3
Equilibrium of a Two-Force Body
Equilibrium of a Three-Force Body
Sample Problem 4.4

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Introduction
• For a rigid body in static equilibrium, the external forces and
moments are balanced and will impart no translational or rotational
motion to the body.

• The necessary and sufficient condition for the static equilibrium of a

body are that the resultant force and couple from all external forces
form a system equivalent to zero,
   
 F  0  M O   r  F   0

• Resolving each force and moment into its rectangular components

leads to 6 scalar equations which also express the conditions for static
equilibrium,
 Fx  0  Fy  0  Fz  0
Mx  0 My  0 Mz  0

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Free-Body Diagram
First step in the static equilibrium analysis of a rigid
body is identification of all forces acting on the
body with a free-body diagram.

• Select the extent of the free-body and detach it

from the ground and all other bodies.

• Indicate point of application, magnitude, and

direction of external forces, including the rigid
body weight.

• Indicate point of application and assumed

direction of unknown applied forces. These
usually consist of reactions through which the
ground and other bodies oppose the possible
motion of the rigid body.

• Include the dimensions necessary to compute

the moments of the forces.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Reactions at Supports and Connections for a Two-
Dimensional Structure
• Reactions equivalent to a
force with known line of
action.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Reactions at Supports and Connections for a Two-
Dimensional Structure

• Reactions equivalent to a
force of unknown direction
and magnitude.

• Reactions equivalent to a
force of unknown
direction and magnitude
and a couple.of unknown
magnitude

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Equilibrium of a Rigid Body in Two Dimensions
• For all forces and moments acting on a two-
dimensional structure,
Fz  0 M x  M y  0 M z  M O

• Equations of equilibrium become

 Fx  0  Fy  0  M A  0
where A is any point in the plane of the
structure.

• The 3 equations can be solved for no more

than 3 unknowns.

• The 3 equations can not be augmented with

additional equations, but they can be replaced
 Fx  0  M A  0  M B  0

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Statically Indeterminate Reactions

• More unknowns than • Fewer unknowns than • Equal number unknowns

equations equations, partially and equations but
constrained improperly constrained
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.1
A fixed crane has a mass of 1000 kg
and is used to lift a 2400 kg crate. It
is held in place by a pin at A and a
rocker at B. The center of gravity of
the crane is located at G.
Determine the components of the
reactions at A and B.
© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOLUTION:
• Create a free-body diagram for the crane.
• Determine B by solving the equation for
the sum of the moments of all forces
about A. Note there will be no
contribution from the unknown
reactions at A.
• Determine the reactions at A by
solving the equations for the sum of
all horizontal force components and
all vertical force components.
• Check the values obtained for the
reactions by verifying that the sum of
the moments about B of all forces is
zero.
4-9
Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.1
• Determine B by solving the equation for the
sum of the moments of all forces about A.
 M A  0 :  B1.5m   9.81 kN2m 
 23.5 kN6m   0
B  107.1 kN

• Determine the reactions at A by solving the

equations for the sum of all horizontal forces
• Create the free-body diagram.
and all vertical forces.
 Fx  0 : Ax  B  0
Ax  107.1kN
 Fy  0 : Ay  9.81kN  23.5 kN  0
Ay  33.3 kN

• Check the values obtained.

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 - 10
Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.2
SOLUTION:
• Create a free-body diagram for the car
with the coordinate system aligned
with the track.

• Determine the reactions at the wheels

by solving equations for the sum of
moments about points above each axle.

• Determine the cable tension by

A loading car is at rest on an inclined solving the equation for the sum of
track. The gross weight of the car and force components parallel to the track.
its load is 5500 lb, and it is applied at
at G. The cart is held in position by • Check the values obtained by verifying
the cable. that the sum of force components
perpendicular to the track are zero.
Determine the tension in the cable and
the reaction at each pair of wheels.
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.2
• Determine the reactions at the wheels.
 M A  0 :  2320 lb 25in.  4980 lb 6in.
 R2 50in.  0
R2  1758 lb

 M B  0 :  2320 lb 25in.  4980 lb 6in.

 R1 50in.  0
R1  562 lb
• Create a free-body diagram
W x  5500 lb cos 25 • Determine the cable tension.

 4980 lb  Fx  0 :  4980 lb  T  0

W y  5500 lb sin 25 T  4980 lb

 2320 lb
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.3
SOLUTION:
• Create a free-body diagram for the
frame and cable.
• Solve 3 equilibrium equations for the
reaction force components and
couple at E.

