Equilibrium Conditions

Unit II
 Introduction
• Last unit we have discussed about forces, moments, couples and
resultants.

• A resultant is a single force which replaces the total forces in the

body causing the same effect.

• If the resultant equals zero in magnitude, then the body is said to

be in equilibrium, such a set of forces are called equilibrium forces.

• Mathematically, 𝑅 = 𝐹 = 0, 𝑀=0

• If the resultant is not zero, the force which can bring the state of
equilibrium is termed as equilibrant. This force will be equal to the
magnitude of resultant, but opposite in direction.
 System Isolation
• To obtain the mathematical formulation for a body for
checking the equilibrium condition, the particular body or
mechanical system has to be analysed such that it clearly and
completely represent all the forces acting on the body.

• Omission of a force which acts on the body in question, or

inclusion of a force which does not act on the body, will give
erroneous results.

• A mechanical system is defined as a body or group of bodies

which can be conceptually isolated from all other bodies.

• Such an isolation can be obtained by adopting to ‘Free Body

Diagram’
 FREE BODY DIAGRAM
• Free body diagram is a diagrammatic representation of the isolated
system treated as a single body.

• The free-body diagram is the most important step in the solution of

problems in mechanics.

• The diagram shows all forces applied to the system by mechanical

contact with other bodies, which are imagined to be removed.

• If appreciable body forces are present, such as gravitational or

magnetic attraction, then these forces must also be shown on the
free-body diagram of the isolated system.

• Only after such a diagram has been carefully drawn the equilibrium
equations should be written.
FREE-BODY DIAGRAM EXERCISES
 LAMI’s Theorem
• If three coplanar forces acting at a point are in equilibrium,
then each force is proportional to the sine of the angle
between the other two.
𝑃 𝑄 𝑅
• Mathematically, = =
sin  sin  sin 
• An electric light fixture, weighting 15 N hangs from point C, by
two strings AC and BC. The string AC is inclined at angle 60o to
the horizontal and BC is inclined at angle 45o to the horizontal.
Compute the forces in strings AC and BC

AC = 10.98 N
BC = 7.76 N
 EQUILIBRIUM CONDITIONS
• The prime equations for checking the equilibrium conditions are
𝐹𝑥 = 0, 𝐹𝑦 = 0, 𝑀=0

• These Equations are the necessary and sufficient conditions for

complete equilibrium in two dimensions

• They are necessary conditions because, if they are not satisfied,

there can be no force or moment balance

• They are sufficient because once they are satisfied, there can be
no imbalance, and equilibrium is assured.
The mass centre G of the 1400 kg rear-Engine car is located
as shown in the figure. Determine the normal force under
each tire when the car is in equilibrium. State any
assumptions.
Numericals

Determine the magnitudes of the forces C and T, which ,

along with the other three forces shown

T = 9.09 kN
C = 3.03 kN
The 20 kg homogeneous smooth sphere rests on the
two inclines as shown. Determine the contact forces at
A and B.

NA = 101.6 N,
NB = 196.2 N
What horizontal force P must. a worker exert
on the rope to position the 50-kg crate directly
over the trailer?
A carpenter carries a 12N board as shown. What
downward force does he feel on his shoulder at A?
Calculate the tension T in the cable which supports the
l000·lb load with the pulley arrangement shown. Each pulley
is free to rotate about its bearing. Find the magnitude of the
total force on the bearing of pulley C.

1000 kN
The uniform beam has a mass of 50 kg per meter of length.
Compute the reactions at the support O. The force loads
shown lie in a vertical plane.