FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 43

Notes:
1. The string can have only tension in it (it can pull a body), but cannot have compression in it (cannot
push a body).
2. The wall reaction is a push, but cannot be a pull on the body.
3. If the magnitude of reaction comes out to be negative, then assumed direction of reaction is wrong. It
is acting exactly in the opposite to the assumed direction. However, the magnitude will be the same. Hence
no further analysis is required. This advantage is not there in using Lami's equation. Hence, it is advisable for
beginners to use equations of equilibrium, instead of Lami's theorem even if the body is in equilibrium under
the action of only three forces.
Example 2.20. Determine the horizontal force P to be applied to a block of weight 1500 N to hold
it in position on a smooth inclined plane AB which makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal [Fig.
2.34(a)].
Solution: The body is in equilibrium under the action of applied force P, self-weight 1500 N and
normal reaction R from the plane. Since R, which is normal to the plane, makes 30° with the vertical
(or 60° with the horizontal),
ΣFy = 0, gives
R cos 30°– 1500 = 0
R = 1732.06 N.
ΣFx = 0, gives
P – R sin 30° = 0
P = R sin 30°
P = 866.03 N.
1 50 0 N
B Y

P P
X

3 0°
3 0°
A R
(a ) (b )

Fig. 2.34

Note: Since the body is in equilibrium under the action of only three forces the above problem can be solved
using Lami’s theorem as given below:
R P 1500
= =
sin 90° sin(180 − 30) sin( 90 + 30)
R = 1732.06 and P = 866.03.
Example 2.21. A roller of weight 10 kN rests on a smooth horizontal floor and is connected to the
floor by the bar AC as shown in Fig. 2.35 (a). Determine the force in the bar AC and reaction from
floor, if the roller is subjected to a horizontal force of 5 kN and an inclined force of 7 kN as shown
in the figure.
44 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

Solution: A bar can develop a tensile force or a compressive force. Let the force developed be a
compressive force S (push on the cylinder). Free Body Diagram of the cylinder is as shown in
Fig. 2.35(b).
10 kN
7 kN 7 kN

45° 45°
5 kN 5 kN
C 30°
A 30° S

R
(a) (b)

Fig. 2.35

Since there are more than three forces in the system, Lami’s equations cannot be applied.
Consider the components in horizontal and vertical directions.
ΣH = 0
S cos 30° + 5 – 7 cos 45° = 0
7 cos 45° − 5
S= = – 0.058 kN
cos 30°
Since the value of S is negative the force exerted by the bar is not a push, but it is pull
(tensile force in bar) of magnitude 0.058 kN.
ΣV = 0
R – 10 – 7 sin 45° + S sin 30° = 0
R = 10 + 7 sin 45° – S sin 30°
= 10 + 7 sin 45° – (– 0.058) sin 30°
R = 14.979 kN.
Example 2.22. A cord ACB 5 m long is attached at points A and B to two vertical walls 3 m apart
as shown in Fig. 2.36(a). A pully C of negligible radius carries a suspended load of 200 N and is
free to roll without friction along the cord. Determine the position of equilibrium, as defined by the
distance X, that the pulley will assume and also the tensile force in the cord.
Solution: The pulley C is in equilibrium under the action of tensile forces in CA and CB and vertical
downward load 200 N. The tensile forces in segment CA and CB are the same since the pulley is
frictionless. Now consider the equilibrium of pulley C shown in Fig. 2.36(b).
ΣH = 0
T cos θ1 – T cos θ2 = 0
∴ θ 1 = θ2, say, equal to θ
Now, let BC be extended to D.
∆CFD = ∆CFA
∴ CD = AC
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 45

BD = BC + CD = BC + AC = length of chord = 5 m
DE = 3 m
∴ BE = 4 m

B
3m
1m
x T T
H
A I
T T
θ1 θ2
θ θ
F G
θ C
2 00 N
D E 2 00 N
(a ) (b )

