RESULTANT OF PARALLEL FORCE SYSTEM

A parallel force system is one in which the action lines of all the forces are parallel. The resultant
of such a system is determined when it is known in magnitude, direction, and position. One of the
outstanding differences between a concurrent and a parallel force system is that in the former the
position of the resultant is known by inspection whereas in the latter it is not.
R = F
M = M
R A

 M = Rd
R

d=
M A

The Principle of Moments: Varignon’s Theorem

The moment of a force is equivalent to the sum of the moments of its components.

(clockwise rotation = positive) Mo = F d = Fx y – Fy x

Fx Fx

d y
A B A B
x
Fy

Example 1
Determine the resultant of the parallel force system acting on the bar AB as shown.

20 lb 10 lb 40 lb
2’ 3’ 3’
A B
30 lb

R = F
R = −20 − 10 + 30 − 40 R = −40 lb
Counterclockwise rotation : + moment
M A = − (10 )( 2 ) + ( 30 )( 5 ) − ( 40 )( 8 )
M A = −190 lb − ft

dA =
M A
=
−190 lb − ft
R −40 lb
dA = 4.75 ft
Ans. R = 40 lb downward at 4.75 ft from pt. A.

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Problem Set 2
1. A parallel force system acts on the lever as shown. Determine the magnitude and position
of the resultant.

30 lb 60 lb 20 lb 40 lb

2’ 3’ 2’ 4’
A

2. The beam AB a shown supports a load which varies an intensity of 50 lb/ft to 200 lb/ft.
Calculate the magnitude and position of the resultant load. Hint: Replace the given loading
by a uniformly distributed load of 50 lb/ft plus a triangular load varying from zero at A to
150 lb/ft at B.

A B

12’

3. Find the values of P and F so that the four forces shown produce an upward resultant of
300 lb acting at 4 ft from the left end of the bar.

100 lb P F 200 lb
2’ 3’ 2’
A

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