1|RESULTANT OF C ONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM (P LANE)

MODULE 3 – RESULTANT OF CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM

Description:
Module 3 provides a discussion on Equivalent Single Force, Resultant and its direction of two or
more forces using Component Method.

Objectives:

After completing the module, the students are expected to:

1. Understand the meaning of equivalent single force (resultant) and its effects on an object.

2. Solve problems relating to equivalent single force (resultant) and its direction using Component
Method.

Duration:

Contents:

I. Resultant of Three or More Concurrent Forces (Component Method)

Resultant of Concurrent Force System

The resultant of a force system is defined to be the simplest system that can replace the original
system without changing its external effect on a rigid body.

F2 y
F1

θ2 θ1
x
θ3 θ4

F3 F4

Let: R = Resultant

Rx = algebraic sum of all forces along x - axis

Ry = algebraic sum of all forces along y - axis

∠θ = direction of resultant with respect to x - axis

ΣFx = Rx →+

F1x + F2x + F3x + F4x = Rx

ΣFy = Ry ↑+

F1y + F2y + F3y + F4y = Ry

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Compiled By: JUANITA CARMELITA R. ZOLETA
Reviewed By: ROWEL D. WAJE
2|RESULTANT OF C ONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM (P LANE)

R2 = Rx2 + Ry2

RY
tan  =
RX

Sample Problems:

1. Four forces acting on a bolt A as shown, determine the magnitude and the direction of the resultant.

F2 = 80N

15˚
F1 = 120N

30˚
A 20˚

F4 = 100N

F3 = 110N

Required: Magnitude (R) and direction (θ) of the resultant force

Solution:

a. Solve for the components of each force.

F2y = 80 cos 15
F2 = 80N
F2x = 80 sin F1y = 120 sin 30
15 15˚
F1 = 120N
F1x = 120 cos
30˚ 30
A 20˚
F4x = 100 cos20
F4 = 100N

F3 = 110N F4y = 100sin

20

b. Compute the total horizontal force, Rx:

Rx = Fx → +

Rx = F1x − F2 x + F3 x + F4 x

Rx = 120 cos 30 − 80 sin 15 + 0 +100 cos 20

Rx = 177.19N →

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Compiled By: JUANITA CARMELITA R. ZOLETA
Reviewed By: ROWEL D. WAJE
3|RESULTANT OF C ONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM (P LANE)

c. Compute the total vertical force, Ry:

Ry = Fy  +

Ry = F1 y + F2 y − F3 y − F4 y

Ry = 120 sin 30 + 80 cos15 − 110 − 100 sin 20

Ry = −6.93N = 6.93N 
d. Compute the resultant, R, by Pythagorean Theorem and direction, θ:

Rx = 177.19
θ N

R
Ry = 6.93 N

R 2 = Rx + Ry
2 2

6.93
tan  =
R = 177.19 + 6.93 2 2
177.19
R = 177.33N  = 2.24

∴ 𝑹 = 𝟏𝟕𝟕. 𝟑𝟑𝑵 @ 𝟐. 𝟐𝟒∘ 𝑺 𝒐𝒇 𝑬

2. Two cables which have known tension are applied at point B. A third cable used as a guy wire is also
attached at point B. Determine the tension in the third cable so that the resultant of these three forces
will be vertical.

B
5˚
4 K 20˚

8K
60 ft

A
80 ft
Given:

Resultant R is vertical

R = Ry

Rx = 0

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Compiled By: JUANITA CARMELITA R. ZOLETA
Reviewed By: ROWEL D. WAJE
4|RESULTANT OF C ONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM (P LANE)

Required:

Tension, T, in the cable

Solution:

Free-Body Diagram of point B:

B
5°
4K 20° 5
3
4 T
8K

Rx = Fx → 

4
Rx = T   − 4 cos 5 − 8 cos 25
5 (But Rx = 0)

0 = 0.8T − 4 cos 5 − 8 cos 25

T = 14.04K

Problems:

1. Knowing that P = 120 kN and that the resultant of P and Q lies in the positive x-direction, determine Q
and the magnitude of the resultant. (Use parallelogram method)

2. If R is the resultant of the forces P and Q, find P and Q. (Use parallelogram method)

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Compiled By: JUANITA CARMELITA R. ZOLETA
Reviewed By: ROWEL D. WAJE
5|RESULTANT OF C ONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM (P LANE)

3. Determine the magnitude of the resultant force and its direction. (Use Polygon method)

4. Determine the magnitude of the resultant force and its direction. (Use Polygon Method)

5. The force R is the resultant of the forces P 1, P2 and P3 acting on a rectangular plate. Find P1 and P2 if
R = 40 kN and P3 = 20 kN (Use component method)

6. If the resultant force acting on the bracket is to be 750N directed along the positive x - axis, determine
the magnitude of F and its direction θ. (Use component method)

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Compiled By: JUANITA CARMELITA R. ZOLETA
Reviewed By: ROWEL D. WAJE
6|RESULTANT OF C ONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM (P LANE)

References:

1. Vector Mechanics for Engineers 10 th Edition, Beer, F.P., Johnston, E.R.Jr, Mazurek, D.F., Cornwell,
P.J.2013

2. Engineering Mechanics Statics 13th Edition, Hibbeler, R.C.,2013

3. Engineering Mechanics Statics 14th Edition, Hibbeler, R.C.,2016

4. Engineering Mechanics Statics 3rd Edition, Pytel, A., Kiusalaas, J., 2010

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Compiled By: JUANITA CARMELITA R. ZOLETA
Reviewed By: ROWEL D. WAJE