Chapter

(2 RESULTANT OF COPLANAR
SYSTEM OF FORCES
2.1 INTRODUCTION
When a system
of several forces act
A
through a single point, these forces are said to de
concurrent. single torce may be used to replace the system of
whose effect is the same as the combined efect of all these forces,given
forces. This R andforce
is called resultantsingle the
forces are known as component forces.

R RESULTANT

Fig. 2.1
When two forces, P and Q act at a point O' in different directions, their resultant may be
obtained by
the following methods:
i) Parallelogram law of forces ii) Triangle law of forces ii) Resolution of forces
2.2 PARALLELOGRAM LAW OF FORCES
f two forces acting at a point are represented in magnitude and direction by the adjacent
sides of a parallelogram, then the diagonal passing through their point of intersection represents the
resultant in both magnitude and direction.

Aa
A

(a) P& Qacting at O (b) P& Q represented by sides (c) Analysis

Fig. 2.2: Parallelogram Law of Forces
2.2.1 Analysis of Parallelogram Law of Forces
Let two forces P and Q acting at O be represented by OA and OB as in Fig. 2.2. Their
resultant, R is represented by the diagonal OC of the parallelogram OACB. Produce OA and drawv
perpendicular from C on this line to intersect at the point D.
Let a = angle between the directions of P and Q

.e., ZAOB = a

(Chapter-2)
 Engineering Mechanics
18
From the geometry of the Fig. 2.2.
AC = OB = Q
and 2CAD = LAOB = a

CD AC sina = Q sina

and AD = AC cosa = Q cosa

In a right angle triangle ODC.

OC= OD2 + CD Pythagoras theorem)
= (OA+ AD)2 +CD2
R= (P + Q cos a) + (Q sin a)
= P +Q cosa +2 PQ cos a + Q sin a
=
p2+Q + 2PQ cos a
(i)
R p2+Q +2PQcosa
Let OC makes an angle with OA,

CD Qsina
CD
tan 6 on (OA+AD)P+Qcosa
Qsina
9 tan* p+Qcosa) (ii)

Equations (i) and (ii) give the magnitude and direction of the resultant.
QA
Q06
n
a = 1800
0
P
R P Q R P Q R /p2+
Q2
(i) Same direction (ii) Opposite direction 0 tan-1
(a) Collinear (b) Perpendicular
Fig. 2.2.1: Resulsant of Two Forces
Special cases:
i)If a = 0, two forces are collinear and act in the same direction. Then
R = P +Q
ii) If a = 180, two forces (P> Q) are collinear and act in the opposite direction, then
R = P~Q, and acts in the direction of the greater force (P)
ii )lf a = 90, two forces are right angles to each other,

R p2+Q2
and = 'tan
iv)If the force are equal i.e., P = Q
-19
R =
2P2(1+ cosa)
= 2px2co (: 1cosa) =

2 cos )
R 2Pcos
(Chapter-2)-
 Coplanar System of Forces 19
Resultant of

P sina sina 2 sin cos

and tane =

P+Pcosa 1cosa
tan 2
2.cos
tane tan 2 i.e., 0 =
Hence in this case the resultant bisects the angle between the forces
2.2.2 Graphical Solution

The following procedure may be used to obtain the resultant of two concurrent forces
Draw two force vectors OA and OB from the common point O to convenient scale
Complete parallelogram, OACB with OA and OB as adjacent sides.

Draw the diagonal through the point 'O', ie., the point of intersection of OA and OB
inclined at a n angle 6 with
The length ot the
diagonal gives the magnitude of resultant and is
(force vector OA).
the horizontal
2.3 TRIANGLE LAW OF FORCES be found out graphically by
concurrent forces acting at a point may
The resultant of two
law of forces".
using the "Triangle in magnitude
o n a particle, be represented
This law states, "If two forces acting simultaneously be represented in
the two sides of a triangle, taken in order, their resultant may
and direction by order.
the third side of the triangle taken in opposite
magnitude and direction by C

