MODULE – 1

Parallelogram Law

Q1. The greatest and least resultants of two forces F1 and F2 are 17 N and 3 N respectively.
Determine the angle between them when their resultant is 149N.

Given
F1 + F2 = 17 N
F1 − F2 = 3 N

R = √149 N
 = Angle between the Forces F1 and F2
From the above equations;

2F1 = 20
F1 = 10 N
F2 = 7 N

R = √(F1 )2 + (F2 )2 + 2 F1 F2 Cos 

√149 = √(10)2 + (7)2 + 2 x 10 x 7 x Cos 

149 = 100 + 49 + 140 Cos 
140 Cos  = 0
Cos  = 0
 = 900
Angle Between the forces F1 and F2,  = 90o

Q2. Two forces P & Q of magnitude 25 N and 10 N are acting at a point. The forces P & Q make
angle 15o and 45o respectively measured counter clockwise with the horizontal. Determine the
resultant in magnitude and direction.

Given

P = 25 N; Q = 10 N

 = Angle between the forces P & Q = 45o − 15o = 30o

R = √P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 

R = √252 + 102 + 2 x 25 x 10 Cos 30

R = 34.03 N
 = Inclination of resultant R with P

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 Sin 
 = tan−1 [ P ]
Q
+ Cos 

Sin 30
 = tan−1 [25 ]
10
+ Cos 30

 = 8. 45o

 = Inclination of resultant R with Q =  - 

 = − 
 = 30 − 8. 45 = 21.55o

Inclination of resultant with horizontal = 15 + 8. 45 = 23.45o

Magnitude of the resultant force, R = 34.03 N

Direction of the resultant force with horizontal = 23.45o

Q3. A boat is moved uniformly by pulling with forces 200 N and 240 N acting at an angle of 60o as
shown in figure. Determine the magnitude of the resultant pull on the boat and the angle made by
the resultant with forces 200 N and 240 N.

Given

P = 240 N

Q = 200 N

 = 60o
 = Inclination of resultant R with P =?
 = Inclination of resultant R with Q =?
R =?

R = √P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 

R = √2402 + 2002 + 2 x 240 x 200 Cos 60

R = 381.58 N

Sin 
 = tan−1 [ P ]
Q
+ Cos 

Sin 60
 = tan−1 [240 ]
200
+ Cos 60

 = 27o

Sin 
 = tan−1 [Q ]
P
+ Cos 

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 Sin 60
 = tan−1 [200 ]
240
+ Cos 60

 = 33o

Magnitude of the resultant force, R = 381.58 N

Angle between R & 240 N,  = 27o

Angle between R & 200 N,  = 33o

Q4. A boat is moved uniformly by pulling with forces P = 240 N and Q = 200 N as shown in figure.
What must be the inclination of the resultant force with P and Q to have the resultant R = 400 N?

P = 240 N

Q = 200 N

R = 400 N

=+
 = Inclination of resultant R with P =?
 = Inclination of resultant R with Q =?

R = √P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 

400 = √2402 + 2002 + 2 x 240 x 200 Cos 

(400)2 = 2402 + 2002 + 2 x 240 x 200 Cos 
Cos  = 0.65
 =  +  = Cos−1 (0.65) = 49.46o

Sin 
 = tan−1 [ P ]
Q
+ Cos 

Sin 49.46
 = tan−1 [240 ]
200
+ Cos 49.46

 = 22.1o
 = − 
 = 49.46 − 22.1 = 27.36o

Inclination between R & P,  = 22.1o

Inclination between R & Q,  = 27.36o

Q5. The resultant of two forces when they act at an angle of 60o is 14 N. When they act at right
angle, the resultant is 12 N. Determine the magnitude of the two forces.

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Given

R1 = 14 N; R2 = 12 N; 1 = 60o; 2 = 90o

P =? And Q =?

