UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES I College of Engineering

Engr. BLESS G. AMPUAN

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MODULE

3
STATICS – PART 2

OVERVIEW

Hi there, future Engineers!

This module is the continuation of your topic about STATICS. Welcome

to Module 3, Statics part 2! Your previous module discusses about the pre-
requisite concepts of Statics. This time, we will proceed to one of the most
essential part of Statics - Equilibrium.

Statics deals primarily with the description of the force conditions

necessary and sufficient to maintain the equilibrium of engineering
structures. This chapter on equilibrium, therefore, constitutes the most
important part of statics, and the procedures developed here form the basis
for solving problems in both statics and dynamics. We will make continual
use of the concepts developed in the previous module involving forces,
moments, couples, and resultants as we apply the principles of equilibrium.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After working on this module, the reader will be able to know and
understand the following:

1. Make an unequivocal decision as to which system (a body or collection of

bodies) in equilibrium is to be analyzed.
2. Isolate the system in question from all contacting bodies by drawing its
free-body diagram showing all forces and couples acting on the isolated
system from external sources.
3. Observe the principle of action and reaction (Newton’s third law) when
assigning the sense of each force.
4. Label all forces and couples, known and unknown.
5. Choose and label reference axes, always choosing a right-handed set when
vector notation is used (which is usually the case for three-dimensional
analysis).
6. Check the adequacy of the constraints (supports) and match the number
of unknowns with the number of available independent equations of
equilibrium

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Lesson 1

CONDITION FOR THE EQUILIBRIUM OF A PARTICLE

A particle is said to be in equilibrium if it remains at rest if originally at rest,
or has a constant velocity if originally in motion. Most often, however, the term
“equilibrium” or, more specifically, “static equilibrium” is used to describe an object
at rest. To maintain equilibrium, it is necessary to satisfy Newton’s first law of
motion, which requires the resultant force acting on a particle to be equal to zero.
This condition is stated by the equation of equilibrium,
𝚺𝐅 = 𝟎
where 𝚺𝐅 is the vector sum of all the forces acting on the particle.
Not only is above equation a necessary condition for equilibrium, it is also a
sufficient condition. This follows from Newton’s second law of motion, which can
be written as 𝚺𝐅 = ma. Since the force system satisfie 𝚺𝐅 = 𝟎, then ma = 0, and
therefore the particle’s acceleration a = 0. Consequently, the particle indeed moves
with constant velocity or remains at rest.

THE FREE-BODY DIAGRAM

To apply the equation of equilibrium, we must account for all the known and
unknown forces (F) which act on the particle. The best way to do this is to think of
the particle as isolated and “free” from its surroundings. A drawing that shows the
particle with all the forces that act on it is called a free-body diagram (FBD).
Before presenting a formal procedure as to how to draw a free-body diagram,
we will first consider three types of supports often encountered in particle
equilibrium problems.

1. SPRING
If a linearly elastic spring (or cord) of undeformed length
lo is used to support a particle, the length of the spring will
change in direct proportion to the force F acting on it as shown
in the figure. A characteristic that defines the “elasticity” of a
spring is the spring constant or stiffness k.
The magnitude of force exerted on a linearly elastic
spring which has a stiffness k and is deformed (elongated or
compressed) a distance s = l – lo, measured from its unloaded
position, is
F = ks
If s is positive, causing an elongation, then F must pull on the spring; whereas if s
is negative, causing a shortening, then F must push on it.

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For example, if the spring in figure above has an unstretched length of

0.8m and a stiffness k = 500 N/m and it is stretched to a length of 1,
so that s = l – lo = 1 m - 0.8 m = 0.2 m,
then a force F = ks = (500 N/m)(0.2 m) = 100N is needed.

2. CABLES AND PULLEYS

Unless otherwise stated throughout this subject, all cables
(or cords) will be assumed to have negligible weight and they
cannot stretch. Also, a cable can support only a tension or
“pulling” force, and this force always acts in the direction of the
cable. In your future topics and subjects, it will be shown that
the tension force developed in a continuous cable which passes
over a frictionless pulley must have a constant magnitude to
keep the cable in equilibrium. Hence, for any angle u, shown in
the figure, the cable is subjected to a constant tension T
throughout its length.

3. SMOOTH CONTACT
If an object rests on a smooth surface, then
the surface will exert a force on the object that
is normal to the surface at the point of contact.
An example of this is shown in figure a. In
addition to this normal force N, the cylinder is
also subjected to its weight W and the force T of
the cord. Since these three forces are concurrent
at the center of the cylinder shown in figure b,
we can apply the equation of equilibrium to this
“particle,” which is the same as applying it to the cylinder.

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REMEMBER THIS!!!

