ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

MODULE 3

I. TOPICS/SUBJECT MATTERS
5. Friction
5.1. Dry friction and coefficient of friction
5.2. Angle friction
5.3. Application of friction in machine – wedges, square- threaded screws, belt
friction.
5.4. Equilibrium of forces involving friction

II. LESSON PRESENTATION

5.1. Dry friction and coefficient of friction

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

■ To introduce the concept of dry friction and show how to analyze the
equilibrium of rigid bodies subjected to this force.
■ To present specific applications of frictional force analysis on wedges, screws,
belts, and bearings.
■ To investigate the concept of rolling resistance.

is a force that resists the movement of two contacting surfaces

that slide relative to one another. This force always acts tangent
to the surface at the points of contact and is directed so as to
oppose the possible or existing motion between the surfaces.

Theory of Dry Friction. The theory of dry friction can be explained by considering the
effects caused by pulling horizontally on a block of uniform weight W which is resting
on a rough horizontal surface that is non rigid or deformable, Fig. 5.1a. The upper
portion of the block, however, can be considered rigid. As shown on the free-body
diagram of the block, Fig. 5.1b, the floor exerts an uneven distribution of both normal
force 𝑵𝑛 and frictional force 𝑭𝑛 along the contacting surface. For equilibrium, the normal
forces must act upward to balance the block’s weight W, and the frictional forces act to
the left to prevent the applied force P from moving the block to the right. Close
examination of the contacting surfaces between the floor and block reveals how these
frictional and normal forces develop, Fig.5.1c. It can be seen that many microscopic
irregularities exist between the two surfaces and, as a result, reactive forces 𝑹𝑛 are
developed at each point of contact. As shown, each reactive force contributes both a
frictional component 𝑭𝑛 and a normal component 𝑵𝑛.

1 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 FIGURE 5.1

Equilibrium. The effect of the distributed normal and frictional loadings is indicated by
their resultants N and F on the free-body diagram, Fig. 5.1 d. Notice that N acts a
distance x to the right of the line of action of W, Fig. 5.1 d. This location, which coincides
with the centroid or geometric center of the normal force distribution in Fig. 5.1 b, is
necessary in order to balance the “tipping effect” caused by P. For example, if P is applied
at a height h from the surface, Fig. 5.1 d, then moment equilibrium
about point O is satisfied if 𝑊𝑥 = 𝑃ℎ 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 𝑃ℎ > 𝑊.

Impending Motion. In cases where the surfaces of contact are rather “slippery,” the
frictional force F may not be great enough to balance P, and consequently the block will
tend to slip. In other words, as P is slowly increased, F correspondingly increases until
it attains a certain maximum value Fs, called the limiting static frictional force, Fig. 5.1
e. When this value is reached, the block is in unstable equilibrium since any further
increase in P will cause the block to move. Experimentally, it has been determined that
this limiting static frictional force Fs is directly proportional to the resultant normal force
N. Expressed mathematically,

where the constant of proportionality, 𝜇𝑠 (mu “sub” s), is called the coefficient of static
friction. Thus, when the block is on the verge of sliding, the normal force N and frictional
force Fs combine to create a resultant 𝑹𝑠, Fig. 5.1e. The angle ∅𝑠 (phi “sub” s)
that 𝑹𝑠 makes with N is called the angle of static friction. From the figure,

2 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

TYPES OF FRICTION
Friction is of the following two types.

1. Static Friction
It is the friction acting on the body when the body is at the state of rest or the friction
called into play before the body tends to move on the surface is called static friction. The
magnitude of the static friction is equal to the applied force. It varies from zero to
maximum until the movement ensures.
2. Dynamic Friction
It is the friction acting on the body when body is in motion is called dynamic friction.
Dynamic friction is also known as kinetic friction. The magnitude of the dynamic friction
is constant.
The dynamic friction has two types
i. Sliding Friction
ii. ii. Rolling Friction

i. Sliding friction
The sliding friction acts on those bodies, which slide over each other for example the
friction between piston, and cylinder will slide friction because the motion of the
motion
of the piston in cylinder is sliding and there is surface contact between piston and
cylinder.

ii. Rolling Friction

The rolling friction acts on those bodies which have point contact with each other for
example the motion of the wheel on the railway track is the example of rolling motion
and the friction between the wheel and railway track is rolling friction. It is
experimentally found that the magnitude of the sliding friction is more than the rolling
friction because in the rolling friction there is a point contact rather than surface
contact.