For R1 = 14 N and 1 = 60o

R = √P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 
(14)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 x P x Q Cos 60
1
196 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 x P x Q
2
196 = P 2 + Q2 + PQ − − − − − (i)
(14)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 x P x Q Cos 60

For R2 = 12 N and 2 = 90o

(12)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 x P x Q Cos 90
144 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 x P x Q x 0
144 = P 2 + Q2 − − − − − (ii)
Substitute (ii) in (i)

196 = 144 + PQ
PQ = 196 − 144 = 52 − − − − − (iii)
We know that

(P + Q)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q and (P − Q)2 = P 2 + Q2 − 2 P Q

Substitute (ii) in (iii) in the above expressions of (P + Q)2 and (P – Q)2

(P + Q)2 = 144 + 2 x 52

P + Q = √144 + 104 = √248 = 15.75 − − − − − (iv)

(P − Q)2 = 144 − 2 x 52

P − Q = √144 − 104 = √40 = 6.32 − − − − − (v)

P = 6.32 + Q − − − − − (vi)
Substitute (vi) in (iv)

6.32 + Q + Q = 15.75
2Q = 15.75 − 6.32 = 9.43

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 Q = 4.715 N
P = 6.32 + Q = 6.32 + 4.715 = 11.04 N
Magnitude of the two forces; P = 11.04 N & Q = 4.715 N

Q6. A barge is pulled by two tug boats. If the resultant of the forces exerted by the tau boats is
5000 N force directed along the axis of the barge as shown. Determine the tension in each of the
ropes knowing that angle between the tension in the rope tied to boat 1 and resultant is 45o and
angle between the tension in the rope tied to boat 2 and resultant is 30o.

Given

 = Inclination of resultant R with P = 45o

 = Inclination of resultant R with Q = 30o
R = 5000 N;  =  +  = 75o

Based on parallelogram law;

(R)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 
(5000)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 75
(5000)2 = P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q (0.259)
(5000)2 = P 2 + Q2 + (0.518) P Q − − − − − (i)
Also, we know that;
Sin 
tan  = P
+ Cos 
Q

Sin 75
tan 45 = P
+ Cos 75
Q

0.966
1= P
+ 0.259
Q

P
= 0.966 − 0.259 = 0.707
Q

P = 0.707 Q − − − − − (ii)
Substitute (ii) in (i)

(5000)2 = (0.707)2 Q2 + Q2 + (0.518) (0.707) Q2

(5000)2 = (0.5) Q2 + Q2 + (0.366) Q2
(5000)2 = (1.866) Q2

2
50002
Q =
1.866
5000 5000
Q = = = 3660.32 N
√1.866 1.366
P = (0.707)(3660.32) = 2587.85 N
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 Tension in each of the ropes, P = 2587.85 N & Q = 3660.32 N

Q7. Two forces are applied at point B of a beam AB as shown in the figure. Determine the magnitude
of their resultant.

Take P = 2 kN; Q = 3 kN

Given;  = Inclination of resultant R with P = 40o

 = Inclination of resultant R with Q = 60o
 =  +  = 100o

R = √P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 

R = √22 + 32 + 2 x 2 x 3 x Cos 100

R = √4 + 9 + 12 x (−0.17365)

R = √4 + 9 − 2.0838

R = √10.9162 = 3.3039 kN
Magnitude of the resultant, R = 3.3039 kN

Q8. Two forces P and Q are applied as shown in the figure at point A of a hook support. Knowing
that P = 75 N and Q = 125, determine the magnitude of their resultant.

Given

P = 75 N

Q = 125 N

 = Inclination of resultant R with P = 20o

 = Inclination of resultant R with Q = 35o
 =  +  = 55o

R = √P 2 + Q2 + 2 P Q Cos 

R = √752 + 1252 + 2 x 75 x 125 x Cos 55

R = √5625 + 15625 + 18750 x (0.57358) = √21250 + 10754.625 = √32004.625 = 178.898 N

Magnitude of the resultant, R = 178.898 N

Equilibrium Laws

Q1. An electric light fixture weighing 150 N hangs from point C by two stay wires AC and BC as
shown in the figure. Determine the tensions in the stay wires AC and BC.

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 This can be solved by Lami’s Theorem. Required to find the angles;

By Lami’s Theorem
F1 F2 F3
= =
Sin  Sin  Sin γ
150 TAC TBC
= =
Sin 75 Sin 135 Sin 150
150 x Sin 135
TAC = = 109.81 N
Sin 75
150 x Sin 150
TBC = = 77.65 N
Sin 75
Tensions in the stay wires AC & BC are 109.81 N & 77.65 N respectively

Q2. Two cables AC and BC are tied together at point C to support a load of 500 N at C. A and B are
at a distance of 1.3 m and are on the same horizontal plane. AC and BC are 1.2 m and 0.5 m in
length respectively. Find the tensions in the cable AC and BC.
This can be solved by Lami’s Theorem. Refer the figure to find the angles;