B
p A P

Fig. 2.3: Triangle Law of Forces

to the direction of the resultant)is
in magnitude and opposite
It is obvious that if a third force (equal the particle is in equilibrium.
resultant of the three
forces becomes zero; hence
then the
acting ona particle, also be stated as;
Therefore, the triangle law of forces may direction by the sides of
represented in magnitude and
at a point, be
f three forces, acting
a triangle taken in order, they will be in equilibrium
forces is also true and
it states "lf three co-planar forces
law of
The converse of the triangle and direction by the sides
can be represented in magnitude
at a point be in equilibrium they to the three
ang drawn proportional and parallel
that sides have been
o triangle,
a taken in order (Note
forces respectively). FORCES
RESOLUTION OF
2.4 THE METHOD OF Resultant of these forces may be
shown in Fig. 2.4 (a).
P and Q act at O as
Let the two forces horizontally and vetically
as shown in Fig. 2.4 (b).
calculated by resolving the forces
vertical components
2= algebraic sum
of the
horizontal c o m p o n e n t s .
algebraic sum of the
2H =
(Chapter-2)
 Engineering Mechanic
20
resultant Fig 2.4 (c) is obtained by using the relation,
Then, the

R VEHEV
horizontal such that,
and is inclined at an angle 0 to the
EV or e tan
tane SH EH

o EVA

P
(b) (c)
()
Fig. 2.4: Resultant by the method ofresolution
While resolving the forces it is a usual practice to
assume the upward and the rightward
directions as positive and the downward and leftward directions as negative.
its vertical component is zero while
It is simple to realise that if a given force F is horizontal,
as that of a given force. Similarly if a given force
its horizontal component has the same magnitude
and its vertical component has the
is purely vertical it does not have any horizontal component,
same magnitude as that of a given force.
2.5 PRINCIPLE OF RESOLUTION
The algebraic sum of resolved parts of a number of coplanar concurrent forces in a given
direction is equal to the resolved part of their resultant in the same direction.

4 N

Fig. 2.5:Principle of Resolution

Consider the two forces P and Q represented in magnitude and direction by OA and OB, and
their resultant 'R', represented by OC, so that OACB is a parallelogram.
Let OX be the given direction in which the forces are to be resolved. Draw BM, AL, and CN
perpendicular to OX and AT is perpendicular to OX.
The sides of two triangles OBM and ACT are respectively parallel, and OB is equal in
magnitude to AC;
OM AT= =LN
Hence ON = OL + LN = OL + OM

(Chapler-2)
 21
Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces

resolved parts of R, P and Q in the given

But ON, OL and OM represent respectively the
direction OX.
The resolved part of R Resolved part of P Resolved part of Q

in the direction of OX along OX along OX

Hence the principle is proved.

Two forces are acting at point 'O' as shown in Fig. 2.6. Determine the magnitude
Example 2.1 : a
[JNTU H, June 2010]
-
-

and direction of the resultant.

ONOOL

5ON

Fig. 2.6

Solution
a) Parallelogram law offorces
i) Analytical solution
P 50N, Q = 100 N
Angle between P and Q, a = 30

Magnitude of resultant,

R P2 +Q+2PQ cosa

50+100 +2x 50 x 100 cos 30

=21160.25
= 145.46 N Ans.

by resultant with direction of P

The angle made

Q.sin a
= tan P+Qcosa,

100 x sin 30
tan 50+100cos30
= tan(0.366) =20.10
horizontal (X-axis)
Angle made by resultantwith
20.1 +15 = 35.10 Ans.
= 0+ 15 =

the
: A parallelogram
with adjacent sides equal and parallel to
solution
ii) Graphical scale. The magnitude and direction of
the resultant, Ris given
forces Pand Q is drawn to a suitable
O. By measurement
by the diagonal through
R = 145.44 N and
direction of R with horizontal
=
35
(Chapter-2)
 22 Engineering Mechanics
Note: Small variation in the answermay be noticed due to error in construction and
measurement.

