STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS

3-4 A 750-kg body is supported by the flexible cable system shown in Fig. P3-4. Determine the tensions in
cables AC, BC, and CD.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram for the body
n 6Fy 0: TCD  750  9.81 0
TCD 7357.50 # 7360 N .......................... Ans.
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: TBC cos 60q  TAC cos 30q 0
n 6Fy 0: TBC sin 60q  TAC sin 30q  7357.50 0
are solved to get
TBC 1.73205TAC
TAC 7360 N ..................................................................................................................................Ans.
TBC 12, 740 N ..............................................................................................................................Ans.
3-5 An 800-lb homogeneous cylinder is supported by two rollers as shown in Fig. P3-5. Determine the forces
exerted by the rollers on the cylinder. All surfaces are smooth (frictionless).
SOLUTION
The equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: N A sin 30q  N B sin 30q 0
n 6Fy 0: N A cos 30q  N B cos 30q  800 0
are solved to get
NA NB
NA 462 lb .............................................................................. Ans.
NB 462 lb .............................................................................. Ans.
3-6 A worker is using a hoist and cable to lift a 175-kg engine from a car as shown in Fig. P3-6. Determine the
forces in the three cables attached to the ring.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: T2 cos10q  T1 sin10q 0
n 6Fy 0: T1 cos10q  T2 sin10q  175  9.81 0
are solved to get
T1 5.67128T2
T1 1799 N ...................................................................................... Ans.
T2 317 N ....................................................................................... Ans.
3-7 The lightweight collar A shown in Fig. P3-7 is free to slide on the smooth rod BC. Determine the forces
exerted on the collar by the cable and by the rod when the 900 lb downward force F is applied to the collar.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the collar, the equations of
equilibrium

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
o 6Fx 0: T cos 20q  N sin 30q 0
n 6Fy 0: T sin 20q  N cos 30q  900 0
are solved to get
N 1.87939T
T 700 lb ............................................................................................... Ans.
N 1316 lb ............................................................................................ Ans.
3-8 An automobile stuck in a muddy field is being moved by using a cable fastened to a tree as shown in Fig. P3-
8. When a 500-N sideways force P is applied to the cable, the cable is pulled 5q to the side as shown. For
this position, determine the x- and y-components of the cable force being applied to the automobile.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: T2 cos 5q  T1 cos 5q 0
n 6Fy 0: 500  T1 sin 5q  T2 sin 5q 0
are solved to get
T1 T2 2868.43 N
The x- and y-components of the cable force being
applied to the automobile are then
T1x T1 cos 5q 2860 N ..................................................Ans.
T1 y T1 sin 5q 250 N .....................................................Ans.
3-9 Two flower pots are supported with cables as shown in Fig. P3-9. If pot A weighs 10 lb and pot B weighs 8
lb, determine the tension in each of the cables and the slope of cable BC.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the upper ring
o 6Fx 0: TCD cos 45q  TBC cos D 0 (a)

n 6Fy 0: TCD sin 45q  TBC sin D  8 0 (b)

From a free-body diagram for the lower ring
o 6Fx 0: TBC cos D  TAB cos 45q 0 (c)

n 6Fy 0: TAB sin 45q  TBC sin D  10 0 (d)

Adding equations (a) and (c) gives
TCD cos 45q  TAB cos 45q 0
TCD TAB
Then adding Eqs. (b) and (d) gives
TCD sin 45q  TAB sin 45q 18 lb
TCD TAB 12.7279 # 12.73 lb ............... Ans.
Now Eqs. (b) and (a) can be written
TBC sin D 1.0000 (e)

TBC cos D 9.0000 (f)

