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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Equilibrium of a particle
Chapter 3

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Contents

Equilibrium of a Particle
Free-Body Diagrams
Sample Problem 2.4
Sample Problem 2.6
Examples

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Introduction
The objective for the current chapter is to investigate the effects of forces
on particles:

- Introduce the concept of free-body diagram for a particle.

- relations between forces acting on a particle that is in a
state of equilibrium.
The focus on particles does not imply a restriction to miniscule bodies.
Rather, the study is restricted to analysis in which the size and shape of
the bodies is not significant so that all forces may be assumed to be
applied at a single point.

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Equilibrium of a Particle
When the resultant of all forces acting on a particle is zero, the particle is
in equilibrium.
Newtons First Law: If the resultant force on a particle is zero, the particle will
remain at rest or will continue at constant speed in a straight line.

Particle acted upon by

two forces:
- equal magnitude
- same line of action
- opposite sense

Particle acted upon by three or more forces:

- graphical solution yields a closed polygon
- algebraic solution

R F 0

Fx 0

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Fy 0
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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Free-Body Diagrams

Space Diagram: A sketch showing

the physical conditions of the
problem.

Free-Body Diagram: A sketch showing

only the forces on the selected particle.

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Example

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Coplanar Force System

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Problem 2.44 (also see Sample Problems 2.4-2.6 in the text)
Knowing that = 55, determine the tension in bar AC and in rope BC.

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Problem 2.51
Two forces P and Q are applied as shown to an aircraft
connection. Knowing that the connection is in equilibrium and
that P = 400 lb and Q = 520 lb, determine the magnitudes of the
forces exerted on the rods A and B.

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Springs

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Pulleys
Pulleys
Ideal pulleys simply change the direction of a force.
The tension on each side of an ideal pulley is the same.
The tension is the same everywhere in a given rope or cable if ideal pulleys are used.
In a later chapter non-ideal pulleys are introduced (belt friction and bearing friction).
Example
Determine the tension T required to
support the 100 lb block shown below.

50 lb

Horizontal
force

Vertical
force
50 lb

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Pulleys
Example: (Problem 6-68 in Statics, 9th Ed. by Hibbeler) Determine the force P needed to
support the 100-lb weight. Each pulley has a weight of 10 lb. Also, what are the cord
reactions at A and B?

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Problem 2.70
A 350-lb load is supported by the rope-and-pulley arrangement shown.
Knowing that = 35, determine:
a) The angle
b) The magnitude of the force P which should be exerted on the free end of
the rope to maintain equilibrium. (Hint: The tension is the same on either
side of an ideal pulley).

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Examples

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Examples

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Equilibrium in Space
Equilibrium of a particle in space
If an object in is equilibrium and if the problem is represented in three dimensions,
then the relationship F = 0 can be expressed as:

Fx = 0
Fy = 0
Fz = 0

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Example

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Example

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Example

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Example

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Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Problem 2.103
Three cables are used to tether a balloon as shown. Determine
the vertical force P exerted by the balloon at A knowing that the
tension in cable AB is 60 lb.

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