20CEG01 Engineering

Mechanics

– 16 Marks

Prepared by
M. Sundra Pandian, M.E., M.B.A.,
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology,
Coimbatore - 10
 Course Objective

The objective of this course is to predict the

effect of force and motion while carrying out
the creative design functions of engineering.
 Course Outcome
Upon the completion of the course, the students will have the:

CO1: Ability to describe position, forces, and moments in terms of

vector components in two and three dimensions
CO2: Ability to select suitable reference coordinate axes, construct
free body diagrams, and understand the relation between constraints
imposed by supports and support forces
CO3: Ability to formulate static equilibrium equations for a rigid
body and evaluate forces and moments in 2D and 3D structures
 Course Outcome
Upon the completion of the course, the students will have the:

CO4: Ability to calculate centroid and moment of inertia to analyze

engineering problems
CO5: Ability to apply friction laws to solve engineering problems
and to determine kinetic and kinematic parameters of the rigid bodies
subjected to concurrent coplanar forces by using various methods
 Syllabus
Module I - Basics and Statics of Particles

Introduction - Units and Dimensions - Laws of Mechanics -

Lami’s theorem, Parallelogram and triangular Law of forces -
Vectorial representation of forces - Vector operations of forces -
additions, subtraction, dot product, cross product - Coplanar Forces -
rectangular components -Equilibrium of a particle - Forces in space -
Equilibrium of a particle in space - Equivalent systems of forces -
Principle of transmissibility.
 Syllabus

Module 2 – Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies

Free body diagram - Types of supports - Action and reaction forces
- stable equilibrium - Moments and Couples - Moment of a force about
a point and about an axis - Vectorial representation of moments and
couples - Scalar components of a moment - Varignon’s theorem -
Single equivalent force - Equilibrium of Rigid bodies in two
dimensions - Equilibrium of Rigid bodies in three dimension.
 Syllabus
Module 3 – Properties of Surfaces and Solids
Centroids and center of mass - Centroids of lines and areas -
Rectangular, circular, triangular areas by integration - T section, I
section, - Angle section, Hollow section by using standard formula -
Theorems of Pappus - Area moments of inertia of plane areas -
Rectangular, circular, triangular areas by integration - T section, I
section, Angle section, Hollow section by using standard formula -
Parallel axis theorem and perpendicular axis theorem - Principal
moments of inertia of plane areas - Principal axes of inertia - Mass
moment of inertia - mass moment of inertia for prismatic, cylindrical
and spherical solids from first principle - Relation to area moments
of inertia.
 Syllabus

Module 4 - Friction
The Laws of Dry Friction. Coefficients of Friction, Angles of
Friction, Wedges, Wheel Friction. Rolling Resistance, Ladder
friction.
 Syllabus

Module 5 - Dynamics of Particles

Kinematics - Rectilinear Motion and Curvilinear Motion of
Particles. Kinetics- Newton’s Second Law of Motion -Equations of
Motions , Dynamic Equilibrium, Energy and Momentum Methods -
Work of a Force , Kinetic Energy of a Particle, Principle of Work and
Energy, Principle of Impulse and Momentum, Impact, Method of
Virtual Work - Work of a Force, Potential Energy, Potential Energy
and Equilibrium.
 Reference and Text Books
1. Beer, F. P., and Johnson Jr. E. R., “Vector Mechanics for
Engineers”, McGraw Hill, Year of publication: 2014.
2. Hibbeller, R.C and Ashok Gupta, “Engineering Mechanics:
Statics and Dynamics”, Pearson Education , 12th Edition , 2010.
3. Antony M. Bedford and Wellace Flower, “Engineering
Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics”, Pearson, 5th Edition, 2007.
4. Rajasekaran S and Sankarasubramanian G., “Engineering
Mechanics Statics and Dynamics”, Vikas Publishing House Pvt.
Ltd., 2011.
5. Kumar, K.L., “Engineering Mechanics”, Tata McGraw–Hill
Publishing Company, New Delhi 2011.
 Assessment
For Internal Marks, 40….

Content Weightage Nos. Marks

Test 10 1 10
Experiments - - -
Quiz 1 12 12
Assignment 4 2 8
Presentation 5 2 10
PBL - - -
Mini Project - - -
Total 40
 Introduction
What is Engineering Mechanics?
Mechanics can be defined as that science which describes and
predicts the conditions of bodies in rest or motion under the action of
forces.
 Classification of Engineering Mechanics
What the types of Engineering Mechanics?

Mechanics of
Rigid bodies Statics

Engineering
Mechanics Mechanics of
Deformable Dynamics
bodies

Mechanics of
Fluids
 Introduction
What the types of Engineering Mechanics?

