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CONCEPT OF PARTICLES:
A particle is an object that has infinitely small volume (occupies negligible space or
volume) but has mass which can be considered to be concentrated at a point.
The rigid body can be considered as combination of large number of particles occupying
fixed position with respect to each other.

FREE BODY DIAGRAM

The sketch of the isolated body or portion of the body showing all the forces acting on it by
vectors is called free body diagram (FBD).
The term free implies that all the supports have been removed and replaced by forces
(reactions) that they exert on the body.
Forces that act on a body can be divided into two general categories—
Reactive forces (or, simply, reactions) and
Applied forces (action)
• Reactions are those forces that are exerted on a body by the supports to which it is
attached.
• Forces acting on a body that are not provided by the supports are called applied forces.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

For example,

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Importance of FBD:
 Free-body diagrams are fundamental to all engineering disciplines that are concerned
with the effects that forces have on bodies.
 The construction of an FBD is the key step that translates a physical problem into a
form that can be analyzed mathematically.
 Easily analyze the body by isolating it from system of bodies.
 Easily apply equilibrium equations on free body diagram.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

STEPS/ GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FBD

 Identify the problem.
 Isolate the body. A body to be isolated for consideration may be any portion of
system and consider it as a rigid body or a particle.
 A sketch of the body is drawn assuming that all supports (surfaces of contact,
supporting cables, etc.) have been removed.
 All applied forces are drawn and labeled on the sketch including self weight of the
body to be considered as an applied force acting at the center of gravity and directed
vertically downward.
 The support reactions are drawn and labeled on the sketch.
 The adopted coordinate system and the sense of a unknown reaction should be
shown. If the sense of unknown reaction is unknown, it should be assumed. The
solution will determine the correct sense: A positive result indicates that the assumed
sense is correct, whereas a negative result means that the correct sense is opposite to
the assumed sense.
 Tension in rope or string should directed toward support.
 The uncut member force should not be shown in FBD.
 All relevant angles and dimensions are shown on the sketch.
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While sketching FBD,

• What to include • What to exclude

- The object of interest - All external contacts and constrains

- Any external forces - Forces the object exerts on other objects
- Coordinate system - Internal forces

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Remember,
 Be neat. Because the equilibrium equations will be derived directly from the free-body
diagram, it is essential that the diagram be readable.
 Clearly label all forces, angles, and distances with values (if known) or symbols (if the values
are not known).

 Show only forces that are external to the body (this includes support reactions and the weight).
Internal forces occur in equal and opposite pairs and thus will not appear on free-body diagrams.

Practice,

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Practice,

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Practice,

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Practice,

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Practice,

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Practice,

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PRINCIPLE/ PHYSICAL MEANING OF EQUILIBRIUM:

A body acted upon by number of forces is said to be in equilibrium if the algebraic sum
of all the external force and the algebraic sum of moments of all external forces about
any point is zero.
Practically, a body is said to be in equilibrium when it comes back to its original position
after it is displaced slightly from its initial position.
Types of equilibrium:
a) Stable equilibrium- returns back to its original
position if slightly displaced form its position
of rest. Potential energy is minimum.
b) Unstable equilibrium- does not return back to
its original position and heels further if slightly
displaced from its position of rest. Potential
energy is maximum.
c) Neutral equilibrium- does not experience any
force acting on it and continues to be in
equilibrium if slightly displaced form its
position of rest. Potential energy is constant.
Applied Mechanics - Statics

EQUATION OF EQUILIBRIUM:

 Equation of equilibrium in 2-D

 Equation of equilibrium in 3-D

yz- plane xz- plane xy- plane

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FORCE LAW OF EQUILIBRIUM:

1) Two force principle:

• According to this principle, if a body is in equilibrium under the action of two forces,
then they must be equal, opposite and collinear.
• If the two forces acting on a body are equal and opposite
but are parallel, as shown in fig., then the body will not
be in equilibrium.
• Two condition is satisfied:

