Equivalent Systems: Resultants

The resultant of a system to its simplest force

combination, which can replace the original forces
without altering the effect on the rigid body to which
the forces are applied
Resultant
Concurrent Forces: When line of action of forces
meet at a common point

Non Concurrent Forces: When line of action of

forces doesn't meet at a common point
Determination of Resultant
Resultant of Concurrent Force
Resultant of Non Concurrent Forces
Algebraic Method
We can use algebra to obtain the resultant force and its line of action as
follows:

1. Choose a convenient reference point and move all forces to that

point. This process is depicted for a three-force system in Figs.
2/14a and b, where M1, M2, and M3 are the couples resulting from
the transfer of forces F1, F2, and F3 from their respective original
lines of action to lines of action through point O.

2. Add all forces at O to form the resultant force R, and add all couples
to form the resultant couple MO. We now have the single force–
couple system, as shown in Fig. 2/14c.

3. In Fig. 2/14d, find the line of action of R by requiring R to have a

moment of MO about point O. Note that the force systems of Figs.
2/14a and 2/14d are equivalent, and that Σ(Fd) in Fig. 2/14a is equal
to Rd in Fig. 2/14d.
2/14-a 2/14-b

2/14-c 2/14-d

-+
Sample Problem
Example on Equivalent System
For the beam, reduce the
system of forces shown to
(a) an equivalent force-
couple system at A,
(b) an equivalent force
couple system at B, and
(c) a single force or resultant
Solution:
a) Compute the resultant force for
the forces shown and the
resultant couple for the moments
of the forces about A.
b) Find an equivalent force-couple
system at B based on the force-
couple system at A.
c) Determine the point of
application for the resultant
force such that its moment
about A is equal to the
resultant couple at A.
Example on Equivalent System
SOLUTION:
a) Compute the resultant force and
the resultant couple at A.
RF
 150 Nj  600 Nj  100 Nj  250 Nj

R 600 Nj

 F 
R
MA  r

 1.6 i  600 j  2.8i 100 j 


 4.8 i  250 j 

M A 1880 N mk
R
Example on Equivalent System
b) Find an equivalent force-couple system at
B based on the force-couple system at A.
The force is unchanged by the movement
of the force-couple system from A to B.

R 600 Nj

The couple at B is equal to the moment

about B of the force-couple system
found at A.
R  R 
M B M A rB A R
  1880 N mk   4.8 mi  600 Nj
 1880 N mk  2880 N mk

M B 1000 N mk
R
Example on Equivalent System
R c)
D
FR = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4
R = 150-600+100-250 = -650 N

FRd = F1d1 + F2d2 + F3d3 + F4d4

d = 3.13 m
Exercise Problem