Applied Mechanics

For BE COMP
Chapter-1
General Principles of Statics
1.1 Concept of Equilibrium of particles
A particle can be defined as a minute portion of a matter. A particle is in
equilibrium if the vector sum of the external forces acting on it is zero. Hence a
particle is in equilibrium if:
1. It is at rest and remains at rest − Static Equilibrium
2. It moves with constant velocity − Dynamic Equilibrium.
In other words, when the resultant (R) of all the forces (F) acting on a particle is
zero, the particle is in equilibrium. Thus algebraically, for conditions of
equilibrium of a particle, we write
R =ΣF=0.
Resolving each force F into rectangular components, we have
Σ (Fxi +Fyj) =0 or (ΣFx)i + (ΣFx )j =0.
So the necessary conditions for an equilibrium of a particle are
ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0.
1.2 Fundamental quantities of length mass and time
A fundamental Quantity is independent physical quantity that is not possible to
express in other physical quantity. It is used as pillars for other quantities i.e.
derived quantities. In physics, length, mass, time, electric current, thermodynamic
temperature, are examples of fundamental quantities.
The seven fundamentals S.I. units are:
Metre- for length
Second – for time
Kilogram – for mass
Kelvin – for temperature
Ampere – for electric current
Candela- for luminous intensity.
Mole- for the amount of substance.
 Applied Mechanics
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1.3 System of units.
A system of units is a collection of units in which certain units are chosen as
fundamental and all other are derived from them. This system is also called as
absolute system of units. In most of the system, the mass, the length and the time
are considered to be fundamental quantities.
Some system of units which are in common are:
C.G.S. system of units: The unit of length is centimeter (cm). The unit of mass is
gram (g). The unit of time is second(s).
M.K.S. system of units: The unit of length is the metre (m). The unit of mass is
kilogram (kg). The unit of time is second (s).
F.P.S. system of units: The unit of length is a foot (ft). The unit of mass is a pound
(Lb). The unit of time is second (s). This system is no more in use.
Principal SI units used in Mechanics.
Quantity Unit Symbol
Acceleration Meter per second square …
Angle radian Rad
Angular acceleration Radian per second …
squared
Angular velocity Radian per sec ..
Area Square meter ..
Density Kilogram per cubic ..
meter
Energy Joule J
Force Newton N
Frequency Hertz Hz
Impulse Newton second ..
Length Meter M
Mass Kilogram Kg
Moment of a force Newton-second …
Power Watt W
Pressure Pascal Pa
Stress Pascal Pa
Time Second S
Velocity Meter per second …
Volume of solids Cubic meter ..
Volume of liquids Liter L
Work Joule J
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP
Fundamental or primary units:
The measurement of physical quantities is one of the most important operations
in Engineering. Every quantity is measured in terms of some arbitrary, but
internationally accepted units, called fundamental units. The fundamental
dimensions are length,mass and time.
Derived or Secondary units:
Sometimes the units are also expressed in other units which are derived from
fundamental units are known as derived units. e.g. units of area, velocity,
acceleration, force and pressure etc.

1.4 Significant figures

Multiplication Factor Prefix Symbol
1012 tera T
109 giga G
106 mega M
103 kilo K
102 hecto H
101 deka Da
10-1 deci D
10-2 centi C
10-3 Milli M
10-6 micro µ
10-9 nano n
10-12 pico P
10-15 femto F
10-18 atto a
 Applied Mechanics
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Chapter 2
Vectors
2.1 Force and position vectors
A force represents the action of one body on another and it is generally
characterized by its point of application, its magnitude, and its direction. The
magnitude of a force is characterized by a certain number of units. The S.I unit
used to measure the magnitude of a force are newton (N) and it’s multiple the
Kilo newton (KN). The direction of a force is defined by the line of action and
the sense of the force.
The line of action is the infinite straight line along which force acts. It is
characterized by the angle it forms with some fixed axis. The sense of the force
should be indicated by an arrowhead. It is important in defining a force to indicate
its sense because two forces having the same magnitude and the same line of
action but different sense will have directly opposite effects on a particle.
Vectors are defined as mathematical expressions possessing magnitude and
direction, which add according to the parallelogram law. Vectors are represented
by arrows and are distinguished from scalar quantities through the use of a
boldface letter .eg. (P). A vector is used to represent a force acting on a given
particle with a well-defined point of application.
A position vector is a vector that represents the position of a point P in space in
relation to an arbitrary reference origin O.
System of Forces
When a mechanical system has two or more forces acting, then it is known as a
‘force system’ or “system of forces”.
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP

Figure 1: Force System

Collinear force system.

