Permatang Pauh Campus

Penang Malaysia

MEC 412 : Engineering Statics

Semester 1
Chapter 2: Static of Particles

By
Rosley Bin Jaafar
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
rosley110@uitm.edu.my/019-5668192
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this chapter, student should be able to;

⚫ describe and calculate a resultant force and resolution of force

components.
⚫ draw a free body diagram of a particle of two and three-dimension.
⚫ solve a particle of two and three-dimension problems using a static
equations of equilibrium.

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Chapter Outline
⚫ Forces in plane
⚫ Forces on a particle
⚫ Scalars and vectors
⚫ Vector operations
⚫ Resolution of vector
⚫ Procedure for Analysis
⚫ Rectangular components of a force
⚫ Equilibrium of particle
⚫ Forces in space
⚫ Rectangular components

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Application

The tension in the cable

supporting this person can
be found using the
concepts in this chapter.

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.0 Introduction
❑ In geometry, a plane is a flat surface that extends forever in two
dimensions, but has no thickness.
❑ In algebra, we graph points in the coordinate plane, which is an
example of a geometric plane. The coordinate plane has a number
line that extends left to right indefinitely and another one that extends
up and down indefinitely. The fact that it extends forever along the x-
and y-axis is just indicated by arrows on the ends of the number lines.

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Coordinate Geometry: The Cartesian Plane
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

Forces can act on an object in one, two or three dimensions. Sometimes

they act simultaneously.

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
❖ Expanding on the idea of Cartesian
geometry, it’s possible to create a
Cartesian grid in three dimensions as
well as two dimensions.
❖ The 2-dimensional (x-y) coordinate
system into a 3-dimensional coordinate
system, using x-, y-, and z-axes

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.1 Forces in a Plane
2.1.1 Forces on a particles
⚫ All the forces acting on a particle will be assumed to be applied at the
same point, that is the forces are assumed concurrent.
⚫ There can be many forces acting on a particle.
⚫ The resultant of a system of forces on a particle is the single force
which has the same effect as the system of forces. The resultant of
two forces can be found using the parallelogram law.

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
When two or more forces are acting on a body, their
combined effect can be represented by one force which
will have the same effect as the component forces.
Such a force is referred to as the ‘resultant force’.
The process of finding it is called the ‘resolution of the
component forces’.
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
(a) Resolving two forces which act in the same straight line
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
(b) Resolving two forces which do not act in the same
straight line

When the two forces do not act in the same straight line,
their resultant can be found by completing a
parallelogram of forces.
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
⚫ Parallelogram law of forces

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
⚫ …..Parallelogram law of forces

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.1.2 Scalars and vectors
⚫ Scalar – A mathematical quantity possessing magnitude only.
⚫ Eg: area, volume, mass, length
⚫ Vectors – A mathematical quantity possessing magnitude and
direction.
⚫  moment
Eg: forces, velocity, displacement,
⚫ Magnitude is designated as A or simply A
⚫ Representation of vector
⚫ Bold – Word Processors  Book uses this.
⚫ Arrow – Long Hand, Word Processors
F or F or F or Fˆ
⚫ Underline R – Long Hand, Typewriter, Word Processors
⚫ Represented graphically as an arrow
- Length of arrow = Magnitude of Vector
- Angle between the reference axis and arrow’s line of action =
Direction of Vector
- Arrowhead = Sense of Vector
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 Chapter 2
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Example:
Magnitude of Vector = 4 units
Direction of Vector = 20° measured counterclockwise from
the horizontal axis
Sense of Vector = Upward and to the right
The point O is called tail of the vector and the point P is
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called the tip or head 15
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

⚫ For 2 vectors to be equal they must have the same:

⚫ 1). Magnitude A A
⚫ 2). Direction

⚫ They do not need to have the same point of application.

⚫ A negative vector of a given vector has same
magnitude but opposite direction.
A -A

⚫
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A and –A are equal and opposite A + (-A) = 0 16
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.1.3 Vector operations
⚫ Product of a scalar and a vector
⚫ A + A + A = 4A (the number 4 is a scalar)
⚫ This is a vector in the same direction as A but 4 times as long.
⚫ (+n)A = vector same direction as A, n times as long
⚫ (-n)A = vector opposite direction as A, n times as long

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Vector addition
⚫ Addition of two vectors
A and B gives a
resultant vector R by
the parallelogram law.
⚫ Result R can be found
by triangle
construction (i.e. head-
to-tail fashion: by
connecting the head A
to the tail of B. The
resultant R extends
from the tail of A to the
head of B.
⚫ Addition of vectors is
communicative:
⚫ R=A+B=B+A

