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2D Equilibrium
Dr Atul JAIN
Mechanical Engineering Department
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Mechanics
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2D Equilibrium
Part II-Free Body Diagram

Mechanics
 2D Equilibrium –Part II 3

Free body diagrams

Free body Diagram is a graphical illustration used to visualize

the applied forces, moments, and resulting reactions on a body
in a given condition

They depict a body or connected bodies with all the applied

forces and moments, and reactions, which act on the
body(ies).

Drawing the free body diagram is the

single most important step towards
solving problems in Mechanics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_body_diagram
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Free body diagram

A simplified version of the body isolated completely other bodies

Each constraint is replaced by suitable reactions

Forces shown as straight arrows pointing in the direction they act on the body

Moments shown as curved arrows pointing in the direction they act on the body

A coordinate system
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Isolation of the body

First step is to isolate the body completely

Let us consider a book placed in a table. To draw the FBD of the book, first isolate the book
completely and replace the constraint by suitable reactions

R
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Drawing FBD

The table will lead to reaction forces

The weight of the book leads to body forces

R
y

Cordinate axis system

x
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Common constraints- Pin joint

Not constrained

Fx
constrained
y
Fy

x
Pin joints allow rotation
Pin joints do not allow linear FBD
translation
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Common constraints- roller support

FBD

Not constrained

y
Fy
constrained

Roller joints allow rotation

Roller joints allow horizontal translation
Roller joints do not allow vertical translation
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Common constraints- welded joint

Fy M

Fx

Both rotation and translation are

constrained x
FBD
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Common constraints- freely guiding slot

Freely guiding slots allow movement along a certain direction

While solving such problems, it is convenient to choosing coordinate axis system

such that the reaction force is parallel to a coordinate axis
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FBD example 1

Pin joint at B
Roller
support at A

While drawing the FBD , inner details are not important; inner constraints are not considered
In the figure A is roller support, B is pin-joint
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FBD example 2

While drawing the FBD , inner details are not important; just the outline of the vehicle is drawn
In this problem all the forces are parallel
Notice the reactions at wheels are 2A and 2B respectively  recall there are two front and two
rear wheels
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FBD example 3

TAB

Cx

y Cy

Pin joint at C
x
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FBD example 4

FB

FD

y
Pin joint at A

Rpi.edu
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FBD example 5

Tension due to thread

Self-weight
at G

Pin joint at A

The different length and angles are important to place in fbd

From the picture it is not evident clearly but will be mentioned in the problem statement
Rpi.edu
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FBD example 6

Draw a FBD of member ABC and

CD, which is supported by a smooth
collar at A, roller at B, and link CD.

The structure is made of two connected bodies (CD and ABC), the fbd of both members must be
drawn
The moment is applied at point B and must be considered in the fbd
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FBD example 6

Note that there are pin joints at C and D

CD is a two force member

Dy
y Cx
Dx
Cx
x Dx
y
Cy

Recall x
If a body is subjected to two forces, then both the forces must be
equal in magnitude, opposite in direction and collinear
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FBD example 6
Note:
FCD = Cx
• Single reaction at collar at A and roller at y
B but different directions 2.5 kN
• The roller leads to no moment reaction, 3m
x
but moment can be applied at that point 4 kN.m
60°

NC
45°
4m 6m

NA
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FBD example 7
What are the reactions at A and D?

Notice: Horizontal movement at A and D is

constrained by the wall
Vertical movement in A and D is NOT constrained
0.06m
D D

y
TBE C
0.16m
x B 200 N

A
A
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FBD example 8

Obstruction at A is rough, mass

A leads to is 2kN downward force
2 kN
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FBD example 9

RA

mg
y

x
RB

At support A, horizontal movement is constrained; at support B vertical movement is

constrained and hence the reaction forces
Both supports at A and B are frictionless
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FBD example 9a

How will the fbd of the crate vary in

the two cases?