Fig. 2.6.1

b) Triangle law offorces

(a) (b)
Fig. 2.6.2
A triangle with adjacent sides equal and parallel to the forces P and Q is drawn to
suitable scale with the forces joined end to end. The closing side taken in opposite
direction represents the resultant. By measurement,
R = 145.46 N, and 6 20.1

. The direction of resultant with horizontal (X-axis) = 35.10

c) Sine rule:

150

Fig. 2.6.3
P 50 N and Q = 100 N

Resultant R divides the angle between P and Q in the ratio 2 1

6 30 x =20
From sine Rule,
R
Q
sin 150 sin 200

R =
Qx sin 150 100
x0.5 =
146.2 N Ans.
sin 200 0.342
The direction of R with horizontal (X-axis) = 20 + 15 = 35° Ans.
(Chapter-2)
Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces 23

d) Method of resolutio

EF 83 64 NA

2F = 119 N

(a) (b)
Fig. 2.6.4
Resolving the forces horizontally

F = P cos150 +Q cos450
= 50 x 0.966 + 100 x 0.707 = 119N

Resolving the forces vertically,

EF= Psin15 +Qsin450

= 50x 0.259 + 100 x 0.707 = 83.64 N

Resultant,

R + F V1192+83.642=

= 145.45 N Ans.
And direction with the horizontal,

6 t a n l .EF
ytan119 tan 1
83.64

= 35.1 Ans.
Calculate the
Nand 200 N act on a particle as shown in Fig. 2.7(a).
Example 2.2; Tuoforces 260
magnitude of resultant using
a Law of parallelogram offorces
b) Resolution into components

Solution
By using law of parallelogram offorces

20 N
26ON a =1500
260N 60
30
P,Y
Law of Forces (c) Component Diagram
(a) Space Diagram (b) Parallelogram
Fig. 2.7

(Chapter-2)
24
Engineering Mechan
The magnitude of the resultant,
R p2+Q +2PQcosa

2602+ 2002 +2 x 260 x 200 x

cos150
2 6 0 +2002 + 2 x 260 x 200 x cos(180 30
2602 +2002-2 x 260 x 200 x cos 30
V67600 +40000 -90066.6 132.4 Ans.
b) By using resolution into components method:
Resolving the forces horizontally,
H= algebraic sum of the horizontal components

PH-QH = 260 cos 30-200 cos 60°

= 225.17 -
100 =125.17 N
Resolving the forces vertically,
EV= algebraic sum of the vertical components
=
Qy- Py = 200 sin 60-260 sin 300o
= 173.2- 130 =
43.2 N
Also, magnitude of the resultant
R = VEH + EV? = v125.172 + 43.22 = 132.4 N Ans.
T s o uneaual forces inclined to one another aa. af
1200
 and measurement.
Example 2.7: The body shown in Fig. 2.14.1 is acted by four forces. Determine the magnitude
(JNTUH - Dec., 2017]
and direction of the resultant.

45kN
60kN

--X

26kN12
36kN

Fig. 2.14.1

Solution:
The given force system is shown in Fig. 2.14.2.

45kN 60kN

7 19
26kN 36kN

Fig. 2.14.2

6 =
tan'3 =36.80
4

tan-63.4

= tan1 =22.60

4 tan = 33.70
Resolving the forces horizontally,
63.4- 26 22.6 + 36 cos 33.70
EH= 60 cos 36.8- 45 cos cos

= 48.04-20.15-24.0 29.95
= 33.84 kN

(Chapter-2)
Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces
31
Resolving the forces vertically,
V 60 sin 36.80 45 sin 63.49-26 sin 22.6-36 sin 33.7
+

-35.94 + 40.24 10- 19.97

46.21 kN
2V 40.21kN

Resultant,R (XH+(20?
33.842 +46.212 3280.5
57.27 kN Ans. EH 33 84KN

and = tan 1 2
2VH t a n - 146.21
Fig. 2.14.3
33.84
=
53.8 with horizontal
Resultant of 57.27 kN act at an angle of 53.8 with horizontal.
Example 2.8: The 120 N resultant offour forces together with three of those four forces is shown
in Fig. 2.15.1. Determine thefourth forces.

