Chapter 3

Equilibrium of Forces Systems

Prepared by: Engr. Lucia V. Ortega 8/28/20 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Chapter Objectives

 To introduce the concept of the free-body diagram for a particle

 To show how to solve particle equilibrium problems using the equations of equilibrium.
 To develop the equations of equilibrium for a rigid body
 To introduce the concept of the free-body diagram for a rigid body
 To show how to solve rigid body equilibrium problems using the equations of equilibrium.

Definition and Meaning of Equilibrium

A body is said to be in equilibrium when the force system acting upon it has a zero resultant. The physical meaning
of equilibrium, as applied to a body, is that the body either is at rest or is moving in a straight line with constant
velocity.

Free-Body Diagram

Free-body diagram is an isolated view of a body, which shows only the external forces exerted on the body. These
external forces are caused either by direct bodily contact or by gravitational or magnetic attraction.

MODELLING THE ACTION OF FORCES IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Type of Contact and Force Origin Action on Body to be Isolated

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

MODELLING THE ACTION OF FORCES IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Type of Contact and Force Origin Action on Body to be Isolated

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

MODELLING THE ACTION OF FORCES IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Type of Contact and Force Origin Action on Body to be Isolated

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Construction of Free-Body Diagrams

1. Decide which system to isolate. The system chosen should usually involve one or more of the desired unknown
quantities.

2. Next, isolate the chosen system by drawing a diagram, which represents its complete external boundary. This
boundary defines the isolation of the system from all other attracting or contacting bodies, which are
considered removed. This step is often the most crucial of all. Make certain that you have completely isolated
the system before proceeding with the next step.

3. Identify all forces, which act on the isolated system as applied by the removed contacting and attracting bodies,
and represent them in their proper positions on the diagram of the isolated system. Make a systematic traverse
of the entire boundary to identify all contact forces. Include body forces such as weights, where appreciable.
Represent all known forces by vector arrows, each with its proper magnitude, directions and sense indicated.
A vector arrow with the unknown magnitude or direction indicated by symbol should represent each unknown
force. If the sense of the vector is also unknown, you must arbitrarily assign sense. The subsequent calculations
with the equilibrium equations will yield a positive quantity if the assumption of the sense correct. It is
necessary to be consistent with the assigned characteristics of unknown forces throughout all of the
calculations. If you are consistent, the solution of the equilibrium equations will reveal the correct senses.

4. Show the choice of coordinate axes on the diagram. Pertinent dimensions may also be represented for
convenience. Note, however, that the free-body diagram serves the purpose of focusing attention on the
external forces, and therefore the diagram should not be cluttered with excessive extraneous information.
Clearly distinguish force arrows representing quantities other than forces. For this purpose, colored pencil may
be used.

SAMPLE FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS

Is Mechanical System Free-Body Diagram of Isolated Body

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

SAMPLE FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS

Is Mechanical System Free-Body Diagram of Isolated Body

Equilibrium Conditions in Two-Dimensions

A body is in equilibrium if all forces and moments applied to it are in balance. For two-dimensional force system,
the equations may be written as follows.

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝑜 = 0

Categories of Equilibrium

Category 1: Equilibrium of collinear forces clearly requires only the one force equation in the direction of the forces
(x-direction), since all other equations are automatically satisfied.

Category 2: Equilibrium of forces which lie in a plane (x-y plane) and are concurrent at a point O, requires the two
force equations only, since the moment sum about O, that is, about a z-axis through O, is necessarily zero. Included
in this category is the case of the equilibrium of a particle.

Category 3: Equilibrium of parallel forces in a plane, requires the one force equations in the direction of the forces
(x-direction) and one moment equations about an axis (z-axis) normal to the plane of the forces.

Category 4: Equilibrium of a general system of forces in a plane (x-y) requires the two force equations in the plane
and one moment equation about an axis (z-axis) normal to the plane.

