PROBLEM 8.

1
Determine whether the block shown is in equilibrium, and find the
magnitude and direction of the friction force when θ = 30o and
P = 200 N.

SOLUTION

FBD block:

ΣFn = 0: N − (1000 N ) cos 30° − ( 200 N ) sin 30° = 0

N = 966.03 N

Assume equilibrium:

ΣFt = 0: F + ( 200 N ) cos 30° − (1000 N ) sin 30° = 0

F = 326.8 N = Feq.

But Fmax = µ s N = ( 0.3) 966 N = 290 N

Feq. > Fmax impossible ⇒ Block moves

and F = µk N

= ( 0.2 )( 966.03 N )

Block slides down F = 193.2 N

 PROBLEM 8.2
Determine whether the block shown is in equilibrium, and find the
magnitude and direction of the friction force when θ = 35o and
P = 400 N.

SOLUTION

FBD block:

ΣFn = 0: N − (1000 N ) cos35° − ( 400 N ) sin 35° = 0

N = 1048.6 N

Assume equilibrium:

ΣFt = 0: F − (1000 N ) sin 35° + ( 400 N ) cos 35° = 0

F = 246 N = Feq.

Fmax = µ s N = ( 0.3)(1048.6 N ) = 314 N

Feq. < Fmax OK equilibrium

∴ F = 246 N
 PROBLEM 8.3
Determine whether the 20-lb block shown is in equilibrium, and find the
magnitude and direction of the friction force when P = 8 lb and θ = 20°.

SOLUTION

FBD block:

ΣFn = 0: N − ( 20 lb ) cos 20° + ( 8 lb ) sin 20° = 0

N = 16.0577 lb

Fmax = µ s N = ( 0.3)(16.0577 lb ) = 4.817 lb

Assume equilibrium:

ΣFt = 0: (8 lb ) cos 20° − ( 20 lb ) sin 20° − F =0

F = 0.6771 lb = Feq.

Feq. < Fmax OK equilibrium

and F = 0.677 lb
 PROBLEM 8.4
Determine whether the 20-lb block shown is in equilibrium, and find the
magnitude and direction of the friction force when P = 12.5 lb and
θ = 15°.

SOLUTION

FBD block:

ΣFn = 0: N − ( 20 lb ) cos 20° + (12.5 lb ) sin15° = 0

N = 15.559 lb

Fmax = µ s N = ( 0.3)(15.559 lb ) = 4.668 lb

Assume equilibrium:

ΣFt = 0: (12.5 lb ) cos15° − ( 20 lb ) sin 20° − F =0

F = 5.23 lb = Feq.

but Feq. > Fmax impossible, so block slides up

and F = µk N = ( 0.25 )(15.559 lb )

F = 3.89 lb
 PROBLEM 8.5
Knowing that θ = 25°, determine the range of values of P for which
equilibrium is maintained.

SOLUTION

FBD block:

Block is in equilibrium:

ΣFn = 0: N − ( 20 lb ) cos 20° + P sin 25° = 0

N = 18.794 lb − P sin 25°

ΣFt = 0: F − ( 20 lb ) sin 20° + P cos 25° = 0

or F = 6.840 lb − P cos 25°

Impending motion up: F = µs N ; Impending motion down: F = − µ s N

Therefore, 6.840 lb − P cos 25° = ± ( 0.3)(18.794 lb − P sin 25° )

Pup = 12.08 lb Pdown = 1.542 lb

1.542 lb ≤ Peq. ≤ 12.08 lb

 PROBLEM 8.6
Knowing that the coefficient of friction between the 60-lb block and the
incline is µ s = 0.25, determine (a) the smallest value of P for which
motion of the block up the incline is impending, (b) the corresponding
value of β.

SOLUTION

FBD block (impending motion up)

φ s = tan −1 µ s = tan −1 ( 0.25 ) = 14.04°

(a) Note: For minimum P, P ⊥ R so β = φ s

Then P = W sin ( 30° + φ s )

= ( 60 lb ) sin 44.04° = 41.71 lb

Pmin = 41.7 lb

(b) Have β = φ s β = 14.04°

 PROBLEM 8.7
Considering only values of θ less than 90° , determine the smallest value
of θ for which motion of the block to the right is impending when
(a) m = 30 kg, (b) m = 40 kg.

