Review April 2025 Situation 2: Resolve the force onto x, y and z

components that passes from the origin to A

Static of Rigid Bodies:
(2,3,4) in the Figure.
I. Three Dimensional Forces and Structure

Components of three-dimensional forces acting

on structure can be written as:

F = < Fx Fy Fz >
F = Fxi + Fyj + Fzk

When an object is in equilibrium, the sum of all

the forces acting on it must be zero.

(∑Fx)i + (∑Fy)j + (∑Fz)k = 0

This equation will be satisfied only when Situation 3: Determine the resultant of concurrent
system in the Figure that acts on ball and socket
∑Fx = 0; ∑Fy = 0; and ∑Fz = 0
joint at the origin.
They are valid at any point in equilibrium and allow
you to solve for up to three unknowns.

To determine the components in of three-

dimensional forces is by multiplying unit vector or
directional cosine to the force acting on structure.

Fx = Fλx = Fcosθx

Fy = Fλy = Fcosθy

Fz = Fλz = Fcosθz

Situation 1: Determine the component of the

force shown in the figure.
Situation 4: Determine the magnitude of F3 and
the angle it makes with the positive Axes in, so that
the resultant of F1, F2, and F3 is 30 kN directed
exactly with positive z-axis shown in the figure.
Situation 5: The ends of the three cables are
attached to a ring at A and to the edge of a uniform
150kg plate. Determine the tension AB, AC, AD.

Moment on of a Force on Space

• About a point

M=r x F

• About an Axis

M = (r x F) • λaxis

Types of Reactions on a Body

Situation 6: For the given situation, determine

a) Moments about point E b) Moment about
axis CE c) Moment about axis X
Situation 7: The gear box is subjected to three
forces as shown. Given that C1 = 200 lb-in, C2 =
250 lb – in and C3 = 150 lb – in, Determine the x,
y and z component of the resultant couple and
also the resultant couple.
Practice Problems Problem 4: From the figure shown determine
Problem 1 : The sign post shown is acted by a tension AB, AD and AC.
wind force F1 acting at the centroid of signage,
and cable AB is tightened by 12 kN. For the
condition, determine the reactions and
moments at the base of the post.

Problem 5: A derrick is shown in the figure

supporting a 1240 N load. The vertical beam
has a ball and socket connection into the
ground at D and is held by guy wires AC and
BC. Neglecting the weight of the members and
Problem 2 : Calculate the resultant couple of
guy wires. Determine tesion CE, BC and AC.
the two couple as shown in the figure.

Problem 3: Determine the magnitude of a

moment about axis AC of T = 15 kN.
Problem 6: Given the figure, determine the
force acting on member AD, BD and CD.