Two-Dimensional Static Equilibrium

3/19/2010

Objectives
y By the end of this lecture, students should: y Understand what is meant by 2-D static equilibrium y Have the procedure to solve 2-D static equilibrium problems y Know the equilibrium equations and how to apply them to solve 2-D static equilibrium problems

Definition
y Static Equilibrium
- any system in which the sum of the forces and the

sum of the moments are both equal to zero

(http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/static_equilibrium)

Example Problem Fixed Crane With Suspended Mass

Solve for the reaction forces at A and B 1000 kg

Diagram taken from Vector Mechanics For Engineers 6th ed. pg 162

Solution
y A = 112.2 kN y B = 107.1 kN

17.3o

Steps To Solving 2-D Static Equilibrium

1. 2.

3.

Draw the Free-Body Diagram of the object under consideration Determine the forces and the moments applied to the object from the connections and supports and draw them on the FreeBody Diagram Apply the static equilibrium equations:
7 Fx = 0 7 Fy = 0 7 MO = 0

These equations can be used to solve for up to 3 unknowns

y y

If there are less than three unknowns, the object is only partially constrained and motion is still possible If there are more than three unknowns, the reactions are statically indeterminate and a full solution cannot be found

Questions?

Figure taken from Vector Mechanics For Engineers 6th ed. pg 157