SOLUTION

FBD block (impending motion to

the right)

φ s = tan −1 µ s = tan −1 ( 0.25 ) = 14.036°

P W
=
sin φs sin (θ − φ s )

W
sin (θ − φs ) = sin φ s W = mg
P

(a) m = 30 kg: θ − φ s = sin −1  (

 ( 30 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 ) sin14.036°
 120 N 

= 36.499°

∴ θ = 36.499° + 14.036° or θ = 50.5°

(b) m = 40 kg: θ − φs = sin −1 

(
 ( 40 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 ) 
sin14.036° 
 120 N 

= 52.474°

∴ θ = 52.474° + 14.036° or θ = 66.5°

 PROBLEM 8.8
Knowing that the coefficient of friction between the 30-lb block and the
incline is µ s = 0.25 , determine (a) the smallest value of P required to
maintain the block in equilibrium, (b) the corresponding value of β .

SOLUTION

FBD block (impending motion

downward)

φ s = tan −1 µ s = tan −1 ( 0.25 ) = 14.036°

(a) Note: For minimum P, P⊥R

So β = α = 90° − ( 30° + 14.036° ) = 45.964°

and P = ( 30 lb ) sin α = ( 30 lb ) sin ( 45.964° ) = 21.567 lb

P = 21.6 lb

(b) β = 46.0°
 PROBLEM 8.9
A 6-kg block is at rest as shown. Determine the positive range of values
of θ for which the block is in equilibrium if (a) θ is less than 90°,
(b) θ is between 90° and 180°.

SOLUTION

FBD block (impending motion)

φ s = tan −1 µ s = tan −1 ( 0.4 ) = 21.801°

(a) 0° ≤ θ ≤ 90° : 58.86 N

=
40 N
sin (θ − φs ) sinφ s

58.86 N
θ − φ s = sin −1 sin ( 21.801° )
40 N

= 33.127°, 146.873°

θ = 54.9° and θ = 168.674°

∴ (a) Equilibrium for 0 ≤ θ ≤ 54.9°

(b) 90° ≤ θ ≤ 180° : (b) and for 168.7° ≤ θ ≤ 180.0°

 PROBLEM 8.10
Knowing that P = 25 lb, determine the range of values of θ for which
equilibrium of the 18-lb block is maintained.

SOLUTION

FBD block (impending motion

down)

φ s = tan −1 µ s = tan −1 ( 0.45 ) = 24.228°

25 lb 18 lb
=
sin ( 90° − φ s ) sin (θ + φs )

 18 lb 
θ + φs = sin −1  sin ( 90° − 24.228° )  = 41.04°
 25 lb 

θ = 16.81°

Impending motion up:

25 lb 18 lb
=
sin ( 90° + φs ) sin (θ − φs )

 18 lb 
θ − φ s = sin −1  sin ( 90° + 24.228° )  = 41.04°
 25 lb 

θ = 65.27°

Equilibrium for 16.81° ≤ θ ≤ 65.3°

 PROBLEM 8.11
The coefficients of friction are µ s = 0.40 and µ k = 0.30 between all
surfaces of contact. Determine the force P for which motion of the 60-lb
block is impending if cable AB (a) is attached as shown, (b) is removed.

SOLUTION
(a) Note: With the cable, motion must impend at both contact surfaces.
FBDs
Top block: ΣFy = 0: N1 − 40 lb = 0 N1 = 40 lb

Impending slip: F1 = µ s N1 = 0.4 ( 40 lb ) = 16 lb

ΣFx = 0: T − F1 = 0 T − 16 lb = 0 T = 16 lb

ΣFy = 0: N 2 − 40 lb − 60 lb = 0 N 2 = 100 lb

Impending slip: F2 = µ s N 2 = 0.4 (100 lb ) = 40 lb

Bottom block:
ΣFx = 0: − P + 16 lb + 16 lb + 40 lb = 0

P = 72.0 lb

(b) Without the cable, both blocks will stay together and motion will
impend only at the floor.
FBD blocks:
ΣFy = 0: N − 40 lb − 60 lb = 0 N = 100 lb