Statics Dynamics

Deals with the behaviour of rigid Deals with the behaviour of rigid
bodies when a force is acting on a bodies when a force is acting on a
body at rest. body which is moving.
 Basic Concepts of Space, Time, Mass and Force

Spcae is the 3D representation of position of a point in all 3

directions viz. length, width and height.

X – Horizontal distance
(Length)
Y - Lateral distance
P (Width)
Z – Vertical distance
(Height)
z O – Origin(0,0,0)
(x,y,z) - Co-ordinates of
Point P
y O
x
 Basic Concepts of Space, Time, Mass and Force
Time is used to indicate an event along with the position.
For e.g. At what time of the stroke the fuel is ignited, For what
duration of time the temperature should be maintained for a heat
treatment process, etc.
 Basic Concepts of Space, Time, Mass and Force
Mass is used to characterize and compare bodies on the basis of
their densities and how tight the atoms and molecules are packed in a
specific volume.
Two bodies of the different masses, will be attracted by the earth
in different manner and they will also offer different to a change in
translational motion.
 Basic Concepts of Space, Time, Mass and Force
The ball and the feather experiment.
Assume a bowling ball and a feather, both dropped from same
height. Which one will hit the floor first?

A. Ball B. Feather C. Both D. None

Assume and redo the same experiment in a perfect vacuum chamber.
Now which will hit the floor first?

A. Ball B. Feather C. Both D. None

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E43-CfukEgs
 Basic Concepts of Space, Time, Mass and Force

Force represents the action of one body on another.

It can be exerted by actual contact or at a distance, as in the case
of gravitational forces and magnetic forces.

A force is characterized by its point of

application , its magnitude , and its direction.. So a force is
represented by a vector.
 Basic Concepts of Space, Time, Mass and Force

A particle is a very small amount of matter which may be

assumed to occupy a single point in space.
A rigid body is a combination of a large number of particles
occupying fixed positions with respect to each other.
The study of the mechanics of particles is obviously a
prerequisite to that of rigid bodies.
Besides, the results obtained for a particle can be used directly in
a large number of problems dealing with the conditions of rest or
motion of actual bodies.
 Fundamental Principles

The 6 fundamental principles governing the study of elementary

mechanics are:
1. The Parallelogram Law for the Addition of Forces
2. The Principle of Transmissibility

Newton’s Three Fundamental Laws

3. Newton’s First Law
4. Newton’s Second Law
5. Newton’s Third law
6. Newton’s Law of Gravitation
The Parallelogram Law for the Addition of Forces

This states that two forces acting on a particle may be replaced

by a single force, called their resultant , obtained by drawing the
diagonal of the parallelogram which has sides equal to the given
forces.

O
C

B
 The Principle of Transmissibility

This states that the conditions of equilibrium or of motion of a

rigid body will remain unchanged if a force acting at a given point of
the rigid body is replaced by a force of the same magnitude and same
direction, but acting at a different point, provided that the two forces
have the same line of action.
A2
A
O2
O
A1

O1
 Newton’s First Law
If the resultant force acting on a particle is zero, the particle will
remain at rest (if originally at rest) or will move with constant speed
in a straight line (if originally in motion).
Newton’s Second Law
If the resultant force acting on a particle is not zero, the particle
will have an acceleration proportional to the magnitude of the
resultant and in the direction of this resultant force.
F=m.a
F
m m

a
 Newton’s Third Law

The forces of action and reaction between bodies in contact have

the same magnitude, same line of action, and opposite sense.

Action Reaction
 Newton’s Law of Gravitation
This states that two particles of mass M and m are mutually
attracted with equal and opposite forces F and -F of magnitude F
given by the formula
M
F = G . Mm r
m
r2
where r is the distance between the two particles
G is the universal constant called the constant of gravitation
 Newton’s Law of Gravitation
Applying the Newton’s 3rd law,

W = mg
where W is the Weight of the object
m is the mass and

g is the gravitational force ( a= acceleration due

to gravity)
W = 1 kg X 9.81 m/s 2
m = 1 kg
= 9.81 kg . m/s 2
W = 9.81 N
W = 9.81 N
g = 9.81 m / s where
2
N is Newton, Unit of Force
 Lame’s Theorem
When three forces acting at a point are in equilibrium, then
each force is proportional to the sine of the angle between the
other two forces.

