Solution

20.1104 Intro to Eng. Analysis, Studio version

Fall 1998 Test #3 Friday Nov. 6, 1998
Instructions: 60-min time limit. You can use Maple to do the problems and check your answers,
but clearly show your setup and solution for each problem on the test pages read each problem
to see what we want specifically.
1. (10 points) Using the cofactor method, show us the setup of your method to find the determinant
of the following 4 x 4 matrix. Find the numerical value of the determinant; you may do the
determinants of any 3 x 3 matrices using Maple.
3
1

42
1 5 2

11
5
01(
11)1
3

1
3

0
4

2
0

Using the cofactor method and using row one as the pivot row, we
have:
0
2
1

1
3
1 3
2 0 2( 1)
1
3
0

4
5
1

1
3
1 4
2 ( 3)( 1)
1
3
0

= 1(1)(35) + 0 + 2(1)(62) + (-3)(-1)(13)

= 198
2. (20 points) A person wearing a 5 lb Halloween mask on his 8 lb head is bending over at the waist
to pick up some candy. Assume that center of gravity of the total weight of the mask and head is
located at a point in space with coordinates (1, 2, 6) ft. The weight can be assumed to act along
the z-axis, which is oriented vertically.
(a) Compute the moment of the masks and heads weight about the point A (0.5, 1, 3) ft, which is
located in the persons lower back.
F = -13 lb k
r = (1,2,6) ft (0.5,1,3) ft
r = 0.5 i + 1 j + 3 k ft
MA = r x F = (0.5 i + 1 j + 3 k ft) x (-13 lb k)
MA = -13 ft-lb i + 6.5 ft-lb j

(b) Write down the equivalent system that would exist at point A in the persons lower back if we
are just considering the weight of the mask and head.
The equivalent system is comprised of the resultant force and moment.

4
5
1

0
2
1

Solution
F = -13 lb k
MA = -13 ft-lb i + 6.5 ft-lb j

Solution

3. (20 points) A crowbar is subjected to a vertical force of P = 25 lb at the grip, but it requires a force
of F = 155 lb at the claw to pull out the nail. The 14-inch length of the crowbar is from the hand
to point B in the diagram.
y
x
14
1.5
20

P =25 lb

70

(a) Find the moment about A due to the 25 lb force P.

Using the Fd method (see diagram above for help with geometry).
MA = Fd = 25 lb {14 in. cos (20) + 1.5 in. cos (70)} = 341.7 in-lb k
(b) Find the moment about A of a 155 lb force F.
Using the Fd method.
MA = Fd = 155 lb cos (30) (3 in.) = -402.7 in-lb k
(c) Compare your answers to (a) and (b) and state whether the crowbar is pulling out the nail
under these conditions.
Since the applied moment found in part (a) is less than the pull-out moment found in part
(b), then the crowbar is not pulling out the nail under these conditions.

Solution

4. (10 points) The rod shown is supported by two brackets at points A and B. Determine the moment
of the force F about the axis AB. The force F = (-600 i + 200 j 300 k ) N.
rAF = 0.6 m i + 0.3 m k
rAB = 0.4 m i + 0.2 m j
F = -600 N i + 200 N j 300 N k

e AB

(0.4i 0.2 j) m
2

(0.4m) (0.2m )

eAB = 0.8944 i + 0.4472 j

MA = rAF x F = (0.6 m i + 0.3
m k)
x (-600 N i +
200 N j 300 N k)
MA = -60 Nm i + 120 Nm k
MAB = MA eAB = (-60 Nm i + 120 Nm k)

(0.8944 i + 0.4472 j)
MAB = -53.67 Nm

5. (40 points) Draw correct free body diagrams for the following four problems; do not solve the
problems for the reactions at the supports; just draw correct FBDs!
(a) A force and a moment are being applied to an L - shaped member connected to the
support by a built-in (fixed) joint at A. Find the reactions at point A.

Solution

(b) Determine the magnitude of the pin reactions at A for the structure shown being loaded by
a force of 200 lb and a couple of 100 ft-lb. L = 2 ft.

F1=200 lb

(c) An open-end wrench is being used to tighten a bolt at point A. The workmans hands can
be assumed to apply only forces as shown at points B and C. The wrench has stopped
turning when the loads are applied. Find the reactions where the bolt meets the wrench.

Solution

(d) The link shown is pin-connected at A and rests against a perfectly smooth support at B.
Computed the reactions at the pin A.

3 points extra credit: Based on static equilibrium, prove that the member BD
in part (b) of problem 5 is a two-force member, i.e., the forces at B and D
must be equal and opposite and act along a line connecting B and D.
First, for convenience, re-draw the fbd with the y-axis
parallel to the line which connects points B and D.
Remember that the connections at B and D are pin joints.
Second, apply the conditions of force equilibrium to the linkage.
Fx = 0: Bx Dx = 0
Fy = 0: By Dy = 0

(1)
(2)

From these we establish that:

Bx = Dx
By = Dy

(3)
(4)

Next apply the condition of moment equilibrium:

MB = 0: - Dx (d) = 0

(5)

Thus, Dx must be equal to zero and since

Solution
Bx = Dx ,

(3)

from (3), then Bx must also be equal to zero.

Finally we are left with just By and Dy as non-zero reaction forces, thus member BD must be a
two-force member.