(AC)2 + (BC)2 = (1.2)2 + (0.5)2 = 1.69

(AB)2 = (1.3)2 = 1.69

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This indicates that ACB is a right-angled triangle (90o).  +  = 90
1.2
Cos  =
1.3
1.2
 = Cos−1 ( ) = 22.62o
1.3
 = 90 − 22.62 = 67.38o
500 TAC TBC
= =
Sin 90 Sin 157.38 Sin 112.62
500 x Sin 157.38
TAC = = 192.31 N
Sin 90
500 x Sin 112.62
TBC = = 461.54 N
Sin 90
Tensions in the cables AC & BC are 192.31 N & 461.54 N respectively.

Q3. A block P = 5 kg and block Q of mass ‘M’ kg are suspended through a chord which is in
equilibrium as shown in the figure. Determine the mass of block Q.

This system needs to divide into two for analysis. Chords A-B-C as first one and Chords B-C-D as
second one.

From the first figure shown above;

4
Tan  =
3
4
 = Tan−1 ( ) = 53.13o
3

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 49.05 TAB TBC
= =
Sin 96.87 Sin 120 Sin 143.13
49.05 x Sin 120
TAB = = 42.79 N
Sin 96.87
49.05 x Sin 143.13
TBC = = 29.64 N
Sin 96.87
From the second figure shown above;
M x 9.81 TBC
=
Sin 140 Sin 160
M x 9.81 29.64
=
Sin 140 Sin 160
29.64 x Sin 140
M= = 5.68 kg
9.81 x Sin 160
Mass of block Q, M = 5.68 kg

Q4. A weight of 1000 N is supported by two chains as shown in Figure. Determine the tension in
each chain.

The required angles can be found as shown in the figure below;

1000 T1 T2
= =
Sin 90 Sin 150 Sin 120
1000 x Sin 150
T1 = = 500 N
Sin 90
1000 x Sin 120
T2 = = 866.02 N
Sin 90
Tensions in the chains AC (T1) & BC (T2) are 500 N & 866.02 N respectively.

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Concurrent Coplanar Forces
Q1. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the forces acting on the ring as shown in the
figure.

Resolving the forces horizontally (X axis);

∑ FH = 20 + 25 Cos 70 - 70 Cos 70 - 30 Cos 20 - 40 Cos 40 = -54.22 kN = 54.22 kN along negative X axis

Resolving the forces vertically (Y axis);

∑ FV = 0 + 25 Sin 70 + 70 Sin 70 + 30 Sin 20 - 40 Sin 40 = 73.82 kN along positive Y axis

2 2
R = √(∑ FH ) + (∑ FV ) = √(54.22)2 +(73.82)2 = 91.59 kN

∑ FV 73.82
 = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 (1.361) = 53.7o
∑ FH 54.22
FH is towards horizontally left (negative X axis) and FV is towards vertically upwards (positive Y axis) indicate that
resultant is in second quadrant. Therefore;
R = 180 -  = 180 - 53.7 = 126.3o

Magnitude and Direction of the Resultant; R = 91.59 kN & R = 126.3o.

Q2. Forces 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 35 N, and 45 N act at an angular point of a regular hexagon towards the other
angular points as shown in the figure. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

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When we draw lines from one angular point of a regular hexagon to the other angular points, the angle made by
these lines are shown below in the figure (left side). Accordingly, we can conclude the forces given in this problem
are making angle with horizontal as shown in the figure (right side).

Resolving the forces horizontally (X axis);

∑ FH = 15 + 20 Cos 30 + 25 Cos 60 + 35 Cos 90 - 45 Cos 60

∑ FH = 15 + 17.32 + 12.5 + 0 - 22.5 = 22.32 N along positive X axis

Resolving the forces vertically (Y axis);

∑ FV = 0 + 20 Sin 30 + 25 Sin 60 + 35 Sin 90 + 45 Sin 60

∑ FV = 0 + 10 + 21.65 + 35 + 38.97 = 105.62 N along positive Y axis

2 2
R = √(∑ FH ) + (∑ FV ) = √(22.32)2 +(105.62)2 = 107.95 N

∑ FV 105.62
 = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 (4.7321) = 78.07o
∑ FH 22.32
FH is towards horizontally right (positive X axis) and FV is towards vertically upwards (positive Y axis) indicate that
resultant is in first quadrant. Therefore;

Magnitude and Direction of the Resultant; R = 107.95 kN &  = R = 78.07o.