Impending slip: F = µ s N = 0.4 (100 lb ) = 40 lb

ΣFx = 0: 40 lb − P = 0
P = 40.0 lb
 PROBLEM 8.12
The coefficients of friction are µ s = 0.40 and µ k = 0.30 between all
surfaces of contact. Determine the force P for which motion of the 60-lb
block is impending if cable AB (a) is attached as shown, (b) is removed.

SOLUTION
(a) With the cable, motion must impend at both surfaces.
FBDs
Top block: ΣFy = 0: N1 − 40 lb = 0 N1 = 40 lb

Impending slip: F1 = µ s N1 = 0.4 ( 40 lb ) = 16 lb

ΣFy = 0: N 2 − 40 lb − 60 lb = 0 N 2 = 100 lb

Impending slip: F2 = µ N 2 = 0.4 (100 lb ) = 40 lb

Bottom block: ΣFx = 0: 16 lb + 40 lb − P = 0 P = 56 lb

P = 56.0 lb

(b) Without the cable, both blocks stay together and motion will impend
at the floor surface only.
FBD blocks:
ΣFy = 0: N − 40 lb − 60 lb = 0 N = 100 lb

Impending slip: F = µ s N = 0.4 (100 lb ) = 40 lb

ΣFx = 0: − P + 40 lb = 0 P = 40 lb

P = 40.0 lb
 PROBLEM 8.13
The 8-kg block A is attached to link AC and rests on the 12-kg block B.
Knowing that the coefficient of static friction is 0.20 between all surfaces
of contact and neglecting the mass of the link, determine the value of θ
for which motion of block B is impending.

SOLUTION
FBDs:

Motion must impend at both contact surfaces

Block A: ΣFy = 0: N1 − WA = 0 N1 = WA

Block B: ΣFy = 0: N 2 − N1 − WB = 0

N 2 = N1 + WB = WA + WB

Impending motion: F1 = µ s N1 = µ sWA

F2 = µ s N 2 = µ s ( N1 + WB )

Block B: ΣFx = 0: 50 N − F1 − F2 = 0

or 50 N = µ s ( N1 + N1 + WB ) = 0.2 ( 2 N1 + 117.72 N )

N1 = 66.14 N F1 = 0.2 ( 66.14 N ) = 13.228 N

Block A: ΣFx = 0: 13.228 N − FAC cosθ = 0

or FAC cosθ = 13.228 N (1)

ΣFy = 0: 66.14 N − 78.48 N + FAC sinθ = 0

or FAC sin θ = 78.48 N − 66.14 N (2)

Eq. (2) 78.48 N − 66.14 N

Then, tan θ =
Eq. (1) 13.228 N
θ = 43.0°
 PROBLEM 8.14
The 8-kg block A and the 16-kg block B are at rest on an incline as
shown. Knowing that the coefficient of static friction is 0.25 between all
surfaces of contact, determine the value of θ for which motion is
impending.

SOLUTION
FBDs:

Block A: ΣFy = 0: N1 − WA = 0 N1 = WA

Impending motion: F1 = µ s N1 = µ sWA

ΣFx = 0: F1 − T = 0 T = F1 = µ sWA

Block B: ΣFy′ = 0: N 2 − ( N1 + WB ) cosθ − F1 sin θ = 0

N 2 = 3WA cosθ + µ sWA sin θ

= WA ( 3cosθ + 0.25sin θ )

Impending motion: F2 = µ s N 2 = 0.25WA ( 3cosθ + 0.25sin θ )

ΣFx′ = 0: − T − F2 − F1 cosθ + ( N1 + WB ) sin θ = 0

 −0.25 − 0.25 ( 3cosθ + 0.25sin θ ) − 0.25cosθ + 3sinθ  WA = 0

or 47sinθ − 16cosθ − 4 = 0
Solving numerically θ = 23.4°
 PROBLEM 8.15
A 48-kg cabinet is mounted on casters which can be locked to prevent
their rotation. The coefficient of static friction between the floor and each
caster is 0.30. Knowing that h = 640 mm, determine the magnitude of
the force P required for impending motion of the cabinet to the right (a) if
all casters are locked, (b) if the casters at B are locked and the casters at A
are free to rotate, (c) if the casters at A are locked and the casters at B are
free to rotate.