7ON 1120N
60 456
60 V45
5ON
100N

Fig. 2.15.1
Solution
Let P fourth force acting at an angle, 0, with horizontal.

P
7ON
R 120N

600 5

60 /46
5ON
100N

Fig. 2.15.2 Fig. 2.15.3

(Chapter-2)
32
Resolving the forces horizontally,
Engineering Meche
R. = - 70 cos 60- 100 cos 60 + 50 cos 450 +p
120cos 450 = - 70 x 0.5- 100 x 0.5 +50 x 0.707 + P.
x

P=134.49 N
Resolving the forces vertically,
R= 70 sin 600- 100 sin 600-50 sin 450 +P
120sin 450 = 70 x 0.866 100 x 0.866 -50 x 0.707 + P
Py
84.84 60.62 86.6-35.35 P,y +
P, = 146.17N

P 2+P2 =
V134.49% +146.17 =
198.63 NAns.
146.17
Also, tan1 tan
134.49 47.4 Ans.
=

Example 2.9 Determine the magnitude of F and F2 for the following

in equilibrium as shown in Fig. 2.16.1. system offorces which are

Y-axis
16NTE
12N
F
300 30
X309
60 A
so B
8N x-axis

Fig. 2.16.1
Solution
Osing the principle of
Fig.2.16.2. transmissibility of force, the given force system is re-drawn as in
>

A16N

300
8N

12N

(Chapter-21 Fig. 2.16.2

 36
Engineering Mechanics
2.7 MOMENT OF A FORCE
Moment of a force is the turning effect produced by the force on the body on which it acts,
It ismeasured by the product of the force and distance from the given point to the
perpendicular
line of action of the force.

P o(90-6)
M

----
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.20
Let P =
force acting on a body as shown in Fig. 2.20 (a)
Tperpendicular distance from the point O to line of action of the force P
The moment of force 'P' about O = P xr
Since the force is expressed in newton and the distance in metres, therefore the unit
of
moment will be newton metre.
IfP is inclined at an angle with the horizontal (Fig. 2.20 (b)), then
Moment of a force = P x r cos(90 0) = P x rsine
Where (r.sin6) is equal to the perpendicular distance between line of action of force P and
point O.
Moment of a force can also be obtained by resolving the force vertically, i.e., perpendicular
to OM.
Moment of a force = Psine x r
Example 2.13 : A force of 150 N acting at a point A as shown in Fig. 2.21.1. Determine the
moment of this force about O.

3m
600
O
F 150 N

Fig. 2.21.
Solution: 3m F 150 N

OB 3 sin 600 o 60
= 2.598 m

Moment of force about O.

----- -
M= Fx OB
Fig. 2.21.2
=
150 x 2.598 =
389.7 Nm Ans.
hapter-2)-
Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces 37
Find the moment of the 2.5 N in
Example
2.22.:
2.14 : force about O of the lever shown
Fig.
F 2.5 N
10

24mm

30)
Yo
F cos9

Fig. 2.22.
Solution
= (90 60) + 10 = 400
24mm
Moment of force about O 30°
M= F.cos x AO
= 2.5 cos 40° x 24
= 45.96 Nmm Ans. Fig. 2.22.2

Example 2.15 : Determine moment of 30 N force acting at A of bent bar (Fig. 2.23.1) about O
= 30N

1.8m F 30 N

45 o

2.0m 1.6

45°
B

Fig. 2.23.1
Solution
2..Om
Moment of force about 'O'
M- Fx OA' = F (OB + B'A')
= 30 (2 sin 450 +1.6) O
= 30(3.014) = 90.42 Nmm Ans.
Fig. 2.23.2
2.7.1 Types of Moments
Depending upon the direction of rotation, the moments are of two types
a) Clockwise moment and
b) Anti-clockwise moment
2.7.1.(a) Clockwise moment:
If the rotation of the body due to the force is in the same direction in which the hands of
clock move, the moment is called clockwise moment.

