BASIC CIVIL ENGINEERING

Mechanics of Solids
 Mechanics of Solids

PART- I PART- II

Mechanics of Rigid Mechanics of Deformable

Bodies Bodies
 COURSE CONTENT IN BRIEF

PART I Mechanics of Rigid Bodies

1. Resultant of concurrent and non-concurrent coplanar forces.
2. Equilibrium of concurrent and non-concurrent coplanar forces.
3. Centroid of plane areas
4. Moment of Inertia of plane areas
5. Kinetics: Newton’s second law, D’Alembert’s principle, Work- Energy,
and Impulse- Momentum principle.

PART II Mechanics of Deformable bodies

6. Simple stresses and strains
7. Statically indeterminate problems and thermal stresses
8. Stresses on inclined planes
9. Stresses due to fluid pressure in thin cylinders
 Books for Reference
1.Engineering Mechanics, by Meriam & Craige, John Wiley & Sons.
2.Engineering Mechanics, by Irwing Shames, Prentice Hall of India.
3.Mechanics for Engineers, by Beer and Johnston, McGraw Hills Edition
4.Engineering Mechanics, by K.L. Kumar, Tata McGraw Hills Co.
5. Machanics of Materials, by E.P.Popov
6. Machanics of Materials, by E J Hearn
7. Strength of materials, by Beer and Johnston
8. Strength of materials, by F L Singer & Andrew Pytel
9. Strength of Materials, by B.S. Basavarajaiah & P. Mahadevappa
10. Strength of Materials, by Ramamruthum
11. Strength of Materials, by S S Bhavikatti
 PART - I Mechanics of Rigid Bodies

INTRODUCTION

Definition of Mechanics :
In its broadest sense the term ‘Mechanics’ may be defined as
the ‘Science which describes and predicts the conditions of
rest or motion of bodies under the action of forces’.

This Course on Engineering Mechanics comprises of

Mechanics of Rigid bodies and the sub-divisions that come
under it.
 Branches of Mechanics

Engineering Mechanics

Mechanics of Solids Mechanics of Fluids

Rigid Bodies Deformable Ideal Viscous Compressible

Bodies Fluids Fluids Fluids

Statics Dynamics Theory of Theory of Plasticity

Strength of Elasticity
Materials

Kinematics Kinetics
Concept of Rigid Body :

It is defined as a definite amount of matter the parts of which

are fixed in position relative to one another under the
application of load.

Actually solid bodies are never rigid; they deform under the
action of applied forces. In those cases where this deformation
is negligible compared to the size of the body, the body may be
considered to be rigid.
Particle

A body whose dimensions are negligible when compared to the

distances involved in the discussion of its motion is called a
‘Particle’.

For example, while studying the motion of sun and earth, they
are considered as particles since their dimensions are small
when compared with the distance between them.
Force

It is that agent which causes or tends to cause, changes or

tends to change the state of rest or of motion of a mass.

A force is fully defined only when the following four

characteristics are known:
(i) Magnitude
(ii) Direction
(iii) Point of application
(iv) Sense.
Force:
characteristics of the force 100 kN are :
(i) Magnitude = 100 kN
(ii) Direction = at an inclination of 300 to the x-axis
(iii) Point of application = at point A shown
(iv) Sense = towards point A 100 kN

A
300
Scalars and Vectors
A quantity is said to be a ‘scalar’ if it is completely defined by
its magnitude alone.
Example : Length, Area, and Time.

A quantity is said to be a ‘vector’ if it is completely defined

only when its magnitude and direction are specified.
Example : Force, Velocity, and Acceleration.
 Principle of Transmissibility : It is stated as follows : ‘The
external effect of a force on a rigid body is the same for all points
of application along its line of action’.

A B
P P

For example, consider the above figure. The motion of the block will be
the same if a force of magnitude P is applied as a push at A or as a pull at
B.

P P
O
The same is true when the force is applied at a point O.
 1. RESULTANT OF COPLANAR FORCES

Resultant, R : It is defined as that single force which can

replace a set of forces, in a force system, and cause the
same external effect.

R
F2
=
F1

A A
F3
R  F1  F2  F3
external effect on particle, A is same
Resultant of two forces acting at a point

Parallelogram law of forces : ‘If two forces acting at a point are

represented in magnitude and direction by the two adjacent
sides of a parallelogram, then the resultant of these two forces
is represented in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of
the parallelogram passing through the same point.’

