9/1/2021

MECH 1: Statics of
Rigid Bodies
Lecture 2
Resultant, Concurrence and Components of Forces

Characteristics of a Force
•A Force is characterized by the following:
•Magnitude
•Direction
•Point of Application
•Line of Action

1
 9/1/2021

Forces as Vectors
•Forces does not obey the rules of addition
defined in ordinary arithmetic or algebra.

4N 5N A 4 N and 3 N at
right angle to each
other adds up to 5N
AND NOT to 7 N!
3N

•Thus, Forces can be conveniently represented

using a Vector.

Forces as Vectors
•Forces are drawn as directed arrows. The
length of the arrow represents the magnitude
of the force and the arrow shows its direction.
Forces on rigid bodies further have a line of
action.
L.O.A.

F
F

2
 9/1/2021

Forces as Vectors
•Forces follow the Parallelogram Law of vector
addition.
P R

R=P+Q

Q
•Vector addition is represented by the same
symbol : “ + ”

Forces as Vectors
• Vector addition is independent of any chosen
coordinate system.
• Two vectors are equal if they have the same
magnitude and direction.
F’
F

• The negative of a vector F is simply –F denoted by

arrow of the same size in the opposite direction
F
-F -F

3
 9/1/2021

Addition of Vectors, Force

Resultants
• Vector Addition: Parallelogram Law
• Commutative property P R
P+Q=Q+P=R

• Vector Addition: Triangle Law (Tip-to-Tail)

• Derives from the parallelogram law Q
R P
P R

Addition of Vectors, Force

Resultants
• Vector Addition: Multiple Vectors
• Associative property S+ (P+ Q)
P+ Q P+ Q
P
P
S
Q S Q

S+ (P + Q) = (S + P) + Q = R

4
 9/1/2021

Addition of Vectors, Force

Resultants
• Vector Addition: Multiple Vectors
• Associative property (S+P) + Q

S+P
P
P
S Q S Q

S+ (P + Q) = (S + P) + Q = R

Addition of Vectors, Force

Resultants
• Using Tip-to-Tail Rule (Polygon Law)
P
P
(S+P) + Q
Q S
S
Q
• Product of a Scalar and Vector
• “scales” the length of the vector

-1.5F
F 2F

5
 9/1/2021

Useful Trigonometric Relationships

Remember, when the following are known:

1. ASA (Angle-Side-Angle)
2. SAS (Side-Angle-Side)
3. SSS (Side-Side-Side)
the triangle can be “solved”

Useful Trigonometric Relationships

Special Case of Sine and Cosine Law where

triangle is a Right Triangle.
SOH – CAH - TOA

6
 9/1/2021

Resultant of several Concurrent Forces

•Example 1
Determine the direction of
the resultant of the two
forces.

Trigonometric Solution

• Using Cosine Law

• Using Sine Law

7
 9/1/2021

Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Edition
Eighth
Sample Problem 2.1
SOLUTION:
• Graphical solution - construct a
parallelogram with sides in the same
direction as P and Q and lengths in
proportion. Graphically evaluate the
resultant which is equivalent in direction
and proportional in magnitude to the the
diagonal.
The two forces act on a bolt at A.
Determine their resultant. • Trigonometric solution - use the triangle
rule for vector addition in conjunction with
the law of cosines and law of sines to find
the resultant.

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 - 15

Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Edition
Eighth

Sample Problem 2.1

• Graphical solution - A parallelogram with sides

equal to P and Q is drawn to scale. The
magnitude and direction of the resultant or of
the diagonal to the parallelogram are measured,

R = 98 N  = 35

• Graphical solution - A triangle is drawn with P

and Q tip-to-tail and to scale. The magnitude
and direction of the resultant or of the third side
of the triangle are measured,

R = 98 N  = 35

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 - 16

8
 9/1/2021

Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Edition
Eighth
Sample Problem 2.1
• Trigonometric solution - Apply the triangle rule.
From the Law of Cosines,

R 2 = P 2 + Q 2 − 2 PQ cos B
= (40N )2 + (60N )2 − 2(40N )(60N ) cos 155
R = 97.73N
From the Law of Sines,
sin A sin B
=
Q R
Q
sin A = sin B
R
60 N
= sin 155
97.73N
A = 15.04
 = 20 + A
 = 35.04
© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 - 17

Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Edition
Eighth

Sample Problem 2.2

A barge is pulled by two tugboats. If the resultant of the

forces exerted by the tugboats is 5000 lbf directed along
the axis of the barge, determine
a) the tension in each of the ropes for  = 45o,
b) the value of  for which the tension in rope 2 is a
minimum.
© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 - 18

9
 9/1/2021

Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Edition
Eighth
Sample Problem 2.2

• Graphical solution - Parallelogram Rule

with known resultant direction and
magnitude, known directions for sides.

T1 = 3700 lbf T2 = 2600 lbf

• Trigonometric solution - Triangle Rule

with Law of Sines
T1 T2 5000 lbf
= =
sin 45 sin 30 sin 105

T1 = 3660 lbf T2 = 2590 lbf

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 - 19

Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics

Edition
Eighth

Sample Problem 2.2

• The angle for minimum tension in rope 2 is
determined by applying the Triangle Rule and
observing the effect of variations in .

• The minimum tension in rope 2 occurs when

AB and BC are perpendicular.

T2 = (5000 lbf ) sin 30 T2 = 2500 lbf

T1 = (5000 lbf ) cos 30 T1 = 4330 lbf

 = 90 − 30  = 60

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 - 20

10