Fig. 2.36

As ∆BHI is similar to ∆BDE

BI 1
HI = × DE = × 3 = 0.75
BE 4
∴ AH = 3 – 0.75 = 2.25
x = 1.125 m. Since AH = 2x.
At C, ΣV = 0
2 × T sin θ = 200
4
2×T× = 200
5
∴ T = 125 N.
Example 2.23. A roller of radius r = 300 mm and weight 2000 N is to be pulled over a curb of height
150 mm [Fig. 2.37(a)] by a horizontal force P applied to the end of a string wound tightly around
the circumference of the roller. Find the magnitude of P required to start the roller move over the
curb. What is the least pull P through the centre of the wheel to just turn the roller over the curb?
Solution: When the roller is about to turn over the curb, the contact with the floor is lost and hence
there is no reaction from the floor. The reaction R from the curb must pass through the intersection
of P and the line of action of self weight, since the body is in equilibrium under the action of only
three forces (all the three forces must be concurrent).
Referring to Fig. 2.37(b),
OC ( 300 − 150) 1
cos α = = =
AO 300 2
∴ α = 60°
46 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

B
P P

O O
r 3 00 α
A C
150

R
(a )
2 00 0 N
(b)

Fig. 2.37

Now in ∆ AOB, ∠OAB = ∠OBA since OA = OB

but ∠OAB + ∠OBA = α
2 ∠OBA = 60°
∠OBA = 30°
i.e., the reaction makes 30° with the vertical
ΣV = 0, gives
R cos 30° – 2000 = 0
R = 2309.40 N
ΣH = 0, gives
P – R sin 30° = 0
P = 2309.40 × sin 30°
P = 1154.70 N.
Least force through the centre of wheel:
Now the reaction from the curb must pass through the centre of the wheel since the other two
forces pass through that point. Its inclination to vertical is θ = 60°.
If the triangle of forces ABC is constructed [Fig. 2.38(b)], representing selfweight by AB, reaction
R by BC and pull P by AC, it may be observed that AC to be least, it should be perpendicular to
BC. In other words, P makes 90° with the line of action of R.

P A

θ 2 00 0 N
C
θ
R B

(a) (b)

Fig. 2.38

From triangle of forces ABC, we get

P = AC = AB sin θ = 2000 sin 60°
P = 1732.05 N.
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 47

2.15 EQUILIBRIUM OF CONNECTED BODIES

When two or more bodies are in contact with one another, the system of forces appears as though
it is a non-concurrent forces system. However, when each body is considered separately, in many
situations it turns out to be a set of concurrent force system. In such instances, first, the body
subjected to only two unknown forces is to be analysed followed by the analysis of other connected
body/bodies. Such examples are illustrated below.
Example 2.24. A system of connected flexible cables shown in Fig. 2.39(a) is supporting two vertical
forces 200 N and 250 N at points B and D. Determine the forces in various segments of the cable.

Fig. 2.39

Solution: Free body diagrams of points B and D are shown in Fig. 2.39(b). Let the forces in the
members be as shown in the figure.
Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces at point D,
T1 T2 250
= =
sin 120° sin 135° sin 105°
∴ T1 = 224.14 N.
T2 = 183.01 N.
Consider the system of forces acting at B.
ΣV = 0
T3 cos 30° – 200 – T2 cos 60° = 0
200 + 183. 01 cos 60°
T3 =
cos 30°
T3 = 336.60 N.
ΣH = 0
T4 – T2 sin 60° – T3 sin 30° = 0
T4 = 183.01 × sin 60° + 336.60 sin 30°
T4 = 326.79 N.
Example 2.25. A rope AB, 4.5 m long is connected at two points A and B at the same level 4 m apart.
A load of 1500 N is suspended from a point C on the rope 1.5m from A as shown in Fig. 2.40(a).
What load connected at a point D on the rope, 1 m from B will be necessary to keep the position
CD level ?
48 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

x
A E F B
α β
T1 T3 T1 T3
y 1.
5m T2 T2

0m
T2 T2
α β

1.
C
2 .0 m D

1 50 0 N W=?
1 50 0 N W
(a ) (b ) (c)

Fig. 2.40

Solution: Drop perpendiculars CE and DF on AB.

