AM1100 Engineering Mechanics

Tutorial 5. ( Energy methods, stability & Friction)

Q 1. A light rod is pin-supported at one end and

carries a weight W at the other end, as shown in
the figure. The ideal spring attached to the rod is
capable of resisting both tension and
compression, and it is unstretched when the rod
is vertical. Find the largest value of W for which
the vertical equilibrium position of the rod
would be stable
.

Q 2. The assembly shown in the figure is widely

used for exercise. It consists of four pin
connected bars each of length L and a spring of
stiffness k and unstretched length a (<2L). If
horizontal forces P and P are applied to the
handles so that theta is slowly decreased,
determine the angle theta at which the
magnitude of P becomes a maximum.

Q 3. A uniform bar of mass m and length L is

supported in the vertical plane by two identical
springs each of stiffness k and compressed a
distance in the vertical position = 0.
Determine the minimum stiffness k which will
ensure a stable equilibrium position with = 0.

Q 4. Determine the largest weight of the wedge

that can be placed between the 5kg cylinder
(diameter 300mm) and the wall without
upsetting the equilibrium. The coeffcient of
static friction at A and C is 0.5 and at B is 0.6.

Q 5. The coeffcient of static friction between

wedges B and C is 0.6 and between surfaces of
contact B and A abd C and D is 0.4. When the
spring is compressed 200mm when in the
position shown, determine the smallest force C
needed to move wegde C to the left. Neglet the
weight of the wedge.

Q 6. The cylinder weighs 5 kg and is held in

equilibrium by the belt and the wall.If slipping
does not occur at the wall, determine the
minimum vertical force P which must be applied
to the belt for equilibrium. The coeffcient of
static friction between the belt and the cylinder
is 0.25

Q 7. Calculate the horizontal force P required to

raise the 100kg-load.Coeffcient of friction
between the rope and the fixed bars is 0.40.