CHAPTER II: RESULTANTS OF FORCE SYSTEMS

Introduction:

The effect of a system of forces on a body is usually expressed

in terms of a resultant. This determines the motion of the
body. If the resultant is zero, then the body will be in
equilibrium and will not change its original state of motion
(STATICS). Else, if the resultant is not zero, then the body will
have a varying station of motion (DYNAMICS).

FORCES AND COMPONENTS

Components of a force - are the two or more forces, which acting
together, will produce the same effect as the original force.
Fx = Fcos = Fsin
Fy = Fsin = Fcos

2 + 2

tan =

F=

FORCES AND COMPONENTS

Ex1(201): A force of 200 lb is directed as shown in the figure.
Determine the X and Y components of the force.

RESULTANT OF THREE OF MORE CONCURRENT FORCES

Two ways of accomplishing the addition of three or more forces:
GRAPHICALLY

RESULTANT OF THREE OF MORE CONCURRENT FORCES

ANALYTICALLY

RESULTANT OF THREE OF MORE CONCURRENT FORCES

ANALYTICALLY
Equations:

= Fx
= Fy
=

2 + 2 =

Fx2 + Fy2

Fy
tan =
=
Fx

RESULTANT OF THREE OF MORE CONCURRENT FORCES

Ex.2(212): Determine completely the resultant of the concurrent
force system shown in the figure below:

Moment of a Force
Moment is the measure of the capacity or ability of the force to
produce twisting or turning effect about an axis. This axis is
perpendicular to the plane containing the line of action of the force.
The magnitude of moment is equal to the product of the force and the
perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action of the force.
Where:
O is the moment center
d moment arm
M=Fxd

Principle of Moments: Varignons Theorem

It is almost self-evident that the moment of a force is equivalent to the
sum of the moments of its components:
PROOF:

Principle of Moments: Varignons Theorem

Applications: In some cases it is more convenient to determine the
moment of a force from the sum of the moments of its components
rather than the force itself.
Mo = F.d = Fx . Y Fy . X
Intercepts X and Y
axes:
Mo = Fx . iy
Mo = Fy . ix

Principle of Moments: Varignons Theorem

Another Example:

MA = P.d = Py .

Principle of Moments: Varignons Theorem

Ex.3(225): In the figure below, a force F passing through C causes a
clockwise moment of 120 ft-lb about A and a clockwise moment of 70
ft-lb about B. Determine the force and its x intercept ix.

Resultant of Parallel Forces

A parallel force system is one in which the action lines of all the forces are
parallel. The resultant of such a system is determined when it is known in
magnitude, direction and position.
. =

Resultant of Parallel Forces

Ex.4(234): Determine the resultant of the parallel force system acting on the
bar AB shown below. The forces and positions are given in the figure.

Resultant of Parallel Forces

Ex.5(234): Determine the resultant of the distributed load acting on the bar
shown below.
a)
b)

Couples
It is made up of two equal, parallel, oppositely directed forces, as
shown in figure below. The perpendicular distance between the action
lines of the forces is called the moment arm of the couple.

Couples
Ex.6(244):Transform the couple shown in the figure into an equivalent
couple whose forces are horizontal and act through points C and D.

Resolution of a Force into a Force and a Couple

There are times it becomes necessary to replace a force acting at a
given point by an equal force acting through some other point.

Resolution of a Force into a Force and a Couple

Ex. 7(252): A force system consists of a clockwise couple of 480 lb-ft
plus a 240-lb-force directed up to the right through the origin of X and
Y axes at = 30o. Replace the given system by an equivalent single
force and compute the intercepts of its line of action with the X and Y
axes.

Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force Systems

To find the magnitude of the resultant of a system, we compute the
algebraic sum of the horizontal and vertical components of the forces,
separately and Moment about the moment center.
Rx = Fx
Ry = Fy
Moment of R = R . D = M
=

2 + 2 = Fx2 + Fy2
Fy
tan =
=
Fx

Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force Systems

Ex.8(259): The rectangular framework shown in the figure is subjected
to the indicated non-concurrent system of forces. Determine the
magnitude and direction of the resultant; also its moment arm relative
to the origin O.

Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force Systems

Homework No. 1
TO BE SUBMITTED NEXT WEEK:
#222, 226, 236, 246, 264