Moment of a Force

The moment of a force about an axis or line is the measure of its ability to produce
turning or twisting about the axis.
“The magnitude of the moment of a force about an axis which is perpendicular to a
plane containing the line of action of the force is defined as the product of the force and
the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action of the force”.

Taking the axis at point O F

Line of
M=Fxd action

Where: M = magnitude of moment d O

F = magnitude of force
d=perpendicular distance of F (line of action) from pt. O

Note: When the line of action is passing through exactly along the axis the moment is
zero.

Varignon’s Theorem

One of the most useful principles of mechanics is Varignon’s Theorem, which

states that “the moment of a force about any point is equal to the sum of the moments
of the components of the force about the same point.
From definition of moment
M=Fxd

F
d
Fx

y Fy 0
x
Ө

According to Varignon, the said value of the above definition could also be expressed as:
M = (Fx) y + (Fy) x or Fd = (Fx) y + (Fy) x

Proof of Varignon’s Theorem

Since: M=Fd-----------1
From the figure:
d
sinθ=
y
x+
tanθ
ycosθ
(
d= x +
sinθ
sinθ)
d= xsinθ+ ycosθ------2

Subst. 2 in 1 But:
M =F ( xsinθ+ ycosθ ) FsinƟ = Fy
M =( Fsinθ ) x + ( Fcosθ ) y FcosƟ = Fx

F
Fy
Therefore: M = (Fx) y + (Fy) x

Fx
Ex. In figure shown assuming clockwise moments as positive, compute the moment of
force F=450KN and of force P=361KN about points A, B, C, and D. note: per square has
1”x1” dimension.
F=4
A 50

1
”
D 1 B
” P=36
Solution: 1
For F:
−450( 4)(3) 3
MD=450cosƟ(3) – 450sinƟ(1)M A = −450( )(1)
5 5
450( 4)(3) 450(3)(1)
M D= − M A =−810 KN . m
5 5
M D =810 KN .m M A =810 KN . mcounterclockwise

450 ( 4 )( 3 ) 3 3
M B=
5
+ ( 450 )
5()
( 4) M C =450( )(5)
5
M B =2160 KN . m M C =1350 KN . m

For P:
361(3)(2) 361(2)(3) 361 ( 6 ) 361(9)
M A= − M B= −
3.61 3.61 3.61 3.61
MA = 0 MB = - 300 KN.m
MB = 300 KN.m counterclockwise

−3(361)(4 ) 361(3)(2) 361 ( 2 ) (3)

M C= M D= +
3.61 3.61 3.61
MC = -1200KN.m MD = 1200 KN.m
Extension of Varignon’s Theorem

M = Rd =F1d1+F2d2+F3d3
Rd = ∑M

Ex. Determine the resultant of the parallel force system acting on the bar AB.

20lb 10lb 40lb

2’ 3’ 3’

A B

Solution: 30lb

R = ∑Fy ----- letting upward direction as positive(+)

= 30 – 20 – 10 – 40
R = - 40 lb
R = 40 lb downward

Taking moment axis at A counterclockwise direction

R=40 lb
20lb 10lb 40lb
2’ 3’ 3’

A d B

30lb

By Varignon’s Theorem:
Rd = ∑MA
-40d = -10(2) + 30(5) -40(8)
d = 4.75 ft.

Answer: R = 40 lb downward located at 4.75 ft from pt.

Couple
Couple is two equal, parallel, oppositely directed forces. Their resultant is zero, and
their effect only effect is to cause rotation of the body upon which they act.

F
C=moment produced by couple
d C=∑Mo
C=Fd2-Fd1

d1 C=F(d2-d1)
But:

d2 F
0
 d=d2-d1
Therefore:
C=F x d
d=distance between couple

By inspection: Clockwise direction By inspection: Counter Clockwise direction

Examples:
(1) The three step pulley shown in fig. is subjected to the given couples. Compute the
value of the resultant couple. Also determine the forces acting at the rim of the middle
pulley that are required to balance the given system.

30
40
30

16
8 12
6
6

40
60
Moment at center or O:

Mo = - 60(8) + 30(12) - 40(16)

= -760 KN.m (counter clockwise)
760 = F (12)
F = 63.3 KN (two 63.3 KN forces acting on a clockwise direction)

(2) Determine the resultant of the three forces acting on the dam shown in figure and
locate its intersection with the base AB. For good design, this intersection should
occur within the middle third of the base? Does it?
F.B.D.

x
Solution:
∑ F v =0

2400+6000 cos 6 0 0−R=0

R=27,000 KN

M B =Rx

R x =24000 ( 11 ) +6000 ( 4 )−10000 ( 6 )

27000 x=24000 ( 11 ) +6000 ( 4 )−10000 ( 6 )

x=9.5 m within the middlethird of the base
 Equilibrium of Force System

Definition and Meaning of Equilibrium

Static Equilibrium is the state of the body where when at rest it will remain at rest. The
resultant of the body in the state of equilibrium is zero.

