EMM2

EQUILIBRIUM CONDITIONS

Self-revision: the components of forces and the moments of the forces

A body is said to be in equilibrium if there is no net force acting on it.

We can apply three equations for any body on the equilibrium:

The net forces on x-direction must equal zero

3 Fx =0
y
The net forces on y-direction must equal zero

3 Fy =0
x
The net moment about a point o must equal zero

3 Mo =0

Example: A 30 kN load is applied on a simply supported beam as shown below. If the weight of
the beam W equals 20 kN, calculate the reactions .

Solution

Step 1: draw a free-body diagram of the beam, which should show all external forces including
reactions acting on the beam. 6m
Step 2: apply equilibrium equations F

For vertical equilibrium: 3 Fy =0

R1 + R2 –20 kN-30 kN =0 10 m

R1 + R2 = 50 kN …….(1)

Take moment about A and let clockwise moment as positive: 3 MA =0

- R2 x10 + 30 x 6 + 20 x 5 = 0 ……(2)

R2 = 28 kN
6m
Insert the value for R2 into eqn. (1), then 30 kN
A B
R1 = 50 kN - 28 kN = 22 kN
R1 20 kN
R2
10 m