Far Eastern University May 2021

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

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LECTURE READING 8: COUPLES

Couple is a system of forces whose magnitude of the resultant is zero and yet has a moment sum.
Geometrically, couple is composed of two equal forces that are parallel to each other and acting in opposite
direction. The magnitude of the couple is given by

C=Fd
Where F are the two forces and d is the moment arm, or the perpendicular distance between the forces.
 Far Eastern University May 2021
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________
PROBLEM 1.

Determine the resultant moment about point A of the system of forces shown in figure below. Each
square is 1 ft on a side.

From the figure below, compute for the hypothenuse of the slope and get its components. There is
presence of two couples.

MA = - QH (4) + PH (3) + Pv (2) + 80 (2) - 100 (√ 2 )

1 3 2
MA = - 100 ( ) (4) + 200 ( ) (3) + 200 ( ) (2) + 80 (2) - (100) (√ 2)
√5 √13 √13
MA = 560.80 lb.ft ANSWER
 Far Eastern University May 2021
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________

PROBLEM 2.

The three-step pulley shown in figure below is subjected to the given couples. Compute the value of the
resultant couple. Also determine the forces acting at the rim of the middle pulley that are required to balance
the given system.

Let CR = resultant couple

Solving for the resultant couple

CR = ƩC

CR = - 40 (16) + 30 (12) – 60 (8)

CR = 760 lb.in  ANSWER

Solving for the equivalent couple in the middle pulley

CR = -F (12)

- 760 = -F (12)

F = 63.33 lb

The resultant couple consist of two 63.33 lb couple

 Far Eastern University May 2021
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________