POLYTECHNIC OF NAMIBIA

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Tel: +264 (61) 207 9111 Fax: +264 (61) 207 2444
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Email azulu@polytechnic.edu.na Tel: +264 (61) 207 2514 Fax: +264 (61) 207 2142


Department of Mechanical Engineering
Applied Mechanics Statics (AMC 110S)

Examination #4 Deferred/Supplementary
Date: 10
th
June 2014
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total marks: 50



Examiner: A. M. Zulu

Moderator: V. S. Kamara



IMPORTANT NOTICES:

- Write neatly and legibly, as illegible work will not be considered for marks. If
you are of the opinion that insufficient information was provided to solve a specific
problem, make realistic assumptions, motivate these and continue solving the
problem based on your assumptions made.

- Use F.B.Ds and illustrative diagrams wherever possible.

- Clearly show the reference Cartesian axes system used for each question.

- Pay attention to units and show the relevant unit in each calculated answer.

- No marks will be awarded for answers only. Calculations must contain a
minimum number of logically sequenced steps followed by an answer.

- In cases where two or more different - and undeleted answers are given for the
same item, the right answer will not be considered for marks.

- Use, where applicable, gravitational acceleration g = 9.81 m/s
2
.

- Do not write your name anywhere on the answer scripts

- Answer any four questions. Each question carries 12.5 marks.


- 2 -
Question 1 (Force systems)

The boom OA of Figure Q1 carries a load P and is supported by two cables AB and AC.
The tension in cable AB is 732 N. Determine the tension in cable AC and the magnitude
of P if the resultant of P and the forces exerted at A by the two cables must be directed
along OA.

Figure Q1. Figure Q2 (
1
= 55).

Question 2 (Equilibrium)

The engine of Figure Q2 (above) of mass 200 kg is suspended from a vertical chain at
A. A second chain is wrapped around the engine and held in position by the spreader
bar BC. Determine the compressive force acting along the axis of the bar and the ten-
sion forces in the segments BA and CA of the chain.

Question 3 (Structures)

For the truss shown in Figure Q3, determine the forces in the members BC and AE in
terms of P.

Figure Q3. Figure Q4.

Question 4 (Friction)

Blocks A, B and C have weights 50 kg, 25 kg and 15 kg, respectively (Figure Q4
above). Determine the smallest horizontal force P that will cause impending motion. The
coefficient of static friction between A and B is 0.3, between B and C is 0.4 and between
C and the ground is 0.35. State your reasoning and assumptions.


- 3 -
Question 5 (Centroids)

By integration, determine the position of the y-coordinate of the centroid of the shaded
area of Figure Q5 bounded by the equations x = y
2
; y = x
2
-4 and y = 0 (Hint: horizontal
element is recommended for continuity; Note: evaluate the resulting integrals using the
standard results given you will lose marks by simply evaluating from programmable
calculator!).

Figure Q5. Figure Q6.

Question 6 (Moments of inertia)

Using the method of composite areas, determine the moment of inertia and radius of
gyration in the x-axis for the shaded area shown in Figure Q6 (above).

Formulae:

Circular area:
2
;
4
4 4
r
I
r
I I
z y x
t t
= = = ; Semi-circular
area:
4 4
4
4 8
; ; ;
3 8 8 9 4
x y x z
r r r
y I I I r I
t t t
t t
| |
= = = = =
|
\ .
;
Triangle:
4
;
36
;
12
;
3
;
3
3
1
3 3
bh
I
bh
I
bh
I
h
y
b a
x
x x x
= = = =
+
= ; Rectangle:
12
) (
;
12
;
3
2 2 3 3
h b bh
I
bh
I
bh
I
z x x
+
= = = .
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
= = = =
dm
dm x
dV
dV x
dA
dA x
dL
dL x
x
c c c c
;
2
Ad I I + = (Steiners Theorem); Relevant
integrals: ( )
3
3
2
* bx a
b
dx bx a + = +
}
; ( ) ( )
3
2
2 3
15
2
* bx a a bx
b
dx bx a x + = +
}


- End -