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Statics of Particles
⚫ Special case: Vectors A and
B are collinear (both have
the same line of action)
Vector subtraction
⚫ Vector subtraction is
defined as the addition of
the corresponding – ve
vector.
⚫ R’ = A – B = A + ( - B )

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 Chapter 2
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Triangle law of forces
⚫ If two forces acting at a point are represented in
magnitude and direction by the two adjacent sides
of a triangle taken in order, then the closing side
of the triangle taken in the reversed order
represents the resultant of the forces in
magnitude and direction.
⚫ Forces P and Q act at an angle θ. In order to find
the resultant of P and Q, one can apply the head
to tail method, to construct the triangle.
⚫ In Fig., OA and AB represent P and Q in
magnitude and direction. The closing side OB of
the triangle taken in the reversed order represents
the resultant R of the forces P and Q. The
magnitude and the direction of R can be found by
using sine and cosine laws of triangles.

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Statics of Particles
2.1.4 Resolution of vector
⚫ A single vector R can be represented by 2 or more vectors.
These vectors are components of the original vector.
Finding these is called resolving the vector into its
components by the parallelogram law
⚫ The two components A and B are drawn such that they
extend from the tail or R to points of intersection

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
⚫ When two or more forces are added, successive applications
of the parallelogram law is carried out to find the resultant
Eg: Forces F1, F2 and F3 acts at a point O
- First, find resultant of
F1 + F2
- Resultant,
FR = ( F1 + F2 ) + F3

2.1.5 Procedure for Analysis

Make a sketch using the parallelogram law
Label all the known and unknown force magnitudes and angles
Redraw half portion of the parallelogram
- Magnitude of the resultant force can be determined by the
law of cosines
- Direction if the resultant force can be determined by the law
of sines
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
❖ Magnitude of the two components can be determined by
the law of sines and cosines

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Example 1
The screw eye is subjected to
two forces, F1 and F2.
Determine the magnitude
and direction of the resultant
force. Find : magnitude of FR
and angle θ.

Graphical Solution
1. Determine the drawing scale.
2. Draw the parallelogram using graphical
method
3. Measure the length of the line FR and the
angle θ.
4. Convert the length of FR into parameter
force.
Remark: not accurate and not recommended
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Trigonometry Solution
Law of Cosines:

FR = (100N ) + (150N ) − 2(100N )(150N )cos115

2 2

= 10000+ 22500− 30000(− 0.4226) = 212.6N = 213N

Law of Sinus: 150N 212.6 N

=
sin  sin 115
sin  =
150N
(0.9063)
212.6 N
 = 39.8
Direction Φ of FR measured from the horizontal

 = 39.8 + 15
10/1/2020 = 54.8  25
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.1.6 Rectangular components of a force
⚫ In many problems, it is desirable to
resolve force F into two perpendicular
components in the x and y directions.
⚫ Fx and Fy are called rectangular vector
components.
F = Fx + Fy
⚫ Sense of direction along positive x and
y axes
F ' = F 'x +F ' y
⚫ Sense of direction along positive x and
negative y axes
⚫ In two-dimensions, the cartesian unit
vectors i and j are used to designate the
directions of x and y axes.
⚫ Fx = Fx i and Fy = Fy j
⚫ i.e. F = Fx i + Fy j
⚫
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
⚫ Unit vectors i and j have
dimensionless magnitude of unity
(=1)
⚫ F’ = F’xi + F’y(-j) or F’ = F’xi – F’y j
⚫ Consider three coplanar forces
⚫ Cartesian vector notation
F1 = F1xi + F1yj
F2 = - F2xi + F2yj
F3 = F3xi – F3yj

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Statics of Particles
⚫ Vector resultant is therefore
FR = F1 + F2 + F3
= F1xi + F1yj - F2xi + F2yj + F3xi – F3yj
= (F1x - F2x + F3x)i + (F1y + F2y – F3y)j
= (FRx)i + (FRy)j
⚫ If scalar notation are used
FRx = (F1x - F2x + F3x)
FRy = (F1y + F2y – F3y)

In all cases,
FRx = ∑Fx
FRy = ∑Fy

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

⚫ Magnitude of FR can be
found by Pythagoras`
Theorem

FR = F 2 Rx + F 2 Ry
⚫ Direction angle θ
(orientation of the force)
can be found by
trigonometry
F
 = tan −1 Ry

FRx
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.1.7 Equilibrium of particle
⚫ When the resultant of all forces acting on a particle is zero, the particle is
in equilibrium.
⚫ Newton’s First Law: If the resultant force on a particle is zero, the particle
will remain at rest or will continue at constant speed in a straight line.

