Kwame Nkrumah University of

Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

ME 161/2 - BASIC MECHANICS

D.E.K. Dzebre (PhD)

Department of Mechanical Engineering.

 Design

Image Source: https://cutt.ly/qjCszYh

 Selecting from available options to meet desired requirements → designing.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 3

 Design

Image Source:
 Specifying variables to meet desired http://ideasoutdoor.selbermachendeko.com/
wp-content/uploads/2019/06/%E2%88%9A-
performance requirements 18-How-to-Build-an-Adirondack-Chair-
Plans.jpg

→ designing.
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 Why learn Statics of Rigid Bodies?
Generic process for designing an engineering structure
Too much
Deflection/Extension/Yield/Fracture/Failure

Choose
Internal
External SIZE & Structural
Start Loads
Forces and MATERIAL Performance End
Moments
for the part

• Axial • Stress • Deflections

• Torsional • Strain • Yield/Fracture
• Bending/Flexural • Behaviour of • Success/Failure
• Combined materials under (using failure
stress criteria)

Mechanics of Rigid Bodies/Fluids Mechanics of Materials

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 Introduction
 The study of the interactions between physical forces and bodies constitutes the
field of Engineering Mechanics

Statics
Mechanics of Rigid
Bodies Kinematics
(Solid Mechanics) Dynamics
Kinetics

Theory of Plasticity
Mechanics of Theory of Elasticity
MECHANICS
Deformable Bodies Theories of Failure
Fatigue

Mechanics of
Compressible Fluids

Mechanics of Fluids Mechanics of

Some Branches of Engineering Incompressible
Mechanics (J Antonio, Fluids

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 EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Apply Newton’s laws of motion and other basic theories and laws of Newtonian
mechanics to particles and rigid bodies.

Analyze 2-D and 3-D equilibrium of system of forces.

Sketch free body diagrams for problems and use them to determine resultants and
components of forces and moments.

Determine centroids and centre of gravity of single and composite bodies.

Solve static problems involving dry friction.

Perform simple equilibrium analyses on statically determinant structures, and simple

machines.

Apply the kinematic relationships of position, velocity and, acceleration in solving

rectilinear and particle kinematics problems.
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 Some Recommended Text
 Basic Engineering Mechanics, J. Antonio

 Engineering Mechanics Statics by W.F. Riley and L.D. Sturges

 Engineering Mechanics – Statics and Dynamics, J.L. Meriam and L.G. Kraige.

 Engineering Mechanics – Statics and Dynamics, R. C. Hibbler.

 Vector Mechanics for Engineers, Beer et al.

 Any book on Engineering Mechanics.

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 Assessment

Assignments/Quizzes 15%
Mid-Semester Exam 15%
End of Semester Exam 70%
TOTAL 100%

Class Attendance 5 bonus marks

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 Outline
Some Concepts, Principles and Techniques in Mechanics of Static Rigid Bodies;
o Fundamental Principles and Concepts in Newtonian Mechanics.
o Forces; Characteristics of Forces, Resultants of systems of forces, Resolving forces into components.
o Moment of a Force
o Centroids and an introduction to Area Moments of Inertia
o Equilibrium Analyses of Particles and Rigid Bodies

Some Applications;
o Analysis of Structures
o Friction and Selected Simple Machines

Applications Mechanics of Static of Rigid Bodies;

o Particle kinematic relationships
o Motion; Rectilinear, Curvilinear, angular (in different coordinate systems)
o Kinetics: Force, Mass and acceleration

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 SOME
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
&
CONCEPTS

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 Particles and Bodies
 Particle

A very small amount of matter which may be assumed to occupy a single point in
space. Idealizing bodies as points simplifies problems since body geometry is not
considered.

 Rigid body

A collection of several particles that remain at a fixed distance from each other,
even when under the influence of a load.

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 Some Fundamental Concepts
 Space (Length)
This is associated with notion of describing a point in terms of co-ordinates measured
from a reference point.
 Time
A measure of the succession of two events or the duration of an event. Of significance
in dynamics.
 Mass
A measure of the inertia of a body, which is its resistance to a change of velocity. The
mass of a body affects the gravitational attraction force between it and other bodies.
 Force

 Space, Time, and Mass are independent of each other. However, Force, is related to
the mass of a body and the variation of its velocity with time.

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 Quantities
 Measurements.
 Time – second (s)
 Mass – kilogram (kg)
 Length – metre (m)
 Force – Newton (N)

 Quantities may be basic (fundamental) or derived.

