Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

2. Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System

2.1 Equilibrium of Coplanar Concurrent force systems:

A body is said to be under equilibrium, under external forces, when it continues to be at
rest or under motion. For a body to be under equilibrium, the resultant of force system
should be zero. If a resultant exists, then the resultant of force system should be zero. If a
resultant exists, then the body can be under equilibrium by applying a force of equal
magnitude and opposite. This force is called as equilibrant. For

F   Fy  0 . To satisfy this condition sum of the components

2 2
equilibrium R  x

along both directions taken separately should be zero, ie., Fx=0 and Fy=0

Equations of equilibrium for coplanar Concurrent force systems:

Fx=0 and Fy=0

2.2 Lami’s Theorem:

Fig. 2.1

Statement: If a body is in equilibrium under action of three forces, each force is

proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two forces. Referring to Fig. 2.1
P Q R
P  sin ; Q  sin ; R  sin ; or  
sin  sin  sin 
Note: In the above equation all the three forces are considered to be of similar nature,
ie., either all are acting away (Tensile) or acting towards the point (Compressive). If any
of the force is unlike, then that force is considered as negative.

Proof: Applying sine rule to the triangle ABC in Fig.21, the following expression is
evaluated
AB BC CA P Q R
  ;  
sin BCA sin CAB sin ABC sin(180  ) sin(180   ) sin(180  )
P Q R
 
sin  sin  sin 
because sin (180-) = sin

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

2.3 Free Body Diagram (FBD)

In practice the problem is derived from actual physical situation. A sketch showing the
physical condition of the problem is known as space diagram. In order to obtain solution
for this problem, the body under consideration and all the forces acting on the body is
considered. Free body diagram is a sketch of isolated body which shows the external
forces on the body and the reactions exerted on it by the removed elements. Some
examples of writing free body diagram is shown in Fig. 2.2

Fig. 2.2

Example 2.1

A sphere of weight 100 N is tied to a smooth wall by a string as shown in Fig. 2.3. Find
the tension T in the string and reaction of the wall.

Fig. 2.3

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Solution: Free body diagram of the sphere is shown in Fig. 2.3 along with force diagram.
Solution is obtained by applying Lami’s theorem

T R 100 Considering two terms at a time the unknowns are computed

 
sin 90 sin 195 sin 75
100  100
T  sin 90  103.53N and R   sin 195  26.79 N
sin 75 sin 75

Example 2.2

A spherical ball of weight 75 N is attached to a string and is suspended from the ceiling
as shown in Fig. 2.4. Find the tension in the string, if a horizontal F is applied to the ball
as shown in Fig. 2.4. Determine the angle the string makes with the vertical and also the
tension in the string if F=150 N

Fig. 2.4
Solution:
i) When the ball is hanging from the ceiling, the tension in the string is equal to the
weight of the ball ie., T=W=75 N.
ii) Free body diagram of ball is shown in Fig.. 2.4d when a horizontal force F is
applied. Magnitude of tensile force and inclination  of string with vertical can be
computed using the method of components and equilibrium condition.

+ve Fx =0; -T sin + 150 =0 --(1)

+veFy =0; T cos - 75 =0 --(2)

Equations (1) and (2) can be simplified as T sin = 150;

T cos  = 75

Dividing first equation by the second equation;

T sin 
 2; tan  2 and   tan -1 2  63.43 
T cos 
Substituting value of  in (1) the value of T is computed as T=167.7N
Alternatively, using Lami’s theorem, the solution can also be obtained as
T 75 150
 
sin 90 sin(90  ) sin(180  )

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

T sin (90+) =75 or T cos  = 75 and T sin (180-) = 150 or T sin  = 150

These two equations are similar to equations (2) and (1) and hence the solution leads to
the same result ie  = 63.43 and T = 167.7 N

Example 2.3
Determine the reactions at contact points for the system shown in Fig. 4.5

Fig. 2.5

Solution:
The free body diagram of ball 1 and 2 is shown in Fig. 2.5. From triangle ABC the
inclination of AB with AC (), is computed as cos   AC , where AC= 90-20-30 =
AB
40mm. and
AB = 50 mm.  = 36.87