B A Then according to Lame’s

 theorem,
Sin  / A = Sin  / B = Sin  / C
 

C
 System of Units

The International System of Units (SI) units are per the USA
system of units are as follows
Basic Unit
Length = Meter (m)

Mass = Kilogram (kg)

Time = Seconds (s)
Derived Unit
Force = Newton (N) { 1 N = 1 kg . m/s 2}
 mm
Units of Length

km

1 km = 1000 m = 10 3 m i.e., 1 m = 1/1000 km = 10 -3 km

1 m = 1000 mm = 10 3 mm i.e., 1 mm = 1/1000 m = 10 -3 m
\ 1 km = 1,000,000 mm = 10 6 mm

\ i.e., 1 mm = 1/1,000,000 = 10 -6 mm
Units of Length
Units of Time
1 Year = 12 months
1 Month = 28, 29, 30 or 31
Days
1 Year = 365 Days

1 Day = 24 Hours
1 Hour = 60 Minutes

1 Minute = 60 Seconds
1 Hour = 3600 Seconds
 Units of Area and Volume

The unit of Area is m 2

The unit of Volume of solid is m 3

The unit of Volume of liquid is liters, l

Units of Area and Volume
 SI Units
So one can write the following values in standard SI
unit as follows.

3.82 km = 3.82 X 10 3 m

47.2 mm = 47.2 X 10 -3 m
 Units Conversion
Linear Measurements

1 Foot = 1 ’ = 0.3048 m
1 Mile = 1 mi = 5280 ’ = 1609 m
1 Inch = 1 ” = 1/ 12 ’ = 0.0254 m = 25.4 mm

Weight Measurements
1 Pound = 1 lb. = 0.4536 kg
Force Measurements

W = m.g = 0.4536 X 9.807 = 4.448 N

 1 lb. = 4.448 N
Units Conversion
 Units Conversion
Linear Measurements

1 Foot = 1 ’ = 0.3048 m
1 Mile = 1 mi = 5280 ’ = 1609 m
1 Inch = 1 ” = 1/ 12 ’ = 0.0254 m = 25.4 mm

Weight Measurements
1 Pound = 1 lb. = 0.4536 kg
Force Measurements

W = m.g = 0.4536 X 9.807 = 4.448 N

 1 lb. = 4.448 N
 Force
As defined earlier, Force is the action of one body on another and
is generally characterized by its point of application, its magnitude,
and its direction.
Magnitude

Line of
Point of Action
N
Application 5k
30 °
A
Sense or
Direction
 Force
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 the force acts; it is characterized by the angle it forms with some
fixed axis.
The length of the line segment may be chosen to represent the
magnitude of the force.
Finally, the sense of the force should be indicated by an arrowhead.
 Force
The diagonal that passes through A represents the resultant.

This method for finding the resultant is known as the parallelogram

law for the addition of two forces.
 Vectors
The force, displacements, velocities, accelerations and moments
are few examples of physical quantities possessing magnitude and
direction that are added according to the parallelogram law.

All these quantities can be represented mathematically by vectors,

while those physical quantities which have magnitude but not
direction, such as volume, mass, or energy are represented by plain
numbers or scalars.
Vectors
 Determination of Resultant
Problem: The two forces P and Q act on a bolt A . Determine their
resultant. R
6 Cm
Q = 60 N
Q
25° P = 40 N
P
A 20°
 4 cm
A
Graphical Solution 1
• Draw forces P and Q according to certain scale
and complete the parallelogram.
• Join A and the opposite corner of the Parallel and
Scale name it as R, the resultant of P and Q.
1 cm = 10 N • Measure the force R and the angle .
• The length of force R multiplied by the scale
factor is the magnitude of the resultant and angle
 is the direction of it.
 Determination of Resultant
The two forces P and Q act on a bolt A . Determine their resultant.

Graphical Solution 2 Q
• Draw forces P and Q according to certain Q R
scale.
• Move Q and complete the triangle.
• Measure the angle and length of R, the P
resultant. 
A
 Determination of Resultant
The two forces P and Q act on a bolt A . Determine their resultant.

Graphical Solution 2 Q
• Draw forces P and Q according to certain Q R
scale.
• Move Q and complete the triangle.
• Measure the angle and length of R, the P
resultant. 
A
 Determination of Resultant
The two forces P and Q act on a bolt A . Determine their resultant.

C
Trigonometric Solution 180 25
• Two sides and included angle is =155° Q
R
known. Q 25°
• Apply the law of Cosines
25°
P B
20°
A
R2 = P2 + Q2 – 2PQ Cos B
= 402 + 602 - 2 x 40 x 60 Cos 155
= 1600 + 3600 – 4800 x (-0.906) R2 =
9548.8
R = 97.73 N
 Determination of Resultant
The two forces P and Q act on a bolt A . Determine their resultant.

