Chapter 2– Resultants of Forces

Overview/Introduction

In this chapter, we study the effects of forces which act on engineering

structures and mechanisms. The experience gained here will help you in the study of
mechanics and in other subjects such as stress analysis, design of structures and
machines, and fluid flow. This chapter lays the foundation for a basic understanding
not only of statics but also of the entire subject of mechanics, and you should master
this material thoroughly.

Learning Outcome/Objective

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:

1. Identify the properties of force(s);
2. Differentiate the different force systems;
3. Solve for the components of a force;
4. Solve for the resultant of concurrent force system;
5. Solve for the moment produced by a force; and
6. Solve for the resultant of a parallel and non-concurrent force system.

Learning Content/Topic

Lesson 2-1 – Properties of Force

Force is a vector quantity. Meaning, force has as magnitude and direction.

However, in the study of statics, there at more than 2 properties of force,
these are:
1. Magnitude – the intensity of the force (includes the numerical value and
unit)
2. Direction – the ways the forces acts
3. Line of Action – the line where the force acts or the line that the force
will move when draw continuously
4. Point of Application – the point on the body where the force is acted
Y 300N Magnitude
Direction – Northeast

X Point of application
Line of action
Lesson 2-2 – Types of Force System

Force system is classified into two categories:

1. According to line of action
2. Plane of action

Force systems classified according to line of action are the following:

1. Concurrent Force system – a type of force system where the lines of
action of forces meets on a single point.

Example 1
Y

F1

F2
X

F3

Example 2
Y

F2
F1

F4

F3
2. Parallel Force System – a type of force system where the lines of
action of forces does not meet on any point.

Example 3
Y

F2
F1

X
F3

Example 4
Y

F1

F3

F2
 3. Non-Concurrent Force System – a type of force system where the lines
of action of forces meets on more than two points.

Example 5
Y

F1

F2
X

F4

F3

Lesson 2-3 – Resolution of Force by Trigonometric Function

Trigonometric method of resolving a force involves the use of basic
trigonometric functions to solve for the components of a force.

Useful Formulas

Where: F = The given force

Fx = Horizontal Component of the force
Fy = Vertical Component of the force
Θ = The angle of inclination of the line of action of the
force w/ respect to x-axis
Note: Indicate the direction of the force

Example 1: Solve for the horizontal and vertical component of the 250N
force shown below.
Y

Fx
250N

Fy Fy
40°
X
Fx
 Solution:

Example 2: Solve for the horizontal and vertical component of the 300N
force shown below.
Y

X
65°

300N

Solution: In this particular example, 65º is not the angle of inclination of

the force with respect to x-axis. Thus, we need to solve for the value of
θ.

Lesson 2-4 – Similar Triangle

Similar Triangle method of resolving a force involves the use of ratio and
proportion of two similar triangles that can be produced from the given force to
solve for its components.
Y
F

Fy
h o
a

Fx
Useful Formulas
From the figure above, the following formulas were established:

Where F = The given force

Fx = Horizontal Component of the force
Fy = Vertical Component of the Force
Θ= The angle of inclination of the line of action of the force w/
respect to x-axis
a = the “rise” component of the slope of the force o
o = the “run” component of the slope of the force
h=√
m = slope of the given force

Example 1: Solve for the horizontal and vertical component of the 100lb
force shown below. Solve also for the degree of inclination of the force.

Y
100lb

2
2.5
X

Solution:
√ √

( )

( )

( ) ( )
Lesson 2-5 – Resultant of Concurrent Force System
Graphical Solution in solving resultant force involves the parallelogram law
and the triangle law. However, in terms of mathematical and practical solution,
we often use Analytical Solution. Analytical solution in solving resultant force
includes finding of component force of each force and solving for the sum of
components horizontally and vertically. The sum of horizontal and vertical
forces are then use to solve for the resultant of the forces by applying
Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometric function.

Notations (sign) on Forces

1. Upward forces are assigned with positive sign (+F)
2. Downward forces are assigned with negative sign (-F)
3. Forces towards right are assigned with positive sign (+F)
4. Forces towards left are assigned with negative sign (-F)

Useful Formulas
∑
∑

√∑ ∑

∑
∑

Where: ƩFx = Sum of horizontal component of forces

ƩFy = Sum of vertical component of forces R
= Magnitude of the Resultant Force
Θ = The angle of inclination of the line of action of the force w/
respect to x-axis
Note: Indicate the direction of the force

Steps in solving the resultant of concurrent force system

1. Solve for the horizontal and vertical components of each force
2. Solve for the sum of horizontal and vertical forces
3. Solve for the magnitude of the resultant force
4. Solve for the direction of the resultant force

Example 1: Solve for resultant force of the forces given below.