Equations of equilibrium is applied to Free Body Diagram of Ball1 as

+ve Fx =0; RR –RQ cos =0 --(1)
+ Fy =0; RS-100- RQ sin =0
ve
--(2)

Equations of equilibrium is also applied to Free Body Diagram of Ball2 as

+ve Fx =0; RQ cos - RP =0 --(3)
+ Fy =0; RQ sin-300=0
ve
--(4)

300
From equation (4) RQ   500 substituting this in equation (3), the value of
sin 36.87
RD is computed as RP = 500 cos 36.87 = 400 N
Substituting the value of RQ in (1) and (2);

RR = 500 cos36.87 = 400 N;

RS = 100+ 500 sin 36.87 =400 N
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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Example 2.4
Two identical cylinders each weighing 2kN are supported by vertical and inclined plane
ash shown in Fig. 2.6. Assuming smooth surfaces determine the reactions at A, B and C

Fig. 2.6

Free body diagram of cylinder 1 and ball 2 is shown in Fig. 2.5 b and 2.5 c. The solution
is obtained by considering first the free body diagram of cylinder 2. Lami’s theorem is
applied on this as there are three forces in equilibrium
RA RD 2
  ; RA=1.73 kN; RD=1 kN
sin 60 sin 30 sin 270

Lami’s theorem cannot be applied on the free body diagram of cylinder 1, as there are
four forces acting on this cylinder. Hence the solution is obtained using the method of
components and equilibrium condition.
+ve Fx =0; RC-RBcos60-RDcos30 =0 --(1)
+veFy =0; -2+RBsin60-RDsin30 =0 --(2)

Substituting value of RD in (2), the magnitude of RB is computed as

RB = (2 + 1 sin30)/sin60 = 2.88 kN
Magnitude of RC is computed by substituting RD and RB in(1)
RC= 2.88 cos60+ 1 cos30 =2.31 kN

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Example 2.5

A 3 kN is to be supported by the rope and pulley arrangement shown in Fig. 2.7.

Determine the magnitude and direction of the force’ F’, which should be exerted at the
free end of the rope.

Fig. 2.7

Solution:
In this problem, the size of pulley is ignored. The force F and its inclination  is
computed by applying Lami’s theorem to the free body diagram shown in Fig. 2.7.
2F F 3
  ,
sin(90  ) sin(90  ) sin(180  (  ))
3 .6
Here   tan 1 ( )  73.74 
1.05
Considering the first two terms, the value of  is computed as
2F sin163.74 = F cos   = 55.94
Substituting this value in the second and third term:

3 sin 163.74
F ; F  1.09 kN
sin(180  129.68)

Example 2.6

Five guy wires tied at a point and are pulled in radial directions, equally spaced from one
another. If the magnitude of pulls on three consecutive wires is 50 kN, 70 kN and 60 kN
determine the magnitude of pulls on two other wires.

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Solution:
The forces in guy wires taken in the order is shown in Fig. 2.8

Fig. 2.8

The given force system is in equilibrium. The equations of equilibrium is applied to find
T1 and T2.
+ve Fx =0; 50+70cos72-60cos36-T1cos36+T2cos72 =0 --(1)
+veFy =0; 70sin72+60sin36-T1sin36-T2sin72 =0 --(2)
They are simplified as
0.81T1-0.31T2=23.09-----(1a)
0.59T1+0.95T2=101.84---(2a)
Solving (1a) and (2a); T1=56.18 kN and T2=72.31 kN

Example 2.7

A string AB, BC and CD are attached to two fixed point A and D. They have equal
weights of 1kN knotted to it at B and C as shown in Fig. 2.9. Find the tension in the
portion AB, BC and CD of the strings, also find the inclination of BC with vertical.

Fig. 2.9

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Solution: Let TAB, TBC and TCD be the tensile forces in the string AB, BC and CD
respectively.
The forces acting at B and C is shown in Fig. 2.10

Fig. 2.10

Lami’s theorem is applied on the free body diagram at B and C.