The frame supports part of the roof of

a small building. The tension in the
cable is 150 kN.
Determine the reaction at the fixed
end E.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.3
• Solve 3 equilibrium equations for the
reaction force components and couple.
4.5
 x
F  0 : E x  150 kN   0
7.5
E x  90.0 kN

6
 Fy  0 : E y  420 kN   150 kN   0
7.5
E y  200 kN

• Create a free-body diagram for  M E  0 :  20 kN 7.2 m   20 kN 5.4 m 

the frame and cable.
 20 kN 3.6 m   20 kN 1.8 m 
6
 150 kN 4.5 m  M E  0
7.5
M E  180.0 kN  m

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Equilibrium of a Two-Force Body
• Consider a plate subjected to two forces F1 and F2

• For static equilibrium, the sum of moments about A

must be zero. The moment of F2 must be zero. It
follows that the line of action of F2 must pass
through A.

• Similarly, the line of action of F1 must pass

through B for the sum of moments about B to be
zero.

• Requiring that the sum of forces in any direction be

zero leads to the conclusion that F1 and F2 must
have equal magnitude but opposite sense.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Equilibrium of a Three-Force Body
• Consider a rigid body subjected to forces acting at
only 3 points.

• Assuming that their lines of action intersect, the

moment of F1 and F2 about the point of intersection
represented by D is zero.

• Since the rigid body is in equilibrium, the sum of the

moments of F1, F2, and F3 about any axis must be
zero. It follows that the moment of F3 about D must
be zero as well and that the line of action of F3 must
pass through D.

• The lines of action of the three forces must be

concurrent or parallel.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.4
SOLUTION:
• Create a free-body diagram of the joist.
Note that the joist is a 3 force body acted
upon by the rope, its weight, and the
reaction at A.
• The three forces must be concurrent for
static equilibrium. Therefore, the reaction
A man raises a 10 kg joist, of R must pass through the intersection of the
length 4 m, by pulling on a rope. lines of action of the weight and rope
Find the tension in the rope and forces. Determine the direction of the
the reaction at A. reaction force R.
• Utilize a force triangle to determine the
magnitude of the reaction force R.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.4
• Create a free-body diagram of the joist.

• Determine the direction of the reaction

force R.

AF  AB cos 45  4 m cos 45  2.828 m

CD  AE  12 AF  1.414 m
BD  CD cot(45  25)  1.414 m tan 20  0.515 m
CE  BF  BD  2.828  0.515 m  2.313 m
CE 2.313
tan    1.636
AE 1.414

  58.6

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.4
• Determine the magnitude of the reaction
force R.
T R 98.1 N
 
sin 31.4 sin 110 sin 38.6

T  81.9 N
R  147.8 N

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Equilibrium of a Rigid Body in Three Dimensions
• Six scalar equations are required to express the
conditions for the equilibrium of a rigid body in the
general three dimensional case.
 Fx  0  Fy  0  Fz  0
Mx  0 My  0 Mz  0

• These equations can be solved for no more than 6

unknowns which generally represent reactions at supports
or connections.

• The scalar equations are conveniently obtained by applying the

vector forms of the conditions for equilibrium,
   
 F  0  M O   r  F   0

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Reactions at Supports and Connections for a Three-
Dimensional Structure

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 - 21

Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Reactions at Supports and Connections for a Three-
Dimensional Structure

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 - 22

Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.5
SOLUTION:
• Create a free-body diagram for the sign.

• Apply the conditions for static

equilibrium to develop equations for
the unknown reactions.

A sign of uniform density weighs 270

lb and is supported by a ball-and-
socket joint at A and by two cables.
Determine the tension in each cable
and the reaction at A.

