BES 121

Engineering
Mechanics

• Parallel Forces and Couples

• Force-Couple System
WMSU

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Parallel Forces
These are forces whose lines of actions are
parallel to each other.

Classification of Parallel Forces

a.) Like Parallel Forces
these are parallel forces with the
same directions.
b.) Unlike Parallel Forces
these are parallel forces with
different directions.

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Couple
Is a pair of two equal forces, with lines of action parallel to each
other, acting in opposite directions.

Arm of a Couple (a)

Is perpendicular distance between the lines of action of the two
equal and opposite parallel forces.

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Moment of a Couple
The moment of a couple is the product of
the force ( i.e. one of the forces of the two
equal and opposite parallel forces) and the
arm of the couple a.
M = F(a+d) – Fd
M = Fa
Classifications of a Couple
a.) Positive Couple
is a couple in a clockwise rotation
b.) Negative Couple
is a couple in a counter clockwise
rotation.
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Characteristics of a Couple
1. The algebraic sum of the forces, constituting the couple, is
zero.
2. The algebraic sum of the moments of the forces,
constituting the couple, about any point is the same, and
equal to the moment of the couple itself.
3. A couple cannot be balanced by a single force. But it can be
balanced only by a couple of opposite sense.
4. Any no. of coplanar couples can be reduced to a single
couple, whose magnitude will be equal to the algebraic sum
of the moments of all the couples.

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Note:
1. The two forces cannot be combined into a single force
(resultant) because their sum is zero. Which means, their
only effect is to produce a tendency to rotate. (R = 0, 𝑀 ≠ 0)
no translational motion, only rotation.
2. The magnitude of a couple is independent of the distance
d which describes the locations of the forces with respect to
the moment center O.
3. The moment of a couple has the same magnitude for all
moment centers.

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Equivalent Couples
Changing the values of F and d does not change a given
couple as long as the product of F and d remains constant.
Also, a couple does not change even if the forces act in
different but parallel plane.

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Force – Couple System
Is the replacement of the applied force at a certain point by
the same force acting at different point and a couple, without
changing the external effects of the original force on the
body.

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Sample Problems
1. A uniform beam AB of weight 100 N and 6 m long had two
bodies of weights 60 N and 80 N suspended from its two ends
as shown. At what point the beam should be supported, so that
it may rest horizontally.

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Solution:
Let x be the distance from B to the point where it should be
supported.
Note:
The problem is on static equilibrium, hence moment at D
must be equal to zero.

80x = 100(3-x) + 100(6-x)

x = 2.75m (answer)

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Try it yourself!
1. A lug wrench is used to tighten a square-head bolt. If 250-N
forces are applied to the wrench as shown, determine the
magnitude F of the equal forces exerted on the four contact
points on the 25-mm bolt head so that their external effect on
the bolt is equivalent to that of the two 250-N forces. Assume
that the forces are perpendicular to the flats of the bolt head.

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2. During a steady right turn, a person exerts the forces shown
on the steering wheel. Note that each force consists of a
tangential component and a radially inward component.
Determine the moment exerted about the steering column at
O.

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3. The weights of two children sitting at ends A and B of a
seesaw are 84 lb and 64 lb, respectively. Where should a third
child sit so that the resultant of the weights of the three
children will pass through C if she weighs (a) 60 lb, (b) 52 lb?

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4. The 180-N force is applied to the end of body OAB. If 𝜃 =
50°, determine the equivalent force–couple system at the shaft
axis O.

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5. The tie-rod AB exerts the 250-N force on the steering knuckle
AO as shown. Replace this force by an equivalent force–couple
system at O.

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