The
bucket is
held in

equilibrium by the cable,

and instinctively we know
that the force in the cable
must equal the weight of
the bucket. By drawing a
free-body diagram of the
bucket we can understand
why this is so. This
diagram shows that there
are only two forces acting
on the bucket, namely, its
weight W and the force T
of the cable. For
equilibrium, the resultant
of these forces must be
equal to zero, and so T =
W. (© Russell C. Hibbeler)

The 5-kg plate is suspended by two straps A and B.

To find the force in each strap we should consider
the free-body diagram of the plate. As noted, the
three forces acting on it are concurrent at the
center. (© Russell C. Hibbeler)

Sample Problem 1:
The sphere in the figure has a mass of 6 kg and is
supported as shown. Draw a free-body diagram of
the sphere, the cord CE, and the knot at C.

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Solution:

Sphere. Once the supports are removed,

we can see that there are four forces acting on
the sphere, namely, its weight, 6 kg (9.81 m/s2)
= 58.9 N, the force of cord CE, and the two
normal forces caused by the smooth inclined
planes. The free-body diagram is shown in figure
on the left.

Cord CE. When the cord CE is isolated from its

surroundings, its free-body diagram shows only two
forces acting on it, namely, the force of the sphere and
the force of the knot, as shown on the figure on the
left. Notice that FCE shown here is equal but opposite to
that shown in figure above, a consequence of Newton’s
third law of action–reaction. Also, FCE and FEC pull on
the cord and keep it in tension so that it doesn’t collapse. For equilibrium, F CE =
FEC.

Knot. The knot at C is subjected to three forces. They are caused by the
cords CBA and CE and the spring CD. As required, the free-body diagram shows
all these forces labeled with their magnitudes and directions. It is important to
recognize that the weight of the sphere does not directly act on the knot. Instead,
the cord CE subjects the knot to this force.

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Lesson 2

COPLANAR FORCE SYSTEMS

If a particle is subjected to a system of coplanar forces that lie in the x–y
plane, as in below, then each force can be resolved into its i and j components. For
equilibrium, these forces must sum to produce a zero-
force resultant, i.e.,
𝚺𝐅 = 𝟎
∑𝐅𝐗 𝐢 + ∑𝐅𝐲 𝐣

For this vector equation to be satisfied, the resultant

force’s x and y components must both be equal to zero.
Hence,
∑𝐅𝐗 = 𝟎
∑𝐅𝐲 = 𝟎
These two equations can be solved for at most two unknowns, generally
represented as angles and magnitudes of forces shown on the particle’s free-body
diagram.
When applying each of the two equations of equilibrium, we must account
for the sense of direction of any component by using an algebraic sign which
corresponds to the arrowhead direction of the component along the x or y axis. It
is important to note that if a force has an unknown magnitude, then the arrowhead
sense of the force on the free-body diagram can be assumed. Then if the solution
yields a negative scalar, this indicates that the sense of the force is opposite to
that which was assumed.
For example, consider the free-body diagram of the particle subjected to the
two forces shown in figure. Here it is assumed that the unknown force F acts to
the right, that is, in the positive x direction, to maintain equilibrium. Applying the
equation of equilibrium along the x axis, we have

Both terms are “positive” since both forces act in the positive x direction.
When this equation is solved, F = -10 N. Here the negative sign indicates that F
must act to the left to hold the particle in equilibrium. Notice the above figure, that
if the +x axis 5 were directed to the left, both terms in the above equation would
be negative, but again, after solving, F = -10N, indicating that F would have to be
directed to the left.
Note: The first step in solving any equilibrium problem is to draw the
particle’s free-body diagram. This requires removing all the supports and isolating
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or freeing the particle from its surroundings and then showing all the forces that
act on it. Equilibrium means the particle is at rest or moving at constant velocity.
In two dimensions, the necessary and sufficient conditions for equilibrium require
∑𝐅𝐗 = 𝟎 and ∑𝐅𝐘 = 𝟎.
REMEMBER THIS!!!

The chains
exert three
forces on
the ring at
A, as shown
on its free-
body
diagram.
The ring will
not move,
or will move
with
constant
velocity,
provided the
summation of these forces along the
x and along the y axis equals zero.
If one of the three forces is known, the magnitudes of the other two forces can
be obtained from the two equations of equilibrium.
(©Russell C. Hibbeler)

Sample Problem 2:
Determine the tension in cables BA and BC necessary to support the 60-kg cylinder
in Figure below.

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Solution:
Free-Body Diagram. Due to equilibrium, the weight of the
cylinder causes the tension in cable BD to be T BD = 60(9.81) N as
shown in the figure. The forces in cables BA and BC can be
determined by investigating the equilibrium of ring B. Its free-body
diagram is shown in the right figure. The magnitudes of TA and TC
are unknown, but their directions are known.