NORMAL REACTION
Let us consider a body A of weight “W” rest over another surface B and a force P acting
on the body to slide the body on the surface B as shown in figure.

A little concentration will show that the body A presses the surface B downward equal
to weight of the body and in reaction surface B lift the body in upward direction of the
same magnitude but in opposite direction therefore the body in equilibrium this upward
reaction is termed as normal reaction and it is denoted by R or N.

Note
It is noted the weight W is not always perpendicular to the surface of contact and hence
normal reaction R is not equal to the weight W of body in such a case the normal reaction
is equal to the component of weight perpendicular to surface.

3 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

CO EFFICIENT OF FRICTION
The ratio of limiting friction and normal reaction is called coefficient of friction and is
denoted by μ.
Let R = normal reaction
And F = force of friction (limiting friction)
μ = Co efficient of friction
F=μ
R
F=μR

5.2. ANGLE OF FRICTION

ANGLE OF FRICTION

The angle of a plane at which body just begins to slide down the plane is called
angle of frication. Consider a body resting on an inclined plane as shown in
diagram.

The body is in equilibrium under the Acton of the following forces

1. Weight of the body acting vertically downwards = w
2. Friction force acting along upwards = F
3. Normal reaction acting at right angle to the plane =R

Let the angle of inclination be gradually increased till the body just starts sliding
down the plane. This angle of inclined plane at which a body just begins to slide
down the plane is called the angle of friction. And it is equal to the angle
between normal reaction R and the resultant between frictional force F and
normal reaction R

4 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

From diagram
Tan θ = F / R
But F / R = μ
Where μ is the co-efficient of friction,
Tan α = μ

LAWS OF FRICTION
These laws are listed below:
1. Laws of Static Friction
1. The force of friction always acts in a direction opposite to that in which the
body tends to move.
2. The magnitude of force of static friction is just sufficient to prevent a body from
moving and it is equal to the applied force.
3. The force of static friction does not depend upon, shape, area, volume, size etc.
as long as normal reaction remains the same.
4. The limiting force of friction bears a constant ratio to normal reaction and this
constant ratio is called coefficient of static friction.

2. Laws of Dynamic Friction

1 When a body is moving with certain velocity, it is opposed by a force called force
of dynamic friction.
2 The force of dynamic friction comes into play during the motion of the body and
as soon as the body stops, the force of friction disappears.
3 The force of dynamic friction is independent of area, volume, shape, size etc. of
the body so long the normal reaction remains the same. However, to some extent
it varies with the magnitude of velocity of the body. Force of dynamic friction is
high for low speeds and low for very high speeds.
4 The ratio of force of dynamic friction and normal reaction on the body is called
coefficient of dynamic friction.

EQUILIBRIUM OF A BODY ON A ROUGH

HORIZONTAL PLANE
We know that a body lying on a rough horizontal plane will remain in equilibrium
but whenever a force is applied on the body it will tend to move in the direction
of force. Consider a body moving on a horizontal Plane under the influence of
force P which is inclined at an angle θ to the surface. As shown in figure.

Where
w = weight of the body
P = applied force
α = Angle of Repose
F = friction
θ = angle of inclination of the plane the
horizontal
Resolve the applied force P into its component that is
Horizontal component = P Cos θ Vertical
component = P Sin θ

5 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Now consider the horizontal & vertical equilibrium condition of the body then
F = P Cos θ ----------------------------------1
And w = R + P Sin θ-------------------------2

The value of P can be determined by following formula

𝐰 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝛂
𝐏 = .
𝐜𝐨𝐬 (𝛉 − 𝛂)
For minimum force P
P = W Sin α

MOTION OF BODY ON INCLINED PLANE IN

UPWARD DIRECTION
Let W = weight of the body
P = applied force
α = Angle of Repose
θ = angle of inclination of the plane the horizontal
Now consider the following two cases

Case 1) When angle of inclination of the force to plane is β

Consider the forces acting on body which are parallel to the plane also consider the
equilibrium of body

P cosine β = w sin θ + F
P cosine β = w sin θ + μR ----------------------1

Similarly, the forces acting on body normal to the plane and consider the equilibrium
condition

R + P sin β = w cosine θ--------------------------2

The magnitude of the force P can be calculated by the following formula

𝐰 𝐒𝐢𝐧 (𝛉 + 𝛂)
𝐏 = .
𝐜𝐨𝐬 (𝛃 − 𝛂)