(Chapter-2)
 38 Engineering Mechanics
KLINE OF
LINE OF ACTION

ACTIONY
O
>P

(b) Anti-clockwise moment

(a) Clockwise moment
Fig. 2.24: Types of Moments
2.7.1.b) Anti-clockwise moment
If the rotation of the body due to the force is in the opposite direction in which the hands of
clock move, is called anti-clockwise moment.

2.8 LAW OF MOMENTS

If a number of coplanar forces acting at a point be in equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise
moments must be equal to the sum of anti-clockwise moments, about any point i.e., the algebraic
sum of the moments of all the forces about any point in the plane is zero.
Clockwise moments = anticlockwise moments

2.9 VARIGNON'S PRINCIPLE:

The Varignon's principle states that the algebraic sum of the moments of a given system of
forces, about any point in the plane of the forces is equal to the moment of their resultant aboutthe
same point This is also known as the principle of moments.

Proof
Consider two forces P and Q are acting at point o as shown in Fig. 2.25, and R be their
resultant. From any point A (moment centre) draw perpendiculars r, rand t2 on the direction of
forces P R and Q respectively.
Moment of P about A
=
P.r =
P x
OA cosa
= Pyx OA
A
Moment of Q about A
R
Q.r2 = Q x OA cosdz
= , x OA

Similarly, moment of R about A

= R.r= R x OA . cosa

= R, x OA

Sum of moments of P and Q

Fig. 2.25
= (P +9,).OA =R, x OA = R.
Thus the sum of moments of P and Q is equai to the moment of their resultant about the
same point.

(hapter-2)
 2.11 COUPLES:
Two equal unlike parallel forces. whose line of action are not the
same (i.e., not
form a couple. The effect of a couple is to cause the
rotation of a body. Thus a
collinear),
described as the moment produced by two couple can be
equal and opposite and non collinear forces
together. acting
Consider the action of two equal and opposite non collinear
them is r. Their resultant is zero. but forces. and the distance between
they produce a of tendency rotation. The combined moment
of two forces about an axis normal to their plane and passing through the
point O°' is called couple
or moment of couple
M F(a r) -Fa
Fr F
where F =
force constituting the couple. N
r=moment arm, m
Fig. 2.29.
Ifthe forces act as shown in Fig 2 292 Then the moment of
couple
M F cost x r
Where F cosG= force acting perpendicular to lever
The component force F sine will simply place the lever
moment.
in tension and will not cause a

Few practical examples of couple are F.cOs F

Opening or closing of water tap
F sine
F sin
Turning a screw diver

Steeringa motor car

Windinga watch with key
VF cos
Unscrewing the cap of an ink bottle Fig. 2.29.2

(Chapter-2)
 Example 2.21: A horizontal line PQRS is 12 m long, where PQ = QR = RS = 4m. Forces of
1000, 1500, 1000 and 500 N act at P Q, R and S respectively and action of these forces madke
60", and 300 respectively with PS. Find the magnitude, direction and position of the
angies 90, 45
resutant force (JNTU H, June 2010]
Solution:
The forces acting on length of 12 is shown in
a m Fig. 2.37.1.
1000N
1500N
1000N
50ON

P900
PY 90 Q600 R 5
RA45°
30
4m 4m
S
4 m H

Fig. 2.37.1
Vertical and horizontal
components of each force is shown in
Fig. 2.37.2(a).
100ON 1299N 707N 250N
R
750N 707N
07N 433N
m R

8m

12 m
RR
Xm

(a)
(b)
(Chonto
Fig. 2.37.2
 Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces 45
Resolving forces horizontally,
2F, = R, = 750 + 707 + 433 = 1890 N

Resolving the forces vertically

2 R 1000 + 1299 + 707 +250 3256 N
Magnitude of resultant
R R+R = V18902 + 32562 = 3764.79 N Ans.

Also, tan tan

(3256 = 59.860
1890
Thus resultant act at an angle 59.86 with the horizontal.
Let the resultant acts at distance (x) from P. Taking moments about P

R, X x =
1299 x 4 + 707 x 8 250 x 12
13852
3256 4.254 m
X Ans.