SOLUTION

FBD cabinet: Note: For tipping, N A = FA = 0

ΣM B = 0: ( 0.24 m )W − ( 0.64 m ) Ptip =0 Ptip = 0.375W

(a) All casters locked: Impending slip: FA = µ s N A , FB = µ s N B

ΣFy = 0: N A + N B − W = 0 N A + NB = W

So FA + FB = µ sW

ΣFx = 0: P − FA − FB = 0 P = FA + FB = µ sW

∴ P = 0.3 ( 470.88 N ) or P = 141.3 N

( P = 0.3W < Ptip OK )

(
W = 48 kg 9.81 m/s 2 ) (b) Casters at A free, so FA = 0
= 470.88 N
Impending slip: FB = µ s N B
µ s = 0.3
ΣFx = 0: P − FB = 0

P
P = FB = µ s N B NB =
µs

ΣM A = 0: ( 0.64 m ) P + ( 0.24 m )W − ( 0.48 m ) N B =0

P
8P + 3W − 6 =0 P = 0.25W
0.3

( P = 0.25W < Ptip OK )

∴ P = 0.25 ( 470.88 N ) P = 117.7 N
PROBLEM 8.15 CONTINUED

(c) Casters at B free, so FB = 0

Impending slip: FA = µ s N A

ΣFx = 0: P − FA = 0 P = FA = µ s N A

P P
NA = =
µs 0.3

ΣM B = 0: ( 0.24 m )W − ( 0.64 m ) P − ( 0.48 m ) N A =0

P
3W − 8P − 6 =0 P = 0.10714W = 50.45 N
0.3

( P < Ptip OK )
P = 50.5 N
 PROBLEM 8.16
A 48-kg cabinet is mounted on casters which can be locked to prevent
their rotation. The coefficient of static friction between the floor and
each caster is 0.30. Assuming that the casters at A and B are locked,
determine (a) the force P required for impending motion of the cabinet
to the right, (b) the largest allowable height h if the cabinet in not to tip
over.

SOLUTION

FBD cabinet: (a) ΣFy = 0: N A + N B − W = 0; N A + NB = W

Impending slip: FA = µ s N A , FB = µ s N B

So FA + FB = µ sW

ΣFx = 0: P − FA − FB = 0 P = FA + FB = µ sW

P = 0.3 ( 470.88 N ) = 141.26 N

P = 141.3 N

(b) For tipping, N A = FA = 0

ΣM B = 0: hP − ( 0.24 m )W = 0

(
W = 48 kg 9.81 m/s 2 ) hmax = ( 0.24 m )
W
= ( 0.24 m )
1
=
0.24 m
P µs 0.3
= 470.88 N
hmax = 0.800 m
 PROBLEM 8.17
The cylinder shown is of weight W and radius r, and the coefficient of
static friction µ s is the same at A and B. Determine the magnitude of the
largest couple M which can be applied to the cylinder if it is not to rotate.

SOLUTION
For maximum M, motion impends at both A and B
FBD cylinder:
FA = µ s N A, FB = µ s N B

ΣFx = 0: N A − FB = 0 N A = FB = µ s N B

FA = µ s N A = µ s2 N B

ΣFy = 0: N B + FA − W = 0 N B + µ s2 N B = W

W
or NB =
1 + µ s2

µ sW
and FB =
1 + µ s2

µ s2W
FA =
1 + µ2

ΣM C = 0: M − r ( FA + FB ) = 0

(
M = r µ s + µ s2 ) 1 +Wµ 2
s

1 + µs
M max = Wr µ s
1 + µ s2
 PROBLEM 8.18
The cylinder shown is of weight W and radius r. Express in terms of W
and r the magnitude of the largest couple M which can be applied to the
cylinder if it is not to rotate assuming that the coefficient of static friction
is (a) zero at A and 0.36 at B, (b) 0.30 at A and 0.36 at B.

