MEMB 123

MECHANICS 1: STATICS
SEM 2 2013/2014

Lecture 16
Chapter 5
Equilibrium of a rigid body
DR.GRACE PUA
OFFICE: BN-3-012
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, UNITEN

Chapter Outline:
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7

Conditions for rigid body equilibrium

Equilibrium in two dimensions
Free body diagrams
Equations of equilibrium
Two- and three-force members
Equilibrium in three dimensions
Free body diagrams
Equations of equilibrium
Constraints for a rigid body

5.4 Two- and Three-Force Members

Two-Force Members
When forces are applied at only two points on a member, the
member is called a two-force member
Only force magnitude must be determined

TWO-FORCE MEMBERS
The solution to some equilibrium
problems can be simplified if we
recognize members that are
subjected to forces at only two
points (e.g., at points A and B).

If we apply the equations of equilibrium to such a member, we

can quickly determine that the resultant forces at A and B must
be equal in magnitude and act in the opposite directions along
the line joining points A and B.

Example

In the cases above, members AB can be considered as two-force

members, provided that their weight is neglected.
This fact simplifies the equilibrium analysis of some rigid
bodies since the directions of the resultant forces at A and B are
thus known (along the line joining points A and B).

Three-Force Members
When subjected to three forces, the forces are
concurrent or parallel

STEPS FOR SOLVING ANY 2-D EQUILIBRIUM

PROBLEMS

1. If not given, establish a suitable x - y coordinate system.

2. Draw a free body diagram (FBD) of the object under
analysis.
3. Apply the three equations of equilibrium (EofE) to
solve for the unknowns.

IMPORTANT NOTES
1. If we have more unknowns than the number of independent
equations, then we have a statically indeterminate situation.
We cannot solve these problems using just statics.

2. The order in which we apply equations may affect the

simplicity of the solution. For example, if we have two
unknown vertical forces and one unknown horizontal force,
then solving FX = O first allows us to find the horizontal
unknown quickly.
3. If the answer for an unknown comes out as negative number,
then the sense (direction) of the unknown force is opposite to
that assumed when starting the problem.

Example 01
The lever ABC is pin-supported at A and connected to a
short link BD. If the weight of the members are negligible,
determine the force of the pin on the lever at A.

Solution
Free Body Diagram
The short link BD is a two-force member, so that the resultant
forces at pins D and B must be equal, opposite and collinear.
Although the magnitude of the force is unknown, the line of
action is known since it passes through B and D

Level ABC is three force member, the three non parallel forces
acting on it must be it concurrent at O.

Solution
Free Body Diagrams
BD is a two-force member
Lever ABC is a three-force member
Equations of Equilibrium
0.7

60.3
0.4
Fx 0; FA cos 60.3 F cos 45 400 N 0

tan 1

Fy 0;

Solving,

FA sin 60.3 F sin 45 0

FA 1.07kN
F 1.32kN

READING QUIZ

1. A rigid body is subjected to forces as

shown. This body can be considered
as a ______ member.
A) single-force

B)

two-force

C) three-force

D) six-force

Thank you for your attentions!