Example 2.22:A vertical load of 10 kN actingon a horizontal beam AB as shown in Fig. 2.38. Determine
the forces in the hinged bars AD, AE and BC. Neglect the weight of the beam.
Solution
Let R, and R, be the reactions at A and B respectively. For given configuration the reaction:
are vertical and force in AD is equal to AE. |P = 10kN
Taking moments about A,
0.5m->
Px AF
RxAB =

0.5 DB
Rx 2.5 = 10 x

R 10x0.5=2
2.5
kN .5m

Also, R+ R , = P o1515E
Fig. 2.38
R = 10-2 =
8 kN
Consider the equilibrium of hing A; Let F-be the force in AD and DE.
Resolving the forces vertically,
2.F.cos150 = 8

8
F 2x0.966 4.14 kN

Force in BC, R, = 2 kN Ans.

Force in AD = AE= 4.14 kN Ans.

and of negligible weights rests in horizontal position on two

Example 2.23: A bar 2 m long
smooth inclined planes (Fig. 2.39.1). Determine the distance 'x' at which the load Q = 100 N

should be placed from point B to keep the bar horizontal. [OU, JNTUH - Dec., 2016]

(Chapter-2)
 46 Engineering Mechanics
P 200N = 100 N

05 m

A
300
450

2m

Fig. 2.39.1
Solution
R. sin300 RSin450

R, cos30°30R cos450

45
X

30 A450

Fig. 2.39.2
Considering horizontal forces,
R, sin 300 = R, sin450

0.707
B .5R, =1.414 R
0.5 (i)
Considering vertical forces,
R cos 300+R, cos45 = P+Q
0.866 R+0.707 R, = 200 + 100 300
.(ii)
From eqns (i) and (ii)

R 155.32 N
and R = 219.62 N

Taking moments about B,

R cos 30 x 2 P2 -0.5) + Qx
219.62 x 0.866 x 2 200 x 1.5+ 100. x

80.4
= =
0.804 m Ans.
100
Example 2.24.1 Three forces of magnitude 30 N, 60 N and 50 N act along the sides AB, BC and
CA of an equilateral triangle of side 500 mm. Find the
resutant.
magnitude, direction and position of the

Solution:
The various forces acting on sides of equilateral triangle are shown in Fig. 2.40.1(a).
(Chapter-2)
Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces 41
50N
600

EVA R

80N
600 50
EH
3ON
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.40.1
Resolving the forces horizontally,
XH= 60-50 cos60-30 cos600
=60 5 0 x 0.5-30 x 0.5 20 N
Resolving the forces vertically,
EV= 50 sin60-30 sin60
50 x 0.866-30x 0.866 17.32 N
= =
50N
Let R be the resultant and acting at an angle '8' with horizontal.
R = vEv2 +2H2 = V17.322 +202
= 26.457 NAns.

EV17.32
Also, tane = = 0.866
EH 20 BA600
50 C606
= tan 0.866 =40.89 Ans.
3ON E
Position of the resultant:
Let 'O' be the position of resultant and is at a distance of x mm frorhE*0.4

Taking moments about '0'

30x DO= 50 x EO
30 (50 + x) sin60= 50 x x sin60
x = 75 mm Ans.
 200P
x 70.72
Ans. mm
2.828P
Example 2.25.2 : Determine the resultant of four forces tangent to the circle of radius 1.25 m
shown in Fig. 2.42.1, what will be its position with respect to the centre of the circle.