Let CE = y and
AE = x
From ∆ AEC, x + y2 = 1.52 = 2.25
2
...(i)
Now, AB = 4 m
and AC + CD + BD = 4.5 m
i.e., CD = 4.5 – 1.5 – 1.0 = 2.0 m
∴ EF = 2.0 m
∴ BF = AB – (AE + EF)
= 4 – (x + 2.0) = 2 – x ...(ii)
From ∆ BFD, BF + DF = 12
2 2

(2 – x)2 + y2 = 1 ...(iii)
From (1) and (3)
x2 – (2 – x)2 = 1.25
i.e., x2 – 4 + 4x – x2 = 1.25
x = 1.3125 m

FG 1.3125IJ = 28.955°
∴ α = cos−1
H 1.5 K
FG 2 − 1. 3125IJ = 46.567°
β = cos−1
H 1 K
Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces acting at point C [Fig. 2.40(b)], we get
T1 T2 1500
= =
sin 90° sin 118.955° sin (180 − 28.955)°
T1 = 3098.39 N
T2 = 2711.09 N
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 49

Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces at B [Fig. 2.40(c)], we get

T3 W T2
= =
sin 90° sin(180 − 46.567)° sin 136.567°
∴ T3 = 3993.28 N
and W = 2863.53 N.
Example 2.26. A wire rope is fixed at two points A and D as shown in Fig. 2.41(a). Two weights
20 kN and 30 kN are attached to it at B and C, respectively. The weights rest with portions AB and
BC inclined at angles 30° and 50° respectively, to the vertical as shown in figure. Find the tension
in the wire in segments AB, BC and CD and also the inclination of the segments CD to vertical.
Solution: Applying Lami’s theorem for the system of forces at B [Fig. 2.41(b)], we get
T1 T2 20
= =
sin 50° sin 150° sin 160°
T1 = 44.79 kN.
T2 = 29.24 kN.
Writing equations of equilibrium for the system of forces at C [Fig. 2.41(c)], we get
T3 sin θ = T2 sin 50° = 22.4 kN ...(i)

A D
30º T1 θ
B
T2 T3
50º T1
2 0 kN T2 T2 T3
T3 30º
C 50º θ
T2
50º
3 0 kN
2 0 kN 3 0 kN
(a )
(b ) (c )

Fig. 2.41

and T3 cos θ = 30 – T2 cos 50°

= 11.20 ...(ii)
From (1) and (2), tan θ = 1.998687
∴ θ = 63.422°.
and T3 = 25.045 kN.
Example 2.27. A wire is fixed at two points A and D as shown in Fig. 2.42(a). Two weights 20 kN
and 25 kN are supported at B and C, respectively. When equilibrium is reached it is found that
inclination of AB is 30° and that of CD is 60° to the vertical. Determine the tension in the segments
AB, BC and CD of the rope and also the inclination of BC to the vertical.
50 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

Solution: Writing equations of equilibrium for the system of forces at joints B and C [Figs. 2.42(b)
and (c)], we have
T2 sin θ = T1 sin 30° ...(i)
T2 cos θ = T1 cos 30° – 20 ...(ii)

A D

6 0°
3 0° T1
B T2 3 0°
T3 T3
T2 T1
θ C T2 T2 6 0°
θ
2 0 kN θ
2 5 kN
2 0 kN 2 5 kN
(a )
(b ) (c)

Fig. 2.42

T2 sin θ = T3 sin 60° ...(iii)

T2 cos θ = 25 – T3 cos 60° ...(iv)
From (1) and (3)
T1 sin 30° = T3 sin 60°
∴ T1 = 3T3 ...(v)
From (2) and (4),
T1 cos 30° – 20 = 25 – T3 cos 60°
3 1
3T3 + T3 = 45
2 2
T3 = 22.5 kN.
From (5), T1 = 38.97 kN.
From (1), T2 sin θ = 19.48
From (2), T2 cos θ = 13.75
∴ tan θ = 1.4167
θ = 54.78.
T2 = 23.84 kN.
Example 2.28. A 600 N cylinder is supported by the frame BCD as shown in Fig. 2.43(a). The frame
is hinged at D. Determine the reactions at A, B, C and D.
Solution: Free body diagram of sphere and frame are shown in Figs. 2.43(b) and 2.43(c), respectively.
Considering the sphere, ΣV = 0, gives
RB = 600 N. ...(i)
ΣH = 0, gives
R A = RC ...(ii)
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 51

RD
D D
3 00 m m
6 00 m m

m
0
m RC RA RC α
15
O 1 50 m m
r≡
C O A
RB
6 00 N

B
RB
(a ) (b ) (c)