6 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Case 2) When the force is parallel to the plane

By considering the equilibrium of the forces parallel and normal to the plane we have

P = w Sine θ + F
P = w Sine θ + μR---------------------------1
And R = w Cosine θ ------------------------2

The force P can be calculated by the following formula

𝑾 𝑺𝒊𝒏 (𝜽 + 𝜶)
𝑷 =
𝑪𝒐𝒔 𝜶
Motion of body on Inclined plane in downward direction
Let
W = weight of the body
P = applied force
θ = angle of inclination of the plane the horizontal
α = Angle of Repose β = angle of force P
Now consider the following two cases

Case 1 When angle of inclination of the force to plane is β

Now consider the forces acting parallel to the plane also the equilibrium of
forces
P cosine β + F = w sin θ
P cosine β +μR = w sin θ --------------------1

Similarly consider the force normal to the plane

R + P sin β = w cos θ ------------------------2

The magnitude of the force P can be calculated by the following formula

𝐖 𝐒𝐢𝐧 (𝛉 − 𝛂)
𝐏 =
𝐂𝐨𝐬 (𝛃 − 𝛂)

7 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Case 2 when the force is parallel to the plane

From diagram we have

P + F = w Sine θ
P + μR = w Sine θ ----------------------1
Similarly, R = w Cos θ ------------------ 2
The force P can be calculated by following formula

𝐖 𝐒𝐢𝐧 (𝛉 − 𝛂)
𝐏 =
𝐂𝐨𝐬 𝜶

Problem examples

1. The uniform crate shown in Figure a has a mass of 20 kg. If a force P = 80 N is

applied to the crate, determine if it remains in equilibrium. The coefficient of
static friction is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.3.

SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagram. As shown in Fig. 5.2-1b, the resultant normal force NC must act a
distance x from the crate’s center line in order to counteract the tipping effect caused by
P. There are three unknowns, F, NC, and x, which can be determined strictly from the
three equations of equilibrium.

8 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 Since x is negative it indicates the resultant normal force acts (slightly) to the left of
the crate’s center line. No tipping will occur since 𝑥 < 0.4 m. Also, the maximum
frictional force which can be developed at the surface of contact is 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁𝐶 =
0.3(236.2 N) = 70.9 N. Since 𝐹 = 69.3 𝑁 < 70.9 𝑁, the crate will not slip, although it
is very close to doing so.

2. It is observed that when the bed of the dump truck is raised to an angle of 𝜃 = 250
the vending machines will begin to slide off the bed, Fig. 5.2-2a. Determine the static
coefficient of friction between a vending machine and the surface of the truck bed.

SOLUTION
An idealized model of a vending machine resting on the truck bed is shown in
Fig. 5.2-2b. The dimensions have been measured and the center of gravity has
been located. We will assume that the vending machine weighs W.

Free-Body Diagram. As shown in Fig. 5.2-2c, the dimension x is used to locate

the position of the resultant normal force N. There are four unknowns, N, F, 𝜇𝑠 ,
and x.

9 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 The angle of 𝜃 = 25𝑜 is referred to as the angle of repose, and by comparison, it
is equal to the angle of static friction, 𝜃 = ∅𝑠. Notice from the calculation that u
is independent of the weight of the vending machine, and so knowing u provides
a convenient method for determining the coefficient of static friction.

NOTE: From Eq. 3, we find x = 1.17 ft. Since 1.17 ft 6 1.5 ft, indeed the vending
machine will slip before it can tip as observed in Fig. 5.2-2a.

3. The uniform 10-kg ladder in Fig. 5.2-3a rests against the smooth wall at B, and
the end A rests on the rough horizontal plane for which the coefficient of static
friction is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.3 . Determine the angle of inclination u of the ladder and the
normal reaction at B if the ladder is on the verge of slipping.

SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagram. As shown on the free-body diagram, Fig. 5.2-3b, the
frictional force FA must act to the right since impending motion at A is to the left.

10 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 4. Beam AB is subjected to a uniform load of 200 N>m and is supported at B by
post BC, Fig. 5.2-4a. If the coefficients of static friction at B and C are 𝜇𝐵 =
0.2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜇𝐶 = 0.5, determine the force P needed to pull the post out from under
the beam. Neglect the weight of the members and the thickness of the beam.

SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagrams. The free-body diagram of the beam is shown in Fig. 5.2-
4b. Applying∑ MA = 0, we obtain NB = 400 N. This result is shown on the free-body
diagram of the post, Fig. 5.2-4c. Referring to this member, the four unknowns FB,
P, FC, and NC are determined from the three equations of equilibrium and one
frictional equation applied either at B or C.

Obviously, this case occurs first since it requires a smaller value for P.

11 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 5. Blocks A and B have a mass of 3 kg and 9 kg, respectively, and are connected to
the weightless links shown in Fig. 5.2-5a. Determine the largest vertical force P
that can be applied at the pin C without causing any movement. The coefficient
of static friction between the blocks and the contacting surfaces is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.3.

SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagram. The links are two-force members and so the free-body
diagrams of pin C and blocks A and B are shown in Fig. 8–11 b. Since the
horizontal component of FAC tends to move block A to the left, FA must act to
the right. Similarly, FB must act to the left to oppose the tendency of motion of
block B to the right, caused by FBC. There are seven unknowns and six available
force equilibrium equations, two for the pin and two for each block, so that only
one frictional equation is needed.

Substituting this result into Eq. 3, we obtain FB = 18.4 N. Since the maximum
static frictional force at B is (FB)max= μSNB = 0.3(88.29 N) = 26.5 N > F𝐵 , block B
will not slip. Thus, the above assumption is correct. Notice that if the inequality
were not satisfied, we would have to assume slipping of block B and then solve
for P.

12 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

SELF – CHECKED ACTIVITY 1

1. If P = 200 N, determine the friction developed between the 50-kg crate and the
ground. The coefficient of static friction between the crate and the ground is 𝜇𝑆 =
0.3. Answer: 𝐅 = 𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝐍

2. Determine the minimum force P to prevent the 30-kg rod AB from sliding. The
contact surface at B is smooth, whereas the coefficient of static friction between
the rod and the wall at A is 𝜇𝑆 = 0.2. Answer: 𝐅 = 𝟏𝟓𝟓 𝐍

LESSON 5.3:
APPLICATION OF FRICTION IN MACHINE – WEDGES, SQUARE-
THREADED SCREWS, BELT FRICTION.

A. WEDGE
A wedge is a simple machine that is
often used to transform an applied force
into much larger forces, directed at
approximately right angles to the applied
force. Wedges also can be used to slightly
move or adjust heavy loads.

Consider, for example, the wedge shown in Fig. 5.3Aa, which is used to lift the
block by applying a force to the wedge. Free-body diagrams of the block and
wedge are shown in Fig. 5.3Ab. Here we have excluded the weight of the wedge
since it is usually small compared to the weight W of the block. Also, note that
the frictional forces F1 and F2 must oppose the motion of the wedge. Likewise,
the frictional force F3 of the wall on the block must act downward so as to oppose
the block’s upward motion. The locations of the resultant normal forces are not
important in the force analysis since neither the block nor wedge will “tip.” Hence
the moment equilibrium equations will not be considered. There are seven
unknowns, consisting of the applied force P, needed to cause motion of the wedge,
and six normal and frictional forces. The seven available equations consist of four
force equilibrium equations, ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0, ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 applied to the wedge and block,
and three frictional equations, 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁, applied at each surface of contact.

13 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 If the block is to be lowered, then the frictional forces will all act in a sense
opposite to that shown in Fig. 5.3Ab. Provided the coefficient of friction is very
small or the wedge angle u is large, then the applied force P must act to the right
to hold the block. Otherwise, P may have a reverse sense of direction in order to
pull on the wedge to remove it. If P is not applied and friction forces hold the block
in place, then the wedge is referred to as self-locking.

Figure 5.3A

PROBLEM EXAMPLE 5.3-1

1. The uniform stone in Fig. 5.3-1a has a mass of 500 kg and is held in the
horizontal position using a wedge at B. If the coefficient of static friction is 𝜇𝑠 =
0.3 at the surfaces of contact, determine the minimum force P needed to remove
the wedge. Assume that the stone does not slip at A.

Figure 5.3-1

SOLUTION
The minimum force P requires 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 at the surfaces of contact with the wedge.
The free-body diagrams of the stone and wedge are shown in Fig. 5.3-1 b. On the
wedge the friction force opposes the impending motion, and on the stone at A,
𝐹𝐴 ≤ 𝜇𝑠 𝑁𝐴, since slipping does not occur there. There are five unknowns. Three
equilibrium equations for the stone and two for the wedge are available for
solution. From the free-body diagram of the stone.