8ON
A125N

30 60

80N
60N
Fig. 2.42.1
Solution
The given force system is shown in Fig. 2.42.2(a).
8ON
R=72.74N
A125N

25.72N
R
Bocos60®

80sin60 68.04N

3060sin30
(a) (b (c)
Fig. 2.42.2
Resolving the forces horizontally,
EF, = 80-60 cos 300 + 80 cos 600 = 68.04 N
Resolving the forces vertically
F= 125-60 sin 30°-80 sin 60 =
25.72 N
Resultant= ( E F + ( F , = V68.042+25.722= 72.74 NAns.

(25.72
F, = tan 68.04
Also, tan1 = 20.70

(Chapter-2)
50
Engineering Mechani
1.e, R is
inclined at 20.70 with horizontal and is at a distance, d from the centre.
Taking moments about centre, O.
R Xd =
sum of the moments of all the forces
2.74 x d =- 80 x 1.25-60x1.25+ 125x1.25+ 80x1.25
d8125
72.74 1.l m Ans.
ample 2.26:
50 mm as in Four forces of magnitude 16, 11,9 and 8 N act at the corners of a square
their resultant.Fig. 2.43.1(a). Calculate magnitude, direction and of
position, relative to corner A,side
of
6N
60
11N
2V

45 - 50
eN 9N
2H

(a)
(b)
Solution: Fig. 2.43.1
The forces acting on
corners of a square are shown in
Resolving the forces horizontally, Fig. 2.43.1(a).
H= 11-16
11-16
cos60-8 cos 45 +9 cos30
0.5 -8
=
x x 0.707 + 9 x 0.866
Resolving the forces vertically, 5.138 N
EV= 16 sin60-8 sin45-9 sin300
16 x 0.866 -8 x 0.707 -9x 0.5
=

3.7 N =

Let 'R' be the resultant and acting at an "8' angle with the
horizontal
R VEv2 +EH2 =
V3.72 +5.1382 =
6.33N Ans.
33.7 =0.72
Also, tan =

EH 5.138
0 tan 0.72 = 35.750 Ans.
Position of resultant
Let x-be the L distance between point A and line of action of the resultant
In triangle EBC,
BC
tan30 BE
50 86.65 mm
BE
BE=
0.577 =

(Chapter-2)
Resultant of Coplanar System of Forces 51

and AE= BE - BA = 86.65 - 50 36.65 mm

Also from triangle EAF

AF = EA sin30 = 36.65 x 0.5= 18.325 mm
O35.76
In triangle AGD,
AG= AD sin450
50 x 0.707 =
35.35 mm E30
E30
Applying the principle of moments about A
Moment of resultant = algebraic sum of the
moments of given system of forces
R xx = 8 x AG - 9 x AF
6.33 x x = 8 x 35.35 9x 18.325 46 60

9N
117.875 FeN
X
6.33
= 18.62 mmAn Fig. 2.43.2

shown in
Example 2.27 : A flat plate is subjected to the coplanar system of forces
locates each force and its
Fig. 2.44(a). The inscribed grid with each square hauing a length of
1 m

(OU]
slope. Determine the resultant and its X and Y intercepts.
Solution:

300N
361N
A259.8NN
60 150N
--

200.3N R3411
R 422.73N
300.3N
200.6N R 249.7
x
O

448N
V400.6N

(b) (c)
(a)
Fig. 2.44

6 tan = 33.70

e2tan1=63.40
Components of 300 N; Fx,=- 150 N and F, 259.8 NN
= - 300.3 N and F = - 200.3 N
Components of 361 N; Fo y2
Components of 448 N; F , = 200.6 Nand F,y3 = - 400.6 N

341.1 N
R=F -249.7 Nand R, =

2F, = -

Taking moments about O, 1 150 x 3- 259.8 x 2 =

332.5 Nm
Mo 400.6 x 4 - 300.3
x -

422.73 N Ans.
R+R v249.72 +341.12
Resultant, R = =

249.7= 53.80 (341.1

Also, Direction, 6 =
tanRtan '249753.80 (Chapter-2)
 Cgn g Mechar
MechanicS
52
at A
From the component represented
0)
Mo of R,
-

X-intercept; R, x x Mo (:

332. 0.975 m right of '0'Ans.