Fig. 2.43

As the frame is in equilibrium under the action of three forces only, they must be concurrent
forces. In other words, reaction at D has line of action alone OD. Hence, its inclination to horizontal
is given by:
450
tan α = =3
150
α = 71.5650°
ΣV = 0, gives
RD sin α = RB = 600
∴ RD = 632.456 N.
ΣH = 0, gives
RC = RD cos α
∴ RC = 200 N.
From (2), ∴ RA = 200 N.
Example 2.29. Two smooth spheres each of radius 100 mm and weight 100 N, rest in a horizontal
channel having vertical walls, the distance between which is 360 mm. Find the reactions at the points
of contacts A, B, C and D shown in Fig. 2.44(a).
Solution: Let O1 and O2 be the centres of the first and second spheres. Drop perpendicular O1P to
the horizontal line through O2. Figures 2.44(b) and 2.44(c) show free body diagram of the sphere
1 and 2, respectively. Since the surface of contact are smooth, reaction of B is in the radial direction,
i.e., in the direction O1O2. Let it make angle a with the horizontal. Then,
O2 P 360 − O1 A − O2 D 360 − 100 − 100
cos α = = = = 0.8
O1O2 O1B + BO2 100 + 100
∴ sin α = 0.6.
Consider sphere No. 1.
ΣV = 0, gives
RB × 0.6 = 100
RB = 166.67 N.
ΣH = 0, gives
RA = RB × 0.8
∴ RA = 133.33 N.
52 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

3 60 m m 1 00 N RA
O1
B A RB

α RD (b )
D
O2 P
1 00 N
C
RC
(a ) (c)

Fig. 2.44

Consider sphere No. 2

ΣV = 0, gives
Rc = 100 + RB × 0.6
∴ Rc = 200 N.
ΣH = 0
RD = RB × 0.8
∴ R D = 133.33 N.
Example 2.30. Two cylinders, A of weight 4000 N and B of weight 2000 N rest on smooth inclines
as shown in Fig. 2.45(a). They are connected by a bar of negligible weight hinged to each cylinder
at its geometric centre by smooth pins. Find the force P to be applied as shown in the figure such
that it will hold the system in the given position.

A
15° P

60°
15°
B

60° 45°
(a)

15° P
C 60°
15°
15° 45°
60°
4000 N 2000 N
60° C
45°
60°
(b) (c)

Fig. 2.45
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 53

Solution: Figures 2.45(b) and 2.45(c) show the free body diagram of the two cylinders. Applying
Lami’s theorem to the system of forces on cylinder A, we get
C 4000
=
sin 60° sin(60 + 90 − 15)
C = 4898.98 N
Consider cylinder B.
Summation of the forces parallel to the inclined plane (45° to horizontal) = 0, gives:
P cos 15° + 2000 cos 45° – C cos 60° = 0
4898.98 cos 60° − 2000 cos 45°
∴ P =
cos 15°
P = 1071.8 N.

2.16 EQUILIBRIUM OF NON-CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEMS

To satisfy the condition that there should not be translatory motion of the body subjected to coplanar
forces, in this case also the following two conditions are to be satisfied:
ΣFx = 0; ΣFy = 0
To satisfy the condition that there should not be rotational motion the following condition should
be satisfied.
ΣMA = 0, where A is any point in the plane.
Hence, the necessary and sufficient conditions for equilibrium of coplanar force system are:
ΣFx = 0 U|
ΣFy = 0 V| ...(2.16)
and ΣMA = 0 W
Referring to Fig. 2.46, A, B and C are three points in the x-y plane which are not collinear. Any
system of forces acting on a body may be replaced by a single force and a couple. Let R be such
resultant force.
y

ΣF y R
A
x
d1 ΣF x
d2 d
B

Fig. 2.46
54 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

If the condition ΣMA = 0 is satisfied, we can conclude that the resultant R should be a force
passing through A. If ΣMB = 0 is satisfied, the line of action of the resultant passes through B, i.e.,
AB is the line of action. Now, if ΣMC = 0 is also satisfied, the resultant should be zero since the line
of action of the resultant (line AB) cannot pass through C also. Thus if A, B, C are not collinear
points, the following conditions are necessary and sufficient conditions of equilibrium.

