Engineering Mechanics: Forces and Classification, analysis of concurrent force systems and

non-concurrent force systems- resultants. Types of loads, supports and beams. Numerical
problems on beams: Calculation of support reactions with point load, uniformly distributed
load and moments.
Load applications and analysis: To visualize the load distribution, shear force, bending
moments and deflections of statically determinate beams using Staad Pro/MS Excel.
Mechanics and Engineering Mechanics

Mechanics is the physical science concerned with the study of response of bodies under the
application of forces.

Engineering mechanics is the application of mechanics to the solution of engineering

problems.

It is broadly classified into three types:

(a) Mechanics of rigid bodies

(b) Mechanics of deformable bodies

(c) Mechanics of fluids.

Mechanics of Rigid Bodies :

It is the branch of science which deals with the study of bodies that do not undergo any
deformation under the application of forces.

It can further be classified into Statics and Dynamics

Fig. Branches of Mechanics

 Statics - Study of distribution and effect of forces on rigid bodies at rest and
remains at rest.(Study of equilibrium of stationary bodies under the action of
forces.
  Dynamics – Study of motion of rigid bodies and their correlation with the force
causing them (Ex. The force hit by a cricket ball on wall)
 Kinetics –Study of the Relationship between the forces and the resulting motion
 Kinematics- study of a body in motion without considering the forces that cause
the motion
 Fluid Mechanics - Study of liquids and Gases(Fluids at rest or in motion
 Rigid body - Actually the bodies are not rigid, they deform under the force. If the
deformation is negligible when compared with the size of the body, it is assumed
to be rigid.

Forces and Classification

Force: It is the external agency which tends to change the state of a body or a particle. When
a force is applied to a body which is at rest, the body may remain in the state of rest or it may
move with some velocity. The SI unit of force is newton.

A force can be identified by its four characteristics:

(i) Magnitude: The length of the vector represents the magnitude of force,
(ii) Direction: The direction of a force can be represented by an arrowhead.
(iii) Line of action: It is the line along which the force acts.
(iv) Point of application: It is the point at which the force acts.

Fig. Force and its magnitude

Force: It is the external agency which tends to change the state of a body or a particle. When
a force is applied to a body which is at rest, the body may remain in the state of rest or it may
move with some velocity. The SI unit of force is newton.

A force can be identified by its four characteristics:

• Magnitude

• Point of Application

• Line of Action

• Direction
 Fig. Characteristic of a force

 The ladder has the following characteristics.

• Magnitude(600 N)

• Point of Application is at C which is 2 m from the floor along the ladder

• The line of action is vertical and

• The direction is downward.

Fig. Force Details

Classification of forces

When several forces of different magnitude and direction act upon a body, they constitute a
system of forces.
 Fig. System of forces

 If all the forces in a system lie in a single plane, it called coplanar force system

 If the line of action of all the forces in a system pass through a single point, it is called
a concurrent force system

 In a system of parallel forces all the forces are parallel to each other

 If the line of action of all forces lies along a single line then it is called collinear force
systems.

Sl.No Force Characteristics Representation

System

1 Collinear Line of action of all

forces the forces act along
the same line

2 Coplanar Line of action of all

the forces lie on a
single plane
 3 Non- Line of action of all
Coplanar the forces are not lie
on a single plane

4 Concurrent Line of action of all

forces passes through
a single point

5 Non- Line of action of all

concurrent forces do not pass
through single point

Sl.No Force System Characteristics Representation

1 Parallel forces Line of action of all the

forces are parallel to each
other

2 Non-Parallel Line of action of all forces

are not parallel to each other
3 Non-Coplanar Line of action of all forces
concurrent are concurrent but does not
lie on same plane

4 Non-coplanar Non-concurrent but parallel

parallel
forces(non-
concurrent)

5 Non-Coplanar Non-concurrent and non

non concurrent parallel
non parallel

Moment:

• The turning effect produced by a force on a body is known as Moment.

• Mathematically Moment is given as the product of the magnitude of the force and the
perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the point or axis of
rotation.