341.1
From the component represented at B
0)
( Mo of R,
-

Yintercept R, Xyy Mo
249.71.33
m below O Ans.
Example 2.28 Replace the given system offorces acting on a body by a
single force and couple
acting at the point A as shown in Fig. 2.45.1. (JNTU-June -2010]
10 N 8.32 N
15 N 10 N
50mm
1248 N

40mm

D C 8.66 N 1732
60mm AD
200
20 N 23.49 N 10 N
25

Fig. 2.45.1 Fig. 2.45.22

Solution:
Inclination of 15 N with horizontal
2F31.81
= tan 33.690

Resolving the forces horizontaly,

F = 8 . 5 5 + 12.48- 17.32 3 . 7 1 N

Resolving the forces vertically,

YF3.71
F 23.49 + 10 + 8.32
=

Equivalent single force (Resultant)

10 =
31.81 N Fig. 2.45.3

10 N AR 32.02N
R 2F+
o32.02 N2F,2 Va.712 +31.812
-

AKa35
A865 2 Nmm

Also tan (2F lan

(31.81
83.350
3.71
Couple at A
R.x 2M, (algebraic sum of all the forces about A
8.55x40-17.32x 40 + 10x60 + 8.32x50 Fig. 2.45.4
665.2Nmm
(Chapter-2)
Chapter
3
EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Equilibrium of body means a state of rest under the effect of the forces acting on the brdy
Thus a body is said to be in equilibrium under the action of systerm of forces if al the forces on it are
in balance. i.e., their resutlant is zero.
Equilibrant of a system of forces is a single force which will balance thewhole
to the resultant
system. ie.
of forces acting
on a
bring the system into equilibrium. It is equal in magnitude
body: but is oppositely directed. Resultant and equilibrant act along the same straight ine but in
opposite directions.

3.2 CONDITION FOR EQUILIBRIUM:

Rigid body which is subjected to coplanar forces will be in equilibrium under the folowing
conditions.
1) The algebraic sum of horizontal components of all the forces must be zero

XF= 0
must be
2) The algebraic sum of vertical components of all the forces
zero

F=0
3) The algebraic sum of moments of all the forces about any point in the plane
must be zero.
EM = 0
equilibrium if the resultant force and resultant couple acting on
a
Thus the body will be in
but moment equation
body are zero. Equilibrium of concurrent forces requires first two equations
is

of concurrent
not required, since the moment of all the forces about any axis passing through point
is zero. Equilibrium of non-concurrent forces needs all three equations.
BODY UNDER A GIVEN SYSTEM OF FORCES:
3.3 EQUILIBRIUM OF A
action of single force. The equilibrium of
A body cannot remains in equilibrium under the a

a body under the following system of foces in considered below.

collinear, equal and act
Twoforce system: Body will be in equilibrium, if two forces
are
)
in opposite direction.

F, F2
Fig. 3.1.
(Chapter-3)
64 Engineering Mechanics
i) Three force system: The body will be in equilibrium under the action of three forces, if
the resultant of two forces is collinear, equal and opposite to the third force. The third force is called
equilibriant.
AR
RESULTANT
AF2
R

YF R
FR

(a) (b)
Fig. 3.1.2
3.4 LAMI'S THEOREM:
It states that, "f three forces acting at a point are in equilibrium, each force uwill be
proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two forces".
Let R Q and R be the three forces acting at a point 'O', and a, ß and y be the angles as
shown in Fig. 3.2 (a). Then the Lami's theorem can be
expressed by the equation
P Q R
Sin a sin ß sinY

Q
180 a

R
180 B
180-1

R
(a) (b)
Fig. 3.2
Proof: The three forces acting at a point are in equilibrium, and can be
of a triangle taken in the same order as shown in represented by three sides
Fig. 3.2(b).
From sine rule,
P Q R
sin(180-a) sin(180 P) sin(180 -Y)
P Q R
sina sinB sin Y

Hence, the theorem is proved.

(Chapter-3)