RESULTANT OF CONCURRENT FORCES

Numerical 2

Find out the direction and the magnitude of the resultant force for the following set of the forces
acting on a body :

210 N inclined 30⁰ with east towards south

280 N towards the north

320 N in the north west and

340 N inclined at an angle of 40⁰ with the west towards south.

After analyzing the above given forces and the angles we can draw the force system as shown
below:

First of all we will resolve all the forces along the x – direction

∑ Fx = 210 cos 30⁰ + 280 cos 90⁰ + 320 cos 135⁰ + 340 cos 220⁰

= 210 * 0.866 + 280 * 0 + 320 * ( - .707 ) + 340 * ( - .766 )

= 181.86 + 0 + ( - 226.24 ) + ( - 260.45)

= - 305.69 N ( along the direction ox’ )

Now resolving the forces along y – direction

∑ Fy = 210 sin 30⁰ + 280 sin 90⁰ + 310 sin 135⁰ + 340 sin 220⁰

= 210 * 0.5 + 280 * 1 + 310 * .707 + 340 * ( - 0.6427 )

= 105 + 280 + 219.17 + ( - 218.5 )

= 385 + 0.67

= 385.67 N ( along the direction oy )

Now the magnitude of the resultant will be calculated as follows :

R = square root (( ∑ Fx )2 + (∑ Fy )2)

R = square root ((-305.69)2 + (385.67)2)

R = square root ((93446.3761) + (148741.3489))

R = √242187.725

R = 492.1257 N

As the ∑ Fx is negative whereas ∑ Fy is positive this implies that the resultant of these forces lies
in the second quadrant and let it is inclined at an angle θ’ with ox’. Then the θ will be calculated
as:

tan θ’ = ∑ Fy / ∑ Fx

tan θ’ = 385.67 / ( -305.69 )

tan θ’ = -1.2616

θ’ = tan-1 ( -1.2616 )

θ’ = -51.59⁰

Hence the inclination of the resultant with ox will be calculated as:

θ = 180⁰ - 51.59⁰

θ = 128.41°
Hence for keeping the body in equilibrium an equal and opposite force will be required.
Therefore the equilibrant will have a magnitude 492.1257 N and will be inclined at an angle of
51.59° to the x – axis ( in the fourth quadrant ) and is opposite to the resultant. Both the resultant
and the equilibrant are illustrated in the figure shown below:
Numerical 3

Find out the direction and magnitude of the resultant force for the four forces acting on the body
as shown in the figure below:

Inclination of the force having magnitude 2 kN with ox’ will be tan-1 (1 / 2) = 26.56°

Similarly the inclination of the force having magnitude 5 kN with the oy’ will be tan-1 (5 / 12) =
22.62°

Now let us measure all the angles from the axis o – x and in the anticlockwise direction, then the
inclination of the different forces will be as shown in the figure below:
Now resolving all the forces in the horizontal direction , we will obtain

∑ Fx = P1 * cos θ1 + P2 * cos θ2 + P3 * cos θ3 + P4 * cos θ4

= 3.5 * cos30⁰ + 2 * cos153.44⁰ + 1.8 * cos240⁰ + 4 * cos292.62⁰

= 3.5 * 0.866 + 2 * (- 0.8944) + 1.8 * (- 0.5) + 4 * (0.3846)

= 3.031 + (- 1.7888) + (- 0.9) + 1.5384

= 4.5694 – 2.6888

= 1.8806 kN

Let us now resolve all the forces in the vertical direction, we will obtain

∑ Fy = P1 * sin θ1 + P2 * sin θ2 + P3 * sin θ3 + P4 * sin θ4

= 3.5 * sin30⁰ + 2 * sin153.44⁰ + 1.8 * sin240⁰ + 4 * sin292.62⁰

= 3.5 * 0.5 + 2 * 0.447 + 1.8 * (- 0.866) + 4 * (- 0.923)

=1.75 + 0.894 + (- 1.5588) + (- 3.692)

= 2.644 – 5.2508

= -2.6068 kN

Now the magnitude of the resultant will be calculated as follows

R = square root ((∑ Fx )2 + (∑ Fy)2)

R = square root ((1.8806 )2 + (- 2.6068 )2)

R = square root (3.5366 + 6.7954)

R = square root (10.3320)

R = 3.214 kN

And let the inclination of the resultant with the horizontal is θ and it will be calculated as below:

tan θ = ∑ Fy / ∑ Fx

tan θ = -2.6068 / 1.8806

tan θ = -1.3861

θ = tan-1 (-1.3861)

θ = -54.19°

Hence the resultant of the four forces acting on the body is 3.214 kN and inclined at an angle of
54.19 with the horizontal (in the fourth quadrant ).
Numerical 4

Calculate the resultant of the forces 3 , √5 , 4 , √5 and 3 N which act at an angular point of a
rectangular hexagon towards the other angular points taken in order.

