Engineering Mechanics: Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies
Engineering Mechanics: Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies
Support
reactions
in 2D pin/hinge
structures
Simple Examples
FBD
•C
We can also use equations like this or like this where A, B, C are not in a
straight line
Another way to understand equations
of equilibrium
Problem 1
• Determine the tension in cable ABD and
reaction at support C.
Hydrostatic force: FBD
F = 𝜌wgV
V = volume of mass
Categories of Equilibrium in 2D
Adequacy of
Constraints
Single Rigid Body Supported
Globally
Problem 2
• A 70 kg (W) overhead garage door consists of a uniform rectangular panel
AC 2100 mm high (h), supported by the cable AE attached at the middle
of the upper edge of the door and by two sets of frictionless rollers at A
and B. Each set consists of two rollers one either side of the door. The
rollers A are free to move in horizontal channels, while rollers B are
guided by vertical channels. If the door is held in the position for which
BD=1050 mm, determine (a) the tension in the cable AE, (2) the reaction
at each of the four rollers. Assume a = 1050 mm, b = 700mm
Multiple Rigid Bodies
Connected To Each Other
Pin Connections
• Pin connection
• Pin support
Roller
Slot Connection
Non-Symmetrical but bodies connected
by pin are very close to each other
Free body diagrams – Examples
34
Problem 3
• Knowing that each pulley has a radius of
250mm, determine the components of reactions
at D and E.
Link: Two-Force Member
compare with
A B C
D
E F
The uniform beam has an
Problem 7 overall length of 6m and
a mass of 300kg. The
force P applied to the
hoisting cable is slowly
increased to raise the
ring C, the two 4-m ropes
AC and BC, and the
beam. Compute the
tensions in the ropes at A
and B when the beam is
clear of its supports and
Meriam,, Statics the force P is equal to the
weight of the beam
Problem 8 The figure shows a special
rig for erecting vertical
sections of a construction
tower. The assembly A has a
mass of 1.5Mg and is
elevated by the platform B
which itself has a mass of
2Mg. The platform is guided
up the fixed vertical
columns by rollers and is
activated by the hydraulic
cylinder CD and links EDF
and FH. For the particular
position shown calculate the
force R exerted by the
hydraulic cylinder at D.
Neglect mass of cylinder and
links.
Problem 9