TAB TBC 1
  ---(1)
sin  sin 150 sin( 210  )
TBC TCD 1
  ---(2)
sin 120 sin(180  ) sin( 60  )
Following expressions are obtained after simplifying equation (1)
sin  ---(3)
TAB 
sin( 210  )
sin 150
TBC  ---(4)
sin( 210   )
sin 120
TBC  ---(5)
sin( 60  )
sin(180  )
TCD  ---(6)
sin( 60  )
Value of  is obtained by equating (4) and (5)

  = 59.95
The force is strings are obtained by substituting this value in (3), (4) and (6)
TAB=1.73 kN; TBC= 1 kN and TCD = 1 kN

Example 2.8
A uniform wheel of 600 mm diameter, weighing 5 kN rests against a rigid rectangular
block of 150 mm height as shown in Fig. 2.11. Find the least pull, through the centre of
the wheel, required just to turn the wheel over the corner A of the block. Also find the
reaction on the block. Take all the surfaces to be smooth.

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Fig. 2.11
Solution.
Given: Diameter of wheel = 600 mm; Weight of wheel = 5 kN and height
of the block = 150 mm.
Least pull required just to turn the wheel over the corner.
Let P = Least pull required just to turn the wheel in kN.
A little consideration will show that for the least pull, it must be applied normal to AO.
The system of forces is shown in Fig. 2.12. From the geometry of the Fig., we find that

Fig. 2.12

Now taking moments about A and equating the same,

Reaction on the block

Let R = Reaction on the block in kN.
Resolving the forces horizontally and equating the same,
R cos 30° = P sin 30°

Example 2.9
A light string ABCDE whose extremity A is fixed, has weights W1 and W2 attached to it
at B and C. It passes round a small smooth peg at D carrying a weight of 300 N at the free
end E as shown in Fig. 2.13. If in the equilibrium position, BC is horizontal and AB and
CD make 150° and 120° with BC, find (i) Tensions in the portion AB, BC and CD of the
string and (ii) Magnitudes of W1 and W2.

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Fig. 2.13

Solution.
Given: Weight at E = 300 N
For the sake of convenience, let us split up the string ABCD into two parts. The system of
forces at joints B and C is shown in Fig. 2.14

Fig. 2.14

(i) Tensions is the portion AB, BC and CD of the string

Let TAB = Tension in the portion AB, and
TBC = Tension in the portion BC,
We know that tension in the portion CD of the string.
TCD = TDE = 300 N
Applying Lami’s equation at C,

TBC = 300 sin 30° = 300 × 0.5 = 150 N

and W2 = 300 sin 60° = 300 × 0.866 = 259.8 N
Again applying Lami’s equation at B,

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Example 2.10

Three cylinders weighting 100 N each and of 80 mm diameter are placed in a channel of
180 mm width as shown in Fig. 2.15. Determine the reactions at all the points of contact.

Fig. 2.15 Fig. 2.16

Solution:
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder A. It is in equilibrium under the action of the
following forces, which must pass through the centre of the cylinder as shown in Fig.
2.17 (a).
1. Weight of the cylinder 100 N acting downwards.
2. Reaction R1 of the cylinder B on the cylinder A.
3. Reaction R2 of the cylinder C on the cylinder A.
Now join the centres O, P and Q of the three cylinders. Bisect PQ at S and join OS as
shown in Fig. 2.16.

From the geometry of the triangle OPS, we find that

OP = 40 + 40 = 80 mm
and PS = 90 – 40 = 50 mm

Since the triangle OSQ is similar to the triangle OPS, therefore is also equal
to 38.7°. Thus the angle between R1 and R2 is 2 × 38.7° = 77.4°.
And angle between R1 and OS (also between R2 and OS)

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= 180° – 38.7° = 141.3°

The system of forces at O is shown in Fig. 2.17 (b). Applying Lami’s equation at O

R2=R1
R3 = Reaction from the wall on the cylinder B
R4 =Reaction from the floor on the cylinder B