Dividing Eq. (e) by Eq. (f) gives

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
tan D 1 9
D 6.340q .................................................... TBC 9.06 lb ........................................................Ans.
3-10 Three smooth homogeneous cylinders A, B, and C are stacked in a box as shown in Fig. P3-10. Each cylinder
has a diameter of 250 mm and a mass of 245 kg. Determine
(a) The force exerted by cylinder B on cylinder A.
(b) The forces exerted on cylinder B by the vertical and horizontal surfaces at D and E.
SOLUTION
W 245  9.81 2403.45 N
(a) From a free-body diagram of cylinder A, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: N AB cos 40q  N AC cos 40q 0
n 6Fy 0: N AB sin 40q  N AC sin 40q  2403.45 0
are solved to get
N AB N AC 1869.55 # 1870 N ............. Ans.
(b) From a free-body diagram of cylinder B, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: N D  N AB cos 40q 0
n 6Fy 0: N E  N AB sin 40q  2403.45 0
are solved to get
ND 1432 N .....................................................................Ans.
NE 3610 N .....................................................................Ans.
3-11 Three smooth homogeneous cylinders A, B, and C are stacked in a V-shaped trough as shown in Fig. P3-11.
Each cylinder weighs 100 lb and has a diameter of 5 in. Determine the minimum angle T for equilibrium.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of cylinder A, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: N AB sin 30q  N AC sin 30q 0
n 6Fy 0: N AB cos 30q  N AC cos 30q  100 0
are solved to get
N AB N AC 57.735 lb
From a free-body diagram of cylinder B, the equations of
equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: FB sin T  N BC  57.735sin 30q 0
n 6Fy 0: FB cos T  100  57.735cos 30q 0
But the contact force between cylinders B and C cannot be negative.
Therefore, the minimum angle T corresponds to N BC 0 and

FB sin T 28.868 lb
FB cosT 150.000 lb
FB sin T 28.868
tan T 0.19245
FB cosT 150.000
T 10.89q ........................................................................................................................................Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-12 A 250-kg body is supported by the flexible cable system shown in Fig. P3-12. Determine the tensions in
cables A, B, C, and D.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the lower ring, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: TC cos 60q  TD 0
n 6Fy 0: TC sin 60q  250  9.81 0
are solved to get
TC 2831.90 # 2830 N ..................................................Ans.
TD 1415.95 # 1416 N ...................................................Ans.
From a free-body diagram of the upper ring, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: TA cos 40q  TB cos 30q  2831.90 cos 60q 0
n 6Fy 0: TA sin 40q  TB sin 30q  2831.90sin 60q 0
are solved to get
TA 1507 N .......................................................................Ans.
TB 2970 N .......................................................................Ans.
3-13 A 500-lb lawn roller is to be pulled over a curb as shown in Fig. P3-13. Determine the minimum pulling
force that must be applied by the man to just start the 3-ft diameter roller over the curb. Also determine the
angle T which gives the minimum pulling force. Assume that the pulling force is along the handle, which
makes an angle of T with the horizontal.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the roller, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: T cosT  N C cos I 0 (a)

n 6Fy 0: N F  N C sin I  T sin T  500 0 (b)

where
I sin 1 12 18 41.810q
The roller just begins to roll over the curb when NF 0.
Therefore, Eqs. (a) and (b) become
T sin T 500  0.66667 N C (c)

T cosT 0.74536 NC (d)

Dividing Eq. (c) by Eq. (d) gives
500  0.66667 N C
tan T .......................................(e)
0.74536 N C
Solving Eqs. (d) and (e) by trial and error for the angle that makes the tension a minimum
T NC T
40q 386.968 376.519
45q 354.101 373.257
48.19q 333.332 372.679
50q 321.553 372.865
55q 288.825 375.327
Tmin 373 lb @ T 48.19q ........................................................................................................... Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-14 In order to hold a 130-kg crate in a stationary position, a worker exerts a force P at an angle T on a rope as
shown in Fig. P3-14. Determine the force exerted by the worker when T = 20q.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: TAB sin 8q  P cos 20q 0
n 6Fy 0: TAB cos8q  P sin 20q  130  9.81 0
are solved to get
TAB 6.75197 P
P 201.0 N .............................................................................. Ans.
TAB 1357 N
3-15 A farmer is extracting a post from the ground using the structure shown in Fig. P3-15. What force must the
farmer apply to the cable system if the force required to remove the post is 2000 lb?
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the right ring, the equations of
equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: TCE sin15q  TBC 0
n 6Fy 0: TCE cos15q  2000 0
are solved to get
TBC 535.898 lb
TCE 2070.552 lb
From a free-body diagram of the left ring, the equations of
equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: 535.898  TAB cos15q 0
n 6Fy 0: TAB sin15q  P 0
are solved to get
TAB 554.803 lb
P 143.6 lb ....................................................................................................................................Ans.
3-16 A continuous cable is used to support two blocks as shown in Fig. P3-16. Block A is supported by a small
wheel that is free to roll on the cable. Determine the displacement y of block A for equilibrium if the masses
of blocks A and B are 22 kg and 34 kg, respectively.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the hanging weight,
the equations of equilibrium
n 6Fy 0: T  34  9.81 0
are solved to get
T 333.54 N
Since the pulleys are free to rotate, the tension is the same
in every part of the rope. From a free-body diagram of the
pulley supporting the 22 kg weight, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: T cosT 2  T cosT1 0