Y

250N

40°
X

300N 65°
Solution:
Solve for the horizontal component of each of the force

Fx250 = 250 cos 40°= 191.51 N

Fx300 = 300 cos 25° = 271.89 N

Solve for the vertical component of each of the force

Fy250 = 250 sin 40°= 160.70 N

Fy300 = 300 sin 25° = 126.79 N

Y
160.70N

191.51N
X
271.89N
126.79N

Solve for the sum of horizontal components

Solve for the vertical component of each of the force

Y
R
33.91N

X
Solve for the magnitude and direction of resultant
√∑ ∑ =√

∑
∑
=

R=87.24N

22.87°
X

Example 2: Solve for resultant force of the forces given below.

Y

100N

87.24N
2
2.5
22.87°
X

Solution:

∑ ( )
√
∑

∑ ( )
√

√∑ ∑ =√

∑
∑
=
Lesson 2-6 – Moment of a Force
When a force is applied in a body on an adjacent point to its axis of rotation,
the force will produce a twisting/turning effect. The measure of the said
twisting/turning effect is called the Moment of a Force, (M). Moment of a force
is the product of the “force” and the “moment arm”. Moment arm is the
perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force to the axis of
rotation.

Notations (sign) on Moments

1. A clockwise moment is assigned with positive sign (+M)
2. A counter clockwise moment is given a negative sign (-M).

Useful Formulas

Where: M = Moment of force

F = Force given
d = Moment arm
Note: Indicate the direction of the moment

Steps in solving for resultant moment and moment arm of a given force
1. Resolve the force into its component
2. Solve for the moment of each component
3. Solve for the sum of the moments produced by the components
4. Solve for the moment arm by equating the resultant moment to the
moment of its components

Example: Solve for resultant moment and moment arm (about point O) of the
force given below.
Y

2m

200N
1m

line of 2m
action d
X
O
Solution:
Solve for the horizontal and vertical component of the force
( )= 178.89 N, east
√
( )= 89.44 N, north
√

Y 89.44N

line of 1m
action 178.89N
2m
X
O

line of
action

Solve for the moment of each component

Solve for the resultant moment of the force

Solve for the moment arm of the given force by equating its moment to
the sum of moments of its components

200N * d =

d=
Lesson 2-7 – Resultant of Parallel Force System
When parallel forces acts on a single body on different points, the resultant
force will create a single force with a twisting/turning effect. Thus, the resultant
of a parallel force system has a resultant force and a moment arm.

Notations
Forces
1. Upward forces are assigned with positive sign (+F)
2. Downward forces are assigned with negative sign (-F)
3. Forces towards right are assigned with positive sign (+F)
4. Forces towards left are assigned with negative sign (-F)
Moments
1. A clockwise moment is assigned with positive sign (+M)
2. A counter clockwise moment is given a negative sign (-M).

Steps in solving for resultant of parallel force system

1. Solve for the summation of all forces
2. Solve for the summation of all moments produced by each force
3. Solve for the moment arm by equating the resultant moment to the sum
of all moments of each force

Example: Solve for resultant of the parallel forces (with respect to the origin)
shown below.
Y
1foot
300lb
200lb

400lb
Solution:
Solve for the sum of all forces
R = 200 lb – 400 lb + 300 lb = 100 lb, north

Solve for the sum of all moments produced by each force

Solve for moment arm of the resultant force

∑
100 lb * d = 200 lb-ft
d = 2 ft

The resultant of the parallel forces is 100lb upward located 2ft on the
left of the origin to create a 200lb-ft clockwise resultant moment.
Lesson 2-8 – Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force System

Non-concurrent force system is a group of forces where lines of action don’t

meet in a single point. When non-concurrent forces are applied to a body, the
resulting force will create a turning/twisting effect to the body. In solving for
the resultant of non-concurrent force system, we apply both steps in solving
concurrent and parallel force systems.