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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.5
 
 rD  rB
TBD  TBD  
rD  rB
  
 8i  4 j  8k
 TBD
12
 TBD   1 2
 3i  3 j  3k
2 
 
 rC  rE
TEC  TEC  
rC  rE
  
• Create a free-body diagram for the  6i  3 j  2 k
 TEC
sign. 7
Since there are only 5 unknowns,  TEC   3 2
7i 7 j 7k
6 
the sign is partially constrain. It is
free to rotate about the x axis. It is,
however, in equilibrium for the
given loading.
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Edition
Eighth
Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics
Sample Problem 4.5
    
F  A  TBD  TEC  270 lb j  0

i: Ax  23 TBD  76 TEC  0

j: Ay  13 TBD  73 TEC  270 lb  0

k: Az  23 TBD  72 TEC  0
      
MA  rB  TBD  rE  TEC  4 ft i   270 lb j  0

j: 5.333TBD  1.714TEC  0

k: 2.667TBD  2.571TEC  1080 lb  0
• Apply the conditions for
static equilibrium to Solve the 5 equations for the 5 unknowns,
develop equations for the
unknown reactions. TBD  101.3 lb TEC  315 lb
   
A  338 lbi  101.2 lb j  22.5 lbk

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 Problem 4.6

P The semicircular rod ABCD is

 A O
D maintained in equilibrium by
45o 45o the small wheel at D and the
rollers at B and C. Knowing
B C that  = 45o, determine the
reactions at B , C , and D.

26
 Problem 4.6
P Solving Problems on Your Own
 A O
D The semicircular rod ABCD is
o o
45 45
maintained in equilibrium by
B C the small wheel at D and the
rollers at B and C. Knowing
that  = 45o, determine the
reactions at B , C , and D.

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the body. This diagram shows

the body and all the forces acting on it.

27
 Problem 4.6
P Solving Problems on Your Own
 A O
D The semicircular rod ABCD is
o o
45 45
maintained in equilibrium by
B C the small wheel at D and the
rollers at B and C. Knowing
that  = 45o, determine the
reactions at B , C , and D.

2. Write equilibrium equations and solve for the unknowns.

For two-dimensional structure the three equations might be:
SFx = 0 SFy = 0 SMO = 0
where O is an arbitrary point in the plane of the structure
or SFx = 0 SMA = 0 SMB = 0
where point B is such that line AB is not parallel to the y axis
or SMA = 0 SMB = 0 SMC = 0
where the points A, B , and C do not lie in a straight line. 28
 Problem 4.6 Solution
P
 A O
D
o o
45 45 Draw a free-body diagram
C of the body.
B

P P sin D
A O
D
P cos 45o 45o
B R C
B/ 2 C/ 2

B B/ 2 C
C/ 2

29
 Problem 4.6 Solution
P P sin D
A O Write three equilibrium
D
P cos 45o 45o equations and solve
B R C for the unknowns.
B/ 2 C/ 2

B B/ 2 C
C/ 2
+ S MO = 0: (P sin) R _ D (R) = 0 D = P sin 1

+ S Fx = 0: P cos + B/ 2 _
C/ 2=0 (2)

+ S Fy = 0: _
P sin + B/ 2 + C / 2 _ P sin = 0
_
2P sin + B/ 2 + C / 2 = 0 (3)
30
 P P sin D Problem 4.6 Solution
A O
D
P cos 45o 45o
B R C
B/ 2 C/ 2

B B/ 2 C
C/ 2

(2) + (3) P(cos _ 2sin) + 2 B/ 2 = 0

2
B= (2sin _ cos) P (4)
2
(2) _ (3) P(cos + 2sin) _ 2 C/ 2 = 0
2
C= (2sin + cos) P (5)
2 31
 P P sin D Problem 4.6 Solution
A O
D
P cos 45o 45o
B R C For  = 45o
B/ 2 C/ 2
sin = cos = 1/ 2
B B/ 2 C
C/ 2

2 2 _ 1 1 1
EQ. (4) : B= ( )P= P; B= P 45o
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 1 3
EQ. (5) : C= ( _
)P= P; C= 3 P 45o
2 2 2 2 2

EQ. (1) : D = P/ 2 D = P/ 2
32
 Problem 4.7
4 in 4 in

20 lb 40 lb The T-shaped bracket shown is

A B supported by a small wheel at E
2 in and pegs at C and D. Neglecting
C
D 3 in the effect of friction, determine
3 in the reactions at C , D , and E
E when q = 30o.
q

33
 4 in 4 in Problem 4.7
Solving Problems on Your Own
20 lb 40 lb
A B The T-shaped bracket shown is
supported by a small wheel at E
2 in
C and pegs at C and D. Neglecting
D 3 in the effect of friction, determine
E 3 in the reactions at C , D , and E
q when q = 30o.

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the body. This diagram shows

the body and all the forces acting on it.

