UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Equilibrium of Force System

I. Introduction

Equilibrium means the resultant force and moment is equal to zero. When a body is in equilibrium,
it will have no horizontal and vertical movement and there will also be no turning or twisting, that
body is said to be on static condition. In dealing with problems involving equilibrium of force
system, it would be required to isolate a body so that its Free Body Diagram, as what is it usually
called, could be drawn considering all the external forces acting on it. These forces externally
applied can be from magnetic attraction or from its direct contact.

II. Objectives
After completion of this module the student should be able to:

1. Apply the concepts in mechanics on force system in equilibrium.

2. Solve problems in equilibrium of Concurrent, Parallel and Non-concurrent Force
Systems.

III. Free Body Diagram

Source: Engineering Mechanics by Ferdinand L Singer

Figure 4. 1 Typical Free Body Diagrams

It is shown in Figure 4.1 are typical free body diagrams which are usually used in dealing with
equilibrium of force systems problems consistent to the type of body that is being considered. It
will be noticed that we have to consider the forces Weight (W), Tension from cord, rope or cable
(T), Smooth Surface or Normal Force (N), Reaction from Roller Support (R) and Reaction from
Hinge or Pin Support (Fx and Fy).

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

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

IV. Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

In Concurrent Force System, given below are the equations that can be used. Since, resultant force
is zero summation of all the forces should also be equal to zero.

∑X=0 eq 4.1

∑Y=0 eq 4.2

Example 4.1 Solving unknown force on Concurrent Force System

Determine the values of forces S and T so that there

will be equilibrium on the forces acting on the bolt.

Solution:

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 42

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

There are many ways on how are the unknown forces can be computed for Concurrent Force
System. On the first solution, the original axes x and y are used as the reference axes. The second
solution shows axes can be rotated to simplify equation and need not to equate. In the last
solution, the forces are connected to tip-to-tail direction forming a force triangle, then, interior
angles are computed and sine law is used to get the value of the unknown force.

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

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

V. Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

In Parallel Force System, given below are the equations that can be used. Since, resultant force is
zero summation of all the forces should also be equal to zero. From the equation on the previous
lesson, R = ∑F and ∑M= Rd, for equilibrium it will yield to equations 4.3 and 4.4.

∑F=0 eq 4.3
∑M=0 eq 4.4

Example 4.1 Solving unknown force on Parallel Force System

Determine the support reactions of the beam

shown.
Solution:

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES v.1.0 BY CHARMAINE P. NARVADEZ 44

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 4.2 Solving unknown force on Parallel Force System

Determine the support reactions of the beam

shown.
Solution:

VI. Equilibrium of Non- Concurrent Force System

Given below are the equations that can be used in considering Equilibrium on Non-Concurrent
Force System. From the equation 𝑅 = (𝑅𝑥) + (𝑅𝑦) and ∑M= Rd, it will produce equations
4.5-4.7, when the summation of all the components of the forces and the summation of moments
will be equal to zero.

∑X=0 eq 4.5
∑Y=0 eq 4.6
∑M=0 eq 4.7
The above given equations 4.5-4.7, can be used interchangeably with ∑MA=0, ∑MB=0 and ∑X=0.
As to which equation should be used first, it should be the equation where you could already solve
the value of one of the unknowns or equation which will cancel out the other unknowns to avoid
solving simultaneous equation. Any process is applicable, so long as, the unknown forces will be
determined.

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

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 4.3 Solving unknown force on Non-Concurrent Force System

The truss is supported by a roller at A and a hinge
at B. Determine the reactions at the supports
Solution:

Example 4.4 Solving unknown force on Non-Concurrent Force System

The horizontal positioned boom is supported by

a hinge B and a cable at C which runs over a
small pulley at D, neglect the size of pulley.
Compute the tension T in the cable and the
components of the reaction at B.

Solution:

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UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

VII. Summary

In dealing with problems considering equilibrium of Force System given different Classification,
these formulas can be used.

Concurrent Force System ∑X=0 ∑Y=0

Parallel Force System ∑F=0 ∑M=0
Non- Concurrent Force System ∑X=0 ∑Y=0 ∑M=0

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