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
Adding Eqs. (a) and (c) together gives
N B sin 60q  N A sin 30q 0 N (e)
while adding Eqs. (b) and (d) together gives
N B cos 60q  N A cos 30q 1000 N (f)
Solving Eqs. (e) and (f) gives
NA 866.03 N # 866 N ........................... Ans.
NB 500.00 N 500 N ........................... Ans.
Then Eqs. (b) and (a) can be written
T sin T 50 N (g)
T cosT 433.013 N (h)
Dividing Eq. (g) by Eq. (h) gives
50
tan T
433.013
T 6.587q .......................................................................................................................................Ans.
T 436 N .......................................................................................................................................Ans.
3-19 Concrete is to be moved from a mixer to the second floor of a building under construction using a container
as shown in Fig. P3-19. The container and its contents weigh 3000 lb, and it is supported by three cables
equally spaced around the top of the 4-ft diameter container. Determine the force in each cable.
SOLUTION
The coordinates of points A, B, C, and D are:
A: x 2 cos 30q 1.73205 ft
y 2sin 30q 1.0000 ft
B: x 0 ft
y 2.0000 ft
C: x 2 cos 30q 1.73205 ft
y 2sin 30q 1.0000 ft
D: x y 0 ft
z h 4.5sin T
where
T cos 1 2 4.5 63.612q
Therefore
h 4.0311 ft
1.73205 i  j  4.0311k
TA TA 0.38490TA i  0.22222TA j  0.89581TA k
1.732052  12  4.03112
TC 0.38490TC i  0.22222TC j  0.89581TC k
2 j  4.0311k
TB TB 0.44445TB j  0.89581TB k
2 2  4.03112
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.38490TA  0.38490TC 0