Trigonometric Solution C
• Apply the law of Sines 155°
Q
Sin A = Sin B R
25°
BC AC 15.052°

Sin A = Sin B B
P
Q R 20°
A
i.e., Sin A = Q. Sin B / R
= 60 x Sin 155° / (97.73)
= 60 x 0.423 / 97.73
Sin A = 0.2597
A = Sin -1 (0.2597)
= 15.052°
 Angle of R = 20°+ 15.052° = 35.052 °
 Determination of Resultant
Problem: Two forces P and Q are applied as shown at point A of a
hook support. Knowing that P=75 N and Q=125 N, determine
graphically the magnitude and direction of their resultant using (a)
the parallelogram law and (b) the triangle rule.
 Determination of Resultant
Solution:
a) Parallelogram Law
• P = 75 N & Q = 125 N
• Let us assume a scale factor of 1 cm = 25 N
• So draw P for 3 cm and Q for 5 cm with their
respective angles.
• Complete the parallelogram and construct R.
• Measure the length of R and multiply it with
the scale factor of 1 cm = 25 N 20° 35°
• The value arrived is the magnitude of the
resultant R P  Q

• Measure the angle of resultant R from the

vertical axis and it gives the line of action and R
the direction of the resultant force.
• R = …. N @  = ….°
 Determination of Resultant
Solution:
a) Triangular Law
• P = 75 N & Q = 125 N
• Let us assume a scale factor of 1 cm = 25 N
• So draw P for 3 cm and Q for 5 cm with their
respective angles.
• Complete the triangle by moving the force P and
construct R.
• Measure the length of R and multiply it with the
scale factor of 1 cm = 25 N 20° 35°
Q
• The value arrived is the magnitude of the resultant
P 
R
• Measure the angle of resultant R from the vertical
axis and it gives the line of action and the R
direction of the resultant force. P
• R = …. N @  = ….°
 Determination of Resultant
Problem: The cable stays AB and AD help support pole AC. Knowing
that the tension is 120 lbs. in AB and 40 lbs. in AD, determine
graphically the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the forces
exerted by the stays at A.
A

10 ft.

B 8 ft. C 6 ft. D
 Determination of Resultant
Solution:
• Determine forces AB and AD using trigonometry.
A
A

1
10 ft.

B
10 ft.
8 ft. C

In triangle ABC,
Tan  1 = BC / AC
= 8/10 = 0.8
\  1 = Tan – 1 (0.8)
B 8 ft. C 6 ft. D = 38.660°
 Determination of Resultant
A
A

10 ft. 2

C D
10 ft.
6 ft.

In triangle ACD,
Tan  2 = CD / AC
= 6/10 = 0.6
\  2 = Tan – 1 (0.6)
6 ft. D
= 30.964°
B 8 ft. C
 Determination of Resultant
Solution – Triangular Law
• Construct the forces AB and AD with  1 A
= 38.660° &  2 = 30.964° to a suitable
scale, viz. 1 cm = 10 lbs.
• Construct the parallelogram of forces 1
2
• Construct R
• Measure the magnitude and convert it D
B
into force by multiplying back with the R 
scale factor of 1 cm = 10 lbs.
• Measure the angle to the vertical axis as
.

Answer:
Resultant, R =
Angle =
 Determination of Resultant
Problem: A barge is pulled by two tugboats. If the resultant of the
forces exerted by the tugboats is a 5 kN directed along the axis of
the barge, determine
a) the tension in each rope, if  = 45°
b) the value of  for which the tension in the rope 2 is
minimum.

Barge Tug Boat 1

o pe1
R
30°


Ro
pe
2
Tug Boat 2
Determination of Resultant
 Determination of Resultant
Solution
Case a) To determine the tensions in each rope,
if  = 45°
Graphical Solution
T1
• Draw the resultant force to a suitable scale 1
cm = 1 kN 30°
R = 5 kN
• This is the resultant of 5 kN of forces T 1 45°
and T2.
• Measure and correlate the resultant to T2

appropriate scale.
• Using the same scale, T1 and T2 are
measured and converted to equivalent
tensions as follows.
R = 5 kN, then
Tension in Rope 1, T1 = T1 * 5 kN / R &
Tension in Rope 2, T2 = T2 * 5 kN / R
 Determination of Resultant
Solution
Case a) the tension in each rope, if  = 45°
Trigonometric Solution
Applying the Sine Rule R = 5 kN
45°
30°
Sin 45° = Sin 30 ° = Sin 105 ° T2
105°

T1 T2 R T1
Sin 45° = Sin 105 °
T1 5000
i.e., T1 = 5000 * Sin 45 ° / Sin 105° = 5000 * 0.707 / 0.966
= 3659.42 N
IIIrly T1 = 5000 * Sin 30 ° / Sin 105°= 5000 * 0.5 / 0.966
= 2587.992 N
 Determination of Resultant
Solution
Case b) the tension T2 is min. then  = ?
R = 5 kN
Trigonometric Solution 2
30°
The resultant is represented by R,  = 60° 1’

& T1 is represented by 1- 1’. 2’

90°
For T2 to be min., the length of T2
2’ 2’
should be shortest. 1

For T2 (2 – 2’)to be shortest, it should be  to 1-1’.

