Find the least value of P required to cause the system of blocks shown in Fig.

P-511 to have impending motion to the

left. The coefficient of friction under each block is 0.20.

From the FBD of 10 kN block on the

From the FBD of 30 kN block
on the horizontal plane
Sum up vertical forces
N1+Psina=30
N1=30−Psinα
To Force P will be minimum if the
inclined plane
denominator in the RHS is max.
Sum up forces normal to the incline
N2=10cos30∘=8.66 kN
For RHS denominator will be max
Amount of friction
differentiate it then equate to zero
f2=μN2=0.20(8.66)=1.732 kN
Sum up forces parallel to the incline
T=f2+10sin30∘
T=1.732+10sin30∘
T=6.732 kN

Amount of friction Sum up horizontal forces

f1=μN1=0.20(30−Psinα) Pcosα=f1+T
f1=6−0.20Psinα Pcosα=(6−0.20Psinα)+6.732