 They may be scalars or vectors.

 Derived Units of measurement and Relations (formulae) are often in terms of

fundamental quantities.
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 Quantities and Dimensions
Quantity Dimension Common SI Units
Length L m, cm, mm
Time T s
Mass M kg
Area L2 m2, cm2, mm2
Force ML/T2 or MLT-2 N
Linear velocity L/T or LT-1 m/s or ms-1
Linear acceleration L/T2 or LT-2 m/s2 or ms-2
Angular velocity 1/T or T-1 rad/s
Angular acceleration 1/T2 or T-2 rad/s2
Moment of a force ML2/T2 or ML2T-2 N.m or N-m
Pressure, Stress M/LT2 or ML-1T-2 Pa, kPa, MPa
Work and Energy ML2/T2 or ML2T-2 J, kJ
Power ML2/T3 or ML2T-3 W, kW
Momentum and linear impulse ML/Tor MLT-1 N.s or N-s
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 Prefixes

Multiplication Factor Name of prefix Symbol of prefix Example

1012 tera T 1.23 TJ = 1 230 000 000 000 J

109 giga G 4.53 GPa = 4 530 000 000 Pa
106 mega M 7.68 MW = 7 680 000 W
103 kilo k 5.46 kg = 5 460 g
10-2 centi c 3.34 cm = 0.0334 m
10-3 milli m 395 mm = 0.395 m
10-6 micro μ 65 μm = 0.000 065 m
10-9 nano n 34 nm = 0.000 000 034 m

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 Some Principles/Laws:
The Principle of Dimensional Homogenity
 When combining quantities via addition/subtraction, the quantities being
combined must be dimensionally homogenous.

 For example, if the equation 2= + (in which x, v and t displacement,

velocity and time respectively) is dimensionally homogenous, the dimensions of
A and B can be determined as;
=
=
=

∴ The equation can be re−written as

= +
⇒ = , =
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 Newtons Laws of Motion

 First Law
A body will maintain it state of motion (remain at rest or continue to move
in a straight line) unless the resultant force on it is not zero.

 Second Law
A body under the influence of a force experiences a proportionate
acceleration in the direction of that force.

 Third Law
Action and Reaction are equal and opposite.

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 Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
 Two particles are attracted to each other by a force defined mathematically
as; Mm
F G 2
r
On earth, F  mg
GM
g  2
r
g varies from place to place on earth.

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 Some other Laws and Principles
 Principle of Transmissibility

 Principle of Moments/Varigon’s Theorem

 Parallel Axis Theorem

 Principle of Virtual Work

 Principle of Potential Energy

 Principle of Work and Energy

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 FORCES

Characteristics and Resultants of Forces

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 Forces

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 Forces: Some Characteristics
 Forces are vector quantities.

15 cm 1 cm = 10 N
150 N

68o 68o

 Forces considered equal if they have the same magnitude and direction.

 Forces are equivalent if they produce the same resultant effect on a rigid body.

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 Systems of Forces
F3 F2 F1 F2 F3 F4
F1

T4
Non-Concurrent
Concurrent Coplanar Force System Coplanar Force System T1 T3

F4
F2 T2
F1 F

F3
Concurrent Spatial Force System
F
Parallel spatial Force System Collinear Force System

A system of forces can be replaced with an equivalent system of forces or a Resultant

Force (one equivalent force).
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 How do we find the Resultant of a System
of Forces?

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 The Resultant of a Systems of Forces
There are several approaches:

Graphical approach –Parallelogram, Triangle, and Polygon rules of vector

addition.

Force Triangle with Sine and Cosine rules.

Summation of Rectangular/Perpendicular Force components

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 Resultants of Forces: Graphical Approach
The parallelogram law of vector The triangle law of vector
addition. addition

B
B

A
A

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 Resultants of Forces: Graphical Approach

1N = 1mm

150 323.55 150

19o

19o
323.55
200

200

Triangle Law

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 Resultants of Forces: Graphical Approach
The Polygon law of
vector addition

A
60 N

C
B

40 N
50 N

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 Resultants of Forces: Force Triangle Approach
 The sine and cosine laws:

a b c
Law of Sines  
sin  sin  sin 

b
a
a 2  b 2  c 2  2bc cos 
 Law of Cosines b 2  c 2  a 2  2ca cos 
 c c 2  a 2  b 2  2 ab cos 

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 Resultants of Forces: Force Triangle Approach
Example
150 N

68o
200 N
23o

From the Cosine Rule,

R 2  200 2  150 2 - 2(200)(150 )cos135 o
R  323.9 N.
R 150
135o 68o
From the Sine Law
323.9 N 150 N
  , θ  19.11 o

200 sin 135 o sin θ o

23o

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 Resultants of Forces: Force Triangle Approach

60 N

40 N
50 N

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the screw eye and its direction
measured clockwise from the x-axis.