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
6Fy 0: 0.22222TA  0.44445TB  0.22222TC 0
6Fz 0: 0.89581TA  0.89581TB  0.89581TC  3000 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TA TB TC 1116 lb .................................................................................................................Ans.
3-20 A mass m is to be supported by two cables (A and B) as shown Fig. P3-20. If the maximum force that the
cables can withstand is 15 kN, determine the maximum mass m that can be supported.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: TB cos 25q  TA cos 40q 0
n 6Fy 0: TA sin 40q  TB sin 25q  mg 0
If TA TA max 15 kN , then
TB 12.6785 kN
which is okay since TB 12.6785 kN  15 kN . Then
mg TA sin 40q  TB sin 25q 15 kN
m 1529 kg ....................................................................................................................................Ans.
3-21 The hot-air balloon shown in Fig. P3-21 is tethered with three mooring cables. If the net lift of the balloon is
900 lb, determine the force exerted on the balloon by each of the three cables.
SOLUTION
20 i  30 j  50 k
TA TA
202  302  502
0.32444TA i  0.48666TA j  0.81111TA k
16 i  25 j  50 k
TB TB
162  252  502
0.27517TB i  0.42995TB j  0.85990TB k
25 i  15 j  50 k
TC TC
252  152  502
0.43193TC i  0.25916TC j  0.86387TC k
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.32444TA  0.27517TB  0.43193TC 0
6Fy 0: 0.48666TA  0.42995TB  0.25916TC 0
6Fz 0: 0.81111TA  0.85990TB  0.86387TC  900 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TA 418 lb ...........................................................................................................................Ans.
TB 205 lb ...........................................................................................................................Ans.
TC 445 lb ...........................................................................................................................Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-22 A 100-kg traffic light is supported by a system of cables as shown in Fig. P3-22. Determine the tensions in
each of the three cables.
SOLUTION
4 i  8 j  5k
TA TA 0.39036TA i  0.78072TA j  0.48795TA k
42  82  52
6 i  8 j  5 k
TB TB 0.53666TB i  0.71554TB j  0.44721TB k
62  82  52
8 j  5k
TC TC 0.84800TC j  0.53000TC k
82  52
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.39036TA  0.53666TB 0
6Fy 0: 0.78072TA  0.71554TB  0.84800TC 0
6Fz 0: 0.48795TA  0.44721TB  0.53000TC  100  9.81 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TA 603 N ...........................................................................................................................Ans.
TB 439 N ...........................................................................................................................Ans.
TC 925 N ...........................................................................................................................Ans.
3-23 A 250-lb force is applied to the joint at the top of the structure shown in Fig. P3-23. The joint is held in
position by the slender members AD, BD, and CD, which can only exert forces that act along the members. If
the 250-lb force is in the xy-plane, determine the forces in members AD, BD, and CD.
SOLUTION
F 250sin 30q i  250 cos 30q j 125 i  216.506 j lb
12 i  18 k
TAD TAD 0.55470TAD i  0.83205TAD k
122  182
TBD TBD k
9 j  18 k
TCD TCD 0.44721TCD j  0.89443TCD k
92  182
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.55470TAD  125 0
6Fy 0: 0.44721TCD  216.506 0
6Fz 0: 0.83205TAD  TBD  0.89443TCD 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TAD 225 lb .......................................................................................................................Ans.
TBD 621 lb .........................................................................................................................Ans.
TCD 484 lb .......................................................................................................................Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-24 Three cables are used to support a 250-kg homogeneous plate as shown in Fig. P3-24. Determine the force in
each of the three cables.
SOLUTION
0.5 i  0.6 j  1.5 k
TA TA 0.29566TA i  0.35479TA j  0.88697TA k
0.52  0.6 2  1.52
0.5 i  0.6 j  1.5 k
TB TB 0.29566TB i  0.35479TB j  0.88697TB k
0.52  0.6 2  1.52
0.5 i  1.5 k
TC TC 0.31623TC i  0.94868TC k
0.52  1.52
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.29566TA  0.29566TB  0.31623TC 0
6Fy 0: 0.35479TA  0.35479TB 0
6Fz 0: 0.88697TA  0.88697TB  0.94868TC  250  9.81 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TA 691 N ............................................................................................................................Ans.
TB 691 N ............................................................................................................................Ans.
TC 1293 N .........................................................................................................................Ans.
3-25 A particle is in equilibrium under the action of four forces as shown on the free-body diagram of Fig. P3-25.
Determine the magnitude and the coordinate direction angles of the unknown force F4.
SOLUTION
F1  4 5  80 i   3 5  80 j  64 i  48 j lb
F2 150 k lb
F3 200 cos 30q j  200sin 30q k 173.205 j  100.000 k  lb
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 64  F4 x 0
6Fy 0: 48  173.205  F4 y 0
6Fz 0: 150  100  F4 z 0
are solved simultaneously to get
F4 x 64.000 lb F4 y 125.205 lb F4 z 50.000 lb
F4 149.239 lb # 149.2 lb ...............................................................................................Ans.
64
Tx cos 1 115.39q ..........................................................................................Ans.
149.239
125.205
Ty cos 1 147.03q .......................................................................................Ans.
149.239
50
Tz cos1 70.43q ............................................................................................Ans.
149.239

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-26 A pair of steel pipes is stacked in a box as shown in Fig. P3-26. The masses and diameters of the smooth
pipes are mA = 5 kg, mB = 20 kg, dA = 100 mm, and dB = 200 mm. Plot the two forces exerted on pipe A (by
pipe B and by the side wall) as a function of the distance b between the walls of the box (200 mm d b d 300
mm). Determine the range of b for which
(a) The force at the side wall is less than WA, the weight of pipe A.
(b) Neither of the two forces exceed 2WA.
(c) Neither of the two forces exceed 4WA.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of pipe A, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: N A  FAB sin T 0
n 6Fy 0: FAB cos T  5  9.81 0
where
b  150
T sin 1
150
Therefore
49.05
FAB N ............................................ Ans.
cos T
NA FAB sin T N ........................................ Ans.
(a) N A  50 N for b  260 mm ..................... Ans.
(b) FAB  100 N for b  280 mm .................. Ans.
(c) FAB  200 N for b  295 mm .................. Ans.