B C
P2 R


O
P1 A
Contd..
 B C
P2 R


O
P1 A
In the above figure, P1 and P2, represented by the sides OA and OB have
R as their resultant represented by the diagonal OC of the parallelogram
OACB.
It can be shown that the magnitude of the resultant is given by:
R = P12 + P22 + 2P1P2Cos α
Inclination of the resultant w.r.t. the force P1 is given by:

 = tan-1 [( P2 Sin ) / ( P1 + P2 Cos  )]

 Resultant of two forces acting at a point at right angle

B C
P2 R


O
P1 A

If α = 900 , (two forces acting at a point are at right angle)

B C

P2 R R  P1  P 2 2
2


O P2
A tan 
P1 P1
Triangle law of forces

‘If two forces acting at a point can be represented both in

magnitude and direction, by the two sides of a triangle taken in
tip to tail order, the third side of the triangle represents both in
magnitude and direction the resultant force F, the sense of the same is
defined by its tail at the tail of the first force and its tip at the tip of
the second force’.
 Triangle law of forces
Let F1 and F2 be the two forces acting at a point A and θ is the
included angle.
F1 F1
R θ
=
θ
A F2
F2
‘Arrange the two forces as two sides of a triangle taken in tip to
tail order, the third side of the triangle represents both in magnitude
and direction the resultant force R.
the sense of the resultant force is defined by its tail at the tail of the
first force and its tip at the tip of the second force’.
 Triangle law of forces
F1
F1
R θ
=
θ
A F2
F2

F1 F2 R
R  F2  
sin  sin  sin(180     )
 (180 -  - ) = θ
F1
where α and β are the angles made by the resultant force
with the force F1 and F2 respectively.
 Component of a force :

Component of a force, in simple terms, is the effect of a

force in a certain direction. A force can be split into infinite number
of components along infinite directions.

Usually, a force is split into two mutually perpendicular

components, one along the x-direction and the other along y-
direction (generally horizontal and vertical, respectively).

Such components that are mutually perpendicular are called

‘Rectangular Components’.

The process of obtaining the components of a force is called

‘Resolution of a force’.
 Rectangular component of a force

F
F
Fy F
= Fy
x x x
Fx Fx

Consider a force F making an angle θx with x-axis.

Then the resolved part of the force F along x-axis is given by

Fx = F cos θx
The resolved part of the force F along y-axis is given by
Fy = F sin θx
 Oblique component of a force
Let F1 and F2 be the oblique components of a force F. The
components F1 and F2 can be found using the ‘triangle law of
forces’.
N

F2 M
F F  F2
F1
 
 F1

O
The resolved part of the force F along OM and ON can
obtained by using the equation of a triangle.
F1 / Sin  = F2 / Sin  = F / Sin(180 -  - )
 Sign Convention for force components:

y
y
x
+ve

x
+ve

The adjacent diagram gives the sign convention for

force components, i.e., force components that are directed
along positive x-direction are taken +ve for summation along
the x-direction.

Also force components that are directed along +ve y-direction are
taken +ve for summation along the y-direction.
 Classification of force system

Force system

Coplanar Forces Non-Coplanar

Forces
Concurrent Non-concurrent
Concurrent Non-concurrent

Like parallel Unlike parallel

Like parallel Unlike parallel

A force that can replace a set of forces, in a force system,

and cause the same ‘external effect’ is called the Resultant.
(Q1.1) Numerical Problems & Solutions

Resolve the forces shown in figure along x and y

directions.

20 kN

250

35 kN

2 60 kN
3
(Q1.1) Numerical Problems & Solutions

solution:

20 kN
20 cos θx
= 20 cos65
250 20 sin θx = 20 sin65

35 kN

2
60 sin θx = 60 sin33.7
3

60 cos θx 60 kN

= 60 cos33.7
 (Q1.1)

solution:
20 kN
20 cos θx
= 20 cos65
250 20 sin θx = 20 sin65

35 kN

2
60 sin θx = 60 sin33.7
3 Answer:
60 cos θx 60 kN
= 60 cos33.7 Force X-comp Y-comp
35kN - 35 0
20kN - 20 cos 65 -20 sin 65
60kN - 60 cos 33.7 + 60 sin 33.7
(Q1.2) Numerical Problems & Solutions

Resolve the forces shown in figure along x and y

directions.

105 kN

15 kN

150

75 kN 400
350
60 kN
45 kN
 (Q1.2)

solution:
105 kN
15 sin150

15 kN
15 cos150
150
75 kN
550 400
350 60 cos400
45 cos550 60 kN
45 kN
60 sin400
45 sin550
 (Q1.2)
105 kN
15 sin150

15 kN 15 cos150
150
75 kN 550 400
350 60 cos400
45 cos550 60 kN
45 kN
60 sin400
45 sin550
Force X-comp. Y-comp
105 0 +105
75 -75 0
15 + 15 cos15 + 15 sin15
45 - 45 cos55 - 45 sin55
60 + 60 cos40 - 60 sin40
 (Q1.3) Numerical Problems & Solutions