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the hook.

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 Resultants of Forces: Force Triangle Approach

60 N

40 N
50 N

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 Resultants of Forces: Force Components Approach
1. This approach requires the forces to be decomposed/resolved into
Rectangular/Cartesian/perpendicular components (along principal directions).

2. Like components (along the same direction) are then summed to get the resultant
components.

3. Magnitude and direction of the resultant force can be obtained through

appropriate Trigonometry techniques.

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 Resultants of Forces: Force Components Approach
 Resolve each force into rectangular components and sum like components to get the
components of the resultant.
y

R   Fx   Fy
Pyj   
P
R  ( Px  Qx  S x )i  ( Py  Qy  S y ) j
Pxi
Sx i Qx i x
S Q

Syj
Qyj
2 2
The magnitude of the resultant force is given by; R  F     F 
x y

The direction w.r.t any axis can be determine using an appropriate technique.
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 Resultants of Forces: Resolving Forces into Components
y
F v

c a
 Fy
 b

x Fx h
    
F Fx  Fy  Fx i  Fy j

Pythagoras Theorem Directional Vectors

  
F  Fx  Fy  
  bi  a j 
 F cos   F sin  F  F  F  
 c 
= F sin   F cos   
 bi  aj
Note :  F  F 
 c  c 
a b  
 cos  ,  sin  , c  b2  a2  Fx i  Fy j
c c
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 Resultants of Forces; Alternate method for resolving Forces

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
y
Force Fx Fy
200 N 200 cos 23 N 200 sin 23 N
x 150 N 150 cos 68 N 150 sin 68 N
∑ 240.292 N 217.224 N
150 N

2 2
68o 200 N F   F    F 
x y

23o
 240.292 2  217.224 2
 323.924 N

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the screw eye and its direction
measured clockwise from the x-axis.

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the hook.

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 Resultants of Forces
Example 2 2
F  F    F 
x y
Find the resultant of the forces shown.

So,    Fx  60 cos 25 + 40 cos 60  50sin 50  36.076 N

 F y  60 sin 25  40 sin 60  50 cos 50  41.423 N

Or, Force Fx (+→) Fy(+↑)

60 N 60 N 60 cos 25 60 sin 25
40 N 40 cos 60 - 40 sin 60
50 N - 50 cos 40 - 50 sin 40
∑ 36.076 N - 41.523 N

Or, Force Fx (+→) Fy(+↑)

60 N 60 cos 25 60 sin 25

40 N 40 N 40 cos 300 40 sin 300

50 N 50 N 50 cos 220 50 sin 220
∑ 36.076 N - 41.523 N
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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Find the resultant of the forces shown.

2 2
60 N F   F    F 
x y

F  36.0762  (41.423)2  54.930 N

40 N
50 N

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 Resultants of Forces; Alternate method for resolving forces.
Example
Find the resultant of the forces shown
y

800

800 N 600

424 N
400 N
900

Dimensions are in mm

560 480

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 Resultants of Forces; Alternate method for resolving forces.
Example - Solution  
  xi  y j 
F  F  F  
y  x2  y2 
 
800
   
  800 i  600 j  800i 600 j  
F1  800    800.  800.  640i  480 j
 800 2  600 2  1000 1000
F1=800 N 600  
   560i  900 j   
F2  424    224i  360 j
2 2
 560  900 
 
F3=400 N
x   480i  900 j 
F2=424 N F3  400 
2 2

 480  900 
900
  
Resultant, F   F i   F j 

 2  2
560 480 The magnitude of the Resultant, F   F  
 i   j
F 
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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the screw eye and its direction
measured counter-clockwise from the x-axis.

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the screw eye and its direction
measured counter-clockwise from the x-axis.

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Cables AB and AD help support pole AC. Knowing that the tension is 120 N in AB and
40 N in AD, determine the magnitude of the resultant of the forces exerted by the cables
at A.

