Engineering Mechanics-I:

Statics
By: Engr. Ahmed Zaheer

Mechanical Engineering Department

University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila, Pakistan
 Lecture-7:

Frames & Machines

Contents
Covered in this Lecture
• Frames & Machines
• 2-Force Members
• Analytical Examples
• Numerical Examples
Frames & Machines
Structures Trusses

Machines Frames

Trusses have been discussed in previous lectures

In this lecture frames and machines shall be discussed
Frames vs. Machines
 Frames – Definition & Examples
Frame is a rigid structure consisting of stationary multi force
members

A-frame ladder carrying a worker Crane holding weight W

 Machines – Definition & Examples
Machine is a structure which consists of movable members to
transmit and magnify the effect of forces

Pliers holding an object Scissors cutting papers and cloth etc

Difference Between Trusses, Frames & Machines
Two Force Members
Equilibrium

Two Force Members

 A two-force member to be in equilibrium, the forces must be equal,

opposite, and collinear
 The shape of the member does not affect this simple requirement
 In the illustrations cited above, the weights of the members are
negligible as compared with the applied forces
12
Equilibrium of a Two-Force Body
• Consider a plate subjected to two forces F1 and F2

• For static equilibrium, the sum of moments about A

must be zero. The moment of F2 must be zero. It
follows that the line of action of F2 must pass
through A.

• Similarly, the line of action of F1 must pass through

B for the sum of moments about B to be zero.

• Requiring that the sum of forces in any direction be

zero leads to the conclusion that F1 and F2 must
have equal magnitude but opposite sense.

4 - 13
Method of Analysis
 Method for Analysis of Frames
Step-1

Draw FBD

The tension ‘T’ and the support reactions Ax and Ay can be found when
the values of weight ‘W’, lengths of members AD, BE, CF and θ are
given by using following equations:-
ΣMA=0  T Cos (θ) (AD) – W (CF) = 0 ; find ‘T’
ΣFx=0  Ax – T Cos (θ) =0; find Ax
ΣFy=0  Ay – T Sin (θ) – W =0; find Ay
 Method for Analysis of Frames
Step-2

Now each member of the frame shall be analyzed separately and forces
which are keeping the members together shall be discussed
 Method for Analysis of Frames
Step-3
First of all two force
members are
considered as these are
either under
compression or under
tension at their ends

Here member BE is
the only two force
member

Member BE is loaded
at points B and E and
no other force is acting
on it
Step-4
Method for Analysis of Frames
Member BE
Forces at the ends of two-
force member (BE) must be
equal, opposite and at same
line of action for equilibrium

Assume member BE under

compression due to its
location

Assign – FBE at E (as it is

downwards and towards left)
and FBE at B

The forces – FBE & FBE are

applied at correct angles
measured from the position of
BE in the frame
 Method for Analysis of Frames
Step-5
Member CF
FBE at E on member CF is
equal and opposite to that
at E on member BE for
equilibrium

The force at C is resolved

in Cx and Cy as W is
pulling CF downwards at F

Balancing about E,
moment of Cy should be
opposite to that of W,
hence it is – Cy

Balancing with FBE, Cx is

leftwards, hence – Cx
 Method for Analysis of Frames
Step-6
Member AD
The forces at C are Cx and
Cy i.e. equal and opposite to
that at C on member CF

The force at B is – FBE,

equal and opposite to that at
B on member BE

With forces Ax, Ay and T

already discussed, find Cx,
Cy and FBE by ΣFx=0,
ΣFy=0 and ΣM=0

Magnitudes of Cx, Cy and

FBE are same on all
members
 Analyzing Frames and Machines
 Action and reaction forces of isolated members may be
represented as shown in following examples

 Sign of each force shall be indicated according to the

chosen axes
 Summary of Frames and Machine Analysis
Draw free body diagram (FBD) of complete structure and find outer
forces (including support reactions) of the structure by using
equilibrium equations
Draw free body diagram of each member separately and indicate
internal forces at their correct positions either by orientation of the
member or logical assumptions
The internal force on one member at a point should be equal and
opposite to the forces on corresponding point on the other member
when both are connected for maintaining the equilibrium in the
structure
Distinguish two-force members and apply equal, opposite and
collinear tension or compression forces at their ends through logical
assumption
Start calculating the forces by using equilibrium equations with the
member which has more known forces and find all unknown forces
Example
• The lever ABC is pin supported at A and connected to a short link BD
as shown. If the weight of the members is negligible, determine the
force of the pin on the lever at A.
Analytical Examples
Example-1:
Simple Frame
Example-1:
Simple Frame
Example-2:
Frame with Pulley
Example-3:
Crank Handle
Example-3:
Crank Handle
Example-3:
Crank Handle
Example-4:
Pulleys on a Frame
Example-4:
Pulleys on a Frame
Example-4:
Pulleys on a Frame
Example-5:
Pulleys
Example-6:
Pulleys & Normal Reaction
Example-5:
Pulleys & Normal Reaction
Example-5:
Pulleys & Normal Reaction
Example-5:
Symmetric Machine
Example-5:
Simple Machine
Example-6:
Machine - Excavator
Example-6:
Machine - Excavator

Idealised Model
Stick Bucket
 Example-6:
Machine - Excavator

Idealised Model
Pins
Numerical Examples
 Example – 1
For an 80-N squeeze on the handles of the pliers, determine
the force F applied to the round rod by each jaw. In addition,
calculate the force supported by the pin at A.

F Ox

Oy

Answers
Example – 2
The un-stretched length of spring EF is 300 mm. Determine
the magnitude of the pin reaction at O.

Answer

O = 1512 N
Example – 3

Answers
Example – 4

Answers
Example – 5
Example – 6

Answers
Conclusion

• The End

• Thank You!

• Any Questions?