Obtain the resultant of the concurrent coplanar forces acting

as shown in figure

105 kN
15 kN
150
75 kN 400
350
45 kN 60 kN
 (Q1.3) Numerical Problems & Solutions

solution:
105 kN
15 sin150

15 kN
15 cos150
150
75 kN
550 400
350 60 cos400
45 cos550 60 kN
45 kN
60 sin400
45 sin550
 (Q1.3) Numerical Problems & Solutions
105 kN
15 sin150
Force X-comp. Y-comp
15 kN 15 cos15 105
0
0 +105
0
15
75 kN 550 0
40 75 -75 0
350 0
60 cos40
45 cos550
45 kN
60 kN 15 + 15 cos15 + 15 sin15
60 sin40 0

45 sin550 45 - 45 cos55 - 45 sin55

60 + 60 cos40 - 60 sin40
------- --------------- ----------------
R ΣFx = ΣFy =
- 40.359 + 33.453
(Q1.3) Numerical Problems & Solutions

∑ Fx = – 75 + 15 cos 15 – 45 cos 55 + 60 Cos 40

= - 40.359 kN = 40.359 kN

∑ Fy = + 105 + 15 Sin 15 – 45 sin 55 – 60 Sin 40

= + 33.453 kN

Answer:
R R  Fx  Fy  52.42kN

ΣFy = 33.453 kN Fy  Fx 

θx tan x  ;  x  tan 
-1

Fx  F 
 y 
ΣFx = 40.359kN   39.690
(Q1.4)

Obtain the resultant of the concurrent coplanar forces

acting as shown in figure.

50kN 100kN
º
120
2
3
1 30º
2 75kN
25kN
(Q1.4)

Solution:
100 cos θx
50 sin θx = 50 sin 26.3
= 100 cos 33.7 100kN
50kN

100 sin θx
º
50 cos θx 120 = 100 sin 33.7
2
= 50 cos 26.3 3 º
30
25 cos θx 1
75 cos θx
= 25 cos 63.43 2
= 75 cos 30

25kN 25 sin θx 75kN

= 25 sin 63.43 75 sin θx
= 75 sin 30
 (Q1.4)

50 sin 26.3 100 cos 33.7

Solution: 100kN
50kN

Force X-comp. Y-comp 120º 100 sin 33.7

50 cos 26.3 2
3
100 -100 cos33.7 -100 sin33.7 30
25 cos 63.43 2 1 75 cos 30
75 -50 cos26.3 +50 sin26.3 25kN 75kN
15 -25cos 63.43 -25 sin63.43 25 sin 63.43 75 sin 30

45 +75 cos30 -75 sin30

------- --------------- ----------------
R ΣFx = ΣFy =
- 74.26 kN -93.17 kN
 (Q1.4)

∑Fx = -50 Cos 26.31- 100 Cos33.69 – 25 Cos 63.43 + 75 Cos 30

= -74.26kN = 74.26kN

∑FY = 50sin26.31- 100sin 33.69 – 75sin30 – 25sin63.43

= -93.17kN = 93.17kN

Contd..
(Q1.4)

Answers:
∑Fx

∑Fy
R

R = (∑Fx) 2 + (∑Fy) 2 = 119.14 kN

Θ = tan-1(∑Fy / ∑Fx ) = 51.44o
 (Q1.5)

A system of concurrent coplanar forces has five forces of which

only four are shown in figure. If the resultant is a force of
magnitude R = 250 N acting rightwards along the horizontal,
find the unknown fifth force.

150N 200N
110º
50°

45º

120N 50N
 (Q1.5)
Solution:
- Assume the fifth force F5 in the first quadrant, at an angle α, as
shown.
The 150 N force makes an angle of 20o w.r.t. horizontal
R is the resultant of Five forces including F5

150N 200N F5
110 º
50°
20º α
45 R =250 N
°
50N
120N
 (Q1.5)
Solution:
- Resolve the forces along X & Y axis

150N 200N
F5y=F5 sin α
F5
110 º
50° F5x=F5 cos α
20º α
45 R =250 N
°
120N 50N
 (Q1.5) Solution:
150N 200N
F5y=F5 sin α
F5

50° F5x=F5 cos α

20º α Force X-comp. Y-comp
45 R =250 N
°
F5 +F5 cosα +F5 sinα
120N 50N
50 -50 cos45 +50 sin45
200 +200cos 50 +200 sin 50
120 0 -120
150 -150 cos20 +150 sin20
------- --------------- ----------------
R ΣFx = ΣFy =
+250 kN 0
 (Q1.5)

∑FX = R = + 250 & ΣFy = 0

because the resultant is acting along x-direction

ΣFx = + 250 = 200 cos 50 – 150 cos 20 – 50 cos 45 + F5 cos α

 F5 cos α = +297.75 N
∑FY = 0 = F5 sin α + 200sin 50 + 150 sin 20 – 120 + 50 sin 45
F5 sin α= -119.87 N tan α = F5sin α /F5cos α
Answers =0.402

F5cosα = 297.75N α = 21.90º

α = 21.90º
F5= 320.97N
F5 = 320.97N
F5sinα = 119.87N
 (Q1.6)

A system of concurrent coplanar forces has four forces of which

only three are shown in figure. If the resultant is a force R =
100N acting as indicated, obtain the unknown fourth force.