ΣM A = 0 U|
and ΣM B = 0 V| ...(2.17)
ΣMC = 0 W
The equilibrium Equations 2.16 are not independent of equilibrium Equations 2.15. Two of them
are common to the two sets. Referring to Fig. 2.46, R can be resolved into its components perpendicular
to and parallel to AC.
Then, ΣMC = (ΣFx)d
∴ if ΣMC = 0, (ΣFx)d = 0 or ΣFx = 0
Now, ΣMB = 0
i.e., (ΣFx)d1 + (ΣFx)d2 = 0
But ΣFx = 0
∴ (ΣFy)d2 = 0
Since ABC are not colinear, d2 ≠ 0
∴ ΣFy = 0
Thus, ΣMC = 0 is identical to ΣFx = 0 and ΣMB = 0 is identical to ΣFy = 0. Hence any one of
the following sets may be used as equations of equilibrium:
(1) ΣFx = 0; ΣFy = 0; ΣM A = 0 

(2) If line AB is not in y direction, 
ΣFy = 0; ΣM A = 0; ΣM B = 0 

(3) If line AB is not in x direction  ...(2.18)
ΣFx = 0; ΣM A = 0; ΣM B = 0 

(4) If A, B and C are non-collinear 

ΣM A = 0; ΣM B = 0; ΣM C = 0 
It can be proved that if a system is in equilibrium under the action of three forces, those three
forces must be concurrent.
Let P1, P2 and P3 be the forces acting on a body as shown in Fig. 2.47 and let P1 and P2 intersect
at A. Then applying moment equilibrium condition about A, we get
ΣMA = 0 i.e. P3d = 0
where d is distance of line of action of P3 from A.
Since P3 is not zero,
d = 0, i.e. P3 also must pass through A.
Hence, the proposition is proved.
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 55

P3
P1
A
d

P2

Fig. 2.47

Three problems are solved in this article. The problem of finding the reactions at supports of
beams and trusses also fall under this categories. But these problems are solved in the chapters
analysis of beams and trusses.
Example 2.31. The 12 m boom AB weighs 1 kN, the distance of the centre of gravity G being 6 m
from A. For the position shown, determine the tension T in the cable and the reaction at B [Ref.
Fig. 2.48(a)].
Solution: The free body diagram of the boom is shown in Fig. 2.48(b).
ΣMA = 0, gives
T sin 15° × 12 – 2.5 × 12 cos 30° – 1 × 6 cos 30° = 0
T = 10.0382 kN.
∑ H = 0, gives
HA – T cos 15° = 0
HA = 9.6962 kN
B
1 5°
1 5° T B
2 .5 kN 6m 1 5°
C
6m
G HA 3 0° 1 kN 2 .5 kN
3 0°
A
A

VA
(a ) (b )

VA RA
α
HA
(c)

Fig. 2.48

∑V = 0, gives
VA = 1 + 2.5 + T sin 15° = 6.0981 kN

RA = V A2 + H A2
RA = 11.4544 kN.
56 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

−16. 0981
α = tan
9. 6962
= 32.17° as shown in Fig. 2.48(c).
Example 2.32. A cable car used for carrying materials in a hydroelectric project is at rest on a track
formed at an angle of 30° with the vertical. The gross weight of the car and its load is 60 kN and
its centroid is at a point 800 mm from the track half way between the axles. The car is held by a
cable as shown in Fig. 2.49. The axles of the car are at a distance 1.2 m. Find the tension in the
cables and reaction at each of the axles neglecting friction of the track.
T
Cable
600
30°
800
G
R2

0
60
60 kN
0
60

R1
60°

Fig. 2.49

Solution: Let T be the tension in the cable and the reaction at the pair of wheels be R1 and R2 as
shown in Fig. 2.49.
Now, ∑ of forces parallel to the track = 0, gives
T – 60 sin 60° = 0
T = 51.9615 kN.
Taking moment equilibrium condition about upper axle point on track, we get
R1 × 1200 + T × 600 – 60 sin 60° × 800 – 60 cos 60° × 600 = 0
R1 = 23.6603 kN.
∑ of forces normal to the plane = 0, gives
R1 + R2 – 60 cos 60° = 0
R2 = 30 – 23.6603
R2 = 6.3397 kN.
Example 2.33. A hollow right circular cylinder of radius 800 mm is open at both ends and rests on
a smooth horizontal plane as shown in Fig. 2.50(a). Inside the cylinder there are two spheres having
weights 1 kN and 3 kN and radii 400 mm and 600 mm, respectively. The lower sphere also rests on
the horizontal plane. Neglecting friction find the minimum weight W of the cylinder for which it will
not tip over.
Solution: Join the centres of spheres, O1 and O2 and drop O1D perpendicular to horizontal through
O2 .
Now, O1O2 = 400 + 600 = 1000 mm
O2D = 1600 – 400 – 600 = 600 mm
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 57