• Third condition is not satisfied:

• A body will not be in equilibrium under the action of two

equal and opposite parallel forces. Two equal and parallel
forces produces a couple.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

FORCE LAW OF EQUILIBRIUM:

2) Three force principle:

• According to this principle, if a body is in equilibrium under the action of three forces,
then the resultant of any two forces must be equal, opposite and collinear with the
third force. The three force acting on a body can either be concurrent or parallel forces.
• Case (a) When three forces are concurrent
• The resultant of F1 and F2 is given by R. If the force F3 is
collinear, equal and opposite to the resultant R, then the body
will be in equilibrium.
• The force F3 which is equal and opposite to resultant R is
known as equilibrant.
• All three conditions of equilibrium is satisfied.
• Hence for three concurrent forces acting on a body, when the
body is in equilibrium, the resultant of the two forces should
be equal and opposite to the third force.

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FORCE LAW OF EQUILIBRIUM:

• Case (b) When three forces are parallel
• If the three parallel forces are acting in opposite direction and their magnitude is so
adjusted that there is no resultant forces i.e. ƩF = 0, then the body is in equilibrium.
• If the three parallel forces are acting in the same direction, there will be a resultant
R= F1 + F2 + F3 directed toward the direction of three forces and the body will
not be in equilibrium.
• Apply the three conditions of equilibrium:

• If the distance AB and AC are such that the above equation is satisfied, then the
body will be in equilibrium under the action of three parallel forces.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

FORCE LAW OF EQUILIBRIUM:

3) Four or more force principle:

• According to this principle, if a body is in equilibrium under the action of four forces,
then the resultant of any two forces must be equal, opposite and collinear with the
resultant of the other two forces.

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PRACTICE, EQUILIBRIUM EQUAITIONS:

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PRACTICE, EQUILIBRIUM EQUAITIONS:

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PRACTICE, EQUILIBRIUM EQUAITIONS:

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PRACTICE, EQUILIBRIUM EQUAITIONS:

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PROBLEMS:
An electric light fixture weighting 15 N hangs from a point C, by two strings AC and BC. The string
AC is inclined at 60° to the horizontal and BC at 45° to the horizontal as shown in Fig. Using Lami’s
theorem, or otherwise, determine the forces in the strings AC and BC.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

SOLUTION:
Solution. Given : Weight at C = 15 N
Let 𝑇 = Force in the string AC, and
𝑇𝑩 = Force in the string BC.
The system of forces is shown in Fig. From the geometry of the
figure, we find that angle between 𝑇 and 15 N is 150° and angle between
𝑇𝑩 and 15 N is 135°.
ACB = 180° – (45° + 60°) = 75°
Applying Lami’s equation at C,

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PROBLEMS:
A string ABCD, attached to fixed points A and D has two equal weights of 1000 N attached to it at B
and C. The weights rest with the portions AB and CD inclined at angles as shown in Fig. Find the
tensions in the portions AB, BC and CD of the string, if the inclination of the portion BC with the
vertical is 120°.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

SOLUTION:
Solution. Given : Load at B = Load at C = 1000 N
For the sake of convenience, let us split up the string ABCD into two parts. The system
of forces at joints B and is shown in fig.
Let TAB = Tension in the portion AB of the string,
TBC = Tension in the portion BC of the string, and
TCD = Tension in the portion CD of the string.
Applying Lami’s equation at joint B,

Again applying Lami’s equation at joint C,

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PROBLEMS:
A block of weight W is suspended form 25 cm long cord and two springs of which the upstretched
lengths are 22.5 cm. knowing that the constants of the spring are 𝐾 = 9 N/cm and 𝐾 = 3 N/cm,
determine
a) tension in the cord
b) weight of the block

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
The block shown in fig is acted on by its weight W = 400 N, a horizontal force F = 600 N and
pressure P exerted by the inclined plane. The resultant R of these forces is parallel to the incline.
Determine P and R. Does the block move up or down the plane?

