EN122 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Chapter 2: Rigid body static

Week/3 Lecture Notes

Semester II, 2023

Equilibrium Structures, Support Reactions, Determinacy and Stability of Beams and Frames

Fig.2.1
LibreTexts Engineering .
 Equilibrium in Two Dimensions (2-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

Free Body Diagram (F.B.D.):

It is a simplified drawing of an object or a system,

isolating it from its surroundings, and showing all
the external forces acting on it. These forces
include gravitational forces, normal forces, tension
forces, frictional forces, and any other relevant
forces that affect the object.

Fig.2.2
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Equilibrium in Two Dimensions (2-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

Equilibrium Concept:
1. When the resultant force on a body is zero (∑F = 0),
the body is in Translational equilibrium. This
means that the centre of mass is either at rest or
moving in a straight line with constant velocity.
2. If the resultant couple is zero (∑M = 0), the body is
in rotational equilibrium, either having no
rotational motion or rotating with a constant
angular velocity
3. When both resultants are zero, the body is in
complete equilibrium.

Fig.2.2—cont.
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Equilibrium in Two Dimensions (2-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

Fig.2.3
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Equilibrium in Two Dimensions (2-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

∑Fx = 0 ∑Fy = 0 ∑MO = 0

Fig.2.4
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Equilibrium in Three Dimensions (3-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

∑F = 0 or ∑Fx = 0
∑Fy = 0
∑Fz = 0

∑MO = 0 or ∑Mx = 0
∑My = 0
∑Mz = 0

Fig.2.5
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Equilibrium in Three Dimensions (3-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

∑F = 0 or ∑Fx = 0
∑Fy = 0
∑Fz = 0

∑MO = 0 or ∑Mx = 0
∑My = 0
∑Mz = 0

Fig.2.5—cont.
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Equilibrium in Three Dimensions (3-D diagrams): Free Body Diagrams

Fig.2.6 J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.
 Constraints and Statically Determinacy

r + Fi < 3m structure is statically unstable

r + Fi = 3m structure is statically determinate

r + Fi > 3m structure is statically indeterminate

where
r = number of support reactions.
Fi = number of reaction forces transmitted by an internal
hinge or internal roller.
m = number of members.

Fig.2.7

J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.

 Summary

The following important consideration should be given when applying the

principle of equilibrium:
• Make an unequivocal decision as to which system (a body or connections of bodies) in
equilibrium is to be analyzed.
• Isolate the system in question from all contacting bodies by drawing its free body
diagram showing all forces and couples acting o the isolated system from the external
sources.
• Observe the principle of action and reaction (Newton’s third law) when assigning the
sense of each force.
• Label all forces and couples known and unknown
• Choose and label reference axes, always choosing a right handed set when vector
notation is used ( which is usually the case for three dimensional analysis.
• Check the adequacy of the constraints (supports) and match the number of unknowns
with number of available independent equations of equilibrium.

J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.

 Week/3 Activity

Reading:

1. J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.110-171.

2. Refer to the reference books for further reading

Assignments:

To be given later in the week

EN122 ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Chapter 3: Structures

Week/3 Lecture Notes

Semester II, 2023

3.1 Introduction

Engineering structures refer to the physical frameworks and systems

designed and constructed by engineers to support loads, resist
forces, and provide functional spaces for various applications. These
structures can range from bridges, buildings, dams, and tunnels to
aerospace and offshore structures. Engineers apply principles of
mathematics, physics, and materials science to ensure these
structures are safe, efficient, and sustainable, playing a vital role in
modern society's infrastructure and development.
3.2 Trusses
Classifications of trusses:

(a)Depending upon joining of members in planes (plane trusses):

i. Two- dimensional Truss: This truss is also known as a plane truss since
all of its members are in the same plane. As a result, it can be thought of
as a structure composed of coplanar parts. Bridges and roof trusses are
examples of this type of truss.
ii. Three dimensional truss: This type of truss is also called space truss
and its all members lie in different planes. It is a structure which consists
of collection of non-coplanar members. Mobile or electrical transmission
towers are examples of this type of truss.
(b) Depending upon quantity of members and joints

i) Perfect Truss: This type of truss does not change its shape under external
loading. It utilizes the optimum numbers of members and joints. It is
considered as just rigid truss because removal of any member can cause
failure of the truss.
ii) Imperfect Truss or deficient truss : this type of truss does not retain its
shape under external loading due to joining of fewer members as compared
to perfect truss.
iii)Redundant Truss: This type of truss also does not change its shape under
external loading. It is considered as over rigid truss because it contains
more members than a perfect truss and becomes statically indeterminate
truss (forces in the members cannot be determined by using the equilibrium
equations).
Mathematically the
condition for a perfect truss
20 kN
is 15 kN

45˚
m = (2j − 3)

Consider Fig.3.1 where m =

9 and j = 6
(2j − 3) = (2 × 6 − 3) = 9

As equality exist between

‘m’ and ‘(2j − 3)’ it is called
a perfect truss. Fig.3.1 Perfect truss
15 kN 15 kN

45˚ C D 45˚ B1 C1 D1
B

A E

Fig.3.2a Imperfect truss Fig.3.2b Imperfect truss

Mathematically, the condition for an imperfect truss is
m < (2j − 3)
Consider Fig. 3.2 where m = 7 and j = 6
(2j − 3) = (2 × 6 − 3) = 9

As m < (2j − 3) exist for this truss. Therefore, it is called an imperfect

truss.