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

CATEGORIES OF EQUILIBRIUM IN TWO DIMENSIONS

Force System Free-Body Diagram Independent Equations

1. Collinear ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
2. Concurrent at a point
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
3. Parallel
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
4. General ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

Equilibrium in Three Dimensions

In the case of equilibrium in three dimensions, the equilibrium conditions may be written as follows.

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
∑𝐹 = 0 or ∑
{ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑧 = 0

∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0
∑𝑀 = 0 or {∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Categories of Equilibrium

Category 1: Equilibrium of forces all concurrent at point O, requires all three force equations, but no moment
equations because the moment of the forces about any axis through O is zero.

Category 2: Equilibrium of forces, which are concurrent with a line, requires all equations except the moment
equation about that line, which is automatically satisfied.

Category 3: Equilibrium of parallel forces, requires only one force equation, the one in the direction of the forces
(x-direction as shown), and two moment equations about the axes (y and z) which are normal to the direction of
the forces.

Category 4: Equilibrium of a general system of forces requires all three force equations and all the three moment
equations.

CATEGORIES OF EQUILIBRIUM IN THREE DIMENSIONS

Force System Free-Body Diagram Independent Equations

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
1. Concurrent at a point ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑧 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
2. Concurrent with a line ∑ 𝐹𝑧 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
3. Parallel ∑ 𝑀𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝑥 = 0
4. General ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝑦 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑧 = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.1

The cylinder C in the figure weighs 1000 lb. Draw a FBD of cylinder C and of rod AB

Example 3.2
𝑙𝑏
The frame shown in the figure is supported in pivots at A and B. Each member weighs 50 . Draw a FBD of each
𝑓𝑡
member.

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.3

A 600 𝑙𝑏 load is supported by a cable which runs over a pulley and is fastened to the bar DE in the figure. Draw
a FBD of bars AC and DE and of the pulley. Assume all hinges to be smooth and neglect the weight of each bar.
c) Consider FBD of ABC
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +
𝐵𝑣 − 600 − 900 = 0
𝐵𝑣 = 1500 𝑙𝑏 ↑
∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0 ↷ +
600(12) + 1500(8) − 600(16) − 𝐵𝐻 (6) = 0
𝐵𝐻 = 1600 𝑙𝑏 ←
∑ 𝐹ℎ = 0 → +
𝐶𝐻 − 1600 + 600 = 0
𝐶𝐻 = 1000 𝑙𝑏 →

Solution:
a) Start with the free-body diagram of the pulley
(Note: for a cable (or cord) passing over a
frictionless pulley, there is one and only one
tension. Therefore, 𝑇 = 𝑊 = 600 𝑙𝑏)
∑ 𝐹ℎ = 0 𝐴ℎ = 600 𝑙𝑏 ←
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 𝐴𝑣 = 600 𝑙𝑏 ↑

d) Consider FBD of DBE

∑ 𝐹ℎ = 0 → +
1600 − 600 − 𝐸𝐻 = 0
𝐸𝐻 = 1000 𝑙𝑏 ←
e) Checking
b) Consider FBD of the whole structure ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 𝐸𝑣 = 𝐵𝑣 = 1500 𝑙𝑏 ok!
∑ 𝑀𝐸 = 0 ↷ + ∑ 𝑀𝐸 = 0 ↷ +
𝑅𝑐𝑣 (8) − 600(8 + 4) = 0 1600(6) − 600(16) = 0 ok!
𝑅𝑐𝑣 = 900 𝑙𝑏 ↓
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅𝐸𝑉 − 600 − 900
𝑅𝐸𝑉 = 1500 𝑙𝑏 ↑

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.4

The cable and boom shown in the figure support a load of 600 𝑙𝑏. Determine the tensile force T in the cable and
the compressive force C in the boom.
Solution:
a) Consider the FBD of joint A
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 → +

