Mechanics

Module I: Force Systems

Lesson 3: Force Systems - II

1 Simplest Resultant

Figure 1:

Consider a planar force system comprising a force F and a moment M, as

shown in Fig 1(a). It was noted previously that the resultant moment vector

in an equivalent force system at a point depends on the choice of the point.

One can find a point A and shift the force F such that

−→
AO × F + M = 0. (1)

Thus, the couple-moment generated due to this shift exactly cancels the

moment M. Then we have an equivalent force system consisting of a single

force F along a unique axis whose direction is the same as that of the force, as
shown in Fig. 1(b). This is the simplest resultant of any planar force system.

Since any point on the axis satisfies (1), a unique point may be determined

by finding the intersection of the axis with the x-axis (or, the y-axis), i.e.

by putting Ay = 0 (or Ax = 0). The important conclusion here is that, for

a general moment, any moment component perpendicular to the resultant

force can be cancelled by shifting the force appropriately.

2 The Wrench

Figure 2:

From the above discussions it is therefore clear that, for a general force

system, the simplest resultant will consist of a resultant force vector and

a moment vector collinear with the force vector. Such an equivalent force

system, as shown in Fig 2, is called a wrench. It may be noted that the axis

of a wrench is unique. The equivalent force system at any point on this axis

will yield the same wrench. The direction of this axis is same as that of the

resultant force F. One point on the axis is determined from the intersection

with a suitable plane.

2
 Figure 3:

Consider a force system, as shown in Fig 3. Let the wrench axis corre-

sponding to this system intersect the plane z = 0 at (x, y, 0). The equivalent

force system at p = xî + y ĵ consists of

X
F= Fi
i
X X
M(x, y) = Mj + (ri − p) × Fi .
j i

If p is a point on the wrench axis, the moment vector M must be along the

force vector F, i.e.,

Mx (x, y) My (x, y) Mz (x, y)

= = .
Fx Fy Fz

These represent two equations in two unknowns (x, y), which may be solved

to determine the wrench.

3
3 Problems

Figure 4:

Problem 1

Determine the simplest resultant of the force system shown in Fig. 4, and

locate the point on the x-axis through which it passes.

Solution

Representation of the force vectors and their location

F1 = −668ĵ N r1 = 0 m

F2 = −1335ĵ N r2 = 1.2î m

F3 = −1225ĵ N r3 = 2.4î m

F4 = −890ĵ N r4 = 3.6î m

P4
Net force F = i=1 Fi = −4118ĵ N. Let the simplest resultant pass through

p = xî. The net moment at p must vanish, i.e.,

X
4
Mp = (ri − pi ) × Fi = 0
i=1
⇒ x = 1.88 m.

4
 y
60 N

100 N

0.75 m

80 N x
1.5 m

Figure 5:

Problem 2

A table is being pushed by 3 persons as shown in Fig 5. Determine the

simplest resultant, and the point on the x-axis through which it passes.

Solution

Representation of forces and their location

F1 = 80î N r1 = 0 m

F2 = 100î N r2 = 0.75ĵ m

F3 = −60ĵ N r3 = 1.5î m

P3
Resultant force F = i=1 Fi = 180î − 60ĵ N. Let the force of the simplest

5
resultant pass through ρ = xî. Since the net moment at ρ must vanish
X
3
Mρ = (ri − ρ) × Fi = 0
i=1
⇒ (−xî) × 80î + (0.75ĵ − xî) × 100î + (1.5 − x)î × (−60ĵ) = 0

⇒ x = 2.75 m.

Figure 6:

Problem 3

For the force system shown in Fig 6., determine the wrench and the point on

the x-z plane through which it passes.

Solution

Let a point P on the x-z plane be represented by rP = xî + z k̂. The forces

along with their locations and the moment vectors are

F1 = 100ĵ N r1 = 0.4î m

F2 = 100î N r2 = 0.3ĵ + 0.4k̂ m

6
M = −20ĵ Nm

Resultant force at P

F = 100(î + ĵ) N.

Resultant moment about P

MP = (r1 − rP ) × F1 + (r2 − rP ) × F2 + M

= 100z î + 100(0.2 − z)ĵ + 100(0.1 − x)k̂ Nm

Since MP must be collinear with F,

100z 100(0.2 − z) 100(0.1 − x)

= =
100 100 0
⇒ x = 0.1 m and z = 0.1 m

and MP = 10î + 10ĵ Nm.

Thus, the wrench consists of F and MP , and it passes through rP = 0.1(ĵ + k̂)

m.