(a) (b)
Fig. 2.17

Now consider the equilibrium of the cylinder B. It is in equilibrium under the action of
the following forces, which must pass through the centre of the cylinder as shown in Fig..
2.17 (a).
1. Weight of the cylinder 100 N acting downwards.
2. Reaction R2 equal to 64.0 N of the cylinder A on the cylinder B.
3. Reaction R3 of the cylinder B on the vertical side of the channel.
4. Reaction R4 of the cylinder B on the base of the channel.
The system of forces is shown in Fig. 2.17 (b). Applying Lami’s equation at P,

R3 = 64 sin 38.7° = 64 × 0.6252 = 40 N

Example 2.11

The 12 m boom AB weighs 1 kN, the distance of the centre of gravity G being 6 m from
A. For the position shown in Fig. 2.18. Determine the tension T in the cable and the
reaction at B.

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Fig. 2.18
Solution:
The free body diagram of the boom is shown in Fig. 2.19.

Fig. 2.19
ΣMA = 0, gives T sin 15° × 12 – 2.5 × 12 cos 30° – 1 × 6 cos 30° = 0
T = 10.0382 kN.
∑ H = 0, gives HA – T cos 15° = 0
HA = 9.6962 kN.
∑V = 0, gives
VA = 1 + 2.5 + T sin 15° = 6.0981 kN

RA = 11.4544 kN

Example 2.12

A beam 3 m long weighing 400 N is suspended in a horizontal position by two vertical

strings, each of which can withstand a maximum tension of 350 N only. How far a body
of 200 N weight be placed on the beam, so that one of the strings may just break?

Solution:
The system of given forces is shown in Fig. 2.20.

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Fig. 2.20

We know that one of the string (say A) will just break, when the tension will be 350 N.
(i.e., *RA = 350 N). Now taking clockwise and anticlockwise moments about B and
equating the same,
350 × 3 = 200 (3 – x) + 400 × 1.5
1050 = 600 – 200 x + 600 = 1200 – 200 x
200 x = 1200 – 1050 = 150

Example 2.13

A block of weight 120N is kept on a smooth inclined plane as shown in Fig. 2.21. The
plane makes an angle of 32° with horizontal and a force F allied parallel to inclined
plane. Compute F and also normal reaction.

Fig. 2.21

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Solution:
Draw FBD

Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces

Example 2.14
Determine the horizontal force P to be applied to a block of weight 1500 N to hold it in
position on a smooth inclined plane AB which makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal
[Fig. 2.22].

Fig. 2.22

Solution:
Draw FBD

Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces

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The above problem may be solved using equations of equilibrium also

Example 2.15
A system of connected flexible cables shown in Fig. 2.23 is supporting two vertical
forces 200 N and 250 N at points B and D. Determine the forces in various segments of
the cable.

Fig. 2.23
Solution:
Draw FBD

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Example 2.16
Two cylinders, A of weight 4000 N and B of weight 2000 N rest on smooth inclines as
shown in Fig. 2.24. They are connected by a bar of negligible weight hinged to each
cylinder at its geometric centre by smooth pins. Find the force P to be applied as shown
in the Fig., such that it will hold the system in the given position.

Fig. 2.24

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Solution:
Draw FBD

Fig. 2.25

Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces on cylinder A, we get

Consider cylinder B.
Summation of the forces parallel to the inclined plane (45° to horizontal) = 0, gives:

Example 2.17
A cable car used for carrying materials in a hydroelectric project is at rest on a track
formed at an angle of 30° with the vertical. The gross weight of the car and its load is 60
kN and its centroid is at a point 800 mm from the track half way between the axles. The
car is held by a cable as shown in Fig. 2.26. The axles of the car are at a distance 1.2 m.
Find the tension in the cables and reaction at each of the axles neglecting friction of the
track.

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Fig. 2.26
Solution:

Let T be the tension in the cable and the reaction at the pair of wheels be R1 and R2 as
shown in Fig. 2.26.

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2.4 Support Reactions

A beam is a horizontal structural member or element, which is subjected to transverse
loads in addition to other loading and is in equilibrium under the action of non-concurrent
force system. The force system is developed due to the loads or forces acting on the beam
and also due to the support reactions developed at the supports for the beam. For the
beam to be in equilibrium, the reactions developed at the supports should be equal and
opposite of the loads.
In a beam, one dimension (length) is considerably larger than the other two dimensions
(width & depth). The smaller dimensions are usually neglected and a beam is represented
as a skeletal line for analysis purpose.