75N
25N
60
° 70
°
40 45
° °
50N
R=100N
 (Q1.6)
 Assume the fourth force (F4) in the first quadrant, at an angle α, as shown.
The 25 N force makes an angle of 30o w.r.t. horizontal
R is the resultant of Four forces including F4

75 sin70
F4 sin α
75N F4
25 sin30

25N 75 cos70 α
60°
25 cos30 F4 cos α
30° 70° α
40° 45°
R cos40
50N
R sin40 50 cos45
R=100N
 (Q1.6)

75 sin70 Force X-comp. Y-comp

25N 25 sin30 75N
F4 +F4 cosα +F4 sinα
75 cos70

25 cos30
60°
50 - 50 cos45 +50 sin45
70°
30
°40° 45 25 - 25 cos30 +25 sin30
R cos40
°
50 cos45 50N
75 +75 cos70 +75 sin70
R sin40
R=100N ------- --------------- ----------------
R ΣFx = - R cos40 ΣFy = -R sin40
= -100 cos40kN = - 100 sin40kN

+ve Fx = -Rcos40

Fx = -Rcos40 = F4cosα + 75cos70 – 50cos45 – 25sin60
F4cosα = - 45.25N
(Q1.6)

+ve Fy = -Rsin40

Fy = -Rsin40 = F4sinα + 75sin70+25cos60+50sin45

 F4sinα = -182.61N ;

Answers: F4cosα = 45.25N

tan  = (F4sin /F4cos) F4sinα =
α= 76.08º
α = 76.08º 182.61N
& F4 =188.13N
F4=188.13N
 (Q1.7)
The resultant of a system of concurrent coplanar forces is a force
acting vertically upwards. Find the magnitude of the resultant, and the
force F4 acting as shown in figure.

10 kN F4
70
60 °
°
45 30
° °
5 kN
15 kN

Contd..
 (Q1.7)

Solution: R
F4
10 kN
70°
60°
45° 30
°
5 kN
15 kN

∑Fx = 0
+ve
F4 sin70 – 10cos 60 – 15cos 45 – 5cos 30 = 0; or, F4sin70 = 19.94
F4 = 21.22kN
Contd..
 (Q1.7)

10 kN R F4
Solution: 70
60 °
°
45 30
° °
5 kN
15 kN
∑Fy = +R
+ve Fig. 4
Answers:
F4cos70 + 10sin60 – 15sin45 + 5sin30 = +R
 +R - 0.342F4 = 0.554 F4 = 21.22 kN
Substituting for F4 , R= +7.81kN R= +7.81kN
(Q1.8)

Obtain the magnitudes of the forces P and Q if the resultant of the

system shown in figure is zero .
100N
Q

40 70
° °
60
45 °
° 50N
P

Contd..
 (Q1.8)

Q 100N
40 70
°
°
60°
45 50N
P °
For R to be = zero,
∑Fx = 0 and ∑ Fy = 0
+ve ∑Fx = 0 :
-Psin45 – Qcos40 + 100cos70 + 50cos60 = 0
0.707P + 0.766Q = 59.2

Contd..
(Q1.8)

+ve ∑Fy = 0
-Pcos45 + Qsin40 + 100sin70 – 50sin60 = 0
or, -0.707P + 0.642Q = -50.67 ------(b)

Solving (a) & (b)

Answers:
P = 77.17 N & Q = 6.058N
 (Q1.9)

Forces of magnitude 50N and 100N are the oblique components of a

force F. Obtain the magnitude and direction of the force F.
Refer figure.

100N

50N
30
°

Contd..
 (Q1.9)

100N Y-AXIS 100N

X - AXIS
50N
30 30 50N
° °
Fig. 1.9
Rotating the axes to have X parallel to 50N,
+ve ∑Fx = +50 + 100cos30 = +136.6N

+ve ∑ Fy = +100sin30 = +50N

Contd..
 (Q1.9)

100N 100N
Y-AXIS

X - AXIS
50N
30 30 50N
° °
Fig. 6
F = 145.46N
F= (∑Fx)2+(∑Fy)2
θ = 20.1º w r t X direction (50N force)
θ = tan-1[(∑Fx)2+(∑Fy)2] Y-AXIS

F X - AXIS
θ
50N
 (Q1.10)

Resolve the 3kN force along the directions P and Q. Refer figure.

