Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 3-48 Page 1 of 2

Problem 3-48
Determine the tension in the cables in order to support the 100-kg crate in the equilibrium
position shown.

Solution

Write position vectors to points A, B, C, and D.

rA = h0, 0, 0i m

rB = h2.5, 0, 0i m

rC = h0, −2, 0i m

rD = h−2, 2, 1i m

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

In order for the system to be in equilibrium, the sum of the forces must be zero.

TAB + TAC + TAD + W = 0

TAB ûAB + TAC ûAC + TAD ûAD + mgh0, 0, −1i = 0

rB − rA rC − rA rD − rA
TAB + TAC + TAD + mgh0, 0, −1i = 0
|rB − rA | |rC − rA | |rD − rA |

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Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 3-48 Page 2 of 2

Continue the simplification.

h2.5 − 0, 0 − 0, 0 − 0i
TAB p
2 2
(2.5 − 0) + (0 − 0) + (0 − 0)2
h0 − 0, −2 − 0, 0 − 0i
+ TAC p
(0 − 0)2 + (−2 − 0)2 + (0 − 0)2
h−2 − 0, 2 − 0, 1 − 0i
+ TAD p + mgh0, 0, −1i = 0
(−2 − 0)2 + (2 − 0)2 + (1 − 0)2

 
2 2 1
TAB h1, 0, 0i + TAC h0, −1, 0i + TAD − , , + mgh0, 0, −1i = 0
3 3 3
 
2 2 1
TAB − TAD , −TAC + TAD , TAD − mg = h0, 0, 0i
3 3 3

Match the components to get a system of equations.

2

TAB − TAD = 0 
3





2

−TAC + TAD = 0
3 



1 

TAD − mg = 0

3
Solving it yields

TAB = 2mg

TAC = 2mg

TAD = 3mg.

Therefore, since m = 100 kg and g = 9.81 m/s2 , the tensions are

TAB ≈ 1.96 × 103 N

TAC ≈ 1.96 × 103 N

TAD ≈ 2.94 × 103 N.

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