Notations
Forces
1. Upward forces are assigned with positive sign (+F)
2. Downward forces are assigned with negative sign (-F)
3. Forces towards right are assigned with positive sign (+F)
4. Forces towards left are assigned with negative sign (-F)
Moments
1. A clockwise moment is assigned with positive sign (+M)
2. A counter clockwise moment is given a negative sign (-M).

Steps in solving for resultant of parallel force system

1. Solve for summation of horizontal components of the given forces
2. Solve for summation of vertical components of the given forces
3. Solve for the resultant force and its direction
4. Solve for the resultant moment of the given forces
5. Solve for the moment arm by equating the moment produced by the
resultant to the sum of all moments produced by forces.

Example: Solve for resultant of the non-concurrent forces (with respect to the
origin) shown below.
Y
100N 1m
200N
45°
X

300N

Solution:
Solve for the sum horizontal component of forces
∑
√

(Note: 300N force doesn’t have horizontal component)

∑

∑
Solve for the sum vertical component of forces

∑ - 300N
√
∑

Solve for the resultant force and its direction

√∑ ∑ =√ = 176.01 N

∑
∑

Y
1m
70.71N
89.44N
178.89N 70.71N
X

300N

Solve for the sum of all moments (about origin) produced by

components of each force
∑
∑ -670.71 Nm, counter clockwise

Solve for moment arm of the resultant force

The resultant of the non-concurrent forces is 176.01N with an

inclination of 52.28° towards southwest. The resultant force is 3.81m
from the origin located at the fourth quadrant.
 Lesson 2-9 – Force Couple

When two forces have a zero resultant force, but has a moment, these forces
are called “force couple. These forces are basically equal in magnitude,
opposite in direction but not collinear in action.

Y 1m
100N

100N

The example forces above has a zero resultant force when summed but has
400Nm (200Nm+200Nm) of counter clockwise moment.

Teaching and Learning Activities

Solve for the following problems.

1. In a certain non-concurrent force system it is found that the summation of
forces along x-axis is -80lb, summation of forces along y-axis is 160lb, and
moment at point O is 480lb-ft in a counter-clockwise sense. Determine the
point at which the resultant intersects the x-axis.
Answer: 3 feet to right of origin

2. Compute the resultant of the three forces shown below. Locate its
intersection with the x and y axes.

Y 1ft
390lb
30°

300lb
X

722lb

Answer: R=957lb down to right at 32.2°; i y=1.38ft above O; ix=2.19ft right of O.

Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adapted

Online (asynchronous)
TelEducation moodle, Facebook messenger, google classroom,
zoom, google meet, etc.

Remote (asynchronous)
module, activities, problems sets, etc.

Assessment Task

Solve for the following problems.

1. Determine completely the resultant of the forces acting on the step pulley
(relative to the axle) shown below.
750N

1.5m

60°
0.5m

1250N

2. The Howe roof truss showed below caries the given loads. The wind loads
are perpendicular to the inclined members. Determine the magnitude of
the resultant, its inclination with horizontal, and where it intersects AB.

1120lb

1120lb

10ft 2000lb

1120lb

A 10ft 10ft 10ft 10ft B

3000lb 2000lb 1000lb

Red forces = Wind Loads
Blue forces = Vertical loads
Green forces = Horizontal loads
References
1. Engineering Mechanics by Ferdinand L. Singer
2. Breer, Ferdinand P. and Johnston, E. Russel Jr., Mechanics for Engineers,
McGraw Hill, latest edition
3. Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics, Statics, , Amazon, 14th Edition
4. Other Physics and Engineering Mechanics Books
5. Mathematics and Allied Science Reviewers’ Books

Online:
http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=125330
Title:

Chapter 3 – Fundamental Concepts

Overview/Introduction

A body is said to be in equilibrium when the force system acting upon it has a
zero resultant force. The physical meaning of equilibrium, as applied to a body, is
that the body either is at rest or moving in a straight line with constant velocity.
In this chapter, the different methods and conditions of equilibrium for different
force systems will be discussed.

Learning Outcome/Objective

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:

6. Learn the basics of free-body diagram;
7. Familiarize the different conditions of equilibrium;
8. Solve problems related to equilibrium of concurrent force systems;
9. Solve problems related to equilibrium of parallel forces; and
10. Solve problems related to equilibrium of non-concurrent force systems.

Learning Content/Topic

Lesson 3-1 – Free-Body Diagram

Free-Body Diagram (FBD) is an isolated view of a body which shows only the
external forces exerted on the body. These external forces are caused by
direct bodily contact or by gravitational or magnetic attraction.

