Scribd
Upload
59 views

Me 2560 Statics: Chapter III. Equilibrium of A Particle

This document discusses the conditions for equilibrium of particles. It states that a particle is in equilibrium if the net force acting on it is zero. It introduces free body diagrams to illustrate all forces acting on a particle. Springs and pulleys are described as common connections that can apply forces. Equilibrium equations are provided for particles subjected to coplanar and three-dimensional systems of forces.

Uploaded by

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

Me 2560 Statics: Chapter III. Equilibrium of A Particle

This document discusses the conditions for equilibrium of particles. It states that a particle is in equilibrium if the net force acting on it is zero. It introduces free body diagrams to illustrate all forces acting on a particle. Springs and pulleys are described as common connections that can apply forces. Equilibrium equations are provided for particles subjected to coplanar and three-dimensional systems of forces.

Uploaded by

Travis Shivley
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 8

ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

ME 2560 STATICS
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle

1
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

1. Conditions for the Equilibrium of a Particle


According to Newtons First Law, a particle originally at rest, or moving
in a straight line with constant velocity will remain in this state provided
the particle is not subjected to an unbalance force. That is a particle will
remain in equilibrium if the resultant of the forces acting on the particle
is zero: r
F =0

F x =0 F y =0 F z =0

2
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

2. The FreeBody Diagram


A freebody diagram is a sketch that shows all the forces acting on a
particle. This diagram is simply a drawing of the particle isolated from
its surroundings with all the forces that are acting on it.

Springs and pulleys are two elements that are frequently used as
connections.

Springs are usually employed to support loads or restraint the motion of


bodies. In a large number of springs the displacement and the force
applied to the element have a linear relation. These kind of springs
follow Hookes Law:
FdF=kd

d = x1 xo
3
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

FdF=kd

d = x1 xo

Rest
position
xo k  spring constant [N/m]

d x1
F

Force applied on a spring with constant k.

4
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

Cables and Pulleys are elements used to transmit force or power. In


general, they are considered weightless. It is also commonly assumed
that cables and ropes cannot stretch.
A cable can support only tension and this force acts always in the
direction of the element.

T
Cable supported by frictionless pulley subjected to tension T.

5
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

FreeBody Diagram (FBD) of a


Pulley Blocks System

NA T T

A B
Fapp
Ff
Fw
WA
WB
(b) (c)

T
T
(d)

Example of free body diagram.


6
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

3. System of Coplanar Forces


When a particle is subjected to a system of coplanar forces, that is,
forces that lie in the same plane, each force can be projected onto
the x and y axes of the plane. Thus, if the forces acting on the
particle are both coplanar and in equilibrium then:
r
F = 0
Becomes

x yj=0
F
i + F
That is:

F x =0 F y =0
Examples 7
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle
ME2560 Statics Fall 2014

4. ThreeDimensional Force System


The expression that must be satisfied to ensure the equilibrium of a
particle is
r
F = 0
Extending this expression to three dimensions results into:

F
i + F
x y z
j + F =0
k
This expression can also be presented as:

F x =0 F
y =0
F z =0

Examples 8
Chapter III. Equilibrium of a Particle

You might also like