Let ABCDEF be the regular hexagon with A as the angular point on which the forces are acting.
The force are

3 N along AB

√5 along AC

4 N along AD

√5 along AE

3 N along AF

We know that the sum of the interior angles of a regular polygon = (2n – 4) right angles

Where n is the number of edges in the regular polygon.

Therefore , for a hexagon we have n = 6 and hence the sum of the interior angles = (2 * 6 – 4) *
90 = 720⁰

Value of each of the interior angle is 720⁰/6 = 120⁰

Since the included angle of the regular hexagon is 120⁰, the angular position of these forces will
be indicated as in the figure above shown.

Now resolving all the forces along AX that is, horizontally

∑ Fx = 3 + √5 * cos 30° + 4 * cos 60° + √5 * cos 90° + 3 * cos 120°

= 3 + √5 * 0.866 + 4 * 0.5 + √5 * 0 + 3 * (- 0.5)

= 3 + 1.936 + 2 + 0 + (- 1.5)

= 6.936 – 1.5

= 5.436 N

Now let us resolve all the forces along AY that is, vertically

∑Fy = √5 * sin 30° + 4 * sin 60° + √5 * sin 90° + 3 * sin 120°

= √5 * 0.5 + 4 * 0.866 + √5 * 1 + 3 * 0.866

=1.118 + 3.464 +2.236 + 2.598

= 4.574 + 4.834

= 9.408 N

The magnitude of the resultant will be calculated as follows

R = square root ((∑ Fx )2 + (∑ Fy )2)

R = square root ((5.436)2 + (9.408 )2)

R = square root ((29.55 ) + (88.51))

R = square root (118.06)

R = 10.86 N

The calculation of the inclination of the resultant with the horizontal will be done as follows

tan θ = ∑ Fy / ∑ Fx

tan θ = 9.408 / 5.436

tan θ = 1.73
θ = tan-1 (1.73)

θ = 59.97⁰

Hence the magnitude of the resultant is 10.86 N and it is inclined at an angle 59.97⁰ with the
horizontal.
EQUILIBRIUM OF CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM

Problem 312
Determine the magnitude of P and F necessary to keep the concurrent force system in Fig. P-312
in equilibrium.

Solution 312

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ΣFH=0

Fcos60∘+200cos45∘=300+Pcos30∘

F=317.16+1.7320P

ΣFV=0

Fsin60∘=200sin45∘+Psin30∘

(317.16+1.7320P)sin60∘=200sin45∘+Psin30∘

274.67+1.5P=141.42+0.5P

P=−133.25 N
 answer

F=317.16+1.7320(−133.25)

F=86.37 N

answer

Problem 313
Figure P-313 represents the concurrent force system acting at a joint of a bridge truss. Determine
the value of P and E to maintain equilibrium of the forces.

Solution 313

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ΣFx=0

Fcos60∘+300=Pcos15∘+400cos30∘

F=1.9318P+92.82
ΣFy=0

Fsin60∘+Psin15∘=200+400sin30∘

(1.9318P+92.82)sin60∘+Psin15∘=200+400sin30∘

1.6730P+80.38+0.2588P=200+200

1.9318P=319.62

P=165.45 lb

answer

F=1.9318(165.45)+92.82

F=412.44 lb

Answer
Problem 315
The 300-lb force and the 400-lb force shown in Fig. P-315 are to be held in equilibrium by a
third force F acting at an unknown angle θ with the horizontal. Determine the values of F and θ.