Fig. 2.27

When the beams are subjected to different types of loads, supports will offer reactions to
attain equilibrium. Such reactions are called as support reactions. Support reactions for
statically determinate beams are calculated using basic conditions of equilibrium.

2.5 Types of Supports:

A beam can have different types of supports as follows. The support reactions developed
at each support are represented as follows.

i) Simple Support: This is a support where a beam rests freely on a support. The beam is
free to move only horizontally and also can rotate about the support. In such a support
one reaction, which is perpendicular to the plane of support, is developed.

Fig. 2.28

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ii) Roller Support: This is a support in which a beam rests on rollers, which are
frictionless. At such a support, the beam is free to move horizontally and as well rotate
about the support. Here one reaction which is perpendicular to the plane of rollers is
developed.

Fig. 2.29

iii) Hinged support:

This support is also called as pinned support. The beam is not free to move in any
direction but can rotate about the support. In such a support a horizontal reaction and a
vertical reaction will develop.

Fig. 2.30

iv) Fixed support: This is a support which prevents the beam from moving in any
direction and also prevents rotation of the beam. In such a support a horizontal reaction,
vertical reaction and a fixed end moment are developed to keep the beam in equilibrium.

Fig. 2.31

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2.6 Classification of beams

Depending upon the supports over which a beam can rest (at its two ends), beams can be
classified as follows.

i) Simply Supported beam:

A beam is said to be simply supported when both ends of the beam rest on simple
supports. Such a beam can carry or resist vertical loads only.

Fig. 2.32

Fig. 2.33

iii) Over hanging beam: It is a beam which projects beyond the supports.
A beam can have over hanging portions on one side or on both side.

Fig. 2.34

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iii) Cantilever Beams: It is a beam, with one end fixed and other end free. Such a beam
can carry loads in any directions.

Fig. 2.35

iv) Propped cantilever: It is a beam which has a fixed support at one end and a simple
support at the other end.

Fig. 2.36

V) Continuous beam: It is a beam which rests over a series of supports at more than two
points.

Fig. 2.37

Note: The support reactions in case of simply supported beams, beam with one end
hinged and other on rollers, over hanging beams, and cantilever beams, can be
determined by conditions of equilibrium only (Σ Fx = 0, ΣFy = 0, ΣM = 0). As such, such

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beams are known as Statically Determinate Beams. In beams such as Hinged Beams,
Propped Cantilever and Continuous Beams the support reactions cannot be determined
using conditions of equilibrium only. They need additional special conditions for analysis
and as such, such beams are known as Statically Indeterminate Beams

2.7 Types of loads:

The various types of loads that can act over a beam can be listed as follows.

i) Point load or Concentrated load: If a load acts over a very small length of the beam,
it is assumed to act at the midpoint of the loaded length and such a loading is termed as
Point load or Concentrated load.

Fig. 2.38

ii) Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL): If a beam is loaded in such a manner that each
unit length of the beam carries the same intensity of loading, then such a loading is called
Uniformly distributed load (UDL). A UDL cannot be considered in the same manner for
applying conditions of equilibrium on the beam. The UDL should be replaced by an
equivalent point load or total load acting through the midpoint of the loaded length. The
magnitude of the point load or total load is equal to the product of the intensity of loading
and the loaded length (distance).
Total Load = WL (acts at C.G of rectangular portion at a distance of L/2 from A or B)
Note: The total UDL is assumed to act at the center of gravity of the load for all sorts of
calculation.