𝐶 cos 45° − 𝑇 cos 30° = 0 eq. 1

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ +

𝑇 sin 30° + 𝐶 sin 45° − 600 = 0 eq. 2

b) Solving eqs. 1 & 2 simultaneously

𝐶 = 537.945 𝑙𝑏
𝑇 = 439.230 𝑙𝑏

Example 3.5

Determine the magnitudes of P and F necessary to keep the concurrent force system shown in the figure in
equilibrium.
Solution:
a) ∑ 𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎 → +
𝐹 cos 60° + 200 cos 45° − 300 − 𝑃 cos 30° = 0
𝐹 cos 60° − 𝑃 cos 30° = 158.579 eq. 1
b) ∑ 𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎 ↑ +

𝐹 sin 60° − 𝑃 sin 30° − 200 sin 45° = 0

𝐹 sin 60° − 𝑃 sin 30° = 141.421 eq. 2

c) Solving eqs. 1 & 2 simultaneously

𝐹 = 86.369 𝑙𝑏 ↗
𝑃 = −133.246 𝑙𝑏 ↗

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.6

The system of knotted cords shown in the figure support the indicated weights. Compute the tensile force in
each cord.

Solution:
a) Consider FBD of the joint containing 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃 load b) Consider FBD of the joint containing 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 → + load
𝐷 sin 75° − 𝐶 sin 30° = 0 eq. 1 ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ +
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ + 𝐵 sin 45° − 400 cos 30° − 300 = 0
𝐷 cos 75° + 𝐶 cos 30° − 400 = 0 𝑩 = 𝟗𝟏𝟒. 𝟏𝟔𝟐 𝒍𝒃
𝐷 cos 75° + 𝐶 cos 30° = 400 eq. 2 ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 → +

Solving eqs. 1 & 2 simultaneously 914.162 cos 45° + 400 cos 60° − 𝐴 = 0

𝑫 = 𝟐𝟎𝟕. 𝟎𝟓𝟓 𝒍𝒃 𝑪 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃 𝑨 = 𝟖𝟒𝟔. 𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝒍𝒃

Example 3.7

A wheel of 10 in. radius carries a load of 1000 lb, as shown in the figure. (a) Determine the horizontal force P
applied at the center which is necessary to start the wheel over the 5 in. block. Also find the reaction of the block.
(b) If the force P may be inclined at any angle with the horizontal, determine the minimum value of P to start the
wheel over the block, the angle that P makes with the horizontal, and the reaction of the block.
Solution:
a) When P is horizontal

𝑥 = √(10)2 − (5)2 = 5√3

𝑥 5√3
tan 𝜃 = = 𝜃 = 60°
5 3

When the wheel starts to go over the block, there will be no

contact on the floor, 𝑅 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + 𝑁 cos 60° − 1000 = 0
𝑁 = 2000 𝑙𝑏
∑ 𝐹ℎ = 0 → + 2000 sin 60° − 𝑃 = 0
𝑃 = 1732.051 𝑙𝑏

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Using force triangle

𝑃
tan 60° = 𝑃 = 1732.051 𝑙𝑏
1000
1000
cos 60° = 𝑁 = 2000 𝑙𝑏
𝑁

b) When P is inclined at an angle 

When the wheel starts to go over the block,
there will be no contact on the floor, 𝑅 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 → +
𝑃 cos 𝜙 − 𝑁 sin 60° = 0
𝑃 cos 𝜙
𝑁= eq. 1
sin 60°
sin 𝜙 sin 60°
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ + = tan 𝜙 = tan 60°
cos 𝜙 cos 60°
𝑃 sin 𝜙 + 𝑁 cos 60° − 1000 = 0 𝜙 = 60°
1000−𝑃 sin 𝜙
𝑁= eq. 2 Substitute 𝜙 = 60° to equation of P and N
cos 60°

Equate eqs. 1 & 2 𝑷 = 𝟖𝟔𝟔. 𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝒍𝒃 𝑵 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃

𝑃 cos 𝜙 1000−𝑃 sin 𝜙 Alternate solution:
=
sin 60° cos 60°
For minimum value P inclined at an angle  with the
Solving for P
horizontal, P must be perpendicular to N.
1000 sin 60°
𝑃= Therefore,  = 60
cos 60° cos 𝜙+sin 60° sin 𝜙

