Couple

The Moment produced by two equal,

opposite and noncollinear forces is called a
couple.
Consider the two forces acting on a body.
These two forces cannot be combined into
single force because their sum is zero. Their
only effect is to produce tendency of rotation.

Magnitude of the combined moment of the two

forces about O:

M = F(a+d) – Fa = Fd
So the net effect of two forces is moment, which doesn't
depend upon its distance center. It depends only on
distance b/w these two forces


Free Vector
The magnitude of moment vector of the couple
is independent of the choice of the origin of
the coordinate axes, Therefore, it is a free
vector that can be applied at any point with the
same effect.
Equivalent Couples
Two couples will have equal moments if
•
F1d1  F2 d2

Examples:
Couple: Example
Moment reqd to turn the shaft connected at center of
the wheel = 12 Nm
• First case: Couple Moment
produced by 40 N forces = 12 Nm
• Second case: Couple Moment
produced by 30 N forces = 12 Nm

If only One hand is used F = 60N
Same couple moment will be produced
even if the shaft is not connected at the
center of the wheel
 
Couple Moment is a Free Vector
L04
Equivalent Systems (Force-Couple Systems)
• The replacement of a force by a force and couple and vice versa is
known as Force Couple System
Equivalent Systems (Force-Couple Systems)

At support O:
WR = W1 + W 2
(MR)O = W1d1 + W2d2
Steps to follow for solution
1. Draw complete free body diagram
2. Replace force (components) by equivalent at "O"
3. Calculate Force
4. Calculate Moment at "O"