Q3. Forces 1 N, 3 N, 5 N, 7 N, 9 N, and 11 N are applied to the center of a regular hexagon acting towards its
vertices as shown in the figure. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

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In a regular hexagon, the angle between the lines joining the vertices and center is 60o as shown below;

Resolving the forces horizontally (X axis);

∑ FH = 5 + 3 Cos 60 - 1 Cos 60 - 11 - 9 Cos 60 + 7 Cos 60

∑ FH = 5 + 1.5 - 0.5 - 11 - 4.5 + 3.5 = -6 N = 6 N along negative X axis

Resolving the forces vertically (Y axis);

∑ FV = 0 + 3 Sin 60 + 1 Sin 60 + 0 - 9 Sin 60 - 7 Sin 60

∑ FV = 0 + 2.598 + 0.866 + 0 - 7.794 - 6.062 = -10.39 N = 10.39 N along negative Y axis

2 2
R = √(∑ FH ) + (∑ FV ) = √(6)2 +(10.39)2 = 11.99 N

∑ FV 10.39
 = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 (1.732) = 59.99o
∑ FH 6
FH is towards horizontally left (negative X axis) and FV is towards vertically downwards (negative Y axis) indicate
that resultant is in third quadrant. Therefore;
R = 180 +  = 180 + 59.99 = 239.99o

Q4. A coplanar concurrent force system is shown in the figure. Determine the value of angle, , for which the
resultant of the forces acting at A is directed along the plane A-b.

If the resultant to be along A-b, the sum of components of all the forces perpendicular to the plane A-b should be
equal to zero. So;
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 300 Sin  + 300 Sin (40 + ) - 500 Sin 30 = 0
300 [Sin  + Sin (40 + )] = 500 Sin 30 = 250
Sin  + Sin (40 + ) = 0.833
A+B A-B
Sin A + Sin B = 2 Sin ( ) Cos ( )
2 2
 +  + 40  -  - 40
Sin  + Sin (40 + ) = 2 Sin ( ) Cos ( )
2 2
2 + 40 - 40
Sin  + Sin (40 + ) = 2 Sin ( ) Cos ( )
2 2
Sin  + Sin (40 + ) = 2 Sin ( + 20) Cos (-20)
Cos (A) = Cos (-A)
Sin  + Sin (40 + ) = 2 Sin ( + 20) Cos (20)
Sin  + Sin (40 + ) = 2 Sin ( + 20) Cos (20) = 0.833
0.833
Sin ( + 20)= = 0.44323
2 Cos (20)
 + 20 = Sin-1 (0.44323)
 = 26.31 - 20 = 6.31o
Value of angle,  = 6.31o

Q5. A coplanar concurrent system forces are acting as shown in the figure. A rope 9m long is connected at A and
B, two points at the same level, 8 m apart. A load of 300 N is suspended from point C on the rope and length
between A and C is 3 m. What load should be connected at point D on the rope which is necessary to keep CD
parallel to AB and the length between B and D is 2 m.

This problem can be solved by considering equilibrium at points C and D. The system should be in equilibrium as
CD and AB required to kept parallel under the given loading condition. We can consider two right angled triangles
containing C and D as shown below;

The length of the sides of the both triangles and angles  and  can be found. From the triangle ACE;
Y2 + X2 = 32 ; Y2 = 32 - X2
From triangle BDF;
Y2 + (4 - X)2 = 22
Y2 = 22 - (4 - X)2

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 32 - X2 = 22 - (4 - X)2
9 - X2 = 4 - 16 - X2 + 8X
21
8X = 21; X = = 2.625 m
8

Y = √32 - (2.625)2 = 2.109 m

X 2.625 2.625
Sin  == ;  = Sin-1 ( ) = 61.04o
3 3 3
4 - X 4 - 2.625 1.375 1.375
Sin  = = = ;  = Sin-1 ( ) = 43.43o
2 2 2 2
Consider equilibrium at point C and resolving the forces vertically;

∑ FV = 0

TAC Cos  - 300 = 0

TAC Cos (61.04) - 300 = 0
300
TAC = = 619.58 N
Cos (61.04)
Resolving the forces horizontally (equilibrium);