Applying Sine Rule
Sin 30° = Sin 90°
T2 R
T2 = R x Sin 30° / Sin 90° = 5000 x 0.5/ 1 = 2500 N
&  = 60°
 Resolution of Forces
We have seen that two or more forces acting on a particle may be
replaced by a single force which has the same effect on the particle.

Conversely, a single force F acting on a particle may be replaced

by two or more forces which, together, have the same effect on the
particle.
These forces are called the components of the original force F,
and the process of substituting them for F is called resolving the force
F into components.
 Resolution of Forces
So in resolving a force F into ‘n’ no. of components, we can come
up many possible combinations of forces that result in the final force
F.

Each set of components of the final force, F (indicated by colour

pairs) yields the same resultant force.

F
 Resolution of Forces
There are two cases of interest in resolving a force F.

Case 1: One of the Two Components, P , Is Known.

The second component, Q , is obtained by applying the triangle
rule and joining the tip of P to the tip of F.
The magnitude and direction of Q are determined graphically or
by trigonometry.

Once Q has been determined, both components P and Q

should be applied at A .
 Resolution of Forces
Case 2: The Line of Action of Each Component Is Known.
The magnitude and sense of the components are obtained by
applying the parallelogram law and drawing lines, through the tip of
F , parallel to the given lines of action.

This process leads to two well-defined components, P and Q ,

which can be determined graphically or computed trigonometrically
by applying the law of sines.
 Resolution of Forces
Problem: The 300 N force is to be resolved into components along
lines a-a’ and b-b’. (a) Determine the angle  by trigonometry
knowing that the component along line a-a’ is to be 240 N. (b) What
is the corresponding value of the component along b-b’?

b’
300 N

 60°
a a’

b
 Resolution of Forces
Solution:
• With a suitable scale factor of b1 ’
1cm = 60 N, reconstruct the b’
force diagram. 5cm
• So The Resultant 300N and the
a-a’ component 240 N are drawn 60°  60°
b1
accordingly. a a’ b
4 cm
• Now the b-b’ is moved to new
b1-b1’ as shown.
• Duplicate a-a’ & b-b’ as shown.

• Measure the line b1-b1’ and ,

multiply it with the scale factor
of 1 cm = 60 N. This is the
magnitude of the second
component along b-b’
 To find the angle ‘’
• The angle at b1’ is (180 – (60+)
= 120 -  b1 ’
b’
• Applying the Sine rule
6 cm
Sin 60° / a’-b1’
= Sin (120- ) / a-a’ 60° 
• 0.866 / 6 b1 60°
= Sin (120- ) / 5 a 5 cm a’ b
• Sin (120- ) / 5 = 0.866 / 6
• Sin (120- ) = 5 x 0.866 / 6 = 0.722
• 120-  = Sin -1 (0.722)

• 120-  = 46.220
• 120 – 46.220 = 
•  = 73.78°
 To find the force component b - b’
• Now apply law of Cosines
• B2 = A2 + R2 – 2. A. R. Cos  b1 ’
• B2 = A2 + R2 – 2. A. R. Cos 73.78°
• B2 =42 + 52 – 2 x 4 x 5 x 0.279 B R = 6 cm
• B2 = 16 + 25 – 11.16
• B2 = 29.84 60° 
b1
• B = 29.84 a A = 5 cm a’
• B = 5.462 cm
• B = 5.462 x 60 N
• B = 327.72 N
Answer:
a)  = 76.78 °
b) Magnitude of component along b –
b’ = 327.72 N
 Resolution of Forces
Problem: A trolley that moves along a horizontal beam is acted upon

by two forces as shown. (a) Knowing that  = 25°, determine by

trigonometry the magnitude of the force P so that the resultant force
exerted on the trolley is vertical. (b) What is the corresponding
magnitude of the resultant?
 Resolution of Forces
Solution:
Case a) Given  = 25° and the resultant, F
should be vertically down.
• Construct the force diagram using the
triangular law of forces with a suitable
scale of 1 cm = 400 N.
• So 1600 N = 1600 / 400 = 4 cm
15°
• Draw force P at 25° from the tip of the 4 cm

above force, so it touches the vertical line.