When the lines of action of all the forces of a system act along the same line,
this force system is called collinear force system.

Figure 2 collinear force system

Parallel Forces

Figure 3 Parallel forces

 Applied Mechanics
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Coplanar Force system

When the lines of action of a set of forces lie in a single plane it is called
coplanar.
Non coplanar force system.
When the line of action of all the forces do not lie in one plane , it is called non
coplanar force system .

Figure 4 Non coplanar force system

Concurrent Force System.

The forces when extended pass through a single point and the point is called
point of concurrency. The lines of actions of all forces meet at the point of
concurrency. Concurrent forces may or may not be coplanar.
Non concurrent Force System
When the forces of a system do not meet at a common point of concurrency,
this type of force system is called non-concurrent force system. Parallel forces
are the example of this type of force system. Non-concurrent forces may be
coplanar or non-coplanar.
Coplanar and concurrent force system
A force system in which all the forces lie in a single plane and meet at one
point, For example, forces acting at a joint of a roof truss
P = External force
F1 to F5 = Member forces (internal) RA and RB = Reactions
 Applied Mechanics
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C = Point of concurrency

Figure 5 Coplanar and concurrent force system.

Coplanar and non-concurrent force system

These forces do not meet at a common point; however, they lie in a single
plane, for example, forces acting on a beam

Figure 6 Coplanar and non-concurrent force system

Non-coplanar and concurrent force system

In this system, the forces lie in a different planes but pass through a single point. Example is
forces acting at the top end of an electrical pole
 Applied Mechanics
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Figure 7 Non coplanar and concurrent force system

Non-coplanar and non-concurrent force system

The forces which do not lie in a single plane and do not pass through a single
point are known as non-coplanar and non-concurrent forces. Example is the
loads transferred through columns to the rectangular mat foundation.

Figure 8 Non-coplanar and non-concurrent force system.

 Applied Mechanics
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Resultant of two forces

When vectors represent forces, their sum is called resultant. The resultant of two
forces can be found using the methods for adding vectors when the vectors are a
geometric representation. When using methods for the algebraic representation to
find the resultant of two forces, it is necessary to understand the components of a
force.

Resolution of Forces:
Finding the components of a given force in two given directions is called
resolution. These component forces will have the same effect on the body as the
given single force.

Let the given force be R and let it be required to find its components in directions
making angles α and β with its line of action.
With reference to parallelogram OACB, the sides OA and OB represent the
components of the given force R along OX and OY respectively.
OA=P and OB=Q
Further <OCA =<BOC (Alternate angles)
=β
Therefore <OAC= 180º - (α+ β)
Applying sine rule to ∆OAC,
𝑂𝐴 𝐴𝐶 𝑂𝐶
= = sin{180−(α+β)}
sin β sinα

AC is parallel and equal to OB which represents Q

𝑃 𝑄 𝑅
So, = = sin{(α+β)}
sin β sinα

Thus the resolved parts of the given force R are

𝑠𝑖𝑛 β 𝑠𝑖𝑛 α
P=R and Q= R .
sin(α+ β) sin(α+ β)

When the force R is to be resolved along perpendicular directions, then

 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP
OX and OY are at right angles and OACB becomes a rectangle.

α +β =90º
β = (90º-α)
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛽 sin(90−𝛼)
P=R =𝑅
sin(𝛼+𝛽) 𝑠𝑖𝑛90

= R cos α
∴ 𝑷 = 𝐑 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛂
That means the projection of OC (representing R) on OX is a measure of resolved
component along the direction OX.
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼 sin(𝛼)
Q=R =R = R sin α
sin(𝛼+𝛽) 𝑠𝑖𝑛90

∴ Q= R sin α
The projection of OC (representing R) on OY is a measure of resolved component
along the direction OY.
When the components P and Q are at right angles to each other, they are called
the rectangular components of force R.
Parallelogram law of Forces:
The parallelogram law of forces is used to determine the resultant of two forces
acting at a point in a plane and inclined to each other at an angle.
It states that:
“If two forces acting at a point be represented in magnitude and direction by the
two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then their resultant is represented in
magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram passing through
that point”.
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP

Consider two forces P and Q acting on a body at O as shown. The force P is

represented in magnitude and direction by 𝑂𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ whereas the force Q is represented
in magnitude and direction by 𝑂𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . Let the angle between the two forces be 𝜃.The
resultant of these two forces is obtained by the diagonal 𝑂𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ of the parallelogram
OACB.
The relationship between P, Q and R can be derived as follows:
Drop perpendicular from C and let it meet OA extended at point D. In ∆CAD,
side CA is parallel and equal to OB, i.e. it represents force Q.
The resultant R of P and Q is given by
R= OC= √(𝑂𝐷2+ CD2) =√(𝑂𝐴 + 𝐴𝐷)2 + CD2
But OA =P
AD= AC cos𝜃=Qcos𝜃
CD= ACsin𝜃=Qsin𝜃
∴ 𝑅 = √(𝑃 + 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)2+ (Qsin𝜃) 2 = √P2+Q2cos2𝜃 +2PQcos𝜃 + 𝑄2sin2𝜃
R= √𝑷2+Q2+2PQcos𝜽.
 Applied Mechanics
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The inclination of the resultant R to the direction of force P is given by
𝐶𝐷 𝐶𝐷 𝐐𝐬𝐢𝐧𝛉
Tan α= = =
𝑂𝐷 𝑂𝐴+𝐴𝐷 𝐏+𝐐𝐜𝐨𝐬𝛉

𝑸𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽
α =𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 [ ]
𝑷+𝑸𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽

2.1 Vector Operations:

A scalar may be defined as a quantity which has magnitude and possibly sense,
but no orientation. The sense of a scalar is denoted by a positive or a negative
sign before the magnitude of the scalar. Length, time, mass, temperature,
humidity, cost, energy, work and power etc are examples of scalar qualities.
A vector may be defined as a directed quality which has magnitude, sense and
orientation, which obeys the laws of vectors. The sense and orientation of a vector
constitute its direction. The result of the addition of two vectors must be
independent of the order of addition of these two vectors. Typical vector
quantities are force, moment of force, velocity, acceleration, impulse and
momentum.
Addition and subtraction of vectors
Addition of vectors:
Vectors must be added as per the parallelogram law or its extended rules. (I.e.
triangle rule and the polygon rule). The triangle rule states that when two vectors
are drawn to scale and in tip-to-tail fashion, the vector connecting, and directed
from, the tail of the first vector to the tip of the second one gives resultant 𝑅⃗ of
these two vectors.
The polygon rule states that when several vectors are drawn to scale and in tip to
tail fashion, the vector connecting ,and directed from, the tail of the first vector
to the tip of the last one gives the resultant of those several vectors. This rule can
be shown to be valid through repeated applications of the triangle rule.
Subtraction of vectors:
The subtraction of a vector is defined as the addition of the corresponding
negative vector. Thus, the vector 𝑃⃗-𝑄⃗ representing the difference between the
⃗ is obtained by adding to 𝑃⃗ the negative vector –𝑄
vectors 𝑃⃗ and 𝑄 ⃗ as shown.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ). The parallelogram law is used to find the difference

⃗ = 𝑃⃗ +(−𝑄
We write 𝑃⃗ – 𝑄
of two vectors.
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP

Laws of Vectors
⃗ are vectors and m and n are scalars then,
If 𝐴 𝐵

1. ⃗ =𝐵
𝐴+𝐵 ⃗ + 𝐴 (cumulative law for vector addition).
2. ⃗ +𝐶 ) = (𝐴+ 𝐵
𝐴+(𝐵 ⃗ ) + 𝐶 (Associative law for vector addition).
3. m𝐴= 𝐴m (Commutative law for vector multiplication).
4. 𝑚(n𝐴) = (mn)𝐴 ( Associative law for vector multiplication)
5. (m+n) 𝐴 = m𝐴 + n𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗ (Distributive law)

Dot Product Scalar Product)

If 𝐴 and 𝐵⃗ are two vectors and 𝜃 is the angle between them, then their dot
product is defined as ⃗⃗⃗
𝐴. 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ | |𝐵
⃗ = |𝐴. ⃗ | cos 𝜃.