Solution 315

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By Cosine Law
F2=4002+3002−2(400)(300)cos30∘

F2=42153.90 lb

F=205.31 lb

answer

4002=3002+F2−2(300F)cosθ

2(300F)cosθ=3002+F2−4002

600(205.31)cosθ=3002+42153.90−4002

123186cosθ=−27846.1
cosθ=−0.2260446244

θ=103.06∘

answer

The correct position of F would be as shown below.

Problem 316
Determine the values of α and θ so that the forces shown in Fig. P-316 will be in equilibrium.

Solution 316

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By Cosine Law
302=202+402−2(20)(40)cosα

2(20)(40)cosα=202+402−302
1600cosα=1100

cosα=0.6875

α=46.57∘

answer

202=302+402−2(30)(40)cosθ

2(30)(40)cosθ=302+402−202

2400cosθ=2100

cosθ=0.875

θ=28.96∘

answer
Problem 319
Cords are loop around a small spacer separating two cylinders each weighing 400 lb and pass, as
shown in Fig. P-319 over a frictionless pulleys to weights of 200 lb and 400 lb .

Determine the angle θ and the normal pressure N between the cylinders and the smooth
horizontal surface.
Solution 319

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ΣFH=0

400cosθ=200

cosθ=0.5

θ=60∘

answer
ΣFV=0

N+400sinθ=800

N+400sin60∘=800

N=453.59 lb

Answer
MOMENT OF A FORCE
Problem 233
In Fig. P-231, a force P intersects the X axis at 4 ft to the right of O. If its moment about A is 170
ft·lb counterclockwise and its moment about B is 40 ft·lb clockwise, determine its y intercept.

Solution 233

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Resolve force P into components at its x-intercept
MB=40

2Py=40

Py=20 lb

MA=170

3Px+4Py=170

3Px+4(20)=170

Px=30 lb

Resolve force P into components at its y-intercept

MA=170
(3+b)Px=170

(3+b)(30)=170

b=83

Thus, y intercept of force P is (0, -8/3). answer

Problem 227
Two forces P and Q pass through a point A which is 4 m to the right of and 3 m above a moment
center O. Force P is 890 N directed up to the right at 30° with the horizontal and force Q is 445
N directed up to the left at 60° with the horizontal. Determine the moment of the resultant of
these two forces with respect to O.

Solution 227

Rx=Px−Qx

Rx=890cos30∘−445cos60∘

Rx=548.26 N

(to the right)

Ry=Py+Qy

Ry=890sin30∘+445sin60∘

Ry=830.38 N

(upward)

MO=4Ry−3Rx

MO=4(830.38)−3(548.26)

MO=1676.74 N⋅m

(counterclockwise) answer
a) Moment about O is equal to
the product of the force and
the perpendicular distance
between the line of action of
the force and O. Since the
force tends to rotate the lever
clockwise, the moment vector
is into the plane of the paper.

MO = Fd

d = (24in.)cos60° =12 in.

MO = (100 lb)(12 in.)
MO =1200 lb⋅ in
Problem 229
In Fig. P-229, find the y-coordinate of point A so that the 361-lb force will have a clockwise
moment of 400 ft-lb about O. Also determine the X and Y intercepts of the line of action of the
force.

Solution 229

MO=yAFx−xAFy

400=yA(361)(313√)−2(361)(213√)

yA=2.665 ft

answer
Y-intercept of the line of action of force F
MO=Fxb

400=361(313√)b

b=1.332 ft above point O

answer
X-intercept of the line of action of force F
MO=Fya

400=361(213√)a

a=1.998 ft to the left of point O

answer
RESULTANT OF PARALLEL FORCES

Problem 236
A parallel force system acts on the lever shown in Fig. P-236. Determine the magnitude and
position of the resultant.

Solution 236

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R=ΣF

R=30+60−20+40

R=110 lb

downward

MA=ΣxF

MA=2(30)+5(60)−7(20)+11(40)

MA=660 ft⋅lb
clockwise
Rd=MA

110d=660

d=6 ft

to the right of A

Thus, R = 110 lb downward at 6 ft to the right of A. answer

Problem 237
Determine the resultant of the four parallel forces acting on the rocker arm of Fig. P-237.