∑ FH = 0

TCD - TAC Sin  = 0

TCD = TAC Sin  = 619.58 Sin (61.04) = 542.11 N
Consider equilibrium at point D and resolving the forces horizontally (for keeping CD in equilibrium TCD should be
considered acting both towards horizontally left and right. When point C is considering for analysis, TCD is acting
towards right and at point D, TCD acting towards left);

∑ FH = 0

TDB Sin  - TCD = 0

542.11
TDB = = 788.56 N
Sin (43.43)
Resolving the forces vertically;

∑ FV =0
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 TDB Cos  - W = 0
W = TDB Cos  = 788.56 Cos (43.43) = 572.66 N
Load should be connected at point D on the rope necessary to keep CD parallel to AB = 572.66 N

Q6. A roller of radius 300 mm and weight 1000 N is to be pulled over a rectangular block of height 150 mm as
shown in the figure. Determine (i) the horizontal force required to be applied through the center O and (ii) the
required horizontal force when it is applied through the top end of vertical diameter of the roller.

When the roller is just turned about A, the contact at B will break. At this moment there is no reaction force at B
on the roller. Let P = Applied force to pull the roller over the block. R = Reaction force at A by the block on the
roller.
(i) Consider the figure shown below;

From the first diagram;

OB = OA Cos  + 150
300 = 300 Cos  + 150
300 Cos  = 300 – 150
150
 = Cos-1 ( ) = 60o
300
Consider the second figure and resolve the forces vertically;

∑ FV =0

R Cos 60 - 1000 = 0
1000
R= = 2000 N
Cos 60
Resolve the forces horizontally;

∑ FH = 0

P - 2000 Sin 60 = 0
P = 2000 Sin 60 = 1732.05 N
(ii) Consider the figure shown below;

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When force P is acting at top end of the diameter, line of action of reaction force at A should intersect at C. Only
then we can consider it as concurrent force system. And triangle OAC is an isosceles triangle. An isosceles
triangle is a triangle with at least two equal sides and two equal angles. Here, OC = OA = radius of the roller =
300 mm.
We know that  = 60o; so, angle COA = 120o.
180 - 120
= = 30o
2
Consider the second figure and resolve the forces vertically;

∑ FV =0

R Cos 30 - 1000 = 0
1000
R= = 1154.7 N
Cos 30
Resolve the forces horizontally;

∑ FH = 0

P - 1154.7 Sin 30 = 0
P = 1154.7 Sin 30 = 577.35 N
Horizontal force required to be applied through the center O = 1732.05 N
Horizontal force when it is applied through the top end of vertical diameter of the roller = 577.35 N

Free Body Diagrams

Q1. Three smooth identical spheres A, B, and C are placed in a rectangular channel as shown in the figure.
Draw the free body diagram of each spheres.

a. First draw the body being analyzed, separated from all other surrounding bodies and surfaces.
b. Second, draw in all external forces and moments acting directly on the body. Do not include any forces or
moments that do not directly act on the body being analyzed.

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c. Once the forces are identified and added to the free body diagram, the last step is to label any key dimensions
and angles on the diagram.
Based on the above points, it requires to draw FBD for spheres A, B, and C separately.
i. When drawing FBD, consider the weight, which will act at the center of the sphere.
ii. Walls will exert reaction forces (support reactions) to the spheres. For B, reaction forces will be at locations 1
and 2 and for C, it will be at 3 and 4.
iii. In the case of A, there is no support reactions exerted by walls as A is not in contact with wall. Instead it is
having contact with spheres B and C. So, there will be an equal and opposite force at the locations 5 and 6. At 5,
A and B will have an interaction and at the same time at 6, A and C have interaction. The FBD diagram is shown
below;

Q2. A solid cylinder 30 mm diameter and weighing 30 N is placed in a triangular channel as shown in the figure.
Neglecting the friction between the contact surfaces, calculate the normal reaction on the sides of the channel.

There is only one solid cylinder and it is contacting at two pints on the wall. Support reactions can be denoted as
RA and RB. FBD is shown below;

This is a concurrent force system consisting of three forces. Here Lami’s theorem can be applied;

30 RA RB
= =
Sin 105 Sin (180 - 60) Sin (180 - 45)
30 x Sin 120
RA = = 26.89 N
Sin 105

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 30 x Sin 135
RB = = 21.96 N
Sin 105
Normal reaction on the sides on the channel, RA = 26.89 N and RB = 21.96 N

Q3. Two smooth cylinders A and B each of diameter 400 mm and weight 200 N rest in a horizontal channel having
vertical walls and base width of 720 mm as shown in the figure. Find the reactions at points P, Q, and R.