• The vertical line is assumed to be the
25° F
resultant F.
• Measure the length of force P & resultant
F and multiply with the scale factor of 400
N.
P
 Resolution of Forces
Answer:
• Case a) P = …… N
• Case b) F = …… N

15°
4 cm

25° F

P
 Resolution of Forces – Rectangular Components

The force F is resolved into a component F x along the x

axis and a component F y along the y axis.

The parallelogram drawn to obtain the two components

is a rectangle , and F x and F y are called rectangular
components.
 Rectangular Components
The force F can be resolved into two rectangular scalar
components Fx and Fy and when multiplied by unit vectors
I along x-axis and j along y-axis, the Force F can be written
as

F = Fx . i + Fy . j

And the scalar components are

calculated as
Fx = F . Cos  &
Fy = F . Sin 
 Rectangular Components
Problem: A force of 800 N is exerted on a bolt A as shown. Determine
the horizontal and vertical components of the force.
 Rectangular Components
Solution:
• While computing the forces sense or direction of force is to be
mentioned clearly as + ive or – ive.
• W.k.t., Fx = F . Cos 
• W.k.t., Fx = 800 . Cos 35°
• Fx = 800 x 0.819
• Fx = 655.2 N
• Since Fx is in the negative X axis Fy = 459.2 N

• Fx = - 655.2 N
F = 800 N
• W.k.t., Fy = 800 . Sin 35°
• Fx = 800 x 0.574
35°
• Fx = 459.2 N
• So we can write F = Fx .i + Fy.j Fx = - 655.2 N

• i.e., F = - 655.2 i + 459.2 j

 Rectangular Components
Problem: A man pulls with a force of 300 N on a rope attached to a
building, as shown. What are the horizontal and vertical components
of the force exerted by the rope at point A ?
 Rectangular Components
Solution:
Method 1:
• W.k.t., F = Fx . Cos  + Fy . Sin 
• To determine , we must know the
length of the rope.
• To determine , we must know the
length of the rope.
• By applying Pythagoras Theorem 8m
A C
• AB2 = BC 2 + CA 2
• AB2 = 6 2 + 8 2 = 36 + 64 = 100 6m
?
• AB =  100 = 10 m

B
 Rectangular Components
Solution:
Method 1:
A + Fx 8m C
• W.k.t Sin  = BC / AB = 6/10 = 0.6
 +x
• W.k.t., F = Fx Cos  + Fy Sin 
• & Cos  = AC / AB = 8/10 = 0.8 - Fy
?
• Wkt., Fx = F . Cos  & Fy = F. Sin  6m

• Fx = 300 x (AC/AB)
• Fx = 300 x (8/10) = 300 x 0.8 B
-y
• Fx = + 240 N
• Fy = F. Sin 
• Fy = 300 x (BC/AB)
• Fy = 300 x (6/10) = 300 x 0.6
• Fy = - 180 N
 Rectangular Components
Solution:
Method 1:
A + Fx 8m C
• Sin  = BC/ AB  +x

= 6 / 10 = 0.6 - Fy
•  = Sin -1 0.6 = 36.87° ?
6m

B
-y
 Rectangular Components
Solution:
Method 2:
A + Fx 8m C
• From  ABC, Tan = BC / AC
+x
• Tan = 6 / 8 = 0.75 
- Fy
• = Tan -1 ( 0.750 )
F
6m
•  = 36.87°
• W.k.t Applying Pythagoras Theorem
B
• F =  (Fx + Fy )
2 2 -y

• F =  (2402 + (-180) 2)
• F =  (57600 + 32400)
• F =  (90000)
• F = 300 N (Just rechecking the values of Fx and Fy)
• F = Fx.i + Fy. J = 180 i – 240 j
 Rectangular Components
Problem: A force F = (700 lb) i + (1500 lb) j is applied to an object at
A. Determine the magnitude of the force and the angle  it forms with
the horizontal.
 Rectangular Components
Solution:
+Y
• W.k.t Tan  = Opp. Side / Adj. Side
• i.e., Tan  = 1500 / 700 = 2.143
•  = Tan -1 (2.143) = 64.985° = 65°

Fy = 1500

Fy = 1500
F
• F can be calculated by either one of the
formula
• F =  (Fx 2 + Fy 2) or Fx =F . Cos  

• Or F = Fx / Cos  Fx = 700 +X

• F = 700 / Cos 65 °
• F = 700 / 0.423
• F = 1654.846 N  1655 N or 1.655 kN
 Many Forces Acting on an Object
If many forces are acting on an object, all the forces are resolved
into their respective rectangular components.

The sum of all horizontal components will be the horizontal

component of the resultant force Fx and sum of all the vertical
components will be the vertical component of the resultant Fy.
For e.g. R = P + Q + S
i.e., Rx = Px + Qx + Sx &
Ry = Py + Qy + Sy
Many Forces Acting on an Object

Rx = Px + Qx + (-Sx) => Rx =  Fx
Ry = Py + (-Qy) + Sy => Ry =  Fy
 Resultant of Multiple Forces acting on an Object

Problem: Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant

force for the component as shown.
 Resultant of Multiple Forces acting on an Object
Solution:
• Each force is resolved into their rectangular components as
shown.
+y
• Wkt.,

Fx = F Cos  120 N

Fy = F Sin 
150 N Fy = 80 Sin 40°
120 Sin 70° 80 N

150 Sin 35°

30°
35° 40° Fx = 80 Cos 40°
-x +x
150 Cos 35° 120 Cos 70°
-y
 Resultant of Multiple Forces acting on an Object
Solution:
• The components,

Rx =  Fx and Ry =  Fy
+
y
Rx = 80 Cos 40 ° + 120 Cos 70 ° - 150 Cos 35°
120 N

Rx = (80 x 0.766) + (120 x 0.342)

150 N
120 Sin 70° 80 Sin 40° 80 N

- (150 x 0.819) 150 Sin 35°

30°

= 61.28 N -
35° 40°
80 Cos 40°
+
x - 150 Cos 120 Cos 70° x
-
Ry = 80 Sin 40 ° + 120 Sin 70 ° + 150 Sin 35° 35°
y

Ry = (80 x 0.643) + (120 x 0.940) + (150 x 0.574) = 250.34 N

 Resultant of Multiple Forces acting on an Object
Solution:
• Now, The angle , Resultant R is computed as follows.
• Tan  = Ry / Rx

= 250.34 / 61.28
Tan  = 4.085

  = Tan -1 (4.085)
= 76.25°

Answer:
Rx = 61.28 N, Ry = 250.34 N &  = 76.25°
 Problems for Practice
Problem: The hydraulic cylinder BD exerts on member ABC a
force P directed along line BD. Knowing that P must have a 750-
N component perpendicular to member ABC, determine (a) the
magnitude of the force P,
(b) its component parallel to ABC.
 Problems for Practice
Solution:
Let us construct the forces geometrically.

A
B

Sum of all angles in

180° - (120 ° +40 °) = 20 °
a triangle is 180°
60°
P
C
120° (180 ° – 60 °)
50° 40° (90 ° – 50 °)

D
 Problems for Practice
Solution:
Let us construct the forces geometrically.

A
N B

Px
750

90°- 20° 20 °
=

= 70°
Py

60°
P
Px C

50°
D
 Problems for Practice
Solution:
Compute the angles for the force triangle formed Px, Py and P and
then using Sine law, determine P and Px.
 Equilibrium
When the resultant of all the forces acting on a particle is zero,
the particle is in equilibrium.
A particle which is acted upon by two forces will be in
equilibrium, if a) the two forces have the same magnitude and the
same line of action but opposite sense
b) Thus the resultant R of the given system of forces
is zero the particle is in equilibrium.
 Equilibrium
Calculating the resultant of the given force system
 Equilibrium
Newton’s First Law states that if the resultant force acting on a
particle is zero, the particle will remain at rest (if originally at rest) or
will move with constant speed in a straight line (if originally in
motion).
From this law and from the definition of equilibrium, it is seen
that a particle in equilibrium either is at rest or is moving in a straight
line with constant speed.
 Equilibrium
A sketch showing the physical conditions of the problem is
known as a SPACE DIAGRAM.

On the other hand, choosing a significant particle and drawing a

separate diagram showing this particle and all the forces acting on it,
is called a FREE-BODY DIAGRAM.
 Equilibrium
Problem: In a ship-unloading operation, a 3500 N automobile is
supported by a cable. A rope is tied to the cable at A and pulled in
order to center the automobile over its intended position. The angle
between the cable and the vertical is 2°, while the angle between the
rope and the horizontal is 30°. What is the tension in the rope?
 Equilibrium
Solution:
Let us construct the free body dia.

2°

TAB
Now let us construct the force triangle.
A
30°

TAC
WC = 2°
WC = 3500 N TAB
3500 N

90 + 30 =
120°
TAC
 Equilibrium
Solution:
The tension in rope TAC is calculated with either B
graphically( if the force triangle is constructed as
per scale) or by applying the Law of Sines.
2°
According to Law of Sines,
WC = 3500 N
Sin 120° / TAB = Sin 58° / Wc TAB
Sin 120° x Wc = Sin 58° xTAB
TAB = (Sin 120° x WC) / Sin 58° 180 –
90 + 30
= (0.866 x 3500) / 0.848 = 120° (120+2)
A = 58°
= 3574 N TAC C
Similaryly
Sin 2° / TAC = Sin 58° / Wc
Sin 2° x Wc = Sin 58° x TAC
 Equilibrium
Solution:
Sin 2° x Wc = Sin 58° x TAC B
TAC = (Sin 2° x Wc ) / Sin 58°
= (0.035 x 3500) / 0.848 2°
= 144.458 N WC = 3500 N
TAB
Answer:
The tension in rope TAC = 144.458 N 90 + 30 180 –
= 120° (120+2)
A = 58°
TAC C
 Equilibrium
Problem:

Determine the magnitude and direction of the smallest force F

which will maintain the package shown in equilibrium. Note that the
force exerted by the rollers on the package is perpendicular to the
incline.
 Equilibrium
Solution:
W.k.t., Weight of package,
W = Mass * Acceleration
= 30 kg x 9.81m/s2
= 294.3N
Let us construct the free body dia. and force dia.

Let us construct the force triangle

15°
F
?°
90°
F
15°
W
P
15° P
15°

W
 Equilibrium
Solution:
F
Applying the Pythagoras theorem,
75°
Ry = R . Sin 
90°
W.k.t., Sin 15° = Opp Side / Hypotenuse
W
=F/W
P
i.e., F = W x Sin 15° 15°
= 294.3 x 0.259
= 76.23N N

W
Answer:
Force, F = 76.23N N

F
90°
15°
Angle of force,  = 15°

P
 Equilibrium
Problem:
Knowing that  = 20°, determine the tension
a) in cable AC and b) in rope BC.
 Equilibrium
Solution:
Let us construct the force diagram
A

5°

C
 = 20°

W=1200 lbs.
 Equilibrium
Solution: A

Let us construct the force triangle 5°

C
5°  = 20°

W=1200 lbs.

W=1200 lbs.

a = 90+20= 110° 180 – (110 + 5)

B = 65°
C

Applying the law of Sines

Sin 110° / AC = Sin 5° / BC = Sin 65° / AB
Let us consider Equilibrium
Sin B / AC = Sin C / AB A
Sin 110° / AC = Sin 65° / 1200
5°
 AC = (Sin 110° / Sin 65° ) * 1200
= (0.940 /0.906)*1200 W=1200 lbs.

= 1245.033 N
Similarly let us take the equation a = 90+20= 110° 180 – (110 + 5)
= 65°
Sin A / BC = Sin C/ AB B
C

Sin 5° / BC = Sin 65° / 1200

\ BC = (Sin 5° / Sin 65°) * 1200
= (0.087 / 0.906) * 1200 =
115.232 N

Answer:
a) Tension or Force in cable AC= 1245.033 N
b) Tension or Force in rope BC = 115.232 N
 Equilibrium
Problem:
Collar A is connected as shown to a 50 N load and can slide on a
frictionless horizontal rod. Determine the magnitude of the force P
required to maintain the equilibrium of the collar when (a) x = 4.5
cm , (b) x = 15 cm.
 Equilibrium
Solution:
Let us construct the free body dia.

W 20

P
B C

x
 Equilibrium
Solution:
Let us construct the Force triangle

B B

W 20

W 20
P
A C
x

A C
P

x
 Equilibrium
B
Solution:
Case a: x = 4.5 cm
W 20
Tan B = AC / BC = x / 20
= 4.5 / 20 = 0.225
Tan B = 0.225 A C
P
Þ B = Tan-1 0.225 = 12.68° = 13° x
Þ A = 180° - (B + C)
= 180° - (13° + 90° )
= 180° - 103°
= 77°
 Equilibrium
Solution:
Applying Sine law,
Sin B / AC = Sin A / BC
Sin B * AC = Sin A * BC
i.e., AC = (Sin B / Sin A) * BC [ BC is the W and not 20 cm]
= (Sin 13° / Sin 77° ) * lb.
B
P = (0.225 / 0.974) * 50 lb.
W = 50N
Force P = 11.550
Similarly, find P for x = 15 cm 20

Answer:
A P C
a) When x = 4.5 cm, P = 11.550 N
x
b) When x = 15 cm, P = ……. N (37.66 N)
 Syllabus

Module I - Mechanics and its relevance, concepts of forces, laws of

mechanics – Force and Force Systems - parallelogram law – Resultant
forces - Composition of forces - Concept of free-body diagram –
Solutions to practical problems related to various components and
element in machines and buildings.