10 cm

8 cm 6 cm

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
Two men are trying to roll the boulder by applying the forces as shown. Determine
the magnitude and direction of the force that is equivalent to the forces the two men
are applying.

300 N

150 N

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
The angle Ɵ = 50°. determine the length of the line representing vector rAC. (Hint: all three
lines lie in the same plane)

rAC = 181 mm

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 Resultants of Forces
Example
The forces FA = 40 N, FB = 50 N, and FC = 40 N act on the screw pin as illustrated in the
Figure. α = 50° and β = 80°. Determine the magnitude of the resultant of the three forces
on the eye of the screw pin, assuming they are coplanar.

R = 83 N

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 Non-Planar/Spatial/3-D Forces.

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 y
Forces in Space
O x
z    
F  Fx  Fy  Fz

F  F cos  x  F cos  y  F cos  z
b
y F
z x   
O   ai  bj  ck 
c F  F  F  
2 2 2
 a b c 
  
 Fi  Fj  Fk
a

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 Forces in Space
Example
A rectangular plate is supported by three cables as shown. Knowing that the
tension in cables AC, AB and AD are 60 N, 80 N and 90 N respectively, determine
the components of the forces being exerted at C, B and D.

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 Forces in Space
For components of force at D, FDA;
Soln

DA  250i  480 j  360k

  250i  480 j  360k 
DA   1

 2502  4802  3602 2 
 
 

  250i  480 j  360k 
FDA  90 1

 2502  4802  3602 2 
 
 
y'

x' For components of force at B, FBA

z' 
BA  320i  480 j  360k
BA 
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 Forces in Space
Example
A transmission tower is held by three guy wired anchored by bolts B, C and D. If the
tension in wire AD is 315 N, determine the components of the force exerted by the wire
on the bolt at D.

Dimensions are in dm (1 dm = 0.1 m = 10 cm)

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 Forces in Space
Example
A rectangular plate is supported by three cables as shown. Knowing that the tension in
cables AC, AB and AD are 60 N, 80 N and 90 N respectively, determine the magnitude
of a force that the three cables are exerting at A.

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 Moment of Forces

Scalar and vector approaches of calculating Moments

Principles of Moments
Equivalent Force-Moment Systems

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 Moment of a Force
Forces have the tendency to cause two types motions in rigid bodies;
translational and rotational motions.
A measure of the tendency of a force to rotate a body is referred to the Moment
of the force.
A moment may occur about a point; the Moment Centre.
F

MO
  
A
Mo  r  F
r
θ
rsin  d
O
d
M o  (r sin  ) F  dF

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 69

 Moment of a Force
d must be perpendicular to the Force’s line of action, so, the Force is treated as a
sliding vector, due to the Principle of Transmissibility in rigid body mechanics.

F’
.
.
A
.
A . If F and F’ have the same magnitude,

Moment of F about A = Moment of F’ about A

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 70

 Moment of a Force
 Scalar Approach
Mo  d  F
 Only the magnitude of the moment is calculated using only the magnitudes of the
force and the moment arm, d, defined as the perpendicular distance between the line
of action of the force and the moment centre.
 Often used when the moment, d can easily be determined. The sense of the moment
is determined by inspection.

 Vector Approach
 The position vector for the point of application of the force is multiplied by the
components of the force to get the components of the Resultant moment.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 71

 Moment of a Force
Example
A force of 800 N acts on a bracket as shown. Determine the moment of the force
about B. 800 N

M B  0.2 m  800
 160 Nm

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 72

 Example
Moment of a Force
A force of 800 N acts on a bracket as shown. Determine the moment of the force about
B.

800 N

M B  0.16m  800
 128 Nm

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 73

 Moment of a Force
Example
A 100-N vertical force is applied to the
end of a lever which is attached to a
shaft at O. A

Determine:
a) moment about O of the 100-N force,
100 N
b) horizontal force at A which creates the
same moment,

60o
O

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 74

 Moment of a Force
Solution

FBD Moment about O is equal to the product of the force and the
A
perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force
and O.
M O  dF
100 N d   24 m  cos 60   12 m .
M O  12 m . 100 N  

60o
O
d

Mo
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 75

 Moment of a Force
Solution

FBD Horizontal force at A that produces the same moment,

A
F
d   24 m  sin 60  20.8 m
M O  dF
d 1200 Nm.   20.8 m  F
1200 Nm
F
20.8 m.
60o 
O
Mo

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 76

 The Principle of Moments (Varignon’s Theorem)

The moment of a force about a given point, is equal and equivalent to

the sum of the moments of an equivalent system of forces in the same
plane, about the same point.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 77

 The Principle of Moments (Varignon’s Theorem)
Determine the magnitude and sense of the moment due to the 100 N force shown
below about A.