R=∑F =0 M =∑ M =0

According to 1st Law of Newton

“If the resultant of forces acting on the body is zero, it will remain at rest if originally at
rest or remain in motion with constant speed if originally in motion”.

Conditions for Bodies in Equilibrium

Graphical Condition. The graphical representation of system of forces w/ zero resultant

(state of equilibrium) is a close polygon.

F3 F2

F3

F1
F1 F2

Analytical Condition: Force (vectors) in equilibrium must satisfy the three given
conditions.
∑Fx = 0 = ∑Fy = 0 =

∑M = 0 =
Free Body Diagrams (FBD)

Equilibrium of Concurrent Force Systems

2 2
R=√ ( ∑ X ) + ( ∑Y )
∑X = 0 ; ∑Y = 0

Example:
(1) The cable shown support a load of 600 lb. Determine the tensile force T in the cable
and the compressive force C in the boom.

300 O
450

C
600
lb
1st Solution:

F.B.D. at point O

Y Y

T C
T

30 3 4
O X 0 5 X
45

C 600 lb 60
0
lb

∑Fx = 0 ∑Fy = 0

C cos 450 – T cos 300 = 0 C sin 450 + T sin300-600 = 0

Tcos30
C= C ¿--------------2
cos 45
3
T(√ )
2
C=
1
√2
T 6
C= √ --------------1
2

Subst. 1 and 2 from 1

T √6 1 T √ 6 (439.23)
( )( )
2 √2 2
+ =600 C=
2
T √3 T
+ =600 C = 537. 9 lb
2 2
T √ 3+T =1200 the tension of cable is 439.23 lb and the
1200
T= compression of boom is 537.9 lb
√3+ 1
T = 439.23 lb

2nd Solution: By Polygon Method

By law of sine:
C C
T 600 C 600
600 = =
45 sin 45 sin 75 sin 60 sin75
0

T = 439.23 lb C = 537.9 lb
60
30 T 0
0
 Ex. (2) A 300 lb box is held at rest on a smooth plane by a force P inclined at an angle Ɵ
with the plane as shown in figure. If Ɵ = 450 determine the value of P and the normal
pressure N exerted by the plane.

Solution:
F.B.D.

y 15
0 10
4 P 50
5
0 N 3 W
0

Normal Force

By Law of Sine:

N 300 P 300
= =
45 0
sin 105 sin 45 sin 30 sin 45
N =409. 8 lb P = 212.13 lb

Ex. (3) The truss shown in figure below is supported by a hinge at A and a roller at B. A
load of 2000 lb is applied at C. Determine the reactions at A and B.
F.B.D.

Solution:

∑MA = 0 letting counterclockwise direction as positive (+)

30 RB – 2000 cos 30 (15) – 2000 sin 300(40) = 0
0

RB = 2200 lb

∑Fv = 0
RAv + 2000 sin300 = RB
RAv = 2200 – 1000
RAv = 1200 lb

∑FH = 0
RAH = 2000 cos 300
RAH = 1732 lb

2 2
√
R A = ( R AH ) + ( R AV )
2 2
R A =√ ( 1732 ) + ( 1200 )
RA = 2100 lb

R AV
tanθ=
R AH
Ɵ = 34.70

Answers: RA = 2100 lb down to the left at Ɵ = 34.70 with the horizontal; RB = 2200 lb
(ES 211b) Name: ____________________________________________
Plates No. 3 Program/Year: ____________Date Submitted: ___________

Solve the following problems clearly and neatly.

1. A cylinder weighing 400 lb is held against a smooth incline by means of the weightless
rod AB in figure. Determine the forces P and N exerted on the cylinder by the rod and
the incline respectively.

2. The figure represents the concurrent force system acting at a joint of a bridge truss.
Determine the values of P and E to maintain equilibrium of the forces.

3. Determine the values of the angles α and Ө so that the forces shown in figure will be in
equilibrium.
4. The system of knotted cords shown in figure support the indicated weights. Compute
the tensile force in each cord.

5. Three bars, hinged at A and D and pinned at B and C as shown in figure, form a four-
link mechanism. Determine the value of P that will prevent motion.