Group No: Faculty of Engineering & Technology

Group member: Mechanical Engineering Department

……………………………………………………………………… Autumn 2014-15

……………………………………………………………………… ME 14.101 Applied Mechanics

……………………………………………………………………… Mody University QLM

Group Assignment 1
This assignment is designed to assess your critical thinking, problem solving, and communication
skills. You have to apply the knowledge of principles and laws of mechanic used in system of forces,
moments, couples and equilibrium of bodies to the following set of problems. Your answer will be
judged for its clarity, relevance, coherence, logic, depth, and fairness.

Students have to follow below problem-solving methodology which helps you to develop your
problem-solving skill.

Road map: provides some of the general objectives of the problem and develops a strategy for how
the solution will be developed.

Modeling: a real-life problem is idealized by a model i.e. the selection of the laws/ principles
needed to solve the problem
Equations: writing all the equations needed to solve the problem.
Computation: solve the equations.

Discussion: the solution is interrogated to ensure that it is meaningful and accurate.

Problem 1: As shown in Fig. P2.10, an elastic exercise band is

grasped and then is stretched. Knowing that the tension in
portion DE of the band is 70 N, determine, using trigonometry,
(a) the magnitude and direction of the smallest force in portion
BC of the band for which the resultant R of the two forces
exerted on the hand at A is directed along a line joining points
A and H, (b) the corresponding magnitude of R.
Problem 2: The cables AB and AC help
support the tower. The tension in cable
AB is 5 kN. The points A, B, C, and O are
contained in the same vertical plane. (a)
What is the moment about O due to the
force exerted on the tower by cable AB?
(b) If the sum of the moments about O due
to the forces exerted on the tower by the
two cables is zero, what is the tension in
cable AC?

Problem 3: Two systems of forces and moments act on the beam. Are they equivalent?

Problem 4: Compare the force exerted on the toe and heel of a 120-lb woman when she is wearing
regular shoes and stiletto heels. Assume all her weight is placed on one foot and the reactions occur
at points A and B as shown.
1.

2.

3.

4.