COPLANAR NON-CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEMS

Overview of System of forces

It is well known that a system of coplanar forces can occur in different configurations some of
the possibilities are

Coplanar, Collinear, Concurrent

Coplanar and Concurrent

Coplanar and Non Concurrent

To determine the resultant of any system of forces we adopt the principle of Resolution
and Composition.
The following figures depict the principles involved.

.Composition of system of forces

R = ( f xi ) 2 + ( f y i ) 2

R = tan 1

( ff )

yi

xi

Equilibrium: Equilibrium is the status of the body when it is subjected to a system of forces. We
know that for a system of forces acting on a body the resultant can be determined. By Newtons
2nd Law of Motion the body then should move in the direction of the resultant with some
acceleration. If the resultant force is equal to zero it implies that the net effect of the system of
forces is zero this represents the state of equilibrium. For a system of coplanar concurrent forces
for the resultant to be zero, hence

= 0
= 0

Equilibriant : Equilbriant is a single force which when added to a system of forces brings the
status of equilibrium . Hence this force is of the same magnitude as the resultant but opposite in
sense. This is depicted in Fig 4.

Free Body Diagram: Free body diagram is nothing but a sketch which shows the various forces
acting on the body. The forces acting on the body could be in form of weight, reactive forces
contact forces etc. An example for Free Body Diagram is shown below.

Equilibrium of 3 Forces: When a set of three forces constituting coplanar concurrent system act
on a body Lamis theorem can be made use of for examining the status of equilibrium. This is
depicted in the following figure.

F1
F
F
= 2 = 3
Sin Sin Sin

Example 1 : A spherical ball of weight 75N is attached to a string and is suspended from the
ceiling. Compute tension in the string if a horizontal force F is applied to the ball. Compute the
angle of the string with the vertical and also tension in the string if F =150N

f xi = 0
f T cos = 0
150 T cos = 0
T cos = 150

Example 2: A string or cable is hung from a horizontal ceiling from two points A and D. The
string AD, at two points B and C weights are hung. At B, which is 0.6 m from a weight of 75 N
is hung. C, which is 0.35 m from D, a weight of wc is hung. Compute wc such that the string
portion BC is horizontal.

FBD of B

xi

=0

TBC TAB cos 1 = 0

=0
i

TAB sin 1 75 = 0
TAB = 75 2 N , TBC = 75 N

FBD of C

xi

=0

TBC + TCD cos 2 = 0

TCD = 148.85 N

=0
i

TCD sin 2 Wc = 0
Wc = 128.57 N

Example 3: A block of weight 120N is kept on a smooth inclined plane. The plane makes an
angle of 320 with horizontal and a force F allied parallel to inclined plane. Compute F and also
normal reaction.

LAMIS Theorem

120
F
NR
=
=
o
o
Sin90
Sin(180 32)
Sin(90 + 32) o
F = 63.59 N
N R= 101.76 N

Example 4: Three smooth circular cylinders are placed in an arrangement as shown. Two
cylinders are of radius 052mm and weight 445 N are kept on a horizontal surface. The centers of
these cylinders are tied by a string which is 406 mm long. On these two cylinders, third cylinder
of weight 890N and of same diameter is kept. Find the force S in the string and also forces at
points of contact.

LAMIS Theorem

FBD of B

FBD of A
FAC = 598N
FBA = 598 N

f
f

xi
y

=0
=0

FBC = 399.5 N
RD = 890 N

Transformation of force to a force couple system:

It is well known that moment of a force represents its rotatary effect about an axis or a point.
This concept is used in determining the resultant for a system of coplanar non-concurrent forces.
For ay given force it is possible to determine an equivalent force couple system. This concept
is shown in Fig below.

Resultant for a coplanar non-concurrent system:

By using the principles of resolution composition & moment it is possible to determine
analytically the resultant for coplanar non-concurrent system of forces.
The procedure is as follows:
1. Select a Suitable Cartesian System for the given problem.
2. Resolve the forces in the Cartesian System
3. Compute fxi and fyi
4. Compute the moments of resolved components about any point taken as the moment
centre O. Hence find M0

R = f x + f y

i
i

fy

fxi

R = tan -1

5. Compute moment arm

dR =

6. Also compute x- intercept as

XR =

M
f

xi

Mo
=
7. And Y interceptyRas
fx
i

Example 1: Compute the resultant for the system of forces shown in Fig 2 and hence compute
the Equilibriant.

xi

= 44.8 - 32 cos 60o

= 28.8 KN

yi

= 8 - 14.4 - 32 sin 60 o
= - 34.11 KN

R = 44.6 KN

R = 49.83o
+ M o = 14.4(3) + 32 cos 60o (4) 32 sin 60o (3)
= 62.34 KNM
62.34
dR =
= 1.396 m
44.64
62.34
xR =
= 1.827 m
34.11
62.34
yR =
= 2.164 m
28.8

Example 2: Find the Equilibriant for the rigid bar shown in Fig 3 when it is subjected to forces.

