Scribd
Upload
36 views

Static Equilibrium For A Particleggg

This document introduces the concept of static equilibrium for particles using free-body diagrams and the equations of equilibrium. It defines a particle, conditions for equilibrium, and the three scalar equilibrium equations. It describes common mechanical elements like strings, springs, and pulleys that can exert forces on particles. It provides instructions for drawing free-body diagrams by outlining the particle, showing all active and reactive forces, identifying each with labels, and adding relevant dimensions.

Uploaded by

usmanzubair
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
36 views

Static Equilibrium For A Particleggg

This document introduces the concept of static equilibrium for particles using free-body diagrams and the equations of equilibrium. It defines a particle, conditions for equilibrium, and the three scalar equilibrium equations. It describes common mechanical elements like strings, springs, and pulleys that can exert forces on particles. It provides instructions for drawing free-body diagrams by outlining the particle, showing all active and reactive forces, identifying each with labels, and adding relevant dimensions.

Uploaded by

usmanzubair
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Static Equilibrium for a Particle

Objective: To introduce the concept of the free-body diagram for a particle and to show how to
solve particle equilibrium probleaefaeefafefeqfems using the equations of equilibrium.
A particle: An object with inertia (mass) but of negligible dimensions.
A particle at rest: A particle is at rest if originally at rest or has a constant velocity if originally in
motion.
Equilibrium equations for a particle: A particle is in equilibrium if the resultant of ALL forces
acting on the particle is equal to zero (Newtons first law is that a body at rest is not subjected to any
unbalanced forces).

Sum of all forces acting on a particle =


Equilibrium equations in component form: In a rectangular coordinate system the equilibrium
equations can be represented by three scalar equations:

To apply equilibrium equations we must account for all known and unknown forces acting on the
particle. The best way to do this is to draw a free-body diagram of the particle.
Free-Body Diagram (FBD): A diagram showing the particle under consideration and all the forces
and moments acting on this particle. Each force in this diagram must be labeled (This is a sketch that
shows the particle free from its surroundings with all the forces acting on it).
String or cable: A mechanical device that can only transmit a tensile force along itself.

Linear spring: A mechanical device which exerts a force along its line of action and proportional to
its extension (F = kX).

Frictionless pulleys:
Cables are assumed to have negligible weight and they cannot stretch. They can only support tension
or pulling (you cant push on a rope). Pulleys are assumed to be frictionless. A continuous cable
passing over a frictionless pulley must have tension force of a constant magnitude. The tension force
is always directed in the direction of the cable (For a frictionless pulley in static equilibrium, the
tension in the cable is the same on both sides of the pulley).

How to draw a Free Body Diagram:


1. Draw outlined shape - Imagine the particle isolated or cut free from its surroundings
2. Show all forces and moments - Include active forces and reactive forces. Place each
force and couple at the point that it is applied.
3. Identify each force - Known forces labeled with proper magnitude and direction. Letters
used for unknown quantities.
4. Add any relevant dimensions onto your picture.

Force types:
Active Forces - tend to set the particle in motion.
Reactive Forces - result from constraints or supports and tend to prevent motion.

You might also like