Solution 237

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R=ΣF

R=50−40−20+60

R=50 lb

downward

MO=Fd

MO=−50(6)+40(2)−20(3)+60(8)
MO=200 lb⋅ft

clockwise

Rd=MO

50d=200

d=4 ft

to the right of O

Thus, R = 50 lb downward at 4 ft to the right of point O. answer

Problem 243
The resultant of three parallel loads (one is missing in Fig. P-243) is 13.6 kg acting up at 3 m to
the right of A. Compute the magnitude and position of the missing load.

Solution 243

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Sum of vertical forces
R=ΣFv

13.6=18−F+27
F=31.4 kg

downward

Moment about point A

Rd=ΣFx

13.6(3)=18(0.6)−31.4x+27(4)

x=2.48 m

Thus, F = 31.4 kg downward at 2.48 m to the right of left support. answer

Problem 242
Find the value of P and F so that the four forces shown in Fig. P-242 produce an upward
resultant of 300 lb acting at 4 ft from the left end of the bar.

Solution 242

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Sum of vertical forces
R=ΣFv

300=−100+P−F+200

P=200+F

Moment about point A

Rd=ΣFx

300(4)=−100(0)+P(2)−F(5)+200(7)

1200=2P−5F+1400

2P−5F+200=0
2(200+F)−5F+200=0

400+2F−5F+200=0

600=3F

F=200 lb

answer

P=200+200

P=400 lb

Answer
Problem 241
Locate the amount and position of the resultant of the loads acting on the Fink truss in Fig. P-
241.

Solution 241

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sin30∘=a3

a=3sin30∘

a=1.5 m
cos60∘=ba

b=acos60∘

b=1.5cos60∘

b=0.75 m

Magnitude of resultant
R=ΣFv

R=2(890)+2(1335)+1780+8900

R=15130 N

downward

Location of resultant
Rd=ΣFx

Rd=1335(3−b)+8900(3)+1780(4.5)+1335(6+b)+890(9)

15130d=1335(3−0.75)+8900(3)+1780(4.5)+1335(6+0.75)+890(9)
15130d=1335(2.25)+8900(3)+1780(4.5)+1335(6.75)+890(9)

15130d=54735

d=3.62 m

to the right of A

Thus, R = 15 130 N downward at 3.62 m to the right of left support. answer

EQUILIBRIUM OF PARALLEL FORCES

Problem 332
Determine the reactions for the beam shown in Fig. P-332.

Solution 332

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ΣMR2=0

10R1+4(400)=16(300)+9[14(100)]

R1=1580 lb

answer
Problem 333
Determine the reactions R1 and R2 of the beam in Fig. P-333 loaded with a concentrated load of
1600 lb and a load varying from zero to an intensity of 400 lb per ft.

Solution 333

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ΣMR4=0

12R3=4[12(12)(400)]

R3=800 lb

ΣMR3=0

12R4=8[12(12)(400)]

R4=1600 lb
ΣMR2=0

16R1=13(1600)+12R3

16R1=13(1600)+12(800)

R1=1900 lb

answer

ΣMR1=0

16R2=3(1600)+4R3+16R4

16R2=3(1600)+4(800)+16(1600)

R2=2100 lb

Answer
Problem 334
Determine the reactions for the beam loaded as shown in Fig. P-334.

Solution 334

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ΣMR2=0

7.5R1=6(12)+4.5[3(6)]+1[12(3)(15)]

R1=23.4 kN

answer

ΣMR1=0

7.5R2=1.5(12)+3[3(6)]+6.5[12(3)(15)]

R2=29.1 kN
 answer

Problem 336
The cantilever beam shown in Fig. P-336 is built into a wall 2 ft thick so that it rests against
points A and B. The beam is 12 ft long and weighs 100 lb per ft.

Solution 336

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ΣMB=0

2RA=10(2000)+4[12(100)]

RA=12400 lb

answer

ΣMA=0

2RB=12(2000)+6[12(100)]

RB=15600 lb
 Answer

Problem 337
The upper beam in Fig. P-337 is supported at D and a roller at C which separates the upper and
lower beams. Determine the values of the reactions at A, B, C, and D. Neglect the weight of the
beams.

Solution 337

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ΣMC=0

10RD+4(60)=6(190)

RD=90 kN

answer

ΣMD=0

10RC=14(60)+4(190)

RC=160 kN

answer
ΣMA=0

10RB=4(400)+14(160)

RB=384 kN

answer

ΣMB=0

10RA+4(160)=6(400)

RA=176 kN

answer