1 cm

 42  42 
MA    100  4 100 cos 45
 2 
 

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 78

 The Principle of Moments (Varignon’s Theorem)
Determine the moment of the 800N force about B using the principle of moments,.

800sin60

800cos60

M B  (0.16m  800 cos 60)  (0.2m  800sin 60)

 202.56 Nm
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 79

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
 The position vector for the point of application of the force (from the moment centre) are
multiplied by the force (expressed in vector components form) to get moment
components.
z
Fzk
A (x,y,z)
c
 Direction determination follows the right hand rule; Fyj
r A
O Fxi
thumb must point towards +ve direction of axis. b y
a
C
x
 Multiplication of the position and force vectors may be done in one of two ways;

 Matrix approach

 Expansion and simplification

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 83

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
 Vectors are expressed in components, arranged in a matrix form, and the determinant of
the matrix taken.

       
If r  ai  bj  ck and F  Fx i  Fy j  Fz k
Expressing as a matrix, z
   Fzk
i j k
   A (x,y,z)
MO  r  F  a b c c
Fyj
Fx Fy Fz r A
O Fxi
Taking the determinant of the matrix, b
    y
M O   bFz  cFy  i   aFz  cFx  j   aFy  bFx  k a

   C
 M xi  M y j  M z k x

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 84

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
 Alternatively, a sort of expansion and simplification is done.
 
MO  r  F
     
  
 ai  bj  ck  Fx i  Fy j  Fz k 
           
  
 
 
 ai  bj  ck  Fx i  ai  bj  ck  Fy j  ai  bj  ck  Fz k 
  
     
But
  z
i  i  0 j  i  k k  i  j Fzk

i  j  k j  j  0 k  j  i i j
A (x,y,z)

ik   j jk  i k k  0  c
Fyj
A
Therefore, k r
      O Fxi

M O  bFx k  cFx j  aFy k  cFy i  aFz j  bFz i b

y
   a
  bFz  cFy  i   aFz  cFx  j   aFy  bFx  k
   C
 M xi  M y j  M z k x

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 85

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation

Directions of component moments

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 86

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
Determine the magnitude and sense of the moment due to the 100 N force shown
below about A.

 4  3
F   200i   200 j
5 5
 160i  120 j

 
r  rAB  4i  6 j
y

i j k
x     
z M A  r  F  rAB  F   4 6 0
 160 120 0
 480k lb.in

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 87

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
 A 1000-N force is applied to a beam cross section as show below. Determine the
moment of the force about O, and the perpendicular distance from point B to the line of
the action of the force.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 88

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
Determine the moment of the force F, about point C.

z
z

2m
2m
B
B
F = 500 N
A F = 500 N
3m A
y 3m
y
rCA
rCA
4m C
4m C
x
x

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 89

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
Determine the moment of the force F, about point C.
  
M C  rCA  F
 
rCA  2 mi
z  
  2i  4 j  3k 
F  F    500 N  
 22  4 2  32 
   
2m   
 (185.53 N) i   371.06 N  j   278.29 N  k
B
F = 500 N   
A i j k

3m M C  2 0 0
y
rCA 185.53 371.06 278.29

4m C  556.58 j  742.12k
x M C  (556.58) 2  (742.12) 2
 927.64 Nm

M 927.64 Nm
The perpendicular distance between F and point C =   1.86 m
F 500 N
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 90

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
The rectangular plate is supported by the brackets at A and B and by a wire CD. Knowing
that the tension in the wire is 200 N, determine the moment about A of the force exerted by
the wire at C. y

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 91

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
  
M A  rAC  F
  
rAC   0.3 m  i   0.08 m  j
  
     0.3 m  i   0.24 m  j   0.32 m  k 
F  F    200 N   
 0.5 m
 
  
  120 N  i   96 N  j  128 N  k

  
rAC i j k

M A  0.3 0 0.08
 120 96  128

   
M A  7.68 N  m  i  28.8 N  m  j  28.8 N  m k
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 92

 Moment of a Force: Vector Formulation
The turn buckle is tightened until the tension is cable AB is 2.4 kN. Determine the moment
about point O of the cable force acting on point A and the magnitude of this moment.