• The magnitude of the moment of a force acting about a point or axis is directly
proportional to the distance of the force from the point or axis. It is defined as the
product of the force (F) and the moment arm (d). The moment arm or lever arm is the
perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the center of
moments

• Moment = Force x Distance or M = (F)(d)

Characteristics of moment

1. Moment centre is the point about which the moment is considered.

2. If a point lies on the line of action of a force, the moment of the force about that point
is zero.

3. Moment arm or lever arm is the perpendicular distance of the point from the line of
action of the force.

4. Unit of moment is kN-m, N-m, kN-mm,N-mm.

5. The moment of a force has direction also,The direction of rotation indicates the
direction of moment.

6. Clockwise moment=If the tendency of a force is to rotate the body in the clockwise
direction, it is said to be a clockwise moment and is taken as positive.

Fig. moment

RESOLUTION OF FORCES

• Resolution of forces is the process of finding the number of component forces which
will have the same effect as that of given single force

• It is the process of splitting of a force into its two rectangular components.

[Horizontal and Vertical]
 •
• In CAD

• Cos Ɵ = Adj/hyp = Fx/F and Fx=F cos Ɵ or Fh = F cos Ɵ

• Sin Ɵ =Opp/hyp =Fy/F and Fy=F sin Ɵ or Fy = F sin Ɵ

• In CAB

• Cos Ɵ = Adj/hyp = Fy/F and Fy=F cos Ɵ or Fv = F cos Ɵ

• Sin Ɵ =Opp/hyp =Fx/F and Fx=F sin Ɵ or Fh = F sin Ɵ

It is opposite of resolution and it is the process of combining a number of forces into a single
force such that the effect produced by the single force is equal to the algebraic sum of the
effects produced by the individual forces. The single force in this case is called the resultant
force which produces the same effect on the body as that produces by the individual forces
acting together.

Problem 1: Find the resultant of the forces,

6N 10N
2N

The resultant of the force system = R= 2+6+10 = 18 N

Problem 2: Find the resultant of the forces,

2N 8N
12N 4N

The resultant of the force system = R= -2+12+4+8 = 22 N

Problem 3: Find the resultant of the Parallel force system and position of the resultant,
 8N 12N

A B

12mm
The resultant of the force system = R= 8+12 = 20 N (upward positive)

Let the resultant lies at a distance of ‘x’

R

Analysis of concurrent force systems

If two or more forces are acting in a single plane and passing through a single point, such a
force system is known as coplanar concurrent force system.

In a coplanar concurrent force system, we can calculate the magnitude and direction of the
resultant. The position, however, cannot be determined because all forces are meeting at a
common point.

Thus, The magnitude of resultant,

Direction of resultant,

The steps to solve problems in the coplanar concurrent force system are, therefore, as
follows:

1. Calculate the algebraic sum of all the forces acting in the x-direction (i.e. Fx ) and also in
the y-direction (i.e. Fy ).

2. Determine the magnitude of the resultant using the formula,

3. Determine the direction of the resultant using the formula,

Problem 1: A force of 200 N is acting at a point making an angle of 40° with the horizontal.
Determine the components of this force along the x and y directions
Problem 2: Find the resultant of the coplanar concurrent force system shown in Figure

Analysis of non-concurrent force systems

If two or more forces are acting in a single plane, but not passing through the single point,
such a force system is known as coplanar non-concurrent force system.

In a coplanar non-concurrent force system, we can calculate the magnitude, direction and
position of the resultant force as follows:

Magnitude of resultant,

Direction of resultant,
Position of resultant: The position of the resultant means the calculation of d, or x and y
intercepts as shown in Figure below,

R×d = algebraic sum of moments of number of forces about that point

Fig. Resolution of non-concurrent force

steps to solve problems on coplanar non-concurrent force system

1. In a coplanar non-concurrent force system, the magnitude, direction and position of

resultant can be determined.
2. Calculate the algebraic sum of all the forces acting in the x-direction (i.e. sum of Fx )
and also in the y-direction (i.e. sum of Fy ).
3. Determine the magnitude of the resultant using the formula,

4. Determine the direction of the resultant using the formula,

5. The position of resultant can be determined by using the Varignon’s theorem or using
the formulae
Types of loads, supports and beams.
SUPPORT REACTIONS
The various structural members are connected to the surroundings by various types of
supports. The structural members exert forces on supports known as action.
Similarly, the supports exert forces on structural members known as reaction.
Beam: A beam is a horizontal member, which is generally placed on supports. The
beam is subjected to vertical forces known as action. Supports exert forces, known as
reaction, on the beam.
Types of Supports
The following types of supports are found in practice:
1. Simple supports
2. Roller supports
3. Hinged or pinned supports
4. Fixed supports

1. Simple support
Simple supports are those which exert reactions perpendicular to the plane of support. They
restrict translation of the body in one direction only, but do not restrict rotation.