SOLUTION
For maximum M, motion impends at both A and B
FBD cylinder:
FA = µ A N A; FB = µ B N B

ΣFx = 0: N A − FB = 0 N A = FB = µ B N B

FA = µ A N A = µ Aµ B N B

ΣFy = 0: N B + FA − W = 0 N B (1 + µ Aµ B ) = W

1
or NB = W
1 + µ Aµ B

µB
and FB = µ B N B = W
1 + µ Aµ B

µ Aµ B
FA = µ Aµ B N B = W
1 + µ Aµ B

1 + µA
ΣM C = 0: M − r ( FA + FB ) = 0 M = Wr µ B
1 + µ Aµ B

(a) For µA = 0 and µ B = 0.36

M = 0.360Wr

(b) For µ A = 0.30 and µ B = 0.36

M = 0.422Wr
 PROBLEM 8.19
The hydraulic cylinder shown exerts a force of 680 lb directed to the right
on point B and to the left on point E. Determine the magnitude of the
couple M required to rotate the drum clockwise at a constant speed.

SOLUTION

FBDs Drum:

Rotating drum ⇒ slip at both sides; constant speed ⇒ equilibrium

∴ F1 = µ k N1 = 0.3N1; F2 = µk N 2 = 0.3N 2

AB: ΣM A = 0: ( 6 in.)( 680 lb ) + ( 6 in.)( F1 ) − (18 in.) N1 = 0

 18 in. 
F1  − 6 in.  = ( 6 in.)( 680 lb ) or F1 = 75.555 lb
 0.3 

DE: ΣM D = 0: ( 6 in.) F2 + (18 in.) N 2 − ( 6 in.)( 680 lb ) = 0

 18 in. 
F2  6 in. +  = ( 6 in.)( 680 lb ) or F2 = 61.818 lb
 0.3 

Drum: ΣM C = 0: r ( F1 + F2 ) − M = 0

M = (10 in.)( 75.555 + 61.818 ) lb

M = 1374 lb ⋅ in.
 PROBLEM 8.20
A couple M of magnitude 70 lb ⋅ ft is applied to the drum as shown.
Determine the smallest force which must be exerted by the hydraulic
cylinder on joints B and E if the drum is not to rotate.

SOLUTION

FBDs DE: Drum:

For minimum T, slip impends at both sides, so

F1 = µ s N1 = 0.4 N1 F2 = µ s N 2 = 0.4 N 2

AB: ΣM A = 0: ( 6 in.)T + ( 6 in.) F1 − (18 in.) N1 = 0

 18 in.  T
F1  − 6 in.  = ( 6 in.) T or F1 =
 0.4  6.5

DE: ΣM D = 0: ( 6 in.) F2 + (18 in.) N 2 − ( 6 in.) T =0

 18 in.  T
F2  6 in. +  = ( 6 in.) T or F2 =
 0.4  8.5

Drum: ΣM C = 0: (10 in.) (F1 + F2 ) − 840 lb ⋅ in. = 0

 1 1 
T +  = 84 lb
 6.5 8.5 
T = 309 lb
 PROBLEM 8.21
A 19.5-ft ladder AB leans against a wall as shown. Assuming that the
coefficient of static friction µ s is the same at A and B, determine the
smallest value of µ s for which equilibrium is maintained.

SOLUTION
Motion impends at both A and B.
FBD ladder:
FA = µ s N A FB = µ s N B

ΣFx = 0: FA − N B = 0 or N B = FA = µ s N A

Then FB = µ s N B = µ s2 N A

ΣFy = 0: N A − W + FB = 0 or ( )
N A 1 + µ s2 = W

a
ΣM O = 0: bN B + W − aN A = 0
2

or aN A − bµ s N A =
a
2
a
(
W = N A 1 + µ s2
2
)
a = 7.5 ft 2b
µ s2 + µs − 1 = 0
a
b = 18 ft
2
b b
µs = − ±   + 1 = −2.4 ± 2.6
a a

The positive root is physically possible. Therefore, µ s = 0.200

 PROBLEM 8.22
A 19.5-ft ladder AB leans against a wall as shown. Assuming that the
coefficient of static friction µ s is the same at A and B, determine the
smallest value of µ s for which equilibrium is maintained.