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SOLUTION:

Solution. Given : weight of block = 400 N

applied horizontal force = 600 N
The free body diagram with all the force acting on the block considering new axis along
inclined plane and its normal is shown in the fig.

As resultant is along the X-axis (new), hence

ΣFy = 0
∴ ΣFy = P cos 15° – 400 cos 30° – 600 cos 60° = 0
or 0.966 P – 346.41 – 300 = 0
∴ P = 669.2 N. (Ans.)
As R is along the incline,
∴ R = ΣFx = – P cos 75° – 400 cos 60° + 600 cos 30°
= – 669.2 × 0.2588 – 400 × 0.5 + 600 × 0.866
= 146.41 N. (Ans.)
The block will move up the incline (Ans.)

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Fig shows a sphere resting in a smooth V shaped groove and subjected to a spring force. The spring
is compressed to a length of 100mm from its free length of 150mm. If the stiffness of spring is
2N/mm, determine the contact reactions at A and B.

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SOLUTION:

Solution.
The spring is compressed from 150mm to 100mm. So it is exiting a compressive force,
which is acting vertically downward on the sphere.
Since,
Spring force(F) = K.x
Given that K = 2N/mm
x = 150 – 100 = 50mm
F = 2 × 50 = 100N
Let 𝑅 and 𝑅 be the contact reaction at Point A and B.
Here weight of sphere and F are collinear force, both act down ward so the net force
is = 100 + 40, acting down ward.
Apply lami’s theorem at point ‘O’
𝑅 /sin(90° + 30°) = 𝑅 /sin(90° + 60°)
= 140/ sin(180° – 90°)
On solving,
𝑅 = 121N
𝑅 = 70N

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
A smooth circular cylinder of radius 1.5 meter is lying in a triangular groove, one side of
which makes 15° angle and the other 40° angle with the horizontal. Find the reactions at
the surfaces of contact, if there is no friction and the cylinder weights 100 N.

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SOLUTION:
Solution. Given : Weight of cylinder = 100 N
Let RA = Reaction at A, and
RB = Reaction at B.
The smooth cylinder lying in the groove is shown in fig. In order to keep the
system in equilibrium, three forces i.e. RA, RB and weight of cylinder (100 N)
must pass through the center of
the cylinder. Moreover, as there is no *friction, the reactions RA and RB must
be normal to the surfaces as shown in fig above. The system of forces is
shown in fig below.
Applying Lami’s equation, at O,

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Two cylinders P and Q rest in a channel as shown in fig. The cylinder P has diameter of 100 mm and
weighs 200 N, whereas the cylinder Q has diameter of 180 mm and weighs 500 N. If the bottom width of
the box is 180 mm, with one side vertical and the other inclined at 60°, determine the pressures at all the
four points of contact.

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Solution. Given : Diameter of cylinder P = 100 mm ; Weight of cylinder P = 200 N ;

SOLUTION: Diameter of cylinder Q = 180 mm ; Weight of cylinder Q = 500 N and width of channel =
180 mm.
First of all, consider the equilibrium of the cylinder P. It is in equilibrium under the
action of the following three forces which must pass through A i.e., the centre of the
cylinder P as shown in fig (a).
1. Weight of the cylinder (200 N) acting downwards.
2. Reaction (R1) of the cylinder P at the vertical side.
3. Reaction (R2) of the cylinder P at the point of contact with the cylinder Q.
From the geometry of the figure, we find that

The system of forces at A is shown in fig (b).

Applied Mechanics - Statics

SOLUTION: Applying Lami’s equation at A,

Now consider the equilibrium of the cylinder Q. It is in equilibrium under the action
of the following four forces, which must pass through the center of the cylinder as
shown in fig (a).
1. Weight of the cylinder Q (500 N) acting downwards.
2. Reaction R2 equal to 240.8 N of the cylinder P on cylinder Q.
3. Reaction R3 of the cylinder Q on the inclined surface.
4. Reaction R4 of the cylinder Q on the base of the channel.