Since the required is the minimum value of P to

start the wheel to go over the block, differentiate
P with respect to  then apply maxima and
minima.
𝑑𝑃 − cos 60° sin 𝜙+sin 60° cos 𝜙
= −1000 sin 60° [(cos ]
𝑑𝜙 60° cos 𝜙+sin 60° sin 𝜙)2 𝑃
sin 60° = 𝑃 = 866.025 𝑙𝑏
0 = − cos 60° sin 𝜙 + sin 60° cos 𝜙 1000
𝑁
cos 60° sin 𝜙 = sin 60° cos 𝜙 cos 60° = 𝑁 = 500 𝑙𝑏
1000

Example 3.8

Determine the reactions for the beam shown in the figure.

Solution:
a) ∑ 𝑴𝑹𝟏 = 𝟎 ↷ +
100(14 )(1 ) + 400(14) − 300(6) − 𝑅2 (10) = 0
𝑅2 = 520 𝑙𝑏
b) ∑ 𝑴𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎 ↷ +
𝑅1 (10) + 400(4) − 300(16) − 100(14)(9) = 0
𝑅1 = 1580 𝑙𝑏
c) Check 520 + 1580 − 300 − 1400 − 400 = 0
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + 0=0 ok!
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 − 300 − 100(14) − 400 = 0

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.9

A roller at A and a hinge at B supports the roof truss shown in the figure. Find the values of the reactions.
Solution:
a) Since the truss has symmetrical configuration, the horizontal
distances can be estimated easily as shown in the FBD of the
whole truss.

b) ∑ 𝑴𝑩 = 𝟎 ↷ +
𝑅𝐴 (30) − 100(30) − 200(22.5) − 200(15) − 200(7.5) −
600(20) − 500(10) = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 966.667 𝑙𝑏
c) ∑ 𝑴𝑨 = 𝟎 ↷ +
100(30) + 200(22.5) + 200(15) + 200(7.5) +
600(10) + 500(20) − 𝑅𝐵 (30) = 0
𝑅𝐵 = 933.333 𝑙𝑏
d) Check
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +

𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐵 − 2(100) − 3(200) − 600 − 500 = 0

0=0 ok!

Example 3.10

The upper beam in the figure is supported by a reaction at 𝑅3 and a roller at A which separates the upper and
lower beams. Determine the values of the reactions.

Solution:

a) Consider FBD of the upper beam

∑ 𝑴𝑹𝟑 = 𝟎 ↷ +

𝑅𝐴 (10) − 1900(4 ) − 600(14) = 0

𝑅𝐴 = 1600 𝑙𝑏 Check: ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +
∑ 𝑴𝑹𝑨 = 𝟎 ↷ + 𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅3 − 600 − 1000 = 0
1900(6) − 600(4) − 𝑅3 (10) = 0 1600 + 900 − 600 − 1900 = 0
𝑅3 = 900 𝑙𝑏 0=0 ok!

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

b) Consider FBD of the lower beam

∑ 𝑴𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎 ↷ +
𝑅1 (10) − 4000(6 ) + 1600(4) = 0
𝑅1 = 1760 𝑙𝑏
∑ 𝑴𝑹𝟏 = 𝟎 ↷ +
Check: ∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +
4000(4) + 1600(14) − 𝑅2 (10) = 0
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 − 4000 − 1600 = 0
𝑅2 = 3840 𝑙𝑏
3840 + 1760 − 4000 − 1600 = 0
0=0 ok!

Example 3.11

The wheel loads on a jeep are given in the figure below. Determine the distance x so that the reaction of the beam
at A is twice as great as the reaction at B.