• Particle acted upon by three or more forces:

• Particle acted upon by - graphical solution yields a closed polygon
two forces: - algebraic solution
- equal magnitude  
- same line of action R = F = 0
- opposite sense
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 Fx = 0  Fy = 0 30
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
⚫ We must account for all the forces acting on a particle. The best way
to do this is to draw a Free Body Diagram (FBD).
⚫ A FBD is a sketch of the particle isolated (or free) from its
surroundings shown with all the forces that act on the particle.
⚫ Steps for Drawing a FBD
⚫ 1).Decide which body to analyze
⚫ 2).Separate this body from everything else and sketch the contour
⚫ 3).Draw all applied forces
⚫ 4).Include any necessary dimensions and coordinate axis
⚫ Steps 3 and 4- These are external forces

⚫ Applied forces - think of these as forces that try to get the particle to move.
⚫ Reaction forces - forces that try to prevent motion.
⚫ Note: When drawing the forces, if you don't know the direction, assume a
direction and let the sign of the answer tell you if the direction is correct or
not.
⚫ Rules of FBD
⚫ 1). Magnitude and direction of all forces should be clearly indicated.
⚫ 2). Indicate the direction of the force on the body.
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

Space Diagram: A sketch showing Free-Body Diagram: A sketch showing

the physical conditions of the only the forces on the selected particle
problem. (A).

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

Fig a; Space diagram: A sketch showing the physical

conditions of the problem.
Figure b; Free body diagram
Fig c; FBD with resolve into the components of force P

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Statics of Particles

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Example 2
Four forces act on bolt A as
shown. Determine the resultant
of the force on the bolt.
Solution Hints:
• Resolve each force into
rectangular components
• Determine the components of
the resultant by adding the
corresponding force
components
• Calculate the magnitude and
direction of the resultant
 Chapter 2
Solution Statics of Particles
Find : the resultant Force and the angle.
Solution:
• Resolve each force into rectangular components

force mag x − comp y − comp


F1 150 + 129.9 + 75.0

F2 80 − 27.4 + 75.2

F3 110 0 − 110.0

F4 100 + 96.6 − 25.9

• Determine the components of the resultant by adding the

corresponding force components.
• Calculate the magnitude and direction

R = 199.12 + 14.32 R = 199.6N

14.3 N
tan  =  = 4.1
199.1 N
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Example 3
In a ship-unloading operation, a 3500-N
automobile is supported by a cable. A
rope is tied to the cable and pulled to
center the automobile over its intended
position. What is the tension in the
rope?
Solution Hints:
• Construct a free-body diagram for the
particle at the junction of the rope and
cable
• Apply the conditions for equilibrium by
creating a closed polygon from the forces
applied to the particle
• Apply trigonometric relations to
determine the unknown force
magnitudes
 Chapter 2
Solution Statics of Particles
Find : the tension in cable AC.
Solution:

Construct a free-body diagram for the particle at A

Apply the conditions for equilibrium

Solve for the unknown force magnitudes

TAB T 3500 N
= AC =
sin120 sin 2 sin 58

TAB = 3570 N
TAC = 144 N
 Chapter 2
Example 4 Statics of Particles
It is desired to determine the drag force SOLUTION:
at a given speed on a prototype sailboat
hull. A model is placed in a test channel • Decide what the appropriate “body” is
and three cables are used to align its and draw a free body diagram
bow on the channel centerline. For a
given speed, the tension is 200 N in • The condition for equilibrium states that
cable AB and 300 N in cable AE. the sum of forces equals 0, or:

Determine the drag force exerted on the R = T = 0

hull and the tension in cable AC.  Fx = 0  Fy = 0

• The two equations mean we can solve

for, at most, two unknowns. Since
there are 4 forces involved (tensions in
3 cables and the drag force), it is
easier to resolve all forces into
components and apply the equilibrium
conditions
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

SOLUTION:
• The correct free body diagram is shown
and the unknown angles are:

7m 1.5 m
tan = = 1.75 tan  = = 0.375
4m 4m
 = 60.26  = 20.56

TAB = 200 • Equilibrium condition requires that the

N resultant force (or the sum of all forces)
be zero:

R = TAB + TAC + TAE + FD = 0

TAE = 300 N
• Write each force vector above in
component form.
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

