AM1100: Engineering Mechanics

Assignment - 2
Equilibrium equations

1. Determine θ for equilibrium of the given system as shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 1
2. The uniform bar OC of length L pivots freely about a horizontal axis through O. If the
spring of modulus k is unstreched when C is coincident with A, determine the tension
T require to hold the bar in 45⁰ position shown. The diameter of the small pulley at D
is negligible.

Fig. 2
3. Determine the minimum cylinder mass m1 required to cause the loss of contact at A.

Fig. 3

4. The exercise machine is designed with a lightweight cart which is mounted on a small
roller so that it is free to move along the inclined ramp. Two cables are attached to the
cart -one for each hand. If the hands are together so that the cables are parallel and if
each cable lies essentially in a vertical plane, determine the force P which each hand
must exert on its cable in order to maintain the equilibrium position. The mass of the
person is 70 kg, the ramp angle θ is 15⁰ , and the angle β is 18⁰ .

Fig. 4
5. A skeletal diagram of a hand holding a load is shown in the Fig. 5. If the load and the
forearm have masses of 2 kg and 1.2 kg respectively and their centre of masses are
located at G1 and G2. Determine the force developed in the biceps CD and the horizontal
and vertical components of reaction at elbow joint B.

Fig. 5
6. Calculate force and moment reactions at the bolted base O of the overload traffic
assembly. Each traffic signal has a mass of 36 kg, while the masses of member OC and
AC are 50 kg and 55 kg, respectively. The centre of mass of member AC is at G.

Fig. 6
7. When the 0.05 kg body is in position shown, the linear spring is stretched 10 mm.
Determine the force P required to break contact at C. Complete the solution with
including the effect of weight.

8. Fig.10 shows a device used for surgical replacement of the knee joint. If the force acting
along the leg is 360N, determine its components along the x` and y axes.

Fig. 8
9. Fig.9 shows a device called rolamite is used in various ways to replace slipping motion
with the rolling motion. Draw the equivalent Free Body Diagram.