The steps involved in drawing free-body diagram are:

1. Draw a diagram of the body completely isolated from all other bodies;
2. Represent the action of each body or support that is removed by a
force or its components; and
3. Label each force by its magnitude, if known, or by a symbol, if known.
Some of the more common types of bodily contact or support

Where:
W represents weight
T represents tension, which is the force exerted by a cable
N is the normal force, the reaction at the point of intersection that
is perpendicular to the point of intersection
R is the reaction force exerted by the support

Example 1: Draw for the FBD of each connection pin and the 200N block.

Support Bar
A B

D
200N

FBD of the 200N block:

Tension at pin D

200N

W=200N
 FBD of pin D supporting 200N block:

Tension at CD

200N

FBD of pin C:
Tension CA Tension CB

Tension CD

FBD of pin A:
Vertical Reaction at A

Horizontal Reaction at A A

Tension CA

FBD of pin B:
Vertical Reaction at B

B Horizontal Reaction at B

Tension CB

FBD of support Bar:

Support Bar
B
Tension CA Tension CB
Example 2: Draw for the FBD of the boom and pin B of the structure
shown below.

B
Support
Column

Boom

600lb

FBD of the Boom:

Tension BC

Boom

600lb
Horizontal Reaction at A

Vertical Reaction at A

FBD at point B:

Tension BC

Compression at Boom AB
600lb
Example 3: Draw the FBD of the Support Bar AB, Support Bar CD and the
200lb Roller B as shown below.

D
B 3in
A

7in

30°
C

FBD of the 200lb Roller B:

W=200lb

AB B

30°
N

FBD of the Support bar AB:

A B
AB
Reaction at A

FBD of the Support bar CD:

Vertical Reaction at D
N

30° 3in Horizontal Reaction at D

7in

30°
Reaction at C
Lesson 3-2 – Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

We already know that concurrent force systems are forces whose lines of
action meet at only one point. This implies that in order to have a zero
resultant force, the sum of all horizontal and vertical forces should be equal to
zero.

Conditions of Equilibrium for Concurrent Force System

1. ƩFx=0
2. ƩFy=0

Steps in solving Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

1. Resolve each forces into their horizontal and vertical components;
2. Solve for the sum of all horizontal and vertical forces by equating it to
zero;
3. Solve for the unknown force in order for the force system to be in
equilibrium.

Example: A system of cords knotted together at A and B support the weights

shown in figure below. Compute the tensions P, Q, F, and T acting in the
various cords.

90° B
Q P 75° 60° T
60° 75°
A

200lb

300lb

Solution: There are 4 unknown forces to be solved, however, we can only

use 2 formulas from the conditions of equilibrium. Thus, in order to solve this
problem, we need to dissect each knot and solving first which knot has only
2 unknowns.
 FBD of knot A:
Y
Q
P
60° 75°
30° 15° X
A

300lb

Solve for the unknown forces at knot A using the conditions of equilibrium:
∑
--------- Equation 1
∑
--------- Equation 2
Solving the equations simultaneously:

Substitute the equation of P to Equation 2:

( )

Solve for P from either of the Equations

FBD of knot B:
Y

X
75°
60°
P=367.60lb
T
200lb
Lesson 3-3 – Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

A Parallel force system produced a resultant force and a moment if the line of
action of the resultant force does not pass through the axis of rotation. Thus,
in order for a parallel force system to be in equilibrium, the resultant moment
should also be zero aside from net force being zero.

Conditions of Equilibrium for Concurrent Force System

1. ƩF=0
2. ƩM=0

Steps in solving Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

1. Solve for the sum of all moments produced from all forces by equating
it to zero
2. Solve for the sum of all horizontal or vertical forces by equating it to
zero;

Example: A beam, simply supported at the ends, carries a concentrated

load of 300lb and a load weighing 600lb as shown in FBD below. Determine
the beam reactions on both supports.

300N 600N

A 2m 5m 3m B

RA RB

Solution: Since there are two unknowns, we can solve for the unknown
reaction by solving the moment about one of its support to eliminate one
unknown.
Lesson 3-4 – Equilibrium of Non-Concurrent Force System

A Parallel force system produced a resultant force and a moment if the line of
action of the resultant force does not pass through the axis of rotation. Thus,
in order for a parallel force system to be in equilibrium, the resultant moment
should also be zero aside from net force being zero.