Q
3kN

45
° 60
°
20
° P

Contd..
 (Q1.10)

Q
3kN
45º P

45º Q
60 45º
° 3kN
30 X – Axis
P°
Move the force P parallel to itself to complete a triangle. Using
sine rule,
P/sin45 = Q/sin90 = 3/sin45
Answer :
P = 3kN, and Q = 4.243kN
 (Q1.11)

Resolve the 5kN force along the directions P and Q. Refer Fig. 1.11.

Q
3kN

45
° 60
°
20
° P

Fig. 1.10 Contd..

 (Q1.11)

Q
5kN
Q P
5kN 55°

45º
60 Q
45º 5kN
° 60 45º
20 X – Axis
P° ° X – Axis
60°
20
° X
P
55
°
(Q1.11)
P
55°

Q 800
Using sine rule,
45º 5N
P/sin45 = Q/sin80 = 5/sin55
60°
Answer :
X – Axis
P = 4.32 kN, and Q = 6.01 kN
 RESULTANT OF COPLANAR NON CONCURRENT
FORCE SYSTEM

Coplanar Non-concurrent Force System:

This is the force system in which lines of action of
individual forces lie in the same plane but act at different points
of applications.

F2 F1 F2
F1

F5 F3
F3 F4

Fig. 1 Fig. 2
1. Parallel Force System – Lines of action of individual
forces are parallel to each other.
2. Non-Parallel Force System – Lines of action of the forces
are not parallel to each other.
 MOMENT OF A FORCE ABOUT AN AXIS

The applied force can also tend to rotate the body about
an axis in addition to motion. This rotational tendency is
known as moment.

Definition: Moment is the

tendency of a force to make a
rigid body to rotate about an
axis.

This is a vector quantity

having both magnitude
and direction.
 MOMENT OF A FORCE ABOUT AN AXIS

Moment Axis: This is the axis about which rotational

tendency is determined. It is perpendicular to the plane
comprising moment arm and line of action of the force (axis
0-0 in the figure)

Moment Center: This is

the position of axis on co-
planar system. (A).

Moment Arm:
Perpendicular distance
from the line of action of
the force to moment
center. Distance AB = d.
Magnitude of moment:

It is computed as the product of the of the force and

the perpendicular distance from the line of action
to the point about which moment is computed.
(Moment center).

MA = F×d

= Rotation effect because of

the force F, about the point A
(about an axis 0-0)

Unit – kN-m, N-mm etc.

 Sense of moment:

The sense is obtained by ‘Right Hand Thumb’ rule.

‘If the fingers of the right hand are curled in the
direction of rotational tendency of the body, the extended
thumb represents the sense of moment vector’.

For the purpose of additions,

the moment direction may be
considered by using a suitable
sign convention such as +ve
for counterclockwise and –ve
for clockwise rotations or vice-
versa. M
M
 (Q1.12)

A 100N vertical force is applied to the end of a lever at ‘A’,

which is attached to the shaft at ‘O’ as shown in the figure.

A
Determine,
1. The moment of 100N force about ‘O’.
2. Magnitude of the horizontal force applied F=100 N
at ‘A’, which develops same moment
about ‘O’. 60º
3. The smallest force at ‘A’, which develops
same effect about ‘O’. O

4. How far from the shaft a 240N vertical

force must act to develop the same effect?
 (Q1.1)

1. The moment of 100N force about ‘O’.

A
SOLUTION:

1) Perpendicular distance from the line of

F
action of force F to the moment center
‘O’ = d 60º
O
= 240 cos 60º = 120 mm. d

Moment about ‘O’ = F × d = 100 × 120

= 12,000 N-mm
(Clockwise)
 (Q1.12)

2. Magnitude of the horizontal force applied at ‘A’, which develops same

moment about ‘O’.

If force F is acting horizontally then F

the perpendicular distance between the line of

action of horizontal force F at A , to moment d
center ‘O’
60º
= d = 240 sin 60º = 207.85 mm. A
O
Moment about ‘O’ = F × d
= F × 207.85
= 12,000 N-mm (Clockwise)
Therefore,
F = 12,000 / 207.85 = 57.73 N
 (Q1.12)

3. The smallest force at ‘A’, which develops same effect about ‘O’.

3) Solution:
F = M/d A
Force is smallest when the perpendicular
distance is maximum so as to produce
same M. F

Maximum distance between the point, 0 60º

and the point A is 240 mm.
O
If the line of action of the force is such that
d = 240 mm
i.e., d = 240 mm.

Therefore, Fmin = 12,000/240 = 50N.

