Assignment 1 (Group)

ENGINEERING MECHANICS (SETP1113)/MECHANICS OF ENGINEERING

(SETG 1313)

QUESTION 1 (5 Marks)
CLO CLO1
Marks 5

If the resultant force (FR) of the two tugboats as depicted in Figure 1 is required to be directed
towards the positive (+ve) x-axis, and FB is to be a minimum, determine the magnitude of F R
and FB and the angle Ѳ. (5 Marks)

Figure 1: Tugboats in operation

QUESTION 2 (10 Marks)

CLO CLO1
Marks 10

A wire is fixed at two points A and D as shown in Figure 2. Two weights 20 kN and 25 kN
are supported at B and C, respectively. When equilibrium is reached, it is found that
inclination of AB is 30° and that of CD is 60° to the vertical. Determine the tension in the
segments AB, BC and CD of the rope and also inclination of BC (Ѳ) to the vertical.
(10 Marks)
 Figure 2: Weight-support system

QUESTION 3 (15 Marks)

CLO CLO1
Marks 15

Replace the three forces which act on the bent bar as shown in Figure 3 by a force-couple
system at point A. Then determine the x-intercept of the line of action (measured from point
A) of the stand-alone resultant force R. (15 Marks)

Figure 3: Forces acted on the bent bar

QUESTION 4 (15 Marks)
CLO CLO1
(a) (b) (c)
Marks 5 7 3

The asymmetric roof truss is of the type used when a near normal angle of incidence of
sunlight onto the south-facing surface ABC is desirable for solar energy purposes. As
depicted in Figure 4, the five vertical loads represent the effect of the weights of the truss and
supported roofing materials meanwhile the 400 N load represents the effect of wind pressure.
Calculate

Figure 4: Truss structure system

(a) Resultant forces of this system. (5 Marks)

(b) The equivalent single resultant force and specify its location along AF
(horizontal distance), measured from point A. (7 Marks)
(c) Reactions at rocker A and pin F if the system is in equilibrium. (3 Marks)
QUESTION 5 (10 Marks)
CLO CLO1
(a) (b) (c)
Marks 3 3.5 3.5

Three forces are applied at different points of a frame as shown in Figure 5:

(a) Determine a resultant force (RB)-couple moment (MB) pair, acting on point B that is
equivalent to the force system. (3 Marks)
(b) Simplify the pair obtained in (a) to only a single resultant force, R acting along the
horizontal member of the frame, ABC. Sketch the simplified system by indicating the
horizontal distance between the point of application of R and point B. (3.5 Marks)
(c) Simplify the pair obtained in (a) to only a single resultant force, R acting along the
vertical member of the frame, DBE. Sketch the simplified system by indicating the
vertical distance between the point of application of R and point B. (3.5 Marks)
.

Figure 5: Force system acting on a frame