Moment of Force

Moment of Force
• The moment of a force about an axis or line is
the measure of its ability to produce turning or
twisting about the axis.
• The magnitude of the moment of a force about
an axis which is perpendicular to a plane
containing the line of action of the force is
defined as the product of the force and the
perpendicular distance from the axis to the
line of action of the force.
Moment of Force

𝑀=𝐹 ∙𝑑
•  
Moment of Force
• Units and Signs:
Units of moment is correspondingly the product of
the dimension of units of force and distance
(N – m, kN – m , lb – ft , kips – ft)
Since a force can cause rotation about an axis in
either of two directions, a convention is necessary to
describe the direction of rotation.
Clockwise (+) positive
Counter-clockwise ( - ) negative
The Principle of Moments: Varignon’s
Theorem
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Sample Problem

1. Compute the moment of force about point O

Sample Problem

2. In the figure, assuming clockwise moments as

positive, compute the moment of force, F =
450kN and of force P = 361kN about points A,
B, C and D.
Sample Problem

3. In each case, determine the moment of the

force about point O.
Sample Problem

4. A force P passing through points A and B has

a clockwise moment of 300 ft-lb about O.
Compute the value of P