UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

IV. Moment of a Force

The moment of a force about an axis or line is the

measure of its ability to produce turning or twisting
about the axis. The moment is composed of a force
acting at a distance. The distance d in Figure 2. 4 is
frequently called as the moment arm and is
perpendicular with the vertical axis Y. The axis of
moments which is perpendicular to the plane of the
forces appears as a point commonly called as the
moment center. Moment is computed using the
equation

M = Fd eq 2. 3

Figure 2. 4 Moment of a Force

Another method of defining the moment of a force

is to say that the moment is equal to twice the area
of the triangle formed by joining the moment
center with the ends of the force as shown in Figure
2. 5

Figure 2. 5 Another Definition of a Moment

Varignon’s Theorem states that the moment of the

resultant about an axis or point, eq 2.4, is equal to
the sum of moments of the components about the
same axis or point, eq 2.5.

Ma = S (d) + T (d) eq 2. 4

Ma = R (d) eq 2. 5

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 20

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.3 Moment of a Force

Assuming clockwise moments as positive, compute

the moment of force U = 120 kN, T = 85 kN and S =
62 kN about points a, b, c and d.

Solution:

21 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Force T

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 22

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.4 Moment of a Force

It is necessary to apply 20N force T to close the door.

Determine the moment created.

Solution:

Example 2.5 Moment of a Force

The given set of forces and an unknown horizontal

force acting 1.5m above O produce a moment at O
of 100kN.m clockwise. Determine the value of the
unknown force.

Solution:

23 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