Conditions of Equilibrium for Concurrent Force System

1. ƩFx=0
2. ƩFy=0
3. ƩM=0

In solving the problems on equilibrium of non-concurrent force systems, we

combine the steps in solving equilibrium of concurrent and parallel force
systems.

Example: Solve for the reactions on the supports of the truss shown below.

1120lb

10ft 2000lb

A B
10ft 10ft 10ft 10ft

2000lb
 Solution
FBD of the Truss:

1120lb

10ft 2000lb

A B
R
10ft 10ft 10ft 10ft BX

R
RA BY

2000lb

Moment about B: We start solving moment about B so that we will be

able to eliminate 2 unknowns. And if there is only one unknown, we can
easily solve for it.
Teaching and Learning Activities

Solve for the reactions at support A and B of the structure shown below.

600N

240N D
E

16m

C 12m A 12m 12m B

F

400N
Answer: RA=740N, RBX=240N, RBY=260N

Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adapted

Online (asynchronous)
TelEducation moodle, Facebook messenger, google classroom,
zoom, google meet, etc.

Remote (asynchronous)
module, activities, problems sets, etc.

Assessment Task
1. Solve for the required value of force P to move the 10 inches (radius) ball
through the 5 inches square block.

P
2. Solve for the required value of force P to move the 10 inches (radius) ball
through the 5 inches square block.

3. Solve for the required value of force P to move the 10 inches (radius) ball
through the 5 inches square block.
P

4. Solve for the required value of force P to move the 10 inches (radius) ball
through the 5 inches square block.

P
References
1. Engineering Mechanics by Ferdinand L. Singer
2. Breer, Ferdinand P. and Johnston, E. Russel Jr., Mechanics for Engineers,
McGraw Hill, latest edition
3. Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics, Statics, , Amazon, 14th Edition
4. Other Physics and Engineering Mechanics Books
5. Mathematics and Allied Science Reviewers’ Books

Online:
http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=125330

Title:

Chapter 6 – Centroids and Center of Gravity

Overview/Introduction
The center of gravity is a point where whole the weight of the body act
is called center of gravity.
As we know that every particle of a body is attracted by the earth
towards its center with a magnitude of the weight of the body. As the distance
between the different particles of a body and the center of the earth is the
same, therefore these forces may be taken to act along parallel lines.
A point may be found out in a body, through which the resultant of all
such parallel forces acts. This point, through which the whole resultant (weight
of the body acts, irrespective of its position, is known as center of gravity
(briefly written as C.G). It may be noted that everybody has one and only one
center of gravity.

Learning Outcome/Objective

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand the concept of center of gravity;
2. Understand the different methods in obtaining the center of gravity of
different shapes and solids; and
3. Solve problems related to center of gravity of flat plates, simple figures and
solid bodies using different methods.

Learning Content/Topic

Lesson 6-1 – Center of gravity of a two-dimensional body; flat plate

Centroid
The plane figures (like triangle, quadrilateral, circle etc.) have only
areas, but no mass. The center of area of such figures is known as Centroid.
 The method of finding out the Centroid of a figure is the same as that of
finding out the center of gravity of a body.

Axis of reference
The center of gravity of a body is always calculated with referrer to
some assumed axis known as axis of reference. The axis of reference, of
plane figures, is generally taken as the lowest line of the figure for calculating
y and the left line of the figure for calculating x.

Lesson 6-2- Methods for center of gravity of simple figures

The center of gravity (or Centroid) may be found out by any one of the
following methods
1. By geometrical considerations
2. By moments method
3. By graphical method

1. Center of Gravity by Geometrical Considerations

The center of gravity of simple figures may be found out from the geometry of
the figure.