 (Q1.12)

4. How far from the shaft a 240N vertical force must act to
develop the same effect?
A

4) Solution:
Distance along x-axis, X = M/F
= 12,000/240
= 50 mm. 60º
Distance along the shaft axis F
O X
d = X/cos 60
= 50/cos 60
= 100 mm
 VARIGNON’S THEOREM (PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS)

Statement: The moment of a force about a moment center or

axis is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments of its
component forces about the same moment center (axis).
P
P P sinθ
θ P cosθ
θ d
d1

A d2 A

Moment of Force P about the Algebraic sum of Moments of

point A, = components of the Force P
about the point A,
Pxd
P cosθ x d1 + P sinθ x d2
 VARIGNON’S THEOREM (PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS)

Proof (by Scalar Formulation):

Let ‘R’ be the given force.

‘P’ & ‘Q’ are component forces of
‘R’. ‘O’ is the moment center.
Y
p, r and q are moment arms from ‘O’
of P, R and Q respectively.
R
,  and  are the inclinations of ‘P’, Q
‘R’ and ‘Q’ respectively w.r.to X – q
axis. r P
 p
A 
O X
 Y
We have,
Ry = Py + Qy Ry
R Sin = P Sin + Q Sin  ----(1) Q R
From le AOB, p/AO = Sin  D
From le AOC, r/AO = Sin  Qy
From le AOD, q/AO = Sin 
 C
q r
P

Py  B
From (1), p

 R ×(r/AO) = P ×(p/AO) + Q ×(q/AO)
A O X
i.e., R × r = P × p + Q × q

Moment of resultant R about O = algebraic

sum of moments of component forces P &
Q about same moment center ‘O’.
 COUPLE
Two parallel, non collinear (separated by certain
distance) forces that are equal in magnitude and opposite
in direction form ‘couple’.
F

The algebraic summation of the d

two forces forming couple is zero.

F
Hence, couple does not produce any
translation and produces only rotation. M=Fxd
 RESOLUTION OF A FORCE INTO A
FORCE-COUPLE SYSTEM

Replace the force F acting at the point A to the point B

F

B A

Apply two equal and opposite forces of same magnitude &

direction as Force F at point B, so that external effect is
unchanged
F F

B A

d
F
 F F F

B A B
= A
d M=Fxd
F
Of these three forces, two forces i.e., one at A and the other
oppositely directed at B form a couple.
Moment of this couple, M = F × d.
Third force at B is acting in the same direction as that at P.

Thus, the force F acting at a point such as A in a rigid body can be

moved to any other given point B, by adding a couple M. The
moment of the couple is equal to moment of the force in its
original position about B.
 TYPES OF LOADS ON BEAMS

W kN
1. Concentrated Loads – This is the load
acting for very small length of the beam.
(also known as point load, Total load W is
acting at one point )
w kN/m
2. Uniformly distributed load – This is
the load acting for a considerable
length of the beam with same intensity
L
of w kN/m throughout its spread.

W = (w x L) kN
Total intensity, W = w × L
L/2
(acts at L/2 from one end of the spread)

L
 3. Uniformly varying load – This load acts
for a considerable length of the beam with
intensity varying linearly from ‘0’ at one
end to w kN/m to the other representing a w kN/m

triangular distribution. L
Total intensity of load = area of triangular
spread of the load
W=½×L×w
W = 1/2× w × L.
(acts at 2×L/3 from ‘Zero’ load end)2/3 ×L 1/3 ×L

L
 (Q1.13)

A 100N force acts on the corner of a 4m x 3m box as

shown in the Fig. Compute the moment of this force about
A by a) Definition of Moment
b) Resolving the force into components along CA
and CB.
F=50 kN
D 4m C
60º

3m

A B
 (Q1.13)

a) By Definition of Moment: F=50 kN

To determine ‘d’: D 4m C
60º

36.87º
AC = 4  3  5m
2 2
60º 23.13 3m

CAD = tan-1(3/4) = 36.87º

ECD = 60º A d B
E
ACE = 60º – 36.87º = 23.13º
From ∆le ACE, d = AC × sin ( ACE)
= 5 × sin 23.13º = 1.96 m.
Moment about A = 50 × 1.96 = 98.20 kNm.
 (Q1.13)

b) By Components: Fy
F=50kN
Fx = 50 × cos 60 = 25kN.
Fy = 50 × sin 60 = 43.30kN. D 4m C 60º

Fx
+ ΣMA = - Fx × 3 + Fy × 4 3m
= - 25 × 3 + 43.3 × 4
= + 98.20kNm. A B
 (Q1.14)

An equilateral triangle of sides 200mm is acted upon by 4

forces as shown in the figure. Determine magnitude and
direction of the resultant and its position from point ‘D’.
50kN

