EQUILIBRIUM

Engr. Raymond I. Calderon

Condition for the Equilibrium of a Particle
➢ A particle is said to be in equilibrium if it remains at rest if
originally at rest, or has a constant velocity if originally in
motion.

➢ To maintain equilibrium, it is necessary to satisfy Newton’s

first law of motion, which requires the resultant force acting
on a particle to be equal to zero, stated mathematically as
σ 𝐹 = 0 where σ 𝐹 is the vector sum of all the forces acting
on the particle.

➢ This follows from Newton’s second law of motion, which can

be written as σ 𝐹 = ma. And since this force system is equal
to zero, then ma = 0, and therefore the particle’s acceleration
a= 0
 Equilibrium of a Particle
Functions of Flywheel
✔When the resultant of all the forces acting on a particle is zero, the particle is in

equilibrium.

✔ A particle acted upon by two forces is in equilibrium if the two forces have the same

magnitude and the same line of action but opposite sense

✔ A case of equilibrium of a particle is represented in figure (a), where four forces are

shown acting on particle A.

 Equilibrium of a Particle
Functions of Flywheel
✔Resolving each force F into rectangular components, we have
(Fxi+ Fyj)= 𝟎 or (Fx)i+(Fy)j = 𝟎

✔ We conclude that the necessary and sufficient conditions for the equilibrium of a particle
are (scalar equations) Fx = 𝟎 Fy = 𝟎

✔ When the force and the couple are both equal to zero, the external forces form a system
equivalent to zero, and the rigid body is said to be in equilibrium.
F=𝟎 Mo = d x F = 𝟎

✔ For a rigid body in equilibrium, the system of external forces imparts no translational or
rotational motion to the body.

✔ In addition to the forces applied to a structure, its supports exert reactions on it. Specific
reaction is associated with each type of support.
 EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM IN TWO DIMENSIONS

∑ Fx = 𝟎

∑ Fy = 𝟎

∑M=𝟎
Where A is any point in the plane of the structure.
These three equations can be solved for no more than three unknowns.
REACTIONS FOR A TWO-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE
The reactions exerted on a two-dimensional structure fall into three categories
that correspond to three types of supports or connections.
▪ Reactions Equivalent to a Force with a Known Line of Action.
Supports and connections causing reactions of this type include rollers,
rockers, frictionless surfaces, short links and cables, collars on frictionless
rods, and frictionless pins in slots. Each of these supports and connections can
prevent motion in one direction only.
▪ Reactions Equivalent to a Force of Unknown Direction and Magnitude.
Supports and connections causing reactions of this type include frictionless
pins in fitted holes, hinges, and rough surfaces. Reactions of this group involve
two unknowns and are usually represented by their x and y components
▪ Reactions Equivalent to a Force and a Couple
.These reactions are caused by fixed supports that oppose any motion of the
free body and thus constrain it completely. Reactions of this group involve
three unknowns usually consisting of the two components of the force and
the moment of the couple.
 Statically Indeterminate Reactions and Partial Constraints

▪ Completely Constrained and Statically Determinate.

The types of supports used were such that the rigid body could not possibly
move under the given loads or under any other loading conditions. In such
cases, the rigid body is said to be completely constrained. The reactions
corresponding to these supports involved three unknowns and could be
determined by solving the three equations of equilibrium.
▪ Statically Indeterminate
A situation in which the number of unknowns exceed the number of
equilibrium equations available.
▪ Partially Constrained.
A situation in which the constraints provided by the supports are not sufficient
to keep the object from moving. In such a case, the three equations of
equilibrium are not satisfied. There are fewer unknowns than equations
▪ Improperly Constrained
A rigid body is improperly constrained whenever the supports (even though
they may provide a sufficient number of reactions) are arranged in such a way
that the reactions must be either concurrent or parallel.
Statically Indeterminate Reactions and Partial Constraints
A further note on drawing a Free-Body Diagram.

Draw outlined shape. Imagine the particle to be isolated or cut “free” from its
surroundings by drawing its outlined shape.

Show all forces. Indicate on this sketch all the forces that act on the particle.
These forces can be active forces, which tend to set the particle in motion, or
they can be reactive forces which are the result of the constraints or supports
that tend to prevent motion.

Identify Each Force. The forces that are known should be labeled with their
proper magnitudes and directions.
Sample Problem
1. A fixed crane has a mass of 1000 kg and is used to lift a 2400-kg crate. It is held in
place by a pin at A and a rocker at B. The center of gravity of the crane is located at
G. Determine the components of the reactions at A and B.
Sample Problem
2. Three loads are applied to a beam as shown. The beam is supported by a roller at
A and by a pin at B. Neglecting the weight of the beam, determine the reactions at
A and B when P = 15 kips.
Two cables are tied together at C and
loaded as shown. Determine the tension (a)
in cable AC, (b) in cable BC.