Fig. 2.39

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iii) Uniformly varying load (UVL): If a beam is loaded in such a manner, that the
intensity of loading varies linearly or uniformly over each unit distance of the beam, then
such a load is termed as UVL. In applying conditions of equilibrium, a given UVL should
be replaced by an equivalent point load or total load acting through the centroid of the
loading diagram (right angle triangle). The magnitude of the equivalent point load or total
load is equal to the area of the loading diagram.
Total Load =WL/2
(Acts at C.G of triangular portion at a distance of 2L/3 from A or L/3 from B)

Fig. 2.40

External moment: A beam can also be subjected to external moments at certain points
as shown in figure. These moments should be considered while calculating the algebraic
sum of moments of forces about a point on the beam

Fig. 2.41

Note: A beam can also be subject to a load as shown in figure below with combination of
UVL and UDL.

Fig. 2.42

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2.8 Statically Determinate Beams

If the total number of reaction components considering all supports is equal to the
number of available equilibrium conditions, such that all reactions can be determined.
Such beams are called as statically determinate beams.

Fig. 2.43

2.9 Statically Indeterminate Beams

If the total number of reaction components considering all supports is not equal to the
number of available equilibrium conditions, such that all reactions cannot be determined
using equilibrium equations alone. Such beams are called as statically indeterminate
beams.

Fig. 2.44

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2.10 STEPS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

1. Beam subjected to loading is a coplanar non-concurrent force system. Here three
conditions of equilibrium can be applied, namely: ∑Fx = 0, ∑F y = 0 and ∑M = 0

2. Draw the free body diagram of the given beam by showing all the forces and reactions
acting on the beam.

3. Apply the three conditions of equilibrium to calculate the unknown reactions at the
supports.

Example 2.18
A simply supported beam of length 5m is loaded as shown in Fig. 2.45. Find the reactions
at A and B.

Fig. 2.45

Fig. 2.46

ƩFY = 0
RAY + RBY – 6 – 2 – 5 = 0
RAY + RBY = 13

ƩMA = 0
-( RBY * 5) + (6 * 2) + (2 * 3) + (5 * 4) = 0
RBY = 7.6 kN
RAY = 13 -7.6 = 5.4 kN

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Example 2.19
A simply supported beam of 6m span is loaded as shown in Fig. 2.47. Find the reactions
at A and B.

Fig. 2.47

Solution: Writing FBD of the beam, converting the UDL of 3 kN/m over a span of 3 m
into a point-load.

Fig. 2.48
ƩFY = 0
RAY + RBY -5 – 9 – 2 = 0
RAY + RBY = 16

∑MB = 0
(- RAY * 6) +( 2 * 1.5) + (9 * 3) + (5 * 4.5) = 0
=> RAY = 52.5/ 6 = + 8.75 kN
RBY = 7.25 kN

Example 2.20
Determine the reactions at A and E for the beam shown in Fig. 2.49.

Fig. 2.49

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Solution: Converting the UDL of 20 KN/m over a span of 3 m into a point load, and
applying the laws of equilibrium we can write FBD as below.

Fig. 2.50

∑ Fx = 0 (→+ve)
=> RAX – 200 cos 45° = 0
=>RAX = + 141.421 kN

∑MA = 0 (Clockwise moment +ve)

(–REY * 12) + (200 sin 45° * 9) + (60 * 4.5) + (100 * 3) + 100 = 0
=>REY = + 161.899 kN

∑F y = 0 (↑+ve)
REY + RAY – 100 – 60 – (200 * sin 45°) = 0
=> REY + RAY = 301.421
=> 161.899 + RAY= 301.421
=>RAY = +139.522 kN

RA= √ (RAX2 + RAY2)

= √ (141.4222 + 139.5222)
=>RA =198.662 kN
α = tan--(RAY/ RAX)
= tan--(139.522/ 141.422)
α = 44.61 ˚

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Example 2.21
Determine the distance x such that RA and RB are equal, for the beam shown in Fig. 2.51.

Fig. 2.51

Applying the conditions of equilibrium to calculate the value of x, we will get,

∑F y = 0
(↑+ve)
+RA + RB – 30 – 20 – 10 – 20 = 0
2RA – 80 = 0

Since RA= RB,

RA = RB = 40 kN

∑MA = 0
(Clockwise moment +ve)
(20 * 1) + (30 * 2) + (20 * 3) – (40 * 7) + 10 (7 + x) = 0
=> x = 7 m.