+ M A = 430(1) + 172(2) 344(4)

= - 1462 KNM

Resultant and Equilibriant

f
f

xi
y

=0
= 516 KN

R = 90o ;

Equilibrium: The concept of equilibrium is the same as explained earlier. For a system of
Coplanar Non concurrent forces for the status of equilibrium the equations to be satisfied are

xi

= 0; f yi = 0; M o = 0;

The above principles are used in solving the following examples.

Example 3: A bar AB of length 3.6 m and of negligible weight is acted upon by a vertical force
F1 = 336kN and a horizontal force F2 = 168kN shown in Fig 4. The ends of the bar are in
contact with a smooth vertical wall and smooth incline. Find the equilibrium position of the bar
by computing the angle .
tan = 0.9

= 36.87

xi

1 .2

=0

H A F2 RB cos 53.13o = 0............(1)

yi

=0

RB sin 53.13o F1 = 0
RB = 420 KN ;

Eq. 1 gives HA=420 KN

+ M B = 0;
H A (3.6 sin ) + 336(2.1 cos ) - 168 (1.2 sin ) = 0
- 1310.4 sin + 705.6 cos = 0
tan = 0.538

= 28.3o

Beams Laterally loaded bending

Supports Hinge, Roller, Fixed

Equilibrium Concept for support reactions

Equations are

xi

= 0; f yi = 0; M o = 0;

SUPPORT REACTIONS IN BEAMS: Beams are structural members which are generally
horizontal. They are subjected to lateral forces which act orthogonal to the length of the member.
There are various types of mechanisms used for supporting the beams. At these supports the
reactive forces are developed which are determined by using the concept of equilibrium. The
different types of supports are depicted in the table below.

SUPPORT

REACTION

NO.OF REACTIONS

(1)
ROLLER

VA

HINGE
(2)

FIXED
(3)

TYPES OF LOADS ACTING ON BEAMS: There are various types of forces or loads which
act on beams. They are (a) Concentrated or point load (b) Uniformly distributed load (UDL) (c)
Uniformly varying load (UVL) (d) Arbitrary distributed load. The methodology of converting
UDL, UVL to equivalent point load is shown in the Fig below.
Some example problems of determining support reactions in beams are illustrated next.

Example 4: Determine the support reactions for the beam shown in Fig 7 at A and B.

f
f
M

xi

= 0;

yi

= 0;

= 0;

VA 10 25 32 + VB = 0
VA + VB = 67 KN ;

+MA = 0
10(2) 25(5) 32(9) + VB (10) = 0
VB = 43.3KN
VA = 23.7 KN

Example 5: Determine the support reactions for the beam shown in Fig 8 at A and B.

f
f

xi

= 0; H A = 0

yi

= 0;V A - 40 - 40 + VB = 0

VA + VB = 80

M A = 0 40(2) 40(7) + VB (8) = 0

VB = 45 KN
VA = 35 KN ;

Example 6: Determine the support reactions for the beam shown in Fig 9 at A and B.

xi

= 0;

H A 17.32 = 0
H A = 17.32 KN

yi

=0

V A 10 20 15 10 + VB = 0
V A + VB = 55

+MA = 0
10 2 + 25 20(6) + VB (8) 15(9) 10(11) = 0
VB = 45 KN; V A = 10 KN

Example 7: Determine the support reactions for the beam shown in Fig 10 at A and B.

xi

= 0;

H A RB sin300 = 0
H A = 0.5RB

yi

= 0;VA 20+ RB cos30o = 0

VA + 0.866RB = 20

+ MB = 0;
VA (10) + 20(6) = 0
VA = 12KN;
RB = 9.24KN;
H A = 4.62KN;

Review
Coplanar system of Forces.
Concurrent, Non Concurrent.
Resultant, Equilibrium.
Concept of Equilibrium.
Examples.
Analysis of Trusses

ANALYSIS OF PLANE TRUSSES: Trusses are special structures which are formed by joining
different members. Trusses are used as part of roofing systems in industrial buildings, factories
workshops etc. Prominent features of trusses are

Trusses are articulated Structures.

The basic Geometry used in a truss is a triangle.
Every member is pin connected at ends.
Trusses carry loads only at joints. Joints are junctions where members meet.
Self weight is neglected.
The forces in various members of the truss are axial in nature.

A typical figure of a plane truss and the scheme by which truss configuration is arrived at is
shown by the following figures.