SOLUTION
Motion impends at both A and B, so
FBD ladder:
FA = µ s N A and FB = µ s N B

a a 7.5 ft
ΣM A = 0: lN B − W =0 or NB = W = W
2 2l 39 ft

2.5
or NB = W
13
2.5W
Then FB = µ s N B = µ s
13
5 12
ΣFx = 0: FA + FB − NB = 0
13 13
12.5 30
µs N A + µ sW − W =0
(13) 2
(13)2

NA −
W ( 30 − 12.5µ s )
(13) 2
µs
a = 7.5 ft
12 5
l = 19.5 ft ΣFy = 0: N A − W + FB + NB = 0
13 13
a 5  30 − 12.5µ s  W
= + 30µ s + 12.5  =W
13 
 (13)
l µ 2
 s
b 12
=
l 13 or µ s2 − 5.6333µ s + 1 = 0
µ s = 2.8167 ± 2.6332
or µ s = 0.1835 and µ s = 5.45
The larger value is very unlikely unless the surface is treated with
some “non-skid” material.
In any event, the smallest value for equilibrium is µ s = 0.1835
 PROBLEM 8.23
End A of a slender, uniform rod of weight W and length L bears on a
horizontal surface as shown, while end B is supported by a cord BC of
length L. Knowing that the coefficient of static friction is 0.40, determine
(a) the value of θ for which motion is impending, (b) the corresponding
value of the tension in the cord.

SOLUTION
L L 
(a) Geometry: BE = cosθ DE =  cosθ  tan β
FBD rod: 2 2 
L cosθ
EF = L sin θ DF =
2 tan φ s

1  L cosθ
So L  cosθ tan β + sin θ  =
2  2 tan φs

1 1 1
or tan β + 2 tan θ = = = = 2.5 (1)
tan φ s µ s 0.4
Also, L sin θ + L sin β = L
or sin θ + sin β = 1 (2)

Solving Eqs. (1) and (2) numerically θ1 = 4.62° β1 = 66.85°

θ 2 = 48.20° β 2 = 14.75°
Therefore, θ = 4.62° and θ = 48.2°
(b) Now φ s = tan −1 µ s = tan −1 0.4 = 21.801°
T W
and =
sin φs sin ( 90 + β − φ s )

sin φs
or T =W
sin ( 90 + β − φ s )

For θ = 4.62° T = 0.526W

θ = 48.2° T = 0.374W
 PROBLEM 8.24
A slender rod of length L is lodged between peg C and the vertical wall
and supports a load P at end A. Knowing that the coefficient of static
friction between the peg and the rod is 0.25 and neglecting friction at the
roller, determine the range of values of the ratio L/a for which
equilibrium is maintained.

SOLUTION
a
ΣM B = 0: N − L sin 30°P = 0
FBD rod: sin 30°
L 2 LP
N = sin 30°P =
a a 4
Impending motion at C : down → F = µ s N  N
F = ±
up → F = − µ s N  4

ΣFy = 0: F cos 30° + N sin 30° − P = 0

L P 3 LP1
± + = P
a 16 2 a 42

L 1 3
 ±  =1
a  8 32 

L 32
=
a 4± 3

L L
or = 5.583 and = 14.110
a a

L
For equilibrium: 5.58 ≤ ≤ 14.11
a
 PROBLEM 8.25
The basic components of a clamping device are bar AB, locking plate CD,
and lever EFG; the dimensions of the slot in CD are slightly larger than
those of the cross section of AB. To engage the clamp, AB is pushed
against the workpiece, and then force P is applied. Knowing that
P = 160 N and neglecting the friction force between the lever and the
plate, determine the smallest allowable value of the static coefficient of
friction between the bar and the plate.