34
 4 in 4 in Problem 4.7
Solving Problems on Your Own
20 lb 40 lb
A B The T-shaped bracket shown is
supported by a small wheel at E
2 in
C and pegs at C and D. Neglecting
D 3 in the effect of friction, determine
E 3 in the reactions at C , D , and E
q when q = 30o.

2. Write equilibrium equations and solve for the unknowns.

For two-dimensional structure the three equations might be:
SFx = 0 SFy = 0 SMO = 0
where O is an arbitrary point in the plane of the structure
or SFx = 0 SMA = 0 SMB = 0
where point B is such that line AB is not parallel to the y axis
or SMA = 0 SMB = 0 SMC = 0
where the points A, B , and C do not lie in a straight line. 35
 4 in 4 in Problem 4.7 Solution

20 lb 40 lb
A B Draw a free-body diagram of the body.
2 in
C
D 3 in 4 in 4 in
E 3 in
q 20 lb 40 lb
A B
C 2 in
C
D 3 in
D
3 in
E
E
30o
36
 4 in 4 in Problem 4.7 Solution

20 lb 40 lb
A B
C 2 in Write equilibrium equations and
C
D 3 in solve for the unknowns.
D
3 in
E
E
30o

 S Fy = 0: E cos 30o _ 20 _ 40 = 0
60 lb
E= o = 69.28 lb
cos 30

E = 69.3 lb 60o
37
 4 in 4 in Problem 4.7 Solution

20 lb 40 lb
A B
C 2 in
C
D 3 in
D
3 in
E
E
30o  S MD = 0:

( 20 lb)( 4 in) _ ( 40 lb)( 4 in) _ C ( 3 in) + E sin 30o ( 3 in) = 0

_
80 _ 3C + 69.28 ( 0.5 )( 3 ) = 0

C = 7.974 lb C = 7.97 lb
38
 4 in 4 in Problem 4.7 Solution

20 lb 40 lb
A B
C 2 in
C + S Fx= 0:
D 3 in
D
3 in E sin 30o + C _ D = 0
E
E
( 69.28 lb )( 0.5 ) + 7.974 lb _ D = 0
30o
D = 42.6 lb

39
 Problem 4.8

y 1.2 m
A 3-m pole is supported by a
E
1.2 m ball-and-socket joint at A and
by the cables CD and CE.
Knowing that the line of action
D C of the 5-kN force forms an
1.5 m x angle f=30o with the vertical
A B xy plane, determine (a) the
5 kN tension in cables CD and CE,
z f
(b) the reaction at A.
2m 1m

40
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8
E Solving Problems on Your Own
1.2 m
A 3-m pole is supported by a
ball-and-socket joint at A and
D by the cables CD and CE.
C Knowing that the line of action
1.5 m x
A B of the 5-kN force forms an
5 kN angle f=30o with the vertical
z f xy plane, determine (a) the
2m 1m tension in cables CD and CE,
(b) the reaction at A.

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the body. This diagram shows

the body and all the forces acting on it.

41
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8
E Solving Problems on Your Own
1.2 m
A 3-m pole is supported by a ball-
and-socket joint at A and by the
D cables CD and CE. Knowing that
C the line of actionof the 5-kN force
1.5 m x
A B forms an angle f=30o with the
5 kN vertical xy plane, determine (a)
z f the tension in cables CD and CE,
2m 1m (b) the reaction at A.
2. Write equilibrium equations and solve for the unknowns.
For three-dimensional body the six scalar equations
SFx = 0 SFy = 0 SFz = 0
SMx = 0 SMy = 0 SMz = 0
should be used and solved for six unknowns. These equations
can also be written as
SF = 0 SMO = S (r x F ) = 0
where F are the forces and r are position vectors. 42
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8 Solution
E
1.2 m
Draw a free-body diagram
of the body.
D C
1.5 m x
A B
y 1.2 m
5 kN
z f E
1.2 m
2m 1m
D TCE
TCD
Ax i C
1.5 m x
A B
Az k 30o
z Ay j 5 kN
2m 1m
43
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8 Solution
E Write equilibrium equations
1.2 m
and solve for the unknowns.
D TCE 5 unknowns and 6 equations of
TCD equilibrium, but equilibrium is
Ax i C
1.5 m
maintained, S MAC = 0 .
A B x
Az k 30o
z Ay j 5 kN rB/A = 2 i rC/A = 3 i
2m 1m
Load at B, FB = _ ( 5 cos 30o ) j + ( 5 sin 30o ) k = _ 4.33 j + 2.5 k