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A little consideration will show, that the weight of the cylinder Q is acting downwards and
SOLUTION: the reaction R4 is acting upwards. Moreover, their lines of action also coincide with each
other.
∴ Net downward force = (R4 – 500) N
The system of forces is shown in fig (b).
Applying Lami’s equation at B,

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Three cylinders weighting 100 N each and of 80 mm diameter are placed in a channel of 180 mm width
as shown in fig. Determine the pressure exerted by (i) the cylinder A on B at the point of contact (ii) the
cylinder B on the base and (iii) the cylinder B on the wall.

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Solution. Given : Weight of each cylinder = 100 N ; Dia. of each cylinder = 80 mm and
SOLUTION: width of channel = 180 mm
(i) Pressure exerted by the cylinder A on the cylinder B
Let R1 = Pressure exerted by the cylinder A on B. It is also equal to pressure
exerted by the cylinder A on B.
First of all, consider the equilibrium of the cylinder A. It is in equilibrium under the
action of the following forces, which must pass through the center of the cylinder as
shown in fig (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 centers O, P and Q of the three cylinders. Bisect PQ at S and join OS as
shown in fig(b).
From the geometry of the triangle OPS, we find that
OP = 40 + 40 = 80 mm
and PS = 90 – 40 = 50 mm

Applied Mechanics - Statics

SOLUTION:

Since the triangle OSQ is similar to the triangle OPS, therefore ∠SOQ 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)
= 180° – 38.7° = 141.3°
The system of forces at O is shown in fig (b). Applying Lami’s equation at O,

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(ii) Pressure exerted by the cylinder B on the base

SOLUTION: Let R3 = Pressure exerted by the cylinder B on the wall, and
R4 = Pressure exerted by the cylinder B on the base.
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 (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.
A little consideration will show that weight of the cylinder B is acting downwards and the
reaction R4 is acting upwards. Moreover, their lines of action also coincide with each other.
Therefore net downward force will be equal to (R4 – 100) N.
The system of forces is shown in fig (b). Applying Lami’s equation at P,

(iii) Pressure exerted by the cylinder B on the wall

From the above Lami’s equation, we also find that
R3 = 64 sin 38.7° = 64 × 0.6252 = 40 N Ans.
Note. Since the cylinders B and C are symmetrically placed, therefore pressures exerted by the cylinder
C on the wall as well as channel will be the same as those exerted by the cylinder B.
Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Three sphere A, B and C weighing 200N, 400N and 200N respectively and having radii 400mm, 600mm
and 400mm respectively are placed in a trench as shown in fig 6.81. Treating all contact surfaces as
smooth, determine the reactions developed.

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HINTS: From the fig,

Sin = BD/AB = (600 - 400)/(400 + 600) = 0.2
= 11.537°
Referring to FBD of sphere A,
R2cos= 200
R2 = 200/cos11.537° = 204.1 N
And R1 – R2sin= 0
R1 = 40.8N
Referring to the FBD of sphere C,
Sum of forces parallel to inclined plane = 0
R4cos– 200cos45° = 0
R4 = 144.3 N
Sum of forces perpendicular to inclined plane = 0
R4cos(45 – ) – R3cos45° = 0
R3 = 170.3N
Referring to FBD of cylinder B,
V = 0
R6sin45° – 400 – R2cos– R4cos (45 + ) = 0
R6sin 45° = 400 + 204.1 cos11.537° + 144.3cos56.537°
R6 = 961.0 N
H = 0
R5 – R2sin– R4sin (45 + ) – R6cos45° = 0
R5 = 204.1 sin11.537 + 144.3sin56.537 + 961.0cos45°
R5 = 840.7 N
Applied Mechanics - Statics

