ENGINEERING MECHANICS STATIC

2-3 COUPLE:
The moment produced by two equal, opposite, and noncollinear forces is
called a couple. Couples have certain unique properties and have important
applications in mechanics.

Mo = F × (a + d) – F × a

Mo = F a + F d – F a

M F ud Moment of the couple

2-3-1 FORCE – COUPLE SYSTEMS:

The effect of a force acting on a body is the tendency to push or
pull the body in the direction of the force, and to rotate the body about
any fixed axis which does not intersect the line of the force. We can
represent this dual effect more easily by replacing the given force by an
equal parallel force and a couple to compensate for the change in the
moment of the force.

Asst. lecturer Sarmed A. Salih Page 17

 ENGINEERING MECHANICS STATIC

Ex 7

The rigid structural member is subjected to a couple consisting of the two

100 N forces, replace this couple by an equivalent couple consisting of the two
forces P and -P, each of which has a magnitude of 400 N. determine the proper
angle ș

Sol

The original couple is counterclockwise when

the plane of the forces is riewed form a above,
and its magnitude is

M = F d = 100 ×0.1 =10 N.m

The force P and –P produce counterclockwise

couple.

M = 400 × 0.04cos ș

10 = 400 × 0.04 cos ș

10
 = = 0.625
16
ș FRV-1 0.625 =51.3°

Ex 8

Replace the horizontal 80 Ib force acting of the lever by an equivalent

system consisting of a force at O and a couple.

Sol

M = Fd

M = 80 × 9 sin 60°

M = 624 Ib-in

Asst. lecturer Sarmed A. Salih Page 18

 ENGINEERING MECHANICS STATIC

Ex 9

The wrench is subjected to the 200 N force and the force P as shown. If the
equivalent of the fwo forces is a force R at O and a couple expressed as the vector
M = 20 kN.m determine the magnitude of the force P and the equivalent force R

Mo = 200 × 0.16 – P × 0.3

20 = 32 – P × 0.3
32  20
= = 40
0.3
R = -200 + 40 = -160 N

Asst. lecturer Sarmed A. Salih Page 19

 ENGINEERING MECHANICS STATIC

H.w

1) Compute the combined moment of the two 180 N forces about (a) point O and
(b) point A. [J. L. Merim (2-51)]

Ans. (a) Mo =108 N.m CCW

(b) MA =108 N.m CCW

2) The indicated force – couple system is applied to a small shaft at the center of
the rectangular plate. Replace this system by a single force and specify the
coordinate of the point on the Y-axis through which the line of action of this
resultant force passes. [J. L. Merim (2-55)]

Ans. Y= -75 mm

Asst. lecturer Sarmed A. Salih Page 20

 ENGINEERING MECHANICS STATIC

3) When making a left turn, a driver exerts two 1.5 Ib force on a steering heel as
shown. Determine the moment associated with these forces. Discuses the effects
of varying the steering wheel diameter d. [J. L. Merim (2-57)]

Ans. M = 24 Ib-in CCW

4) A force F of magnitude 50 N is exerted on the automobile parking – brake lever

at the position x = 250 mm. replace the force by an equivalent force – couple
system t pivot point O. [J. L. Merim (2-57)]

Ans. R = 50 N

Mo = 17.29 N.m CCW

Asst. lecturer Sarmed A. Salih Page 21