The result of the dot product of two vectors is scalar so it is called scalar
product.
Laws of dot product
1. ⃗⃗⃗
𝐴. 𝐵⃗=𝐵⃗ . 𝐴 ( commulative law)
2. 𝐴.( 𝐵⃗ +𝐶 ) =𝐴.𝐵⃗ +𝐵
⃗ .𝐶 (Distributive law)
3. m ( 𝐴.𝐵 ⃗ ) = (m𝐴).𝐵
⃗ = 𝐴.(m𝐵 ⃗ ) = (𝐴𝐵⃗ ) m (associative law where m is
scalar).
 Applied Mechanics
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4. 𝑖̂.𝑖̂ = 𝑗̂.𝑗̂= 𝑘̂ .𝑘̂ =1.
5. 𝑖̂.𝑗̂=𝑗̂.𝑘̂=𝑘̂.𝑖̂=0 (since cos 0 =1, cos 90 =0).
6. If 𝐴= A1𝑖̂ + A2𝑗̂ + A3𝑘̂ and 𝐵 ⃗ = B1𝑖̂+B2𝑗̂ +B3𝑘̂ Then 𝐴.𝐵
⃗ =A1 B1+
A2B2+A3B3, 𝐴.𝐴 = A12+A22+A32 and 𝐵 ⃗ .𝐵
⃗ = B12+B22+B32
7. If 𝐴.𝐵 ⃗ =0 and 𝐴 & 𝐵 ⃗ are not null (zero) vectors then A& B are
perpendicular to each other.

Cross product (vector product)

⃗ are two vectors and 𝜃 be the angle between them then their cross
If 𝐴 and 𝐵
product is defined by,

𝐴×𝐵 ⃗ =| 𝐴| |𝐵
⃗ | sin 𝜃 ̂𝑛 (where 𝑛̂ is the unit vector indicating the direction
⃗ ).
of ( 𝐴 × 𝐵
The result of cross product of two vectors is again a vector so it is called
vector product.
Laws of cross product.

1. 𝐴 × 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = - 𝐵 ⃗ × 𝐴 ( Commutative law is not obeyed by cross product)

2. 𝐴 × (𝐵 ⃗ + 𝐶 )= 𝐴 × 𝐵 ⃗ + 𝐴 × 𝐶 (Distributive law)
3. m( 𝐴 × 𝐵 ⃗ ) = (m 𝐴) × 𝐵 ⃗ = 𝐴 ×(m𝐵 ⃗ ) = (𝐴 × 𝐵
⃗ )m (Associative law
where m is scalar )
4. 𝑖̂ × 𝑖̂= 𝑗̂ × 𝑗̂ =𝑘̂ × 𝑘̂ = 0 (since sin0=0)
𝑖̂ × 𝑗̂ = 𝑘̂ , 𝑗̂ × 𝑘̂=i, 𝑘̂ × 𝑖̂=𝑗̂ (since sin 90º=1)
5. j× 𝑖̂=-𝑘̂ , 𝑘̂ × 𝑗̂=-𝑖̂, 𝑖̂ × 𝑘̂ =-𝑗̂
6. If 𝐴= A1𝑖̂+A2𝑗̂+ A3𝑘̂ and 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = B1𝑖̂+ B2𝑗̂ +B3𝑘̂
𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
7. Then, 𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = |A1 𝐴2 𝐴3|
𝐵1 𝐵2 𝐵3
8. The magnitude of 𝐴 × 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ is the same as the area of parallelogram
with sides 𝐴 & 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ .
9. Area of parallelogram =Base ×Altitude = |𝐴| |𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ | sin 𝜃
10.If 𝐴 × 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = 0 and 𝐴 & 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ are not null vectors then 𝐴 & 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ are parallel.
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP

Unit vector in Cartesian co-ordinates:

Unit vector:

It is a vector of unit magnitude. If 𝐴 is a vector with magnitude |𝐴| ≠ 0

𝐴
then 𝑛̂= , is a general unit vector having same direction as that of
|𝐴|
𝐴.Therefore any vector 𝐴 can be represented by a general unit vector n
in the direction of 𝐴multiplied by magnitude of 𝐴, i.e. 𝐴= |𝐴| n.
The unit vectors directed along or parallel to the x and y axes,as shown
in figure, are denoted by I and j respectively called Cartesian unit
vectors.
Then 𝑖̂= (1,0) & 𝑗̂= (0,1).
Similarly 𝑖̂ 𝑗̂&k are unit vectors along three mutually perpendicular axes
(i.e. x,y &z) respectively.
 Applied Mechanics
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Then 𝑖̂, 𝑗̂& k are defined by 𝑖̂=(1,0,0), 𝑗̂= (0,1,0) and 𝑘̂ = (0,0,1).
 Applied Mechanics
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Direction Cosines

As shown in fig, let p be any point on the rectangular box.