RECTANGULAR COMPONENT OF 3D FORCE SYSTEM

The force F acting at point O in fig has the rectangular
components Fx, Fy, Fz, where

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PROBLEMS:
A force F with a magnitude of 100 N is applied at the origin O of the axes x-y-z as shown. The line of
action of F passes through a point A whose coordinates are 3 m, 4 m, and 5 m. Determine (a) the x, y, and
z scalar components of F, (b) the projection 𝐹 of F on the x-y plane, and (c) the projection 𝐹 of F
along the line OB.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

SOLUTION:

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SOLUTION:

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
If the weight of the boom is negligible compared with the applied 30-kN load, determine the cable
tensions 𝑇 and 𝑇 and the force acting at the ball joint at A.

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PROBLEMS:
A uniform steel ring 60 in. in diameter and weighing 600 lb is lifted by the three cables, each 50 in. long,
attached at points A, B, and C as shown. Compute the tension in each cable.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Determine the tensions in cables AB, AC, and AD.

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PROBLEMS:
For the vectors V1 and V2 shown in the fig, determine the
magnitude S of their vector sum S = V1 + V2. Determine the angle
α between S and the positive X-axis. Write S as a vector in terms of
the unit vector i and j and then write a unit vector along the vector
sum S. Also, determine the vector difference D = V1 – V2.

𝑉1= V1cos45i + V1sin 45j = 2.828i + 2.828 j

V2 V2cos30i + (-V2sin30j) = 2.598i -1.5j

V V1 + V2 5.426 𝑖 1.328𝑗

ǀVǀ 5.426 1.328 5.586 Practice,

.
α = tan 13.75 Determine the magnitude of the vector sum V = V1 + V2
.
and the angle α which V makes with the positive x-axis.
. .
Unit vector, n = 0.971𝑖 0.238𝑗 Write the resultant vector in terms of unit vector and also
ǀ ǀ .
write a unit vector along the resultant V.
Difference, D = 𝑉1 - 𝑉2 = 0.23i + 4.328j

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Determine the x and y component of each force shown in the fig.
Also find the resultant force and the angle made with x-axis.

Resultant force, 𝐹⃗ = (640-224+192)i + (480-360-360)j

= (608i -240) N
ǀ𝐹⃗ ǀ = 608 240 653.65 𝑁

θ = tan ⁄ 21.54

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PROBLEMS:
Knowing that a = 35°, determine the resultant of the three
forces shown.

Resultant force, 𝑅 = (-18.522)i + (-308.02)j

= (-18.522i – 308.02) N
ǀ𝑅ǀ = 18.522 308.02 308.58 𝑁
θ = tan tan . ⁄ 86.56
.

Applied Mechanics - Statics

PROBLEMS:
Knowing that a = 40°, determine the resultant of the three
forces shown.

Knowing that the tension in cable BC is 725 N, determine the

resultant of the three forces exerted at Point B of beam AB.

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PROBLEMS:
For the cable as shown in fig, it is known that the maximum
allowable tension is 600 N in cable AC and 750N in cable BC.
Determine (a) the maximum force P that can be applied at C,
(b) the corresponding value of α.

Free Body Diagram Force triangle

Using sine law in force triangle, Using lami’s theorem,
𝑇𝑎𝑐 𝑇𝑏𝑐 𝑃
sin 205 α sin 45 α 𝑠𝑖𝑛110
Solving for α using first two expression,
α = -109 α = 71
Solving for P,
P = 783.8N
Applied Mechanics - Statics
Try cosine law……

PROBLEMS:
Two cables are tied together at C and are loaded as shown.
Determine the tension (a) in cable AC, (b) in cable BC.

Free Body Diagram

Force triangle

Practice,
Two cables are tied together at C and are
loaded as shown. Knowing that
α = 30°, determine the tension (a) in cable
AC, (b) in cable BC.

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PROBLEMS:

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