3-27 A 75-lb stoplight is suspended between two poles as shown in Fig. P3-27. Neglect the weight of the flexible
cables and plot the tension in both cables as a function of the sag distance d (0 d d d 8 ft). Determine the
minimum sag d for which both tensions are less than
(a) 100 lb (b) 250 lb (c) 500 lb
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: TB cos T B  TA cos T A 0
n 6Fy 0: TA sin T A  TB sin T B  75 0
where
d d
TA tan 1 TB tan 1
20 10
Therefore
TA cos T A
TB
cos T B
75cos T B 75cosT B
TA lb ........................................................ Ans.
sin T A cos T B  sin T B cos T A sin T A  T B 

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
75cos T A
TB lb ................................................................................................................ Ans.
sin T A  T B 
(a) TB  100 lb for d ! 5.6 ft ......................... Ans.
(b) TB  250 lb for d ! 2.0 ft ......................... Ans.
(c) TB  500 lb for d ! 1.0 ft ......................... Ans.

3-28 A 50-kg load is suspended from a pulley as shown in Fig. P3-28. The tension in the flexible cable does not
change as it passes around the small frictionless pulleys, and the weight of the cable may be neglected. Plot
the force P required for equilibrium as a function of the sag distance d (0 d d d 1 m). Determine the
minimum sag d for which P is less than
(a) Twice the weight of the load.
(b) Four times the weight of the load.
(c) Eight times the weight of the load.
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of pulley supporting the load, the
equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: T cosT C  T cos T A 0
n 6Fy 0: T sin T A  T sin T C  50  9.81 0
give
T A TC
49.05
P T N .................................... Ans.
2sin T A
Since the two angles are equal, the pulley is midway between
the supports, and
d
TA tan 1
1.5
(a) P  1000 N for d ! 380 mm ................... Ans.
(b) P  2000 N for d ! 185 mm .................... Ans.
(c) P  4000 N for d ! 92 mm ...................... Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-29 A worker positions a 250-lb crate by pulling on the rope BD as shown in Fig. P3-29. The 3-ft long rope BD is
horizontal (T = 0) when the 5-ft long rope AB is vertical (I = 0).
(a) What is the maximum distance bmax that the crate can be pulled to the side using this arrangement?
(b) Calculate and plot the forces in ropes AB and BD as a function of the distance b for 0 d b d bmax.
(c) How could the worker pull the crate to the side more than the bmax calculated in part a?
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the ring, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: TAB sin I  TBD cos T 0
n 6Fy 0: TAB cos I  TBD sin T  250 0
where
b
I sin 1
5
5 1  cos I 
T sin 1
3
Therefore
TBD cos T
TAB
sin I
250sin I
TBD lb ............Ans.
cosT cos I  sin T sin I
250 cos T
TAB lb ............Ans.
cosT cos I  sin T sin I
(a) bmax occurs when TBD goes negative
(after it goes to infinity);
bmax # 3.90 ft ..................................... Ans.
(c) To pull further to the side, the worker needs
a longer rope to pull on or he needs to attach
his rope lower - closer to the crate.................... Ans.
3-30 Two small wheels are connected by a light-weight rigid rod as shown in Fig. P3-30. Plot the angle T
(between the rod and the horizontal) as a function of the weight W1 (0.25W2 d W1 d 10W2). Determine the
weight W1 for which
(a) T = 50q (b) T = 10q (c) T = 25q
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of body 1, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: T cosT  N1 sin 30q 0 (a)

n 6Fy 0: N1 cos 30q  T sin T  W1 0 (b)

From a free-body diagram of body 2, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: N 2 sin 60q  T cos T 0 (c)

n 6Fy 0: N 2 cos 60q  T sin T  5  9.81 0 (d)

Adding Eqs. (a) and (c) together gives
N 2 sin 60q  N1 sin 30q 0 (e)
while adding Eqs. (b) and (d) together gives

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
N 2 cos 60q  N1 cos 30q W1  49.05 (f)
Solving Eqs. (e) and (f) gives
N1 1.73205 N 2
W1  49.05
N2
2
Then Eqs. (b) and (a) can be written
T sin T N 2 cos 60q  49.05 (g)

T cosT N 2 sin 60q (h)

Dividing Eq. (g) by Eq. (h) gives
N 2 cos 60q  49.05
tan T
N 2 sin 60q
(a) T 50q for W1 14.98 N ....................... Ans.
(b) T 10q for W1 233 N .............................. Ans.
(c) T 25q for W1 971 N .............................. Ans.