Solution:

a) From the given condition in the problem

𝑅𝐴 = 2𝑅𝐵
b) ∑ 𝑭𝑽 = 𝟎 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐵 − 600 − 200 = 0
2𝑅𝐵 + 𝑅𝐵 − 600 − 200 = 0
800
𝑅𝐵 = = 266.667 𝑙𝑏
3
800
𝑅𝐴 = 2 ( ) = 533.333 𝑙𝑏
3
c) ∑ 𝑴𝑨 = 𝟎 ↷ +
600(𝑥) + 200(𝑥 + 4) − 𝑅𝐵 (15) = 0
800
800𝑥 + 800 − ( ) (15) = 0
3

𝒙 = 𝟒 𝒇𝒕

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.12

The weight W of a travelling crane is 20 tons acting as shown in the figure. To prevent the crane from tipping to
the right when carrying a load P of 20 tons, a counterweight Q is used. Determine the value and position of Q so
that the crane will remain in equilibrium both when the maximum load P is applied and when the load P is
removed.

Solution:

a) When the load P is removed, there will be no

contact at B, 𝑹𝑩 = 𝟎
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↷ +
20(6) − 𝑄(𝑥) = 0
120
𝑄= eq. 1
𝑥

b) When the load P is applied, there will be no

contact at A, 𝑹𝑨 = 𝟎
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↷ +

20(10) + 20(1) − 𝑄(𝑥 + 5) = 0

220
𝑄= eq. 2
𝑥+5

c) Equate eqs. 1 & 2

120 220
= 𝒙 = 𝟔 𝒇𝒕
𝑥 𝑥+5

d) Solving for Q
120
𝑄= 𝑄 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒔
6

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.13

The frame shown in the figure is supported in pivots at A and B. each member weighs 50 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡. Compute the
horizontal reaction at A and the horizontal and vertical components of the reaction at B.
Solution:

a) Weight of member
𝑊𝐶𝐸 = 500(12) = 600 𝑙𝑏
𝑊𝐹𝐷 = 500(10) = 500 𝑙𝑏
𝑊𝐴𝐵 = 500(12) = 600 𝑙𝑏
b) From FBD of the whole structure
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ +

𝑅𝐵𝑉 − 2000 − 600 − 500 − 600 = 0

𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 3700 𝑙𝑏
∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 ↷ +

2000(12) + 600(6) + 500(4) − 𝑅𝐴𝐻 (12) = 0

𝑅𝐴𝐻 = 2466.667 𝑙𝑏
∑ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 ⟶ +
𝑅𝐵𝐻 − 2466.667 = 0
𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 2466.667 𝑙𝑏

Example 3.14

The truss shown in the figure is supported on rollers at A and a hinge at B. Solve for the components of the
reactions.

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Solution: c) ∑ 𝑭𝑯 = 𝟎 ⟶ +

a) ∑ 𝑴𝑨 = 𝟎 ↷ + 240 − 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 0

240(16) + 600(12) − 400(12) − 𝑅𝐵𝑉 (24) = 0 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 240 𝑙𝑏

𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 260 𝑙𝑏 d) Check: ∑ 𝑭𝑽 = 𝟎 ↑ +

b) ∑ 𝑴𝑩 = 𝟎 ↷ + 𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐵𝑉 − 400 − 600 = 0
𝑅𝐴 (24) + 240(16) − 600(12) − 400(36) = 0 740 + 260 − 400 − 600 = 0
𝑅𝐴 = 740 𝑙𝑏 0=0 ok!

Example 3.15

A 12 𝑓𝑡 bar of negligible weight rests in a horizontal position on the smooth planes shown in the figure below.
Compute the distance x at which 𝑇 = 100 𝑙𝑏 should be placed from point B to keep the bar horizontal.
Solution:

a) ∑ 𝑭𝒉 = 𝟎 → +
𝑅𝐴 sin 30° − 𝑅𝐵 sin 45° = 0
𝑅𝐴 sin 30°
𝑅𝐵 =
sin 45°

b) ∑ 𝑭𝒗 = 𝟎 ↑ +
𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐵 − 200 − 100 = 0
𝑅𝐴 sin 30°
𝑅𝐴 + − 200 − 100 = 0
sin 45°
300
𝑅𝐴 = sin 30°
(1+ )
sin 45°