-2.74i+4.39j+2.19k kN.m
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 93

 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 94

 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
A system of forces act on a body, can be reduced to a force-couple system.
The force-couple system comprises a resultant force (evaluated with the
particle idealization at a desired point) and a resultant moment about that
desired point.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 97

 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Example
For the machine part shown in the Figure below, shift the line of application of
the applied load of 150 kN acting at point A to point B.

A 150 kN

80 mm

40 mm
B 80 mm
40 mm

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 98

 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Solution

M B  150(0.08 m  0.04 m)  -18 kNm

A
A 150 kN

80 mm 80 mm

40 mm 40 mm 150 kN
B 80 mm B 80 mm
40 mm 40 mm MB = 18 kNm
C C

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 99

 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Example
Shift the line of application of the 350-N force shown below to point B.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 100
 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Example
For the beam, reduce the system of forces shown to (a) an equivalent force-
couple system at A, (b) an equivalent force couple system at B. (Ignore the
support reactions)

150 N 600 N 100 N 250 N

A B

1.6 m 1.2 m 2m

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 101
 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Solution (@ B) The Resultant force will be
150 N 600 N 100 N 250 N   R  F
 150 N   600 N   100 N   250 N 
  600 N 
A B The Resultant Moment

2m M B   r  F 
3.2 m  (250 N  0m)  100 N  2m   600 N  3.2m   150 N  4.8m 
4.8 m  1000 Nm

600 N

Equivalent system =
1000 Nm

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 102
 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Example
Reduce the system of forces and couple acting on the arm to an equivalent force
couple system at O. Take M to be 15 kNmm and ignore support reactions.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 104
 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Soln.
FBD
Equivalent system

695.78 N
60o

15 kNmm
320 N 76.7o
30o 30o
O
O 133 kNmm
400 N

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 105
 Equivalent Force-Moment Systems
Example
Four tugboats are used to bring an ocean liner to its pier. Each tugboat exerts a 5000-lb
force in the direction shown. Determine the equivalent force-couple system at the
foremast O. Also determine the angle the resultant force makes with the horizontal as well
as the direction of rotation of the moment.

R = 13.33 klb (@ 47.3°

CW from +ve x axis)
MRO = 1035 klb.ft

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 106
 Outline
Some Concepts, Principles and Techniques in Mechanics of Static Rigid Bodies;
o Fundamental Principles and Concepts in Newtonian Mechanics.
o Forces; Characteristics of Forces, Resultants of systems of forces, Resolving forces into components.
o Moment of a Force
o Centroids and an introduction to Area Moments of Inertia
o Equilibrium Analyses of Particles and Rigid Bodies

Some Applications;
o Analysis of Structures
o Friction and Selected Simple Machines

Introduction to Dynamics
o Particle kinematic relationships
o Motion; Rectilinear, Curvilinear, angular (in different coordinate systems)
o Kinetics: Force, Mass and acceleration

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 121
 Static Equilibrium Of Particles And Rigid Bodies

Static Equilibrium
Procedure for analyzing static equilibrium problems
Free Body Diagrams

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 122
 Static Equilibrium
 A particle or body is said to be in equilibrium if the resultant force and moment
acting on it is zero. In other words, the sum of forces (or moments) must be
equal to zero.

R   F 0
 For particles;
  Fx  0 F y 0 F z 0


R   F 0
 For bodies;   Fx  0

F
y 0 F
z 0
M   M 0
 Mx  0 M y 0 M z 0

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 123
 Solving Static Equilibrium Problems
Involves three main steps;

Sketch a free body diagram for the problem

Sum up forces and moments to obtain the equations of equilibrium for the
problem.

Solve the equations and interpret your results.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 124
 Sketching Free Body Diagrams
Select the extent of the body that is of interest, detach it from the ground
and all other bodies and supports, and (basically) sketch the outline of the
detached (free) body.

Indicate force and moment reactions that are exerted on the “free-body” by
the ground and other supports that keep it in equilibrium (Newton’s 3rd
Law of motion)

Indicate external forces and moments, including the rigid body weight
where it cannot be ignored at their points of application.

Include the required dimensions to compute the moments of the forces

where necessary.
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 125
 Free Body Diagrams: Support Reactions
Reactions at Supports and Connections for Two-Dimensional Structures

• Reactions equivalent to a force with known line of action.

