MODULE

PRINCIPLES OF STATICS

Learning Objective: At the end of the module, the students will be able to (a) define the
science of mechanics and its fundamental principles; (b) discuss how
to approach the solution of mechanics problems

Content : 1. Engineering Mechanics

2. Fundamental Concepts and Definitions
3. Force Systems
4. Axioms of Mechanics
5. Free-body Diagram
6. Parallelogram Law
7. Triangle Law
8. Method of Solving Problem

Engineering Mechanics
Engineering mechanics may be defined as the science which considers the effects of forces on rigid
bodies. The subject divides naturally into two parts : statics and dynamics.

In statics we consider the effects and distribution of forces which are and remain at rest.

In dynamics we consider the motion of rigid bodies caused by the forces acting upon them.

ENGINEERING
MECHANICS

Statics Dynamics

Force
Systems Applications Kinematics Kinetics

concurrent parallel non- trusses centroids friction translation rotation plane translation rotation plane
concurrent motion motion

Fundamental Concepts and Definitions

Rigid Body. A rigid body is defined as a definite amount of matter the parts of which are fixed
in position relative to each other.
 Force. Force may be defined as that which changes, or tends to change the state of motion of
a body.
The characteristics of a force are (1) its magnitude, (2) the position of its line of action, and (3)
the direction in which the force acts along its line of action.
The principle of transmissibility of a force states that the external effect of a force on a body is
the same for all points of application along its line of action.

Force Systems
A force system is an arrangement where two or more forces act on a body or on a group of related
bodies.
 Coplanar – the lines of action of all the forces in a force system lie in one plane.
 Concurrent – forces whose lines of action pass through a common point.
 Parallel – those in which the lines of action are parallel
 Non-concurrent – those in which the lines of action neither are parallel nor intersect in a
common point.

Axioms of Mechanics
1. The parallelogram law : the resultant of two forces is the diagonal of the parallelogram formed
on the vectors of these forces.
2. Two forces are in equilibrium only when equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and collinear
in action.
3. A set of forces in equilibrium may be added to any system of force without changing the effect
of the original system.
4. Action and reaction forces are equal but oppositely directed.

Free-Body Diagrams
A free-body diagram is a sketch of the
isolated body which shows only the forces
acting upon the body. The forces acting on
the free body are the action forces. The
reaction forces are those exerted by the
free upon other bodies.

Scalar and Vector Quantities

Scalar quantities are quantities which possess magnitude only and can be added arithmetically are
defined as scalar quantities.
Vector quantities are quantities which possess direction as well as magnitude and can be
combined only y geometric addition. A vector of a quantity can be represented geometrically by
drawing a line acting in the direction of the quantity, the length of the line representing to some
scale the magnitude of the quantity. An arrow is placed on the line to denote the sense of
direction.

Parallelogram Law
The method of vector addition is
based on what is known as the
parallelogram law. This states that
the resultant of two forces is the
diagonal of the parallelogram
formed on the vectors of these
forces.

Triangle Law
the triangle law states that if tow
forces are represented by their free
vectors placed tip to tail, their
resultant vector is the third side of
the triangle, the direction being from
the tail of the first vector to the tip of
the last vector.
Methods of Solving Problems
Properly arranged work not only helps to eliminate personal errors but also permits easy checking by
another person. To achieve orderly work habits, the SMART Methodology is offered:
1. Strategy. The first step in solving the problem is to decide what concepts you have learned that
apply to the given situation and to connect the data to the required information. It is often useful to
work backward from the information you are trying to find: Ask yourself what quantities you need
to know to obtain the answer, and if some of these quantities are unknown, how can you find
them from the given data.
2. Modeling. The first step in modeling is to define the system; that is, clearly define what you are
setting aside for analysis. After you have selected a system, draw a neat sketch showing all
quantities involved with a separate diagram for each body in the problem.
3. Analysis. After you have drawn the appropriate diagrams, use the fundamental principles of
mechanics to write equations expressing the conditions of rest or motion of the bodies
considered. Each equation should be clearly related to one of the free-body diagrams and should
be numbered. If you do not have enough equations to solve for the unknowns, try selecting
another system, or reexamine your strategy to see if you can apply other principles to the
problem. Once you have obtained enough equations, you can find a numerical solution by
following the usual rules of algebra, neatly recording each step and the intermediate results.
Alternatively, you can solve the resulting equations with your calculator or a computer.
4. Reflect and Think. After you have obtained the answer, check it carefully. Does it make sense in
the context of the original problem? For instance, the problem may ask for the force at a given
point of a structure. If your answer is negative, what does that mean for the force at the point?
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Reference:
Beer, F.P., Cornwell, P.J. et al. (2016). Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics (11th Ed). Mc-Graw
Hill Education
Singer, Ferdinand L. (1970). Engineering Mechanics (2nd Ed). Harper & Row