60kN

30º 60º 30kN

D
200mm

80kN
 (Q1.14)

Resultant & its inclination:

50 sin 60
50kN
Resolving forces
+ ΣFx = Rx = +30 + 60 cos30º – 50 cos60º
50 cos 60 60 sin30
60kN
= +56.96kN.
+ ΣFy = Ry = -80 + 60 sin30º + 50 sin60º 60 cos30

= -6.69kN. 30º 60º 30kN

R=
200mm
Inclination w.r.to horizontal = θR
80kN
= tan-1(Ry/Rx)
= tan-1(6.69/56.96) = 6.7º
 (Q1.14)

b) Position w.r.to D:
Moment of the component forces about D:
+ MD = - 60 × 100 + 80 × 100 = 2000kNmm.
=R× d
where ‘d’ = perpendicular distance from point D to the line
of action of R.
= 2000 × d.
∴ d =2000/57.35 = 34.87mm
 (Q1.15)

Find the resultant and its position w.r.to ‘O’ of the non-
concurrent system of forces shown in the figure.

F1=2500N
F5=2000N F2=500N

1 Ө4 Ө2
1 1m
Ө5 F3=1000N

O
1m
F4=1500N
 (Q1.15)

A) To find the resultant – F1=2500N

F5=2000N F2=500N

Ө2 = tan-1(1/2) = 26.56° 1 Ө4 Ө2

Ө4 = tan-1(3/2) = 56.31° 1
Ө5
1m
F3=1000N
Ө5 = tan (1/1) = 45°
-1
O
+ ΣFx = Rx = F2 cosӨ2 +F3 1m
F4=1500N
-F4 cosӨ4-F5 cos Ө5
= 500 × cos26.56 + 1000 –
1500 × cos56.31-2000 × cos45
= -799.03N = 799.03N←
+↑ΣFy = Ry= F1+F2 sin Ө2-F4 sin Ө4+F5 sin Ө5
= 2500+500 sin26.56-1500 sin56.31+2000 sin45
=2889.70N ↑
 (Q1.15)

Ry
∴ Resultant R = R

 y
R
= 2998.14N
ӨR = tan  R  = tan-1(2889.7/799.03) = 74.54°
-1 ӨR
 x
Rx
B) Position of Resultant w.r.to ‘O’:
By Varignon’s theorem, Moment of the resultant about ‘O’
= Algebraic sum of the moments of its components
about ‘O’.
+ Mo =R×d = +2500×2 + 500×sin26.56×5 – 500×
cos26.56×3 - 1000×1- 1500× cos56.31×0
–1500×sin56.3×1+2500× cos45×1-
2500×sin45×0
= 2998.14 × d
 (Q1.16)

Determine the resultant of three forces acting on a dam

section shown in the figure and locate its intersection with
the base. Check whether the resultant passes through the
middle one-third of the base.

120 kN
50 kN 30 kN
2m
3m 1m
60º

A B
6m
 (Q1.16)

120 kN
50 kN 30 kN
2m 30º
3m
60º 1m

A B
6m

+ ∑Fx = Rx = 50 – 30 × cos30 = 24.02 kN

+ ∑Fy = Ry = -120 – 30 × sin 30= -135 kN

Resultant, R=
Rx  Ry  24.022  1352  137.12kN
2 2
 (Q1.16)

θR= tan-1(Ry/Rx) = tan-1(135/24.12) = 79. 91º

Location of the resultant w.r.t. B:
MB= 30×1 + 120 × (6-2) - 50 × 3 = Ry × X
360 = 135× X
Therefore, X = 360/135 = 2.67m from B.
From A, X = 6 –2.67= 3. 33 m.
Middle 1/3rd distance is between 2m and 4m.
2m<3. 33<4m
Hence, the resultant passes through the middle 1/3rd
of the base.
 (Q1.17)

A 50 N force is applied to the corner of a plate as

Shown in the fig. Determine an equivalent
force-couple system at A. Also determine an equivalent
system Consisting of a 150 N force at B and another
force at A.
B
30 mm
A
50 mm

100 mm 30º
50 N
 (Q1.17)

Force – Couple System at A: B

Fx = 50 ×sin 30= 25 N. 30 mm
A
Fy = 50 × cos 30= 43.3 N 50 mm 50 sin 30
50 N
60º

100 mm 30º
50N

50 cos 30
 (Q1.17)

a) Force – Couple System at A:

B
Fx = 50 ×sin 30 = 25 N. 30 mm
A
Fy = 50 × cos 30 = 43.3 N 50 mm Fx=50 sin 30
These forces can be moved to
A by adding the couple.
30º
Moment of the couple about A 100 mm
50N
+ ∑MA= Fx×50-Fy×100 Fy=50 cos 30
= 25×50 - 43.3×100
= -3080 N-mm. Fx=50 sin 30
A
= 3080 N-mm 50 mm MA=3080N-mm
Fy=50 cos 30