• Reactions equivalent to a force of unknown direction and magnitude.

Source:
Vector
Mechanics for
Engineers, • Reactions equivalent to a force of unknown direction and magnitude
Beer et al. and a couple of unknown magnitude

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 126
 Free Body Diagrams
Example
Cables AB and AD help support pole AC. Knowing that the tension is 120 N in AB
and 40 N in AD, sketch the free body diagram for the pole.

3
10 cm 40 N
120 N

MC

FCH
8 cm 6 cm

FCV

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 129
 Sketching Free Body Diagrams
Example
A fixed crane has a mass of 1000 kg and is used to lift a 2400 kg crate. It is held in place
by a pin at A and a rocker at B. The center of gravity of the crane is located at G. Sketch
the free body diagram for the crane.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 130
 Sketching Free Body Diagrams
Sketch the Free body diagram for the diving board. Assume the weight of the board
is negligible

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 131
 Sketching Free Body Diagrams
Sketch the Free body diagram for the for
(a) the cylinder
(b) the bar.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 132
 Sketching Free Body Diagrams
Three loads are applied to a beam as shown. The beam is supported by a roller at A
and by a pin at B. Sketch the Free body diagram for the beam. (Take P = 15 kips)

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 133
 Static Equilibrium - Particles
Example
Determine if the particle P is in equilibrium under the influence of the forces shown.

120 N

60 o
P 150 N

31o

70 N

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 139
 Static Equilibrium - Particles
 Solution

Equations of Equilibriu m
y 
  Fx  120 sin 60 o  70 sin 31o  150  11.02 N
120 N    Fy  120 cos 60 o  70 cos 31o  0.0017 N  0.00 N

60o
P 150 N
x
For equilibrium,  Fx  0   Fy
31o
But  Fx  0
70 N
Hence, P is not in equilibrium

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 140
 Static Equilibrium - Particles
Example
A free-body diagram of a particle subjected to the action of four forces is shown.
Determine the magnitude and direction F4 so that the particle is in equilibrium.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 141
 Static Equilibrium - Particles
Example
Two flexible cables A and B are used to keep the 220-lb traffic light in equilibrium as
shown. Determine the tension in each of the cables.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 142
 Static Equilibrium - Particles
Example
Three cables are joined at the junction ring, C. Determine the magnitudes of the tensions in
cables AC and BC on the ring.

TAC = 215 N
TBC = 264 N

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 147
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies
Example
A fixed crane has a mass of 1000 kg and is used to lift a 2400 kg crate. It is held in place by
a pin at A and a rocker at B. The center of gravity of the crane is located at G. Determine
the components of the reactions at A and B.

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 148
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies
Solution
At A,

  Fx  0 : Ax  B  0
   Fy  0 : Ay  9.81 kN  23.5 kN  0
Ay  33.3 kN

Taking moments about A,

M A  0 :  B1.5m   9.81 kN2m   23.5 kN6m   0
B  107.1 kN

 Ax  107.1 kN

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 149
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies
Example
Determine the reactions at A and B. Assume that the
surfaces at A and B are frictionless.

60 N

60 N

A B
FA = 35 30 cm
FB = 25 FB 30 cm 45 cm
FA

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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 150
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies

The masses of the man and the

diving board are 54 kg and 36 kg,
respectively. Assume that they are
in equilibrium.

(a) Sketch the free-body diagram

of the diving board.
(b) Determine the reactions at the
supports A and B.

Ax = 0
Ay = -1.85 kN
By = 2.74 kN
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 151
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies
Example
The 500 kg uniform beam is subjected to the three external loads shown. Compute the
reactions at the support point O. (500 kg will act through centre of beam.)

Ans:
Fx = 1.5 kN, Fy = -1.198 kN, MO = 7.56 kNm (anti-clockwise)
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 153
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies
Example
Determine the reactions at supports A and B and the tension T in the cable for the
curved bar shown below.

Ans:
T = 499 lb, A = 353 lb, B = 333 lb
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 154
 Static Equilibrium – Rigid Bodies
Example
Determine the reactions at supports A and B of the truss shown

Ans:
Ax = 3.71 kN, Ay = 4.02 kN, B = 5.26 kN
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DEK Dzebre/2022/ ME162 (Basic Mechanics) / ME164 (Statics of Solid Mechanics) 155