2. Roller supports

Roller supports are those which exert reactions perpendicular to the plane of the support.
They restrict translation of the body along one direction only, and rotation is allowed.

3. Hinge support

Hinged supports are those which exert reactions in any direction, but from our convenient
point of view we resolve these reactions into two components. Therefore, hinged supports
restrict translation in both directions. But rotation is possible.

4. Fixed support

Fixed supports are those which restrict both translation and rotation of the body. Fixed
supports develop an internal moment known as restraint moment to prevent the rotation of the
body.

Types of Beams

1. Simply supported beam

It is a beam which consists of simple supports. Such a beam can resist forces normal to the
axis of the beam.
 2. Continuous beam

It is a beam which consists of three or more supports.

3. Cantilever beam

It is a beam whose one end is fixed and the other end is free.

4. Propped cantilever beam

It is a beam whose one end is fixed and the other end is simply supported

5. Overhanging beam

It is a beam which extends beyond support(s). it is seen that the beam extends beyond support
B up to C. The overhang portion is BC.

Types of Loads

1. Concentrated load
A load which is concentrated at a point in a beam is known as concentrated load.

2. Uniformly distributed load

A load which is distributed uniformly along the entire length of the beam is known as
uniformly distributed load (such as the load 20 kN per metre (UDL), length

Fig. UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOAD

To convert the 20 kN/m UDL into a point load which is acting at the centre of a particular
span (i.e. 3 m), we proceed as follows: Magnitude of point load = 20 kN/m ×3 m = 60 kN

3. Uniformly varying load

A load which varies with the length of the beam is known as uniformly varying load.The
magnitude of the point load corresponding to a uniformly varying load.

Fig. UNIFORMLY VARYING LOAD

Magnitude of point load = Area of the triangle = 1/2×base×height = 1/2× 2× 2 = 2 kN The

point load acts at the centre of gravity (CG) of the triangle

STEPS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS ON EQUILIBRIUM OF COPLANAR NON-

CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM

1. In a coplanar non-concurrent force system, three conditions of equilibrium can be

applied, namely as follows:

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.
Problem 1: A simply supported beam of length (span) 5 m is loaded as shown in Figure
below. Find the reactions at A and B.

Problem 2: A simply supported beam of span 6 m is subjected to loading as shown in Figure

below. Determine the reactions at A and B.

Problem 3: Determine the distance x such that RA and RB are equal, for the beam shown in
figure below

Problem 4: Determine the reactions at A and E for the beam shown in Figure below
Load applications and analysis: To visualize the load distribution, shear force, bending
moments and deflections of statically determinate beams using Staad Pro/MS Excel.

Understanding load distribution, shear force, and bending moment is essential for analyzing
the internal forces in a structure and ensuring that it can safely withstand applied loads
without failing or deforming excessively. These parameters help engineers design and
evaluate the structural performance of beams, girders, and other load-bearing elements in
buildings, bridges, and other constructions.

Shear Force (V)

Shear force at any section of a structure (like a beam) is the force that tends to shear or cut
through the section. It is the internal force perpendicular to the axis of the beam.

 Shear Force Diagram (SFD): A plot of shear force along the length of the beam.
 Calculating Shear Force: Shear force at any section can be calculated by summing
all vertical forces (including external loads and reactions) to the left or right of the
section. For example:

V(x)=sum of vertical forces to the left or right of the section

For a simply supported beam with a UDL, the shear force will vary linearly along the
beam length.

 Effect of Load Type:

o Under a point load, the shear force diagram experiences a sudden jump at the
point load.
o Under a UDL, the shear force diagram is a straight line, indicating a linear
variation in shear force.

