Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 3-21 Page 1 of 2

Problem 3-21
Determine the unstretched length of spring AC if a force P = 80 lb causes the angle θ = 60° for
equilibrium. Cord AB is 2 ft long. Take k = 50 lb/ft.

Solution

Draw a free-body diagram for the point at A.

In order for the system to be in equilibrium, the sum of the forces in each direction must be zero.
X
Fx = 0 : TAC cos φ − TAB cos θ = 0
X
Fy = 0 : TAC sin φ + TAB sin θ − P = 0
hp i
Since P = 80 lb and θ = 60° and TAC = k∆xAC = (50 lb/ft) 22 + 42 − 2(2)(4) cos θ ft − x0 ,
the system of equations reduces to
√
50(2 3 − x0 ) cos φ − TAB cos 60° = 0 (1)
√
50(2 3 − x0 ) sin φ + TAB sin 60° − 80 = 0. (2)

www.stemjock.com
Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 3-21 Page 2 of 2

Use the law of sines to determine φ.

√
2 3 ft 2 ft 1
= → sin φ = √ sin 60° → φ = 30°
sin 60° sin φ 3
Equations (1) and (2) then reduce further to
√
50(2 3 − x0 ) cos 30° − TAB cos 60° = 0 (3)
√
50(2 3 − x0 ) sin 30° + TAB sin 60° − 80 = 0. (4)

Solve equation (3) for TAB √

50(2 3 − x0 ) cos 30°
TAB =
cos 60°
and plug it into equation (4).
" √ #
√ 50(2 3 − x0 ) cos 30°
50(2 3 − x0 ) sin 30° + sin 60° − 80 = 0
cos 60°

Solve for x0 .
√
 
cos 30°
50(2 3 − x0 ) sin 30° + sin 60° = 80
cos 60°
√
 
sin 30° cos 60° + cos 30° sin 60°
50(2 3 − x0 ) = 80
cos 60°
√
 
1
50(2 3 − x0 ) = 80
cos 60°
√ 8
2 3 − x0 = cos 60°
5
√ 8
x0 = 2 3 − cos 60° ft ≈ 2.66 ft
5

www.stemjock.com