For each two-dimensional shape below, the area and the centroid coordinates are given:

Shape Figure ̅ ̅ Area

rectangle

triangle

Where, x1, x2,

x3 are the
locations of
vertices
Isosceles-triangle

Right-
triangular area

Circle

Quarter-circle
Semi-circle

0
Circular sector

0
Circular segment

The points on the circle

Quarter-
circular arc and in the first
quadrant

The points on the circle

Semicircular arc and above the x- 0
axis

The points on the curve (in

Arc of circle 0
polar coordinates)
from
 0 0
elliptical area

Quarter-elliptical
area

Semielliptical area 0

The area between the

Parabolic area curve and the 0
line
Semi parabolic
area

The area between

the curve and
the axis, from to

The area between the

curve and
Parabolic spandrel
the axis, from to

The area between the

curve and
General spandrel
the axis, from to

3-D Centroids

For each three-dimensional body below, the volume and the centroid coordinates
̅ ̅ ̅ are given:

Shape Figure ̅ ̅ ̅ Volume

a, b = the sides of the

cuboid's base
Cuboid
c = the third side of the
cuboid

a, b = the sides of the

Right-
base
rectangular pyra
h = the distance is from
mid
base to the apex
 see
b = the base side of the
above
prism's triangular base,
General for
h = the height of the
triangular prism general
prism's triangular base
triangul
L = the length of the prism
ar base

b = the base side of the

prism's triangular base,
Isosceles
h = the height of the
triangular prism
prism's triangular base
L = the length of the prism

b = the base side of the

prism's triangular base,
Right- h = the perpendicular side
triangular prism of the prism's triangular
base
L = the length of the prism

r = the radius of the

Right cylinder
0 0
circular cylinder h = the height of the
cylinder

r = the radius of the

Right
cone's base
circular solid 0 0
h = the distance is from
cone
base to the apex

r = the radius of the

Solid sphere 0 0 0
sphere

Solid hemispher r = the radius of the

0 0
e hemisphere

Solid semi- a = the radius of the base

ellipsoid of circle
h = the height of the semi- 0 0
revolution
around z-axis ellipsoid from the base
circle's center to the edge
 a = the radius of the base
Solid paraboloid circle
of revolution h = the height of the 0 0
around z-axe paraboloid from the base
circle's center to the edge

a, b, c = the principal
Solid ellipsoid 0 0 0
semi-axes of the ellipsoid

a, b = the principal semi-

Solid semi- axes of the base ellipse
ellipsoid around c = the principal z-semi- 0 0
z-axe axe from the center of
base ellipse

a, b = the principal semi-

axes of the base ellipse
Solid paraboloid
c = the principal z-semi- 0 0
around z-axe
axe from the center of
base ellipse

CENTER OF GRAVITY BY MOMENTS

The center of gravity of a body may also be found out by moments as discussed
below. Consider a body of mass M whose center of gravity is required to be found
out. Now divide the body into small strips of masses whose centers of gravity are
known as shown in figure:

X1
X2
X3

𝑥̅
x
̅

Let
 m1, m2, m3………= mass of strips 1, 2, 3, ….
x1, x2, x3…………= the corresponding perpendicular distance or the center of
gravity of strips from y-axis

According to principle of moment:

̅ +
̅ ∑
∑
̅ ------------------ 1

Similarly,
∑
̅ ------------------ 2

The plane geometrical figures (such as T-section, 1-section, L-section etc.)

have only areas but no mass the center of gravity of such figures is found out in the
same way as that of solid bodies. Therefore the above two equations will become:
∑
̅
Or
̅

∑
̅
Or
̅

Example:

1. Find the center of gravity of a 100 mm x150 mm x 30 mm T-section as shown in

the figure:
100 mm

2 30 mm

150 mm
1

30 mm

Solution:
Area (a) mm2 Distance (y) mm ay
1 a1 = 30(150-30) = 3600 (150-30)/2 = 60 3600(60)=216000
 2 a2 = 30(100) = 3000 150-15=135 3000(135)=405000
∑ ∑

Put in the working formula:

∑
̅ =

The center of gravity is at 94.091 mm from the bottom, also ̅ can be located by
inspection since the section given is symmetrical.

2. Find the center of gravity of a channel section 100mmx50mmx15mm as shown:

100 mm

15 mm

50 mm

Solution 1:

100 mm 2

1 15 mm

50 mm

Area (a) mm2 Distance (x) mm ax

1 a1 =50(15) = 750 50/2 = 25 750(25)=18750
 2 a2 = (100-30)(15) = 1050 15/2=7.5 1050(7.5)=7875
3 a1 =50(15) = 750 50/2 = 25 750(25)=18750
∑ ∑

Put in the working formula:

∑
̅ =

The center of gravity is at17.794 mm from the right, also ̅ can be located by
inspection since the section given is symmetrical.