3-31 An automobile stuck in a muddy field is being moved by using a cable fastened to a tree as shown in Fig. P3-
31. If the side force P has a magnitude of 150 lb,
(a) Calculate and plot FC, the force applied to the car as a function of the angle T (0q d T d 45q).
(b) What is the maximum angle T for which this method is effective (that is, for which P d FC)?
SOLUTION
From a free-body diagram of the knot, the equations of equilibrium are
o 6Fx 0: T1 cos T1  T2 cos T 2 0
n 6Fy 0: P  T1 sin T1  T2 sin T 2 0
(a) If T1 T 2 , then T1 T2 FC and
P 150
FC lb .......................... Ans.
2sin T 2sin T
(b) P  FC when
T  30q .......................................................... Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-32 A particle is in equilibrium under the action of four forces as shown on the free-body diagram of Fig. P3-32.
Determine the magnitude and the direction angle T of the unknown force F4.
SOLUTION
F1x 500 cos 63q 226.995 N F1 y 500sin 63q 445.503 N
F2 x 750 cos 30q 649.519 N F2 y 750sin 30q 375.000 N
F3 x 1000 cos 60q 500.000 N F3 y 1000sin 60q 866.025 N
Then, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: 226.995  649.519  500  F4 x 0
n 6Fy 0: 445.503  375  866.025  F4 y 0
give
F4 x 1376.514 N F4 y 45.522 N
F4 1377 N 1.89q ........................................................................................................Ans.
3-33 Two 10-in.-diameter pipes and a 6-in.-diameter pipe are supported in a pipe rack as shown in Fig. P3-33. The
10-in.-diameter pipes each weigh 300 lb and the 6-in.-diameter pipe weighs 175 lb. Determine the forces
exerted on the pipes by the supports at the contact surfaces A, B, and C. Assume all surfaces to be smooth.
SOLUTION
6
T AB T BC cos1 41.410q T
8
From a free-body diagram of cylinder B, the equations
of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: N B  FBC cos T 0
n 6Fy 0: FBC sin T  300 0
are solved to get
FBC 453.557 lb
NB 340 lb ................................................. Ans.
From a free-body diagram of cylinder C, the equations
of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: FBC cos T  FAB cos T  N C 0
n 6Fy 0: FAB sin T  FBC sin T  175 0
are solved to get
FAB 718.132 lb
NC 879 lb ................................................. Ans.
Finally, from a free-body diagram of cylinder A, the equations
of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: N A  FAB cos T 0
n 6Fy 0: N D  300  FAB sin T 0
are solved to get
NA 539 lb ................................................. Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-34 The 250-kg block A of Fig. P3-34 is supported by a small wheel that is free to roll on the continuous cable
between supports B and C. If the length of the cable is 42 m, determine the distance x and the tension T in the
cable when the system is in equilibrium.
SOLUTION
Since the pulley is free to rotate, the tension is the same in every part of the rope. From a free-body diagram of the
pulley supporting the 250 kg weight, the equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: T cosT 2  T cosT1 0
n 6Fy 0: T sin T1  T sin T 2  250  9.81 0
are solved to get
T1 T 2 T
1226.25
T N (a)
sin T
From the geometry of the cable
"1  " 2 42 m (b)
"1 cos T  " 2 cosT 40 m (c)

"1 sin T  " 2 sin T 6m (d)

Therefore, from Eqs. (b) and (c)
42 cos T 40
T 17.753q
T 4020 N .................................................. Ans.
Finally, Eq. (d) can be written
"1  " 2 19.6779 m (e)
and adding Eqs. (b) and (e) gives
"1 30.839 m
x "1 cos T 29.4 m ................................. Ans.
3-35 A joint in a bridge truss is subjected to the forces shown in Fig. P3-35. Determine the forces C and T
required for equilibrium.
SOLUTION
The equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: 9  T cos 45q  9 cos 60q  12 0
n 6Fy 0: T sin 45q  C  9 sin 60q 0
are solved to give
T 10.61 kip .......................................................................................................................Ans.
C 15.29 kip .......................................................................................................................Ans.

