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IV. Couple

Will the moment be also equal to zero if the resultant of a force system is zero? The answer is no.
Sometimes, the resultant is zero and yet it has a resultant moment sum. This special case, in which
the resultant has zero magnitude but does have a moment, is said to consist a couple. Couple is
defined as made up of two equal, parallel, oppositely directed forces. The perpendicular distance
between the action lines of the forces is called the moment arm of the couple. Their moment
sum is constant and independent of the moment center example is shown in figure 3.4.

Figure 3. 4 Moment Sum of a Couple

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 30

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It will observed on the values, the resultant force is zero and it has a moment sum regardless of
the point where you take moment at, thus, a constant moment sum.

The effect of the couple is said to be unchanged even if rotated through any angle to its plane, or
shifted to any other position in its plane or on a plane parallel to it. Moment of a couple C is equal
to the product of one of the forces composing the couple multiplied by the perpendicular distance
between their action lines. This relation is expressed by the equation

C = Fd --- eq. 3. 3

Figure 3. 5 Moment of a Couple

Proof:
Mo = F(d+a) –Fa
Mo = Fd

From the above figure and equation, it will be seen that, when the moment of the couple is computed it
will just be equal to the product of one of the sum multiplied by the moment arm of the couple.

31 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 3.5 Getting the Resultant Moment of a Couple

The given three-step pulley is subjected to the given
Couples. Determine the resultant couple and the
forces on the middle pulley needed to balance the
system.

Solution:

Example 3.6 Getting the Resultant Moment of a Couple

The cantilever truss carries a vertical load of 5640N
and is supported at A and B which exert the forces
Av, Ah and Bh. The four forces constitute two
couples which must have opposite moment effects
to prevent movement of the truss. Determine the
magnitude of the supporting forces.
Solution:

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 32

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Resolution of a force into a force and a couple

It is sometimes becomes necessary to replace a force acting at a given point by an equal force
acting through some other point just like what is shown in figure 3.6. In fig 3.6 (a), it is shown that
F is acting at a distance e from the axis and it was added by two forces F in fig 3.6 (b). Upon adding
these forces a couple can then be formed resulting to fig 3.6(c) where the force is acting at some
other point paired with a couple. In changing the location of the force into another point be noted
that it should be paired with a couple to produce the same effect.

Figure 3. 6 Resolving a Force into a Force and a Couple

Example3.7 Resolution of a Force into a Force and a Couple

Replace the system of forces acting on the frame by

a resultant R acting at A and a horizontally oriented
couple acting through B and C.
Solution:

33 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