Bending Moment (M)

Bending moment at any section of a structure is the internal moment that causes the section
to bend. It’s a measure of the tendency of the structure to rotate or bend under load.
  Bending Moment Diagram (BMD): A plot showing how bending moments vary
along the length of the structure.
 Calculating Bending Moment: The bending moment at any section can be calculated
by summing the moments about that section. For example:

M(x)=sum of moments to the left or right of the section

For a simply supported beam with a point load at its center, the bending moment will
be maximum at the center of the beam and zero at the supports.

 Effect of Load Type:

o Under a point load, the bending moment diagram has a triangular shape, with
a maximum moment under the load.
o Under a UDL, the bending moment diagram forms a parabolic curve, with the
maximum moment at the midspan for simply supported beams.

Relationships Between Load, Shear Force, and Bending Moment

These three parameters are related to one another:

 Load Distribution (w) to Shear Force (V): The rate of change of shear force along
the length of the beam is equal to the load intensity at that section:

This means that if the load is constant, the shear force changes linearly, and if the load
is varying, the shear force changes according to the shape of the load distribution.

 Shear Force (V) to Bending Moment (M): The rate of change of bending moment
along the length of the beam is equal to the shear force at that section:

Therefore, if the shear force is constant, the bending moment increases linearly, and if
the shear force is varying, the bending moment changes accordingly.

Example: Simply Supported Beam with a Point Load

Let’s consider a simply supported beam with a point load PPP applied at the center:

 Support Reactions: The reactions at the supports will be equal, and each will carry
half of the load (P/2).
 Shear Force:
o On the left half of the beam, the shear force will be constant and equal to P/2
o At the point load, there is a sudden drop in the shear force.
o On the right half, the shear force will be −P/2.
 Bending Moment:
o The bending moment will be zero at the supports.
o The moment will increase linearly towards the center and reach a maximum
value under the point load.
o The maximum bending moment can be calculated as:

Example: Simply Supported Beam with a Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL)

For a beam with a uniformly distributed load www over its entire span LLL:

 Support Reactions: The reactions at the supports will each be wL/2.

 Shear Force:
o The shear force will decrease linearly from wL/2 at the supports to zero at the
midpoint.
 Bending Moment:
o The bending moment will form a parabolic curve, with zero moment at the
supports and a maximum moment at the center.

o
o The maximum bending moment can be calculated as:
Problem 1:

A simply supported beam of length 6m, carries point load of 3kN and 6kN of 2m and 4m
from the left end. Draw the SF and BM diagrams for the beam

Find the reaction at A and B as and

Step1:Take moment about A is equal to zero x 6 – (6 x 4) – (3 x 2) = 0 x 6 = (6 x 4) + (3 x

2)/6 = 5kN Step2:Sum of upward force = Sum of downward force + = 6 + 3 = 9 - = 9 - 5 =
4kN

Shear Force Calculation:

(Sum of vertical forces) SF at B = - = - 5 kN SF at C = -5 +6 = + 1kN SF at D = - 5 +6 + 3 =

+ 4 kN SF at A = - 5 +6 + 3 = + 4 kN

Shear Force Diagram: Vertical downward point load are drawn as upward vertical line
Vertical upward reaction force are drawn as downward vertical line. No load are drawn as
horizontal line.
Bending moment Calculation:

[Sum of (Vertical force x Distance of load acting from required section)]

BM at B = + ( x 0) = 0 kNm BM at C = +(5 x 2) – (6 x 0) = + 10 kN BM at D = +(5 x 4) –(6

x 2) –(3 x 0) = + 8 kN BM at A = +(5 x 6) –(6 x 4) –(3 x 2) = 0 kN

Bending moment Diagram: Vertical downward point load are drawn as inclined line based on
their sign.

Problem 2:

A beam of 8m span simply supported at its end carries loads of 2kN and 5kN at a distance of
3m and 6m from right support respectively. In addition the beam carries a UDL of 4kN/m for
its entire length. Draw the shear force and bending moment diagram. Also find the maximum
bending moment.
Other problems and examples can be taken by faculties from the reference book as per their
suitability and time.

The excel and STAADPRO calculations should be followed after hand calculations.