Experiment # 12

Determination of Forces in members of Jib Crane

OBJECTIVE

To determine forces in members of Jib Crane (Co-planer concurrent force system)

APPARATUS

 Jib Crane apparatus

 Measuring Tape
 Standard Weights
 Hanger

Fig1: Jib Crane Apparatus

RELATED THEORY

1) Coplanar Concurrent Forces

The forces, which meet at one point and their lines of action also lie on the same plane are
known as Coplanar Concurrent Forces.
In Jib crane apparatus, Jib is a compression member, tie is tension member which takes the
load W applied. These forces meet at a single point and lie in same plane.
2) Lami’s Theorem

If three coplanar forces acting on at point be in equilibrium, then each force is proportional
to the sine of the angle between the other two.

PROCEDURE

1. Note the initial reading in the spring balance at Tie and spring support at the Jib.
2. Suspend a known weight (W) in the hanger at the apex.
3. Note the final readings in the spring balance and spring support.
4. Determine the effective forces in the jib and tie. (Final reading – initial reading).
5. Now find out the lengths of jib, tie, and post members with the help of measuring tape.
6. Draw a space diagram using a suitable scale on a graph paper.
7. Now, draw a vector diagram.
8. Forces in the jib and tie members are found graphically by applying Lami’s Theorem.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Percentage
Experimental
Length Graphical Method Error
Load, Observations
Sr. (%)
W
No. Force in Force in Force in Force in
Jib Tie Post
Jib, J Tie, T Jib, J Tie, T Jib Tie
N cm cm cm N N N N
1
2
3
Apply Lami’s theorem, to determine the forces in Jib and Tie:
𝑊𝑊 𝑇𝑇 𝐽𝐽
= =
Sin θ sin β Sin α

RESULTS

T = Tension in Tie = __________ N.

J = Compression in Jib = _____ N.
Percentage errors in Jib and Tie (%) =
The equilibrium equations applied for coplanar concurrent force system are valid as %
deviation between theoretical & experimental values is small.

PRECAUTIONS

• The initial readings should be taken carefully.

• Measures the angles accurately.

APPLICATIONS

Jib cranes are used for lifting heavy loads from one place to another.