14 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 NOTE: Since P is positive, indeed the wedge must be pulled out. If P were zero,
the wedge would remain in place (self-locking) and the frictional forces
developed at B and C would satisfy 𝐹𝐵 < 𝜇𝑠 𝑁𝐵 and 𝐹𝐶 < 𝜇𝑆 𝑁𝐶 .

2. The block A in Figure 5.3-2 supports a load W=1000 lb and is to be raised by

forcing the wedge B under it. The angle of friction for all surfaces in contact is
𝜃 = 15𝑜 . Determine the force P which is necessary to start the wedge under the
block.

SOLUTION
The original system of block and wedge is acted upon by the three unknown
forces P, R1, and R2. The reactions R1 and R2 make the angle 𝜃 with their normal
and directed as shown so as to oppose the motion. Since the position of the forces
is unknown and dimensions are unspecified, the equation of equilibrium,
∑ 𝑀 = 0,cannot be applied. It will be necessary to consider the FBD of each body
shown in Figure 5.3-2a and 5.3-2b.

Acting on the FBD of block A in Figure 5.3-2a, in addition to W and R1, is the
reaction R3 exerted by the wedge B upon the block. These reaction forces are
inclined to the normal of the contact surfaces so that their projections upon the
contact surfaces oppose the impending motion. R2 is directed at an angle 𝜃 = 15𝑜
with the normal or, as shown, at an angle of 35𝑜 with the vertical. Adding this
forces tip-to-tail gives the force polygon shown.

15 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 The FBD of wedge B in Figure 5.3-2, in addition to P and R2, has the force R3
exerted upon it by the block A. Note that R 3 acting on the wedge is numerically
equal to R3 acting on the block. This follow from the axiom 4 relating to action
and reaction forces. The force polygon for the forces acting on the wedge is also
shown. By applying the sine law to the force polygon shown in part (a), we obtain

R3 1000
o
= or R 3 = 1503lb
sin 105 sin 40o

Using this value of R 3 in the force polygon of part (b), sine law gives

𝑃 1503
o = or 𝐏 = 𝟏𝟏𝟗𝟐𝐥𝐛
sin 50 sin 75o

SELF – CHECKED ACTIVITY 2

1. The block in the Figure supports a load of 50 KN and this block will be carried
by the block under it. The angle of friction for all surfaces is 18 degrees.
Determine the force F which is necessary to start the wedge under the block.

ANSWER: 𝑭 = 𝟓. 𝟐𝟔 𝑲𝑵

16 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 B. SQUARE THREADED SCREW

A square – threaded screw is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a

cylinder. Thus in Figure 5.3B-a, the inclined plane of height L and base b, if
wrapped around the cylinder, would create the helix shown. An actual square
threaded screw results when the inclined plane has a certain width and
constant thickness as it is wrapped around the cylinder. The result is pictured
in Figure 5.3B-b. as before, the height of the equivalent inclined plane of the
screw. This is the distance that a nut will advance along the screw in one
revolution. In a case of a single threaded screw, the lead is synonymous with
the pitch, which is the distance between similar points on adjacent threads.
In a multiple threaded screw, the lead is 𝑚𝑝, where m denotes the multiplicity
of the threading.

The base of the equivalent inclined plane is taken as the circumference of the
mean radius of the thread and is expressed as 𝑏 = 2𝜋𝑟. The mean radius is
equal to one-half of the sum of the outer radius and the root radius of the
thread. The pitch angle 𝜃 of the equivalent inclined plane is determined from
𝑳
the relation 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 = .
𝟐𝝅𝒓

When the screw is used to lift a weight, as in a jackscrew, the weight may be
assumed to be concentrated on one small element of the thread, as shown in
figure 5.3B-c. the force Q, acting in the plane perpendicular to the axis of the
thread and at the mean radius of the thread, is determined from free body
diagram of the weight shown on the equivalent inclined plane in Figure 5.3B-
c(a).

With motion impending up the incline, the value of Q is obtained from the force
triangle (Figure 5.3B-c(b)) to be

𝐐 = 𝐖𝐭𝐚𝐧 (∅ + 𝛉)

With motion impending down the incline, the free body diagram and the force diagram
are as shown in Figure 5.3B1, from which we obtain

𝐐 = 𝐖𝐭𝐚𝐧 (∅ − 𝛉)

17 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 It is evident that if the screw is to be self-locking, the angle of friction ∅ must be larger
than the pitch angle 𝜃.