Example 2.22
For the beam with loading shown in below Fig. 2.52. Determine the reactions at the
supports A and D.

Fig. 2.52

Solution: tan θ = 1/ 2
=>θ = 26.56 ˚

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Free body diagram of the beam can be written as below.

Fig. 2.53

∑Fx = 0 (→+ve)
RAX + 100 x cos 45° – RD sin 26.56° = 0
RAX–0.477RD = 70.71 ---(1)

∑F y = 0 (↑+ve)
RAY + RD cos 26.56° – 100 sin 45° – 150 = 0
RAY+0.894RD = 220.71 ---(2)

∑MA = 0 (Clockwise moment +ve)

(–5RD cos 26.56°) + (150 * 5.5) + (100sin 45° * 1) = 0
=>RD = +133.199 kN

Substituting in Equation (1);

RAX = –11.15 kN

Substituting in Equation (2); we get,

RAY = 101.63 kN

RA= √ (RAX2 + RAY2)

= √ (-7.174) 2 + (-101.63)2)
=>RA =101.88 kN

α = tan-(11.15/ 135.199)
α = 4.785 ˚

Example 2.23
Find the reactions at supports A and B for the beam loaded as shown in Fig. 2.54.

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Fig. 2.54
Solution: Converting UDL to equivalent point load at center, FBD of the beam is as given
below.

Fig. 2.55

∑Fx = 0 (→ +ve)
+ RAX – 3 = 0
=>RAX = + 3 kN

∑F y = 0 (↑+ ve)
RAY + RB – 5 – 6 = 0
=>RAY+RB=11 ---(1)

Also, we have,
∑MA = 0 (Clockwise moment +ve)
(-RB * 6) + ( 5 * 1) + (6 * 4.5) – (3 * 0.5) – 10 =0
=>RB = +3.417 kN

Substituting value of RB in Equation (1)

RAY + 3.417 = 11
=>RAY = +7.583 kN
RA= √ (RAX2 + RAY2)
= √ (3) 2 + (7.5832)
=>RA = 8.155 kN
α = tan--(7.583/ 3)
α = 68.41 ˚
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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Example 2.24
Find the reactions for the cantilever beam loaded as shown in Fig. 2.56.

Fig. 2.56

Solution: Converting UDL and UVL to respective point loads and writing FBD we get,
Point load due to UDL= 4 x 3 = 12 kN
Point load due to UVL= Area of the triangle= 0.5 X 2 x 2 = 2 kN

Fig. 2.57

∑Fx = 0 (→+ve)
RAX - 80 cos 30° = 0
=>RAX = +69.282 kN

∑F y = 0 (↑+ve)
RAY – 80 sin 30° – 2 – 12 – 30 = 0
=>RAY = + 84 kN

∑MA = 0 (Clockwise moment +ve)

(80 sin 30° * 3) + ((2 * 2/3) + 5) + (12 * 8.5) + (30 * 12) + M = 0
=> M= -594.667 kN-m. (Anti-clockwise, assumed direction is wrong)

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Equilibrium of Coplanar Force System Unit-II

Example 2.25
Find the reactions for the beam loaded as shown in Fig. 2.58.

Fig. 2.58

Solution: Converting trapezoidal load into UDL of 20kN/m and UVL of 0 intensity at left
end and 40kN/m at right end, FBD of beam can be written as follows.

Fig. 2.59
∑Fx = 0 (→+ve)
40cos 45° – RAX = 0
=>RAX = +28.284 kN

∑F y = 0 (↑+ve)
=> RAY + RB – 40 sin 45° – 60 – 60 = 0
=>RAY+RB=148.284 ---(1)

Applying ∑MA = 0, (Clockwise moment +ve)

(–RB * 3) + (60 * 1.5) + (60 * 2) + 50 – (40 sin 45 * 1) = 0
=>RB = +77.238 kN

Substituting value of RB in (1)

RAY = +71.046 kN
RA= √ (RAX2 + RAY2)
= √ (28.284 2 + 71.0462)
=>RA = 78.469 kN

α = tan-(71.046/ 28.284)
α = 68.292˚

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