O𝑃⃗ =𝑟, be the position vector (radius vector) of point P.

OA=x, OB = y & OC = z, OA =x𝑖̂, OB =y𝑗̂ & OC =z𝑘̂.
α ,β,& ℽ be the angle made by the position vector with respect to x, y,
and z axes respectively. We have, r = x𝑖̂+ y𝑗̂+ 𝑘̂
∆OAP is a right –angled triangle with LA = 90º
𝑂𝐴 𝑥
∴ 𝑐𝑜𝑠α= = |𝑟|
𝑂𝑃

Again, |r| = √(𝑥2+y2+z2)

𝒙 𝒚 𝒛
Therefore, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝛂= , 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝛃= , 𝒄𝒐𝒔ℽ =
√(𝒙𝟐+𝐲𝟐+𝐳𝟐) √(𝒙𝟐+𝐲𝟐+𝐳𝟐) √(𝒙𝟐+𝐲𝟐+𝐳𝟐)

Where 𝑠α , 𝑐𝑜𝑠β & 𝑐𝑜𝑠ℽ are direction cosines of vector r.

Then cos2 α+ cos2 β+cos2 ℽ=1.
Scalar Triple Product
If 𝐴= A1𝑖̂+A2𝑗̂+A3𝑘̂, 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ = B1𝑖̂+B2𝑗̂+B3𝑘̂ and 𝐶 = C1𝑖̂+C2𝑗̂+C3𝑘̂. Then 𝐴. (𝐵
⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 )
is called scalar triple product and is equal to the
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP
𝐴1 𝐴2 𝐴3
⃗⃗⃗
𝐴.(𝐵 × 𝐶 )=|𝐵1 𝐵2 𝐵3|.Absolute value of A.(𝐵⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) is equal to the volume
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
⃗⃗⃗ and 𝐶 .
of parallelepiped with sides 𝐴, 𝐵

Proof:
Let n be a unit vector normal to the base MNOP having directions of B. C. and
let h be the height of the terminal point of A above MNOP as shown in figure.
Then Volume of parallelepiped = height (h) * area of base MNOP.
⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 )} |𝐵
= { projection of 𝐴 on ( 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 |

⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 |
= (𝐴.n) |𝐵

= ⃗𝑨 ⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗𝑪).
⃗ . (𝑩
Vector Triple Product:
⃗⃗⃗ , 𝐶 are vectors then 𝐴 ×(𝐵
IF 𝐴, 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) is known as vector triple product

⃗⃗ . ⃗𝑪) ⃗⃗⃗
= (𝑨 𝑩 ) ⃗𝑪
⃗⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑩 -(𝑨
Proof:

⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 is perpendicular to the plane containing vectors 𝐵

Vector 𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ & 𝐶 . Similarly,
Vector 𝐴 ×(𝐵⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) lies in the plane containing 𝐵
⃗⃗⃗ & 𝐶 .

Resolving vector 𝐴 × ( ⃗⃗⃗

𝐵 × 𝐶 )into components parallel to ⃗⃗⃗
𝐵 & 𝐶.
 Applied Mechanics
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⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) into components parallel to 𝐵
We have, 𝐴 ×(𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ & 𝐶 .

⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) = 𝑚𝐵
𝐴 × (𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑛𝐶 ………(1)

Where m and n are scalar. Multiplying both sides of equation (1) scalarly by A,
⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 )} = 𝑚𝐴. 𝐵
then 𝐴.{ 𝐴 × (𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ + n𝐴. 𝐶 ……..(2).

⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) which is zero since

L.H.S. of equation (2) is triple product of 𝐴, 𝐴, & (𝐵
two of the vectors are same.