𝑅𝐴 = 175.736 𝑙𝑏 𝑅𝐵 = 124.264 𝑙𝑏
c) ∑ 𝑴𝑩 = 𝟎 ↷ +
𝑅𝐴 cos 30° (12) − 200(9) − 100(𝑥) = 0
175.736 (12) cos 30° − 200(9) − 100(𝑥) = 0
𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟔𝟑 𝒇𝒕

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Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.16

The framework shown in the figure consists of three members AB, AC, and AD whose lower ends are in the same
horizontal planes. A horizontal force of 1000 𝑙𝑏 acting parallel to the x-axis is applied at A. Determine the force
in each member.
Solution:

a) Coordinates of points
𝐴(3, 6, 0) 𝐵(6, 0, 0) 𝐶(0, 0, −3) 𝐷(0, 0, 5)
b) Length of members

𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √(6 − 3)3 + (0 − 6)2 = 3√5

𝑑𝐴𝐶 = √(0 − 3)3 + (0 − 6)2 + (−3 − 0)2 = 3√6

𝑑𝐴𝐷 = √(0 − 3)3 + (0 − 6)2 + (5 − 0)2 = √70

c) Components of each member forces

𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵𝑥 𝐴𝐵𝑦
= =
3√5 3 6

𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝐶𝑦 𝐴𝐶𝑧

= = =
3√6 3 6 3

𝐴𝐷 𝐴𝐷𝑥 𝐴𝐷𝑦 𝐴𝐷𝑧

= = =
√70 3 6 5

d) Equilibrium equations
∑ 𝑭𝒛 = 𝟎 ↙ +
∑ 𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎 → +
−𝐴𝐶𝑧 + 𝐴𝐷𝑧 = 0
−𝐴𝐵𝑥 − 𝐴𝐶𝑥 − 𝐴𝐷𝑥 + 1000 = 0 3𝐴𝐶 5𝐴𝐷
− + =0 eq. 3
3𝐴𝐵 3𝐴𝐶 3𝐴𝐷 3√6 √70
+ + = 1000 eq. 1
3√5 3√6 √70
e) Solving the 3 equations simultaneously
∑ 𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎 ↑ +
𝑨𝑩 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟖. 𝟎𝟑𝟒 𝒍𝒃 (𝑪)
𝐴𝐵𝑦 − 𝐴𝐶𝑦 − 𝐴𝐷𝑦 = 0 𝑨𝑪 = 𝟕𝟔𝟓. 𝟒𝟔𝟔 𝒍𝒃 (𝑻)
6𝐴𝐵 6𝐴𝐶 6𝐴𝐷
− − =0 eq. 2 𝑨𝑫 = 𝟓𝟐𝟐. 𝟗𝟏𝟑 𝒍𝒃 (𝑻)
3√5 3√6 √70

Prepared by: Engr. Lucia V. Ortega Page 18 of 19

Statics of Rigid Bodies Chapter 3: Equilibrium of Force Systems

Example 3.17

The plate shown in the figure carries a load of 1000 𝑙𝑏 applied at E and is supported in a horizontal position by
three vertical cables attached at A, B, and C. Compute the tension in each cable.
Solution:

a) ∑ 𝑴𝒛 = 𝟎 ↷ + (z-axis passes through AB)

1000(4) − 𝑇𝐶 (10) = 0
𝑻𝑪 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃
b) ∑ 𝑴𝒙′ = 𝟎 ↷ + (x’-axis passes through B)

𝑇𝐴 (9) + 400(3) − 1000(3) = 0

𝑻𝑨 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃
c) ∑ 𝑴𝒙" = 𝟎 ↷ + (x”-axis passes through A)

𝑇𝐵 (9) + 400(6) − 1000(6) = 0

𝑻𝑩 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒍𝒃
d) ∑ 𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎 ↑ +

𝑇𝐴 + 𝑇𝐵 + 𝑇𝐶 − 1000 = 0
200 + 400 + 400 − 1000 = 0
𝟎=𝟎 Ok!

Prepared by: Engr. Lucia V. Ortega Page 19 of 19