CD = _ 3 i+ 1.5 j + 1.2 k CD = 3.562 m

T
TCD = TCD CD = CD (_ 3 i + 1.5 j + 1.2 k)
CD 3.562

TCE = TCE CE = TCD (_ 3 i + 1.5 j _ 1.2 k)

CE 3.562 44
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8 Solution
E
1.2 m

D TCE
TCD
Ax i C
1.5 m x
A B
Az k 30o
z Ay j 5 kN
2m 1m

SMA = 0: rC/A x TCD + rC/A x TCE + rB/A x FB = 0

i j k i j k i j k
TCD TCE
3 0 0 + 3 0 0 + 2 0 0 =0
_ 3.562 _ _ 3.562
3 1.5 1.2 3 1.5 1.2 0 _4.33 2.5
45
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8 Solution
E Equate coefficients of unit
1.2 m
vectors to zero.
D TCE _ TCD TCE _
TCD j: 3.6 + 3.6 5=0
3.562 3.562
Ax i C _ _
1.5 m x 3.6 T CD +3.6 T CE 17.81 = 0 (1)
A B
Az k 30o
z Ay j 5 kN TCD TCE _
k: 4.5 + 4.5 8.66 = 0
3.562 3.562
2m 1m
4.5 TCD+4.5 TCE = 30.85 (2)

_
(2) + 1.25 (1): 9TCE 53.11 = 0 ; TCE = 5.90 kN

_
Eq. (1): 3.6TCD + 3.6 (5.902) _ 17.81 = 0 TCD = 0.954 kN
46
 y 1.2 m Problem 4.8 Solution
E SF = 0: A + TCD + TCE + FB = 0
1.2 m

D 0.954 _ 5.902 _
TCE i: Ax + ( 3) + ( 3) = 0
TCD 3.562 3.562
Ax i C
1.5 m x Ax = 5.77 kN
A B
Az k 30o
z Ay j 5 kN
2m 1m
0.954 5.902
j: Ay + (1.5) + (1.5) _ 4.33 = 0 Ay = 1.443 kN
3.562 3.562
0.954 5.902 _
k: Az + (1.2) + ( 1.2) + 2.5 = 0 Az = _ 0.833 kN
3.562 3.562

A = ( 5.77 kN) i + ( 1.443 kN ) j - ( 0.833 kN ) k

47
 Problem 4.9

Rod AC is supported by a pin and

A bracket at A and rests against a
a peg at B. Neglecting the effect of
B 20 in friction, determine (a) the reactions
at A and B when a = 8 in., (b) the
distance a for which the reaction
C
at A is horizontal and the
60 lb corresponding magnitudes of the
10 in
reactions at A and B.

48
 Problem 4.9
A Solving Problems on Your Own
a
Rod AC is supported by a pin and
B 20 in bracket at A and rests against a
peg at B. Neglecting the effect of
C friction, determine (a) the reactions
at A and B when a = 8 in., (b) the
60 lb 10 in distance a for which the reaction
at A is horizontal and the
corresponding magnitudes of the
reactions at A and B.

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the body. This diagram shows

the body and all the forces acting on it.

49
 Problem 4.9
A Solving Problems on Your Own
a Rod AC is supported by a pin and
20 in bracket at A and rests against a
B
peg at B. Neglecting the effect of
friction, determine (a) the reactions
C
at A and B when a = 8 in., (b) the
distance a for which the reaction
60 lb 10 in at A is horizontal and the
corresponding magnitudes of the
reactions at A and B.
2. For a three-force body, solution can be obtained by
constructing a force triangle. The resultants of the three forces
must be concurrent or parallel. To solve a problem involving a
three-force body with concurrent forces, draw the free-body
diagram showing that the three forces pass through the same
point. Complete the solution by using a force triangle.
50
 Problem 4.9 Solution
A (a) a = 8 in
a
Draw a free-body diagram
B 20 in of the body.
10 in
C
A
60 lb 10 in E g
F
A
D 8 in
G
tan  = 21 B 
B 12 in
 = 26.57 o 2
C 1

60 lb 10 in
51
 10 in Problem 4.9 Solution
A Construct a force triangle.
E g
F 3 - FORCE BODY
A
D 8 in Reaction at A passes through D
G where B and 60-lb load intersect
B 
1 1
B 12 in AE = EB = (8) = 4 in.
2 2 2
1
C EF = BG = 10 _ 4 = 6 in
60 lb 10 in 1 1
DG = 2 BG = 2 (6) = 3 in.