100 mm
 (Q1.17)
150 N
b) Forces at A and B :
The couple MA is because of two θ
B
equal and opposite forces at A 30 mm
A
and B.
i.e., MA = 150 × cosθ × 30 50 mm

= 3080
Therefore, θ = 46.8º. 100 mm
Resultant force at A:
FX=50×sin30-150×cos46.8 θ=46.8º Fx=50 sin 30
A
= -77.68N = 77.68N 50 mm

FY=-50×cos30-150×sin46.8 150N
= -152.65N = 152.65N
100 mm
Fy=50 cos 30
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

Q1.18 A body of negligible weight, subjected to two forces F1=

1200N, and F2=400N acting along the vertical, and the
horizontal respectively, is shown in figure. Find the component
of each force parallel, and perpendicular to the plane.

F1 = 1200 N
Y
F2 = 400 N

3
4

Ans : F1X = -720 N, F1Y = -960N, F2X = 320N, F2Y = -240N

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

2. Determine the X and Y components of each of the forces shown in

FIG.2.
F2 = 390 N Y
12
X
5
40º 30º

F1 = 300 N
F3 =400 N
FIG. 2
(Ans : F1X = 259.81 N, F1Y= -150 N, F2X= -150N, F2Y= 360 N,
F3X = -306.42 N, F3Y= -257.12N )
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

3. Obtain the resultant of the concurrent coplanar forces shown in FIG.3

600N
800N
40º
20º

30º

200N
FIG. 3

(Ans: R = 522.67 N, θ = 68.43º)

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

4. A disabled ship is pulled by means of two tug boats as shown in FIG.

4. If the resultant of the two forces T1 and T2 exerted by the ropes
is a 300 N force acting parallel to the X – direction, find :
(a) Force exerted by each of the tug boats knowing α = 30º.
(b) The value of α such that the force of tugboat 2 is minimum,
while that of 1 acts in the same direction.
Find the corresponding force to be exerted by tugboat 2.
T2
α R = 300 N
X - direction
20º
FIG. 4 T1
( Ans: a. T1= 195.81 N, T2 = 133.94 N
b. α = 70º, T1 = 281.91 N, T2(min) = 102.61 N )
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

5. An automobile which is disabled is pulled by two ropes as

shown in Fig. 5. Find the force P and resultant R, such that R is
directed as shown in the figure.

P
20º
R
40º

Q = 5 kN
Fig. 5

(Ans: P = 9.4 kN , R = 12.66 kN)

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

6. A collar, which may slide on a vertical rod, is subjected to three forces

as shown in Fig.6. The direction of the force F may be varied .
Determine the direction of the force F, so that resultant of the three forces is
horizontal, knowing that the magnitude of F is equal to
(a) 2400 N, (b)1400N
1200 N

60º 800 N

θ Fig.6
F
COLLAR
ROD
( Ans: a. θ = 41.81º ; b. The resultant cannot be horizontal.)
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

7. Determine the angle α and the magnitude of the force Q such that
the resultant of the three forces on the pole is vertically downwards
and of magnitude 12 kN. Refer Fig. 7.

8kN
5kN
α
30º
Q

(Ans: α = 10.7 º, Q = 9.479 kN )

Fig. 7
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

8. Determine the resultant of the parallel coplanar

force system shown in figure.

600 N 60º o 1000 N

30º
2000 N 10º 60º
400 N

(Ans. R=800N towards left, d=627.5mm)

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

9. Four forces of magnitudes 10N, 20N, 30N and 40N

acting respectively along the four sides of a square
ABCD as shown in the figure. Determine the
magnitude, direction and position of resultant w.r.t. A.

20N
D
30N C

A 10N
a B

40N

(Ans:R=28.28N, θ=45º, x=1.77a)

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

10. Four parallel forces of magnitudes 100N, 150N, 25N

and 200N acting at left end, 0.9m, 2.1m and
2.85m respectively from the left end of a horizontal
bar of 2.85m. Determine the magnitude of resultant
and also the distance of the resultant from the left
end.

(Ans: R = 125 N, x = 3.06 m)

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

11. Reduce the given forces into a single force and a

couple at A.

70.7 kN
200 kN
45º 30º

1.5m

A
1m 30º
100 N
80 N

(Ans:F=320kN, θ=14.48º, M=284.8kNm)

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Resultant of force system

12. Determine the resultant w.r.t. point A.

150 Nm

150 N

1.5m 3m 1.5m

100 N 500 N

(Ans: R = 450 kN, X = 7.5 kNm)