• Resolve the vector equilibrium

equation into two component
equations. Solve for the two
unknown cable tensions.
TAB = − ( 200 N ) sin 60.26 i + ( 200 N ) cos 60.26 j
= − (173.66 N ) i + ( 99.21N ) j
TAC = TAC sin 20.56 i + TAC cos 20.56 j
= 0.3512 TAC i + 0.9363TAC j
TAE = − ( 300 N ) j
FD = FD i

R=0
= ( −173.66 N + 0.3512 TAC + FD ) i
2 - 42 + ( 99.21N + 0.9363TAC − 300 N ) j
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Factor unit vectors:

(−173.66 + 0.3512TAC + FD ) i + (99.21+ 0.9363TAC − 300) j= 0

This equation is satisfied only if each component
of the resultant is equal to zero
( F x = 0) 0 = −173.66N + 0.3512TAC + FD
( F y = 0) 0 = 99.21N + 0.9363TAC − 300N

TAC = +214.45 N
FD = +98.35 N

REFLECT and THINK: In drawing the free-body diagram, you assumed a sense
for each unknown force. A positive sign in the answer indicates that the assumed sense
is correct. You can draw the complete force polygon (above) to check the results.

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.2 Forces in a Space
⚫ Objects in space follow the laws or rules of physics, just like
objects on Earth do. Things in space have inertia. That
is, they travel in a straight line unless there is a force that makes
them stop or change. The movement of things in space is
influenced by gravity.
⚫ Involve in 3-dimensional body/space as well as 3-dimensional
coordinate system,

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
2.2 Forces in a Space
2.2.1 Rectangular components

• Resolve Fh into

• The vector F is  rectangular components
• Resolve F into
contained in the horizontal and vertical Fx = Fh cos
plane OBAC. components. = F sin  y cos
Fy = F cos y
Fy = Fh sin 
Fh = F sin  y
= F sin  y sin 
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles


• With the angles between F and the axes,
Fx = F cos x Fy = F cos y Fz = F cos z
   
F = Fx i + Fy j + Fz k
( )
  
= F cos x i + cos y j + cos z k

= F
   
 = cos x i + cos y j + cos z k
 
•  is a unit vector along the line of action of F 
10/1/2020 and cos x , cos y , and cos for F
z are the direction cosines 46
 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

Direction of the force is defined by

the location of two points,
M (x1, y1, z1 ) and N (x2 , y2 , z2 )


d = vector joining M and N
  
= d xi + d y j + d z k
d x = x2 − x1 d y = y2 − y1 d z = z 2 − z1
 
F = F

 = (d x i + d y j + d z k )
 1   
d
Fd x Fd y Fd
Fx = Fy = Fz = z
d d d
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
Example 5 SOLUTION:
• Based on the relative locations of the
points A and B, determine the unit
vector pointing from A towards B.

• Apply the unit vector to determine the

components of the force acting on A.

• Noting that the components of the unit

vector are the direction cosines for the
The tension in the guy wire is 2500 N. vector, calculate the corresponding
Determine: angles.
a) components Fx, Fy, Fz of the force
acting on the bolt at A,
b) the angles x, y, z defining the
direction of the force (the direction
2cosines)
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
MODELING and ANALYSIS:
• Determine the unit vector pointing from A
towards B.
r r r
AB= (−40m)i + (80m) j + (30m)k

(−40m) + (80m) + (30m)

2 2 2
AB=
= 94.3 m
r  −40  r  80  r  30  r
 = i +   j + k
 94.3   94.3   94.3 
 r r r
= −0.424 i + 0.848 j + 0.318k
• Determine the components of the force.
r r
F = F
( )
 r r r
= (2500 N) −0.424 i + 0.848 j + 0.318 k
r r r
= (−1060 N)i + (2120 N) j + (795 N)k
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

• Noting that the components of the

unit vector are the direction cosines
for the vector, calculate the
corresponding angles.
   
 = cos x i + cos y j + cos z k
  
= −0.424 i + 0.848 j + 0.318k

 x = 115.1
 y = 32.0
 z = 71.5

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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles
• Since the force in the guy wire
FBA must be the same throughout its
length, the force at B (and acting
toward A) must be the same
magnitude but opposite in
FAB direction to the force at A.
r r
FBA = −FAB
r r r
= (1060 N)i + (−2120 N) j + (−795 N)k


REFLECT and THINK: It makes sense that, for a given geometry, only a
certain set of components and angles characterize a given resultant force.
The methods in this section allow you to translate back and forth between
forces and geometry.
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 Chapter 2
Statics of Particles

Thank You

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