Solution 2:

1 2
100 mm

15 mm

50 mm

Area (a) mm2 Distance (x) mm ax

1 a1 =50(100) = 5000 50/2 = 25 5000(25)=125000
2 a2 = -(50-15)(100-30)= -2450 15+(50-15)/2=32.5 -2450(32.5)=-79625
∑ ∑

Put in the working formula:

∑
̅ =

Lesson 6-3 – CENTER OF GRAVITY OF UNSYMMETRICAL SECTIONS

 Sometimes, the given section, whose center of gravity is required to be found
out, is not symmetrical either about x-axis or y-axis. In such cases, we have to find
out both the values of center of gravity of x and y which means with reference to x
axis and y axis.

Example:
Find the centroid of an unequal angle section 100 mm x 80 mm x 20mm.

100 mm

20 mm

80 mm

Solution:

100 mm 1

2 20 mm

80 mm

Area (a) mm2 Distance (x) mm ax

1 a1 =20(100) = 2000 20/2=10 2000(10)=20000
2 a2 = (80-20)(20)= 1200 20+(80-20)/2=50 1200(50)=60000
∑ ∑

∑
̅ = from the right

Area (a) mm2 Distance (y) mm ay

1 a1 =20(100) = 2000 100/2=50 2000(50)=100000
2 a2 = (80-20)(20)= 1200 20/2=10 1200(10)=12000
∑ ∑

∑
̅ = from the bottom
Lesson 6-4 – CENTER OF GRAVITY OF SOLID BODIES
 The center of gravity of solid bodies (such as hemisphere, cylinder, right
circular solid cone etc) is found out in the same way as that of the plane figures. The
only difference between the plane and solid bodies is that in the case of solid bodies
we calculate volumes instead of areas

EXAMPLE
A solid body formed by joining the base of a right circular cone of height H to
the equal base of right circular cylinder of height h. Calculate the distance of the
center of gravity of the solid from its plane face when H = 120 mm and h = 30 mm

Solution:

Consider the cylinder with h=30 mm and radius r:

c.g of cylinder = y1 = 30/2 = 15 mm

Now consider the circular cone of H=120 mm and radius r:

c.g of cone=30+120/4 = 60 mm from the bottom of composite

solids

Put the values in the formulas:

∑
̅

( )
̅ 40.714 mm

Lesson 6-5 – CENTER OF GRAVITY OF SECTIONS WITH CUT OUT HOLES

 The center of gravity of such a section is found out by considering the main
section; first as a complete one and then deducting the area of the cut out hole that
is taking the area of the cut out hole as negative. Now substituting the area of the cut
out hole as negative, in the general equation for the center of gravity, so the equation
will become:

̅
Or

Example:

A semicircle of 90 mm radius is cut out from a trapezoid as shown in figure, find the
position of the center of gravity.
a=200 mm

h=120 mm

r=90 mm

b=300 mm

Solution:

= = 30000

( ) ( )

Put the values in the working formula:

Teaching and Learning Activities

Solve the following:
1. Find the center of gravity of a semicircular section having outer and inner
diameters of 200 mm and 160 mm respectively as shown in figure:

Ans: 57.5 mm

2. A body consists of a right circular solid cone of height 40 mm and radius 30 mm

placed on a solid hemisphere of radius 30 mm of the same material find the position
of the center of gravity of the body

Ans: 28.4 mm

Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adapted

Online (asynchronous)
TelEducation moodle, Facebook messenger, google classroom,
zoom, google meet, etc.

Remote (asynchronous)
module, activities, problems sets, etc.
Assessment Task

Solve the given problems:

1. An I section has the following dimensions in mm units. Top flange = 150 x 50
Bottom flange = 300 x100 Web = 300 x 50 Find the center of gravity (centroid).

2. A hemisphere of 60 mm diameter is placed on the top of the cylinder having 60

mm diameter. Find the center of gravity of the body from the base of the cylinder if its
height is 100 mm.

3. A circular hole of 50 mm diameter is cut out from a circular disc of 100 mm

diameter as shown in figure, find the center of gravity of the section.

References
6. Engineering Mechanics by Ferdinand L. Singer
7. Breer, Ferdinand P. and Johnston, E. Russel Jr., Mechanics for Engineers,
McGraw Hill, latest edition
8. Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics, Statics, , Amazon, 14th Edition
9. Other Physics and Engineering Mechanics Books
10. Mathematics and Allied Science Reviewers’ Books

Online:
http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=125330