NME 2102

Engineering Mechanics:
Statics of Rigid Bodies

Force Vectors and Equilibrium of

Particles
Course Outline:
1. Introduction to Mechanics; Vector Operations
2. Force Vectors and Equilibrium of Particles
3. Vector Cross and Dot Product
4. Moment of a Force
5. Couples; Moment of a Couple
6. Equivalent Force Systems in 2D and 3D
7. Dry Static Friction, Wedge and Belt Friction
8. Centroid; Center of Mass; and Center of Gravity
9. Distributed Loads and Hydrostatic Forces; Cables
10. Moment of Inertia; Mass Moment of Inertia
11. Beams; Shear and Bending Moment Diagrams
Grading System: Cumulative Averaging
1 2
Mid- term Average (M.A.) = (Average of MidtermQuizzes)+ (MidtermExam)
3 3
1 2
Tentative Final Average (T.F.A.) = (Average of Final Quizzes)+ (Final Exam)
3 3
1 2
Final Average (F.A.) = (Mid- term Average )+ (Tentative Final Average)
3 3

Passing Mark = 75% (Based 50 points)

Resultant of Three or More Concurrent Forces:
The determination of the resultant of three or
more concurrent forces that are not collinear requires
determining the sum of three or more vectors. There
are two ways of accomplishing the addition of three or
more vectors: graphically and analytically.

Graphically. Two vectors can be added to give a

resultant; this resultant in turn can be added to a third
vector, etc., until all the vectors have been added
together to give an overall resultant. These vectors
can be added in any order.
Analytically. The vectors can be resolved into
components that coincide with arbitrarily chosen axes.
The components of each vector with respect to these
axes can be added algebraically, and the resulting
additions will be the components of the overall
resultant vectors.
1. Problem:
Determine the resultant of the concurrent forces
shown in the figure below.
1. Solution:
1. Solution:
2. Problem:
The resultant of a certain system of forces has the X
and Y components shown in the figure. Determine the
components of this resultant to the T and N axes.
Answer: RN =500 lb; RT = 266 lb
2. Solution:
3. Problem:
The resultant of the concurrent forces shown in the
figure is 300 N pointing up along the Y axis. Compute
the values of F and θ required to give this resultant.
Answer: F =512 N up to the right at θx = 55.2°°
3. Solution:
3. Solution:
4. Problem:
The block shown in the figure below is acted upon by
its weight W = 200 lb, a horizontal force Q = 600 lb, and
the pressure P exerted by the inclined plane. The
resultant R of these forces is up and parallel to the
incline thereby sliding the block up it. Determine P and
R. Hint: Take one axis parallel to the incline.
Answer: R = 293 lb
1. Solution:
1. Solution:
5. Problem:
Two horses on opposite banks of a canal pull a barge
moving parallel to the banks by means of two
horizontal ropes. The tensions in these ropes are 200
lb and 240 lb while the angle between them is 60°°. Find
the resultant pull on the barge and the angle between
each of the ropes and the sides of the canal.
Answer: R = 382 lb; θ = 33°°; α = 27°°
References:
Engineering Mechanics by Jensen (S.I. Edition)

Engineering Mechanics by F. Singer 4th Edition

Engineering Mechanics by Hibbeler