POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

LOPEZ, QUEZON BRANCH

College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering Department
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

ENSC 20143
Engineering
Mechanics
JR THADEUS L. ARCHE, REE
Subject Specialist
 Chapter 2
Resultant of Force
Systems
 Couples
➢ Two equal, parallel, oppositely directed
forces.
➢ Special case in which the resultant has zero
magnitude but does have a moment.
➢ The perpendicular distance between the
action lines of the forces is called Moment
Arm of the Couple.
 Couples
➢ Their moment sum is constant and
independent of the moment center.

+↻ Σ𝑀𝐴 = 𝐹 . 𝑑
+↻ Σ𝑀𝐵 = 𝐹 𝑑 + 𝑎 − 𝐹. 𝑎 = 𝐹 . 𝑑
𝐶=𝐹. 𝑑
 Couples
➢ Proving Example
 Illustrative Problem
1. Transform the couple shown in figure into a
equivalent couple whose forces are horizontal
and act through points C & D.
 Illustrative Problem
2. The three-step pulley shown in figure is
subjected to given couples. Compute the
value of the resultant couple. Also determine
the forces acting at the rim of the middle
pulley that are required balance the given
system.
 Illustrative Problem
3. A vertical force P at A and another vertical
force F at B in figure produce a resultant of
100lb down at D and a counterclockwise
couple C of 200lb-ft. Find the magnitude and
direction of forces P and F.
Resolution of a Force into a Force & a
Couple
 Illustrative Problem
1. A force system consists of a clockwise
couple of 480 lb-ft plus a 240 lb force directed
up to the right through the origin of X and Y
axes at 𝜃𝑥 = 30°. Replace the given system
by an equivalent single force and compute
the intercepts of its line of action with the X
and Y axes.
 Illustrative Problem
2. In figure, a system of forces reduces to a
downward vertical force of 400 lb through A
plus a counterclockwise couple of 800 lb-ft.
Determine the single force that will produce
an equivalent effect.
 Illustrative Problem
3. Rework the previous problem if the system
reduces to a leftward horizontal force of 300
lb through point A plus a clockwise couple of
750 lb-ft.
 Illustrative Problem
4. Replace the system of forces acting on the
frame in figure by a resultant R at A and a
couple acting horizontally through B and C.
Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force
System
 Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force
System
Σ𝐹𝑋 = 𝑅𝑋
Σ𝐹𝑌 = 𝑅𝑌 𝑅 ⟶ 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Σ𝑀 = 𝑅 . 𝑑 ⟶ 𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑅= (𝑅𝑋 )2 +(𝑅𝑌 )2 = (Σ𝑋)2 +(Σ𝑌)2
𝑅𝑌 Σ𝑌
tan 𝜃𝑥 = =
𝑅𝑋 Σ𝑋
 Illustrative Problem
1. The rectangular framework shown in figure
is subjected to the indicated non-concurrent
system of forces. Determine the magnitude
and direction of the resultant, also its moment
arm relative to the origin O.
 Illustrative Problem
2. Determine the resultant of the three forces
acting 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?
 Illustrative Problem
3. The Howe roof truss shown in figure
carries the given loads. The wind loads are
perpendicular to the inclined members.
Determine the magnitude of the resultant, its
inclination with the horizontal and where it
intersects AB.