Therefore, m(𝐴. ⃗⃗⃗

𝐵 )+ n (𝐴. 𝐶 ) =0
𝑚 𝑛
Or =− ⃗⃗⃗ )
=𝑃
𝐴.𝐶 (𝐴.𝐵

⃗⃗⃗ )
Then m=P (𝐴. 𝐶 ) and n = P (𝐴. 𝐵

Putting values of m and n in equation (1) we get

⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) =P (𝐴. 𝐶 ) ⃗⃗⃗

𝐴 ×(𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗ ) 𝐶 ……. (3)
𝐵 –P (𝐴. 𝐵

Taking special case, when 𝐴= ⃗⃗⃗

𝐵 =I and 𝐶 =j then, from equation (3) we have

𝑖̂ ×(𝑖̂ × 𝑗̂) =P(𝑖̂. 𝑗̂) 𝑖̂-P(𝑖̂. 𝑖̂) 𝑗̂

or 𝑖̂ × 𝑘̂ = 0-P𝑗̂

∴ P=1

⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐶 ) = (𝐴. 𝐶 ). ⃗⃗⃗

Then from equation (3) we get, 𝐴 ×(𝐵 𝐵 - (𝐴. ⃗⃗⃗
𝐵 ) 𝐶 .Hence
proved.

THE END
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP
Chapter 3
Equilibrium of a particle
3.1 Condition of equilibrium:
Equilibrium in two – dimensions: A particle will be in equilibrium if it is
stationary or moves uniformly relative to an inertial reference or when the
resultant of all the forces acting on it is zero, it is in equilibrium.
A body is in equilibrium if all the particles that may be considered to form the
body are in equilibrium. A rigid body in equilibrium can’t rotate relative to an
inertial reference. To find the unknown reactions and forces applied on the body
or structure it should be in equilibrium.
3.2 Free Body Diagram.
It is a sketch of the body (space diagram) drawn in such a way that it shows all
the reaction forces, applied forces and moment of the body. It enables us to check
the body for equilibrium. Free- body diagram of the space diagram is to be drawn
in order to use the equations of static equilibrium, which enables us to find the
value of unknown reactions.
Guidelines for drawing a good free body diagram:
A good free-body diagram is a sketch which correctly and effectively illustrates
the system of forces that brings about the state of rest or motion of the body under
consideration.
 The body to be freed (or isolated) for consideration may be the entire
system or any portion of the system. SO it is important to make a clear
decision as to which portion of the system is to be freed.
 The free body drawn should have no external supports or connections.
 Any adopted coordinate system whose axes are not in the horizontal and
vertical directions should be shown.
 Appropriate dimensions (including slopes or angles) which are needed in
defining the configuration of the force system, should be indicated.
 Each applied load should be indicated with an arrow and labeled either with
its known magnitude or with a letter when it is not known.
 The weight force of the free body should be indicated with a vertical
downward arrow and labelled if the weight is not negligible.
 The actions exerted by the body on its supports and connections should not
be indicated on the free diagram.
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP
 The reactions (or components of reactions) from the supports and
connections should be indicated with arrows and labeled.
 The sense of an unknown force, when not reasonably obvious, may be
assumed and corrected later if the value obtained is negative.
 The forces in the cords or members which are uncut in the free- body
diagram should not be shown.
ILLUSTRATIONS

Lamis Theorem:
“If a body is in equilibrium under the action of three forces, then each force is
proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two forces.”

PROOF:
Let P, Q and R be the three forces acting on a body along the directions as
indicated in the fig above. Since these forces are in equilibrium, they can be
represented by the sides of a triangle ABC which is drawn so as to have its sides
respectively parallel to the direction of forces. Thus,
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵= P, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = R
𝐵𝐶 = Q and 𝐶𝐴
 Applied Mechanics
For BE COMP
The exterior and interior angles of the triangle ABC of forces will be as shown in
fig b.
Applying sine rule for the triangle ABC.
𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐶 𝐶𝐴
= =
sin(𝜋−𝛼) sin(𝜋−𝛽) sin(𝜋−𝛾)

𝑷 𝑸 𝑹
∴ = =
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜶) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜷) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜸)

Resultant of Coplanar concurrent forces.

The resultant of a number of a coplanar –concurrent forces acting on a body is
worked out analytically by adopting the step-by-step procedure outlined below.
i. Find the components of each force in the system in two mutually
perpendicular X and Y directions.
ii. Make algebraic addition of components in each direction to get two
components ∑ 𝐹 x and ∑ 𝐹 y.f
iii. Obtain the resultant both in magnitude and direction by combining the two
component forces ∑ 𝐹 x and ∑ 𝐹 y which are mutually perpendicular.
Resultant , R=√( ∑ 𝐹 x )2 + (∑ 𝐹 y)2
And its inclination is given by:
∑ 𝐹x
tan 𝜃 = ∑
𝐹y