If α is the inclination of O2O1 to horizontal,

600
cos α = = 0. 6
1000
∴ sin α = 0.8

1600
W 1 kN O
O1 R1 1
R1
h1
α O2 R2 α O2
D D R2
h2 3 kN

A B
(a ) (b ) (c)
R3

Fig. 2.50

Free body diagrams of cylinder and spheres are shown in Fig. 2.50(b) and (c). Considering the
equilibrium of the spheres,
∑ M O2 = 0, gives
R1 × O1O2 sin α – 1 × O2D = 0
R1 × 1000 × 0.8 = 1 × 600
R1 = 0.75 kN
∑ H = 0, gives
R2 = R1 = 0.75 kN
∑V = 0, gives
R3 = 1 + 3 = 4 kN
Now consider the equilibrium of cylinder. When it is about to tip over A, there is no reaction
from ground at B. The reaction will be only at A. ∑ M A = 0 gives,
R1 h1 – R2 h2 – W × 800 = 0
R1(h1 – h2) – W × 800 = 0
Since R1 = R2
0.75 × O1D = W × 800
0.75 × 1000 × 0.8 = W × 800
∴ W = 0.75 kN.

IMPORTANT FORMULAE

1. Newton’s third law, F = R.

m1m2
2. Newton’s gravitational law, F = G .
d2
3. Weight of a body, W = mg.
4. Moment of a force about a point = F × d.
58 MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

5. Varignon’s theorem
Ra = P1d1 + P2d2 + P3d3 + ....
6. Magnitude of a couple
M = Pd.
7. P at any point A may be resolved into force P at B plus a moment P × d, where ‘d’ is the
perpendicular distance of B from the line of action of P through A.
8. Rx = R cos α = ΣFx
Ry = R sin α = ΣFy
ΣFy
tan α =
ΣFx

and R= ( ΣFx ) 2 + ( ΣFy ) 2 .

9. x and y intercepts of the resultant are given by
d ΣMo
x= =
sin α ΣFy

d ΣM o
and y= = .
cos α ΣFx
10. Lami’s theorem:
F1 F F
= 2 = 3 .
sin α sin β sin γ

THEORY QUESTIONS

1. State and explain Newton’s laws of mechanics.

2. Explain the following laws of mechanics:
(i) Law of transmissibility of forces
(ii) Parallelogram law of forces.
3. Write short notes on
(i) Principles of physical independence
(ii) Principles of superposition.
4. Explain with examples the following system of forces
(i) Coplanar concurrent forces
(ii) Coplanar non-concurrent forces
(iii) Non-coplanar non-concurrent forces.
5. State and explain Varignon’s theorem of moments.
6. Define a couple-moment and list its characteristics.
FUNDAMENTALS OF STATICS 59

PROBLEMS FOR EXERCISE

1. A body is subjected to the three forces as shown in Fig. 2.51. If possible determine the direction
of the force F so that the resultant is in x-direction, when
(a) F = 5000 N
(b) F = 3000 N
3 00 0 N
2 00 0 N
6 0°

x
θ

Fig. 2.51

[Ans. (a) 36.87°; (b) Not possible]

2. The frictionless pulley A shown in Fig. 2.52 is supported by two bars AB and AC which are
hinged at B and C to a vertical wall. The flexible cable DG hinged at D, goes over the pulley and
supports a load of 20 kN at G. The angles between the various members are shown in the figure.
Determine the forces in the bars AB and AC. Neglect the size of the pulley.

B
A

30°
D
°

G
30

C 20 kN

Fig. 2.52

[Hint: Force in AD = 20 kN, tensile] [Ans. FAB = 0; FAC = 34.641 kN]

3. A cord supported at A and B carries a load of 10 kN at D and a load of W at C a shown in
Fig. 2.53. Find the value of W so that CD remains horizontal. [Ans. W = 30 kN]
A B
30°
60°
C D

W 10 kN

Fig. 2.53