FD = FG _ DG = 8 _ 3 = 5 in.
FD 5
Tan g = AF = ; g = 26.57o
10
52
 10 in Problem 4.9 Solution
A FORCE TRIANGLE
E g
F
A  = 26.57o
D 8 in 30 lb
A
G 60 lb
B 
B 12 in B
2 30 lb
1  = 26.57o
C

60 lb 10 in 30 lb
A=B= o = 67.08 lb
sin 26.57
A = 67.1 lb 26.6o

B = 67.1 lb 26.6o
53
 Problem 4.9 Solution
A (b) For A horizontal
a
Draw a free-body diagram
B 20 in of the body.
10 in
C
A
60 lb 10 in F
 A a

G
B 
B

2  = 26.57o
C 1

60 lb
54
 10 in Problem 4.9 Solution

A Construct a force triangle.

F
 A a

G
B  D ABF : BF = AF cos 
B

2 D BFG : FG = BF sin 
 = 26.57o
C 1
a = FG = AF cos  sin 
60 lb
a = (10 in.) cos 26.57o sin 26.57o

a = 4.00 in.

55
 10 in Problem 4.9 Solution

A FORCE TRIANGLE
F
 A a

G
B 
B B
60 lb
2  = 26.57o  = 26.57o
C 1
A
60 lb

A = 60 lb = 120 lb A = 120.0 lb
tan 
B = 60 lb = 134.16 lb B = 134.2 lb 26.6o
sin 
56
 Problem 4.10

Rod AD supports a vertical load

a a a P and is attached to collars B
 and C, which may slide freely on
A B C the rods shown. Knowing that
D
the wire attached at D forms an
30o 30o
P angle  = 30o with the vertical,
determine (a) the tension in the
wire, (b) the reactions at B and C.

57
 Problem 4.10
Solving Problems on Your Own
a a a
Rod AD supports a vertical load
 P and is attached to collars B
A B C D and C, which may slide freely on
30o 30o the rods shown. Knowing that
P the wire attached at D forms an
angle  = 30o with the vertical,
determine (a) the tension in the
wire, (b) the reactions at B and C.

1. Draw a free-body diagram of the body. This diagram shows

the body and all the forces acting on it.

58
 Problem 4.10
Solving Problems on Your Own
a a a Rod AD supports a vertical load
 P and is attached to collars B
A B C and C, which may slide freely on
D
o
the rods shown. Knowing that
o
30 30 the wire attached at D forms an
P
angle  = 30o with the vertical,
determine (a) the tension in the
wire, (b) the reactions at B and C.
2. Write equilibrium equations and solve for the unknowns.
For two-dimensional structure the three equations might be:
SFx = 0 SFy = 0 SMO = 0
where O is an arbitrary point in the plane of the structure
or SFx = 0 SMA = 0 SMB = 0
where point B is such that line AB is not parallel to the y axis
or SMA = 0 SMB = 0 SMC = 0
where the points A, B , and C do not lie in a straight line. 59
 Problem 4.10 Solution

a a a
Draw a free-body diagram
 of the body.
A B C D
30o 30o
P

30o 30o 30o 30o 30

o

C T
A B C
D
30o
P B

a a a

60
 30o 30o
Problem 4.10 Solution
30o 30 o
30 o

C T
A B C
D Write equilibrium equations
o
30
B and solve for the unknowns.
P
a a a

30o S F = 0: _
P cos 30o + T cos 60o = 0
cos 30o 3/2
T= P o = P 1/2 T= 3 P
cos 60
+ S MB = 0: P a _ (C sin 30o) a + T cos 30o (2a) = 0

Pa_( 1 C)a+ 3P( 3 ) 2a = 0

2 2
_ 1
C + (1 + 3) P = 0; C=8P C=8P 30o61
2
 30o 30o
Problem 4.10 Solution
30o 30 o
30 o

C T
A B C
D
o
30
P B

a a a

+ S F = 0: _
B cos 30o + C cos 30o _ T sin 30o = 0

_ 3 3 _ 1
B 2 +8P 2 3 P ( 2 ) = 0;

B= 7P B=7P 30o

62