The force P exerted at the end of a lever arm of length a is determined from the
principle that the moment of P with respect to the axis of the screw must equal the
moment effect of Q. we obtain 𝑃𝑎 = 𝑄𝑟

𝐐𝐫 𝐖𝐫
𝐏= = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(∅ ± 𝛉)
𝐚 𝐚

C. BELT FRICTION

The Transmission of power by means of belt or rope drives or the braking of

large loads by means of band brakes depends upon the frictional resistance
developed between the belt and the driving or resisting surface with which it
is in contact. If a driving pulley is perfectly smooth, no driving torque is
developed because no frictional resistance exists, and consequently the
tension throughout the belt will be constant and will have the same value on
both sides of the pulley. If the surface of the pulley is rough, however the
tension in the belt will vary throughout the length of contact, the difference in
the belt tensions being caused by the frictional resistance. In this article we
shall discussed the limiting case of belt friction when slipping impends.

Where:
𝑇1 μ = coefficient friction
= 𝑒 𝜇𝛽 β = angle of contact in radians
𝑇2
e = 2.71828
𝑇1 T1 = tension in the tight side
ln = 𝜇𝛽 T2 = tension in the slack side
𝑇2

18 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 T1
log10 = log10 T1 − log10 T2 = 0.434μβ
T2

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5.3-3

A differential band brake is used to measure the torque output of an engine.

The dimensions are shown in Figure 5.3-3a. determine the torque M on the
brake when 𝑃 = 10𝑙𝑏. assume the coefficient of kinetic friction to be 0.20.

Solution:

The tension T1 must be greater than T2 in order for the frictional moment
(T1 −T2 )𝑟 to resist M. from the FBD of the bell crank (Figure 5.3-3a), a
summation moment about the hinge A gives.

1
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 20 𝑥 10 + 𝑇1 = 2𝑇2 -------------------------------a
2

Another relation between T1 and T2 is found by applying

T1 T1 3
[log10 = 0.434μβ] log10 = 0.434(0.20) ( 𝜋) = 0.400
T2 T2 2

T1
= 2.565 ----------------------------------------------------------------------b
T2

Solving equations a and b simultaneously, we obtain

𝑇1 = 713 𝑙𝑏 𝑇2 = 278 𝑙𝑏

Then the torque exerted upon the brake is

[ 𝑀 = (𝑇1 − 𝑇2 )𝑟 ] [𝑀 = (713 − 278)10] 𝐌 = 𝟒𝟑𝟓𝟗 𝐥𝐛 − 𝐢𝐧

SELF – CHECKED ACTIVITY 3

1. A rope wrapped twice around a post will support a weight of 4000lb when a force of 50
lb is exerted at the other hand. Determine the coefficient of friction. 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: 𝐟 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟗

19 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 DIRECTION: Solve and Analyze the following problems in neat and orderly manner.
Use your indicated format in answering.
All problem solutions must include FBDs.

ACTIVITY 1

1. Determine the minimum horizontal force P required to hold the crate from sliding
down the plane. The crate has a mass of 50 kg and the coefficient of static friction
between the crate and the plane is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.25.

2. A horizontal force of 𝑃 = 100 𝑁 is just sufficient to hold the crate from sliding down
the plane, and a horizontal force of 𝑃 = 350 𝑁 is required to just push the crate
up the plane. Determine the coefficient of static friction between the plane and
the crate, and find the mass of the crate.

3. If the coefficient of static friction at A is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.40 and the collar at B is smooth so

it only exerts a horizontal force on the pipe, determine the minimum distance
𝑥 so that the bracket can support the cylinder of any mass without slipping.
Neglect the mass of the bracket.

20 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 4. The 180-lb man climbs up the ladder and stops at the position shown after he
senses that the ladder is on the verge of slipping. Determine the inclination 𝜃 of
the ladder if the coefficient of static friction between the friction pad A and the
ground is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.40 . Assume the wall at B is smooth. The center of gravity for the
man is at G. Neglect the weight of the ladder.

5. The uniform thin pole has a weight of 30 lb and a length of 26 ft. If it is placed
against the smooth wall and on the rough floor in the position, will it remain in
this position 𝑑 = 10 𝑓𝑡 when it is released? The coefficient of static friction is 𝜇𝑠 =
0.3.