Equations of Equilibrium. Applying the equations of equilibrium

along the x and y axes, we have

Equation (1) can be written as TA = 0.8839TC. Substituting this into Eq. (2)
yields

so that,

Substituting this result into either Eq. (1) or Eq. (2), we get

Note: The accuracy of these results, of course, depends on the accuracy of

the data, i.e., measurements of geometry and loads. For most engineering work
involving a problem such as this, the data as measured to three significant figures
would be sufficient.

Sample Problem 3:

The 200-kg crate in the Figure is suspended using the

ropes AB and AC. Each rope can withstand a maximum
force of 10 kN before it breaks. If AB always remains
horizontal, determine the smallest angle u to which the
crate can be suspended before one of the ropes breaks.

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Solution:
Free-Body Diagram. We will study the
equilibrium of ring A. There are three forces acting
on it as shown on the figure below. The magnitude
of FD is equal to the weight of the crate, i.e., FD =
200(9.81) N = 1962N < 10 kN.

Equations of Equilibrium. Applying the

equations of equilibrium
along the x and y axes,

From Eq. (1), FC is always greater than FB since cos 𝜃 ≤ 1. Therefore, rope AC will
reach the maximum tensile force of 10 kN before rope AB. Substituting FC = 10
kN into Eq. (2), we get

The force developed in rope AB can be obtained by substituting the values for u
and FC into Eq. (1).

Sample Problem 4:
Determine the required length of cord AC so that
the 8-kg lamp can be suspended in the position
shown. The undeformed length of spring AB is l’AB
= 0.4m, and the spring has a stiffness of kAB = 300
N/m.

Solution:
If the force in spring AB is known, the stretch of the spring can be found using F =
ks. From the problem geometry, it is then possible to calculate the required length
of AC.

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Free-Body Diagram. The lamp has a weight W =

8(9.81) = 78.5 N and so the free-body diagram of the
ring at A is shown in figure.

Equation of Equilibrium. Using the x, y axes,

Solving, we obtain

The stretch of the spring AB is therefore

The horizontal distance from C to B, Fig. 3–8a,

requires

Learning Exercises 1

Try Solving This!

1. In each case, draw a free-body diagram of the ring at A and identify each force.

2. Write the two equations of equilibrium, Fx = 0 and Fy = 0. Do not solve.

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3. The members of a truss are pin connected at joint O.

Determine the magnitudes of F1 and F2 for equilibrium.
Set angle = 60 degree.

4. The members of a truss are pin connected at joint O.

Determine the magnitude of F1 and its angle for
equilibrium. Set F2 = 6 kN.

4. angle = 4.69, F1 = 4.31 kN 3. F2 = 9.60 kN, F1 = 1.83 kN

2. 1.

ANSWER:

Lesson 3

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FORCE SYSTEMS

In the first part of our module, we stated that the necessary and sufficient
condition for particle equilibrium is
𝚺𝐅 = 𝟎

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In the case of a three-dimensional

force system, as in figure, we can resolve
the forces into their respective i, j, k
components, so that ∑𝐅𝐗 𝐢 + ∑𝐅𝐲 𝐣 + ∑𝐅𝐙 𝐤 = 𝟎.
To satisfy this equation we require

These three equations state that the

algebraic sum of the components of all the
forces acting on the particle along each of
the coordinate axes must be zero. Using
them we can solve for at most three unknowns, generally represented as
coordinate direction angles or magnitudes of forces shown on the particle’s free-
body diagram.
REMEMBER THIS!!!

The joint at A is subjected

to the force from the
support as well as forces
from each of the three
chains. If the tire and any
load on it have a weight
W, then the force at the
support will be W, and the
three scalar equations of equilibrium can be applied to the free-body diagram of
the joint in order to determine the chain forces, FB, FC, and FD.
(© Russell C. Hibbeler)
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Sample Problem 5:

A 90-lb load is suspended from the hook shown in Figure. If

the load is supported by two cables and a spring having a
stiffness k = 500 lb/ft, determine the force in the cables and
the stretch of the spring for equilibrium. Cable AD lies in the
x–y plane and cable AC lies in the x–z plane.

Solution: The stretch of the spring can be determined once

the force in the spring is determined.

Free-Body Diagram. The connection at A is chosen for the equilibrium analysis

since the cable forces are concurrent at this point. The free-body diagram is shown:

Equations of Equilibrium. By inspection, each force can easily be resolved into its
x, y, z components, and therefore the three scalar equations of equilibrium can be used.
Considering components directed along each positive axis as “positive,” we have

Solving Eq. (3) for FC, then Eq. (1) for FD, and finally Eq. (2) for FB, yields

The stretch of the spring is therefore

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NOTE: Since the results for all the cable forces are positive, each cable is in tension;
that is, it pulls on point A as expected.