Plane Trusses

Truss configuration

A truss is said to be perfect if m= 2 j 3 where m
Members; j
Joints

Analysis of Trusses: Analysis of trusses would imply determining forces in various members.
These forces will be in the form of Axial Tension (or) Compression. The
Equilibrium concept is made use of for analyzing the trusses. The two methods of analysis are
1. Method of Joints.
2. Method of Sections.
These two methods of analysis are illustrated by the following examples
Example 1:

-17.32(3) - 10(3) - 10(2.25) + 6VB=0

VB = 17.41 KN; VA= 9.91 KN

Analyse the truss shown in Figure and hence

compute member forces
Step 1: Draw FBD
Step 2: Compute support Reactions (HA, VA,
VB).
Draw FBDs of Joints to compute member
forces.

fxi=0

fyi=0

HA= - 10 KN

VA+VB =27.32

+ MA = 0

CD 2.25
=
AD
3
= 36.87 o ;
tan =

FBD of joint A

fxi=0

-10+PAC cos + PAD = 0

fyi=0; VA + PACsin =0

PAC =-16.52 KN

PAD=23.21 KN

fxi=0

-PAD + PDB = 0

PDB = 23.21 KN

fyi=0

-10+PCD = 0

PCD = 10 KN

fxi=0

-PBD PBC cos =0

PBC = -29.02 KN

fyi=0

VB +PBC sin = 0

17.41 29.02 sin = 0

Sl.No

Member

Force

Nature

AC

16.52

AD

23.21

CB

29.02

CD

10

DB

23.21

Example 2 : Analyse the truss shown in figure and hence compute member forces.

fxi=0

HA-10+10=0; HA = 0

fyi=0

VA+ VB 20= 0

VA+ VB= 20

+ MA = 0

10(4)-20(3)+10(4)+VE(6)=0

VE = 10 KN;

VA =10 KN;

Symmetrical

o Geometry ;
o Loads

-(-10)-0.8 PBC = 0

PBC= 12.5 KN

PBD =2.5 KN

fxi = 0

PAC=0

fyi = 0

PAB + 10 =0

PAB = - 10KN

tan = 4/3

=53.13o

fxi = 0

-10 + PBD+PBC cos =0

PBD +0.6PBC =10

fyi = 0

-PBA PBC sin =0

fxi = 0

-PDF PDB = 0

PDF = -2.5 KN

fyi = 0

PDC=0

Symmetrical
Sl.No

Member

Force

Nature

AB, EF

10 KN

AC, CE

BC, FC

12.5 KN

BD, FD

2.5 KN

DC

Example 3: Analyse the truss shown in figure and hence compute member forces.

Isosceles triangle;

CD = DB = a

fxi = 0 HA = 0

fyi = 0

VA+VB = 5

+ MA=0

-5(2a)+VB(3a) = 0

VB = 3.33 KN; VA = 1.67 KN

a
C
d
=
=
;
o
o
sin 30
sin 90
sin 60 o
c = 2a

fxi = 0

PAC cos 300 + PAD = 0

fyi = 0

1.67+PAC sin 300 = 0

PAC = -3.34 KN

PAD = 2.89 KN

fxi = 0

-PDC cos 600 -2.89 +PDB = 0

fyi = 0

PDC sin 600 5 = 0

PDC = 5.77 KN

PDB = 5.77 KN

fxi = 0 PBC cos 300 5.77 = 0

PBC = -6.66 KN

Sl. No

Member

Force

Nature

AC

-3.34 KN

AD

2.89 KN

BC

6.66 KN

BD

5.77 KN

CD

5.77 KN

Method of Sections: Another method of analysis of trusses is method of sections wherein

which the concept of equilibrium of a system of coplanar non concurrent forces is made use
of. The concept of free body diagram is an important part in this method. This method will be
very useful when only few member forces are required. The equation of moment equilibrium
becomes an important tool in this method. The method is illustrated in following figure.

PROCEDURE FOR METHOD OF SECTIONS

Step 1: Compute support reactions (if need be).

Step 2: Place the section to cut not more than three members.

Step 3: Write FBD, unknown forces away from section(T).

Step 4: Use equilibrium concept to get member forces

This procedure is used for analyzing some examples as shown below.

Example 4 : Compute the forces in members EC, FC and FD of the truss shown in figure.

tan = ; sin = 0.6; cos = 0.8

MF = 0

20(3)+PEC(4) = 0

PEC = 15 KN (T)

fxi = 0; 20-PFC cos = 0

PFC = 25 KN (T);

fyi = 0; -PEC - PFC sin PFD = 0;

PFD = - 30 KN
= 30 KN (C)

Example 5 : Compute the forces in members BE, BD and CD of truss shown in Figure.

+ MB =0

-20(3)-PCD(BC) = 0

PCD = -34.64 KN = 34.64 KN (C)

fxi=0

- PCD PBD cos300 - PBE cos300 =0

PBD+PBE=40

fyi=0

PBE PBD=80

Solve to get PBE = 60 KN; PBD = -20=20 KN (C)

Example 6: Compute the forces in members BD, CD and CE of the truss shown in figure.

Support reactions

fxi=0; HA + 24 =0

HA = -24 KN

fyi=0; VA + VB = 40+31+40=111 KN

+ MA=0

-40(3.6)-31(2)(3.6)-40(3)3.6-24(2.7)+4(3.6)VB = 0

VB = 60 KN; VA = 51 KN

+ MC=0

-VA (3.6)- PBD(2.7) = 0

PBD= - 68 KN;
= 68 KN (c)

+ MD=0

- VA(2)(3.6)+2.7HA+40(3.6)+PCE(2.7)=0

PCE=106.67 KN (T)

fyi=0; 51 -40 + PCD sin =0; PCD = 18.33 KN=18.33 KN(C).