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
3-36 Four forces act on a small airplane in flight, as shown in Fig. P3-36; the weight W (25 kN), the thrust
provided by the engine FT (10 kN), the lift provided by the wings FL, and the drag resulting from motion
through the air FD. If the airplane is flying with a constant velocity in the x’ direction, determine the
magnitudes of the lift and drag forces.
SOLUTION
The equations of equilibrium
o 6Fx 0: FD cos10q  FL sin10q  10 cos10q 0
n 6Fy 0: FL cos10q  10 sin10q  FD sin10q  25 0
are solved to give
FL 24.6 kN .......................................................................................................................Ans.
FD 5.66 kN .......................................................................................................................Ans.
3-37 A 500-lb block is supported by three cables as shown in Fig. P3-37. Determine the tensions in the cables AB,
AC, and AD.
SOLUTION
6 j  12k
TAB TAB 0.44721TAB j  0.89443TAB k
62  122
4i  3 j  12k
TAC TAC 0.30769TAC i  0.23077TAC j  0.92308TAC k
4 2  32  122
4i  8 j  12k
TAD TAD 0.26726TAD i  0.53452TAD j  0.80178TAD k
4 2  82  122
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.30769TAC  0.26726TAD 0
6Fy 0: 0.44721TAB  0.23077TAC  0.53452TAD 0
6Fz 0: 0.89443TAB  0.92308TAC  0.80178TAD  500 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TAB 267 lb .........................................................................................................................Ans.
TAC 141.3 lb ......................................................................................................................Ans.
TAD 162.7 lb ......................................................................................................................Ans.
3-38 A 1250-N force F is supported by a cable AD and by struts AB and AC, as shown in Fig. P3-38. If the struts
can transmit only axial tensile or compressive forces, determine the forces in the struts and the tension in the
cable.
SOLUTION
6 j  3k
TAD TAD 0.89443TAD j  0.44721TAD k
62  32
2i  6 j  2k
FAB FAB 0.30151FAB i  0.90453FAB j  0.30151FAB k
22  62  22
3i  6 j  2k
FAC FAC 0.42857 FAC i  0.85714 FAC j  0.28571FAC k
32  62  22
Then, the equations of equilibrium

56
STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
6Fx 0: 0.30151FAB  0.42857 FAC 0
6Fy 0: 0.89443TAD  0.90453FAB  0.85714 FAC 0
6Fz 0: 0.44721TAD  0.30151FAB  0.28571FAC  1250 0
are solved simultaneously to get
TAD 1677 N .......................................................................................................................Ans.
FAB 995 N .........................................................................................................................Ans.
FAC 700 N .........................................................................................................................Ans.
3-39 A 75-lb force F is supported by a tripod as shown in Fig. P3-39. If the legs can transmit only axial tensile or
compressive forces, determine the forces in the legs AB, AC, and AD.
SOLUTION
25i  20 j  54k
FAB FAB 0.39823FAB i  0.31859 FAB j  0.86018 FABk
252  202  542
25i  40 j  54k
FAC FAC 0.34867 FAC i  0.55787 FAC j  0.75313FAC k
252  40 2  542
25i  6 j  54k
FAD FAD 0.41800 FAD i  0.10032 FAD j  0.90289 FAD k
252  6 2  542
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.39823FAB  0.34867 FAC  0.41800 FAD 0
6Fy 0: 0.31859 FAB  0.55787 FAC  0.10032 FAD 0
6Fz 0: 0.86018FAB  0.75313FAC  0.90289 FAD  75 0
are solved simultaneously to get
FAB 33.4 lb ........................................................................................................................Ans.
FAC 11.62 lb .....................................................................................................................Ans.
FAD 41.5 lb .......................................................................................................................Ans.
3-40 A particle is in equilibrium under the action of four forces as shown on the free-body diagram of Fig. P3-40.
Determine the magnitude of the unknown forces F1, F2, and F3.
SOLUTION
3i  2.5 j  3.5k
F1 F1 0.57208 F1i  0.47673F1 j  0.66742 F1k
32  2.52  3.52
3i  4.5 j  3.5k
F2 F2 0.46569 F2 i  0.69854 F2 j  0.54331F2 k
32  4.52  3.52
3i  5 j  4k
F3 F3 0.42426 F3i  0.70711F3 j  0.56569 F3k
32  52  42
Then, the equations of equilibrium
6Fx 0: 0.57208F1  0.46569 F2  0.42426 F3 0
6Fy 0: 0.47673F1  0.69854 F2  0.70711F3 0

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STATICS AND MECHANICS OF MATERIALS, 2nd Edition RILEY, STURGES AND MORRIS
6Fz 0: 0.66742 F1  0.54331F2  0.56569 F3  50 0
are solved simultaneously to get
F1 2.34 kN ........................................................................................................................Ans.
F2 43.1 kN ........................................................................................................................Ans.
F3 44.2 kN ........................................................................................................................Ans.

58