Sample Problem 6

The 10-kg lamp in the Figure below is suspended from

the three equal-length cords. Determine its smallest
vertical distance s from the ceiling if the force developed
in any cord is not allowed to exceed 50 N.

Solution:

Free-Body Diagram. Due to symmetry, the FBD

shows, the distance DA = DB = DC = 600 mm. It follows
that from ∑𝐅𝐗 = 𝟎 and ∑𝐅𝐘 = 𝟎, the tension T in each cord
will be the same. Also, the angle between each cord and
the z axis is 𝛾.

Equation of Equilibrium. Applying the equilibrium

equation along the z axis,
with T = 50 N, we have

From the shaded triangle shown in the right figure,

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Sample Problem 7
Determine the force in each cable used to support the
40-lb crate shown in Figure.

Solution:
Free-Body Diagram. As shown in figure below, the
free-body diagram of point A is considered in order to
“expose” the three unknown forces in the cables.

Equations of Equilibrium. First, we will express each force in Cartesian vector

form. Since the coordinates of points B and C are B(-3 ft, -4 ft, 8 ft) and C(-3 ft, 4 ft,
8 ft), we have

Equilibrium requires,

Equating the respective i, j, k components to zero yields

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Equation (2) states that FB = FC. Thus, solving Eq. (3) for FB and FC and substituting
the result into Eq. (1) to obtain FD, we have

Sample Problem 8
Determine the tension in each cord used to support
the 100-kg crate shown in Figure.

Solution:
Free-Body Diagram. The force in each of the
cords can be determined by investigating the
equilibrium of point A. The free-body diagram is
shown in Figure. The weight of the crate is W =
100(9.81) = 981N.

Equations of Equilibrium. Each force on the

free-body diagram is first expressed in Cartesian vector form. Using Eq. 2–9 for FC and
noting point D(–1 m, 2 m, 2 m) for FD, we have

Equilibrium requires

Equating the respective i, j, k components to zero,

Solving Eq. (2) for FD in terms of FC and substituting this into Eq. (3) yields FC. FD is
then determined from Eq. (2). Finally, substituting the results into Eq. (1) gives FB.
Hence,
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Learning Exercises 1

Try Solving This!

5. Determine the magnitude of forces F1, F2, F3, so that the particle is held in
equilibrium.

6. Determine the tension developed in cables AB, AC, and

AD.

2. FAD=1.125kN, FAC=844N, FAB=506N

1. F1=466N, F2=879N, F3=776
ANSWER:

SUMMARY

Particle Equilibrium
When a particle is at rest or moves with constant velocity, it is in equilibrium.
This requires that all the forces acting on the particle form a zero-resultant force. In
order to account for all the forces that act on a particle, it is necessary to draw its free-
body diagram. This diagram is an outlined shape of the particle that shows all the forces
listed with their known or unknown magnitudes and directions.

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Two Dimensions
If the problem involves a linearly elastic spring, then the stretch or compression
s of the spring can be related to the force applied to it. The tensile force developed in
a continuous cable that passes over a frictionless pulley must have a constant
magnitude throughout the cable to keep the cable in equilibrium. The two scalar
equations of force equilibrium can be applied with reference to an established x, y
coordinate system.

Three Dimensions
If the three-dimensional geometry is difficult to visualize, then the equilibrium
equation should be applied using a Cartesian vector analysis. This requires first
expressing each force on the freebody diagram as a Cartesian vector. When the forces
are summed and set equal to zero, then the i, j, and k components are also zero.

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STUDENT’S ACTIVITY

Answer the following problems in an A4 size bond paper. One problem per page.
Write the problems and solutions clearly. All solutions must include a Free-Body
Diagram. For other details regarding the submission, refer on the post.

1. The pipe is held in place by the vise. If the bolt exerts a force of 50 lb on
the pipe in the direction shown, determine the forces FA and FB that the
smooth contacts at A and B exert on the pipe.

2. Determine the maximum weight of the

engine that can be supported without
exceeding a tension of 450 lb in chain AB and
480 lb in chain AC.

3. Determine the maximum weight of the

flowerpot that can be supported without
exceeding a cable tension of 50 lb in either cable
AB or AC.

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4. When y is zero, the springs sustain a force of 60 lb. Determine the

magnitude of the applied vertical forces F and -F required to pull point A
away from point B a distance of y = 2 ft. The ends of cords CAD and CBD
are attached to rings at C and D.

5. The joint of a space frame is subjected to

four member forces. Member OA lies in the x–
y plane and member OB lies in the y–z plane.
Determine the force acting in each of the
members required for equilibrium of the joint.

6. Determine the magnitudes of F1,

F2, and F3 for equilibrium of the
particle.

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