6. The uniform 20-lb ladder rests on the rough floor for which the coefficient of
static friction is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.80.and against the smooth wall at B. Determine the
horizontal force P the man must exert on the ladder in order to cause it to move.

21 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 7. Determine the minimum coefficient of static friction between the uniform 50-kg
spool and the wall so that the spool does not slip.

8. The 80-lb boy stands on the beam and pulls on the cord with a force large enough
to just cause him to slip. If the coefficient of static friction between his shoes and
the beam is (𝜇𝑠 )𝐷 = 0.40, determine the reactions at A and B. The beam is uniform
and has a weight of 100 lb. Neglect the size of the pulleys and the thickness of
the beam.

9. Two blocks A and B have a weight of 10 lb and 6 lb, respectively. They are resting
on the incline for which the coefficients of static friction are 𝜇𝐴 = 0.15 and𝜇𝐵 =
0.25 . Determine the angle 𝜃 which will cause motion of one of the blocks. What
is the friction force under each of the blocks when this occurs? The spring has a
stiffness of 𝑘 = 2 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 and is originally un stretched.

10. Crates A and B weigh 200 lb and 150 lb, respectively. They are connected together
with a cable and placed on the inclined plane. If the angle 𝜃 is gradually
increased, determine 𝜃 when the crates begin to slide. The coefficients of static
friction between the crates and the plane are 𝜇𝐴 = 0.25 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜇𝐵 = 0.35.

22 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 ACTIVITY 2

11. Determine the smallest horizontal force P required to pull out wedge A. The crate
has a weight of 300 lb. and the coefficient of static friction at all contacting
surfaces is 𝜇𝑆 = 0.30.Neglect the weight of the wedge.

12. Determine the smallest horizontal force P required to lift the 200-kg crate. The
coefficient of static friction at all contacting surfaces is 𝜇𝑆 = 0.30 . Neglect the
mass of the wedge.

13. Determine the smallest horizontal force P required to lift the 100-kg cylinder. The
coefficients of static friction at the contact points A and B are (𝜇𝑠 )𝐴 = 0.60
and(𝜇𝑠 )𝐵 = 0.20, respectively; and the coefficient of static friction between the
wedge and the ground is 𝜇𝑆 = 0.30.

14. The three stone blocks have weights of 𝑊𝐴 = 600𝑙𝑏, 𝑊𝐵 = 150𝑙𝑏, and 𝑊𝐶 = 500𝑙𝑏
Determine the smallest horizontal force P that must be applied to block C in order
to move this block. The coefficient of static friction between the blocks is 𝜇𝑠 =
0.30 and between the floor and each block 𝜇 , 𝑠 = 0.5.

23 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 15. If the uniform concrete block has a mass of 500 kg, determine the smallest
horizontal force P needed to move the wedge to the left. The coefficient of static
friction between the wedge and the concrete and the wedge and the floor is 𝜇𝑠 =
0.30 . The coefficient of static friction between the concrete and floor is 𝜇 , 𝑠 = 0.5.

16. The square threaded screw of the clamp has a mean diameter of 14 mm and a
lead of 6 mm. If 𝜇𝑠 = 0.20 for the threads, and the torque applied to the handle
is 1.5 𝑁. 𝑚, determine the compressive force F on the block.

17. If the rope wraps three full turns plus the basic wrap (165°) around the peg,
determine if the 80-kg man can keep the 300-kg crate from moving. The
coefficients of static friction between the rope and the peg and between the man’s
shoes and the ground are 𝜇𝑠 = 0.10 and 𝜇 , 𝑠 = 0.4., respectively.

24 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

 18. The drive pulley B in a video tape recorder is on the verge of slipping when it is
subjected to a torque of 𝑀 = 0.005 𝑁. 𝑚.. If the coefficient of static friction between
the tape and the drive wheel and between the tape and the fixed shafts A and C
is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.10,determine the tensions 𝑇1 and 𝑇2 developed in the tape for equilibrium.

19. Blocks A and B have a mass of 7 kg and 10 kg, respectively. Using the coefficients
of static friction indicated, determine the largest vertical force P which can be
applied to the cord without causing motion.

20. Block A has a weight of 100 lb and rests on a surface for which 𝜇𝑠 = 0.25. If the
coefficient of static friction between the cord and the fixed peg at C is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.30 ,
determine the greatest weight of the suspended cylinder B without causing
motion.

--------------------End of Module 3------------------------

25 ENGINEERING MECHANICS – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES