MOMENT OF A COUPLE

The moment produced by two equal, opposite, and

noncollinear forces is called a couple. Couples have certain
unique properties and have important applications in mechanics

These two forces cannot be combined into a

single force because their sum in every direction is
zero. Their only effect is to produce a tendency of
rotation.

Scalar Formulation:
The moment of a couple is defined as having a
magnitude of

Vector Formulation:
The moment of a couple is defined as having a
magnitude of
Resultant Couple Moment
Since couple moments are vectors, their resultant can
determined by vector addition.
EXAMPLE 1
Determine the resultant couple moment of the three
couples acting on the plate.
EXAMPLE 2
Determine the magnitude and direction of the couple
moment acting on the gear.
FBD
RESULTANTS
The resultant of a system forces is the simplest force
combination which can replace the original forces without altering
the external effect on the rigid body to which the forces are
applied.

Equilibrium of a body is the condition in which the

resultant of all forces acting on the body is zero.
This process is summarized in equation from by
EXAMPLE 3
Determine the resultant of the four forces and one couple
which act on the plate shown.
use point O as reference

+¿
 we are now going to determine the final line of action of R
such that R alone represents the original system

Hence, the resultant R may be applied at any point on the line

which makes a angle with the x-axis and is tangent at point A to a
circle of 1.6-m radius with center O.

The resultant R may also be located by determining its

intercept distance b to point C on the x-axis
 A more formal approach in determining the final line of
action of R is to use the vector expression.

where is a position vector running from point O to any

point on the line of action R. substituting the vector expressions of
r, R, and and applying cross product.

then the desired line of action is given by

by setting , we obtain