SOLUTION

FBD Plate:

DC is three-force member and motion impends at C and D (for minimum

µ s ).
OCG = 20° + φs ODG = 20° − φ s

 24 mm 
OG = (10 mm ) tan ( 20° + φs ) =  + 10 mm  tan ( 20° − φs )
 sin70° 

or tan ( 20° + φ s ) = 3.5540 tan ( 20° − φs )

Solving numerically φ s = 10.565°

Now µ s = tan φs
so that µ s = 0.1865
 PROBLEM 8.26
A window sash having a mass of 4 kg is normally supported by two 2-kg
sash weights. Knowing that the window remains open after one sash cord
has broken, determine the smallest possible value of the coefficient of
static friction. (Assume that the sash is slightly smaller that the frame and
will bind only at points A and D.)

SOLUTION

FBD window: ( )
T = ( 2 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 19.62 N =
W
2

ΣFx = 0: N A − ND = 0 N A = ND

Impending motion: FA = µ s N A FD = µ s N D

ΣM D = 0: ( 0.36 m )W − ( 0.54 m ) N A − ( 0.72 m ) FA =0

3
W = N A + 2µ s N A
2

2W
NA =
3 + 4µ s
( )
W = ( 4 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 39.24 N
ΣFy = 0: FA − W + T + FD = 0

FA + FD = W − T

W
=
2

Now FA + FD = µ s ( N A + N D ) = 2µ s N A

W 2W
Then = 2µ s
2 3 + 4µ s

or µ s = 0.750
 PROBLEM 8.27
The steel-plate clamp shown is used to lift a steel plate H of mass 250 kg.
Knowing that the normal force exerted on steel cam EG by pin D forms
an angle of 40° with the horizontal and neglecting the friction force
between the cam and the pin, determine the smallest allowable value of
the coefficient of static friction.

SOLUTION
(Note: P is vertical as AB is two force member; also P = W since
FBDs: clamp + plate is a two force FBD)

BCD:

ΣM C = 0: ( 0.37 m ) P − ( 0.46 m ) N D cos 40°

− ( 0.06 m ) N D sin 40° = 0

or N D = 0.94642P = 0.94642W

EG:
ΣM E = 0: ( 0.18 m ) NG − ( 0.26 m ) FG − ( 0.26 m ) N D cos 40° = 0
Impending motion: FG = µ s NG

Combining (18 + 26µs ) NG = 19.9172 N D

= 18.850W
 PROBLEM 8.27 CONTINUED

W W
Plate: From plate: FG = so that NG =
2 2µ s

W
Then (18 + 26µs ) = 18.85W
2µ s

µ s = 0.283
 PROBLEM 8.28
The 5-in.-radius cam shown is used to control the motion of the plate CD.
Knowing that the coefficient of static friction between the cam and the
plate is 0.45 and neglecting friction at the roller supports, determine
(a) the force P for which motion of the plate is impending knowing that
the plate is 1 in. thick, (b) the largest thickness of the plate for which the
mechanism is self-locking, (that is, for which the plate cannot be moved
however large the force P may be).

SOLUTION

FBDs: From plate: ΣFx = 0: F − P = 0 F = P

5 in. − t
From cam geometry: cosθ =
5 in.

ΣM A = 0: ( 5 in.) sin θ  N − ( 5 in.) cosθ  F − ( 5 in.) Q = 0

Impending motion: F = µs N

So N sin θ − µ s N cosθ = Q = 15 lb

Q
N =
sin θ − µ s cosθ

µ sQ
So P = F = µs N =
sin θ − µ s cosθ

4 in.
(a) t = 1 in. ⇒ cosθ = = 0.8; sin θ = 0.6
5 in.

P=
( 0.45)(15 lb ) = 28.125 lb; P = 28.1 lb
0.6 − ( 0.45 )( 0.8 )

µ sQ
(b) P → ∞ : sin θ − µ s cosθ = 0
P

Thus tan θ → µ s = 0.45 so that θ = 24.228°

But ( 5 in.) cosθ = 5 in. − t or t = ( 5 in.) (1 − cosθ )

t = 0.440 in.