Consider Fig. 3.2 (b) where joints B, C, and D have shiſted to new
position B1, C1 and D1 under the application of load 15 kN which shows
that this truss does not retain its shape under external loading.
 15 kN

45˚

Mathematically the condition for a

redundant truss is

m > (2j − 3)

Consider Fig. 3.3 where m = 8 and j = 5

(2j − 3) = (2 × 5 − 3) = 7

As m > (2j − 3) exists for this truss, it is

therefore a redundant truss.

Fig.3.3 Redundant truss

 Assumptions for the Analysis of Perfect Truss:

i. All members of the truss are connected by frictionless pins, i.e., the
shape of truss cannot resist any moment.
ii. All members of the truss are connected at the joint.
iii. External forces act at the joints only and during analysis of joints,
force is not allowed to shiſt to any other joint by using principle of
transmissibility.
iv. All members of the truss are taken as weightless.
v. All members of the truss are straight and called two force members.
The members may be either in tension (T) or compression (C).
Analysis of Forces in the Members of the Truss:

There are two methods to analyze the forces in the

members of truss:
I. Analytical method
II. Graphical method
Analytical method includes Method of Joint and Method
of Section.
3.3 Method of joint

In this method, first a suitable joint is selected. The suitable

joint is one which contains maximum two unknown force
members. This is because a joint represents a concurrent
coplanar force system where only two equilibrium conditions
i.e. ΣX = 0 and ΣY = 0 can be used to determine the unknown
forces. This method is discussed in detail in solved examples.
3.4 Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams
Beams:
Beams are widely used as a structural member to support heavy
transverse load throughout its length. Generally beams are used with
rectangular cross section and I-section out of circular, square and T-
section. Beam consists of very large length as compared to width and
depth and supported by columns at its ends. Beams are made of timber,
reinforced concrete and steel. Skyscrapers are constructed with the
help of beams and columns.
Cantilever Beam: The beam which
is fixed at one end and remains free
at other end called cantilever beam
as shown in Fig. 3.4 (a).
Propped Cantilever Beam: The
beam which is fixed at one end and
remains simply supported at other
end called propped cantilever beam
as shown in Fig. 3.4 (b).
Simply Supported Beam: The beam
Fig.3.4
which is simply supported at both
ends called simply supported beam Overhanging Beam: The beam which extends
as shown in Fig. 3.4 (c). The beyond its one or two supports is called overhanging
supports used are combination of beam as shown in Fig. 3.4 (d). The supports used are
hinge and roller bearings. combination of hinge and roller bearings.
Continuous Beam: The beam which is supported
throughout its length by more than two supports
called continuous beam as shown in Fig. 3.4 (e).
Types of Loads and Beams
There are four types of loading acts on beams. The beam may be subjected to any type of
single loading or in combination of two or more. The different types of loading are
described below:

Point load or Concentrated

Load: This kind of load is
concentrated at a point or acts
at a point hence called as Point
load or Concentrated load. It is
represented by an arrow.
Consider Fig. 3.5 (a) where W
kN Point load is acting on a
simply supported beam.

Fig.3.5
Uniformly Distributed Load: It is also abbreviated as UDL. This kind of load is
distributed over certain distance with constant intensity. It can be represented by two
ways as shown in Fig. 3.5 (b) and (c) where load of constant intensity w kN/m is
distributed over certain distance 5 m on a cantilever beam. For analysis purpose total
load is computed i.e., area of rectangle (w*5) and assumed that acting on the middle of
length of its length (Centroid of rectangle) i.e., 2.5 m from end B.
Uniformly Varying Load: It is also abbreviated as UVL. This kind of load is distributed
over certain distance with uniformly varying intensity. Consider Fig. 3.5 (d) where load
of uniformly varying intensity w kN/m is distributed over certain distance 6 m on a
simply supported beam. For analysis purpose total load is computed i.e., area of triangle
(1/2 * W *6) and assumed that acting on the Centroid of triangle i.e., 5 m from end A (3
+1/3*6=5), 4 from end (2/3*6=4) B and 2m from C (1/3*6=2).

Applied External Moment or Couple: This kind of loading tends to rotate the beam as
shown in Fig. 3.5 (e) where two moments 50 kNm and 60 kNm are acting at points C
and D anticlockwise and clockwise respectively an on an overhanging beam.
 Week/3 Activity

Reading:

1. J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Statics 7th Ed., pp.173-231.

2. Refer to the reference books for further reading
 Week/3 Activity

Assignment #2 Due: August 3, 2023

1.Determine the forces in all the members

of the truss shown in Fig.1.

Fig.1.
2. Determine the forces in each member of the
loaded truss shown in Fig.2

Fig.2.