Each cylinder has diameter of 400 mm. So, radius = 200 mm; Weight of the cylinders = 200 N and this will act at
the center of the cylinder.
Base width of channel = 720 mm.
Let R1 = Reaction at point R; R2 = Reaction exerted by the cylinders each other at the intersection point; R3 =
Reaction at point P; R4 = Reaction at point Q. Consider the figures shown below;

AB = 200 + 200 (Radius of both cylinders) = 400 mm; BC = 720 – (200 + 200) = 320 mm; Therefore;
BC 320 320
Cos  = = ;  = Cos-1 [ ] = 36.87o
AB 400 400
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder A;
Resolve the forces vertically;
R2 Sin  = 200
200 200
R2 = = = 333.33 N
Sin  Sin 36.87
Resolve the forces horizontally;
R2 Cos  = R1
R1 = 333.33 x Cos 36.87 = 266.67 N
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder B;
Resolve the forces vertically;
R4 = 200 + R2 Sin 
R4 = 200 + 333.33 x Sin 36.87 = 400 N
Resolve the forces horizontally;
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 R2 Cos  = R3
R3 = 333.33 x Cos 36.87 = 266.67 N
Reaction at point P, R3 = 266.67 N; Reaction at point Q, R4 = 400 N; Reaction at point R, R1 = 266.67 N

Q4. Two smooth cylinders A and B rest as shown in the figure. A has a diameter of 10 cm and weight 15 N. B has
diameter of 18 cm and weight 45 N. Determine the pressure at all points of contact.

We have to find RF, RD, RC, and R. R is the reaction force at the intersection of cylinders. Refer the below figures;

O2 H
Cos  =
O1 O2
O1 O2 = Sum of the radius of both the cylinders = 9 + 5 = 14 cm
O2 H = DG = EK - ED - GK; EK = 18 cm; GK = O1 C = Radius of the cylinder A = 5 cm
Now consider the triangle O2DE;
O2D = Radius of the cylinder B = 9 cm
ED
tan 30 = ; ED = O2 D x tan 30 = 9 x tan 30 = 5.196 cm
O2 D
O2 H = 18 - 5.196 - 5 = 7.804 cm
7.804
 = Cos-1 ( ) = 56.12o
14
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder A;
Resolve the forces vertically;
R Sin  = 15
15
R= = 18.07 N
Sin (56.12)

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Resolve the forces horizontally;
R Cos  = RC
RC = 18.07 x Cos 56.12 = 10.07 N
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder B;
Resolve the forces horizontally;
RF Sin 60 = R Cos 
18.07 x Cos (56.12)
RF = = 11.63 N
Sin 60
Resolve the forces vertically;
RD + RF Cos 60 = 45 + R Sin (56.12)
RD = 45 + 18.07 x Sin (56.12) - 11.63 Cos 60 = 54.19 N
Pressure at all points of contact; RF = 11.63 N, RD = 54.19 N, RC = 10.07 N, and R = 18.07 N

Q5. Three cylinders are piled in a rectangular ditch as shown in the figure. Neglecting friction, determine the
reaction between cylinder A and vertical wall.

If we want to find the reaction force between vertical wall and cylinder A, it is necessary to determine the reaction
of the cylinder B on cylinder A. For that, it is imperative to find the reaction of cylinder C on cylinder B. Consider
the figures below;

Consider triangles BEC and BDA;

BE 360 - 120 - 100 140
Cos 1 = = =
BC 120 + 100 220
140
1 = Cos-1 ( ) = 50.480
220
BD 360 - 120 - 80 160
Cos 2 = = =
AB 120 + 80 200
160
2 = Cos-1 ( ) = 36.870
200
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder C;
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Resolve the forces vertically;
RK Sin (50.48) = 40
40
RK = = 51.48 N
Sin (50.48)
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder B;
Resolve the forces vertically;
RL Sin (36.87) = 80 + 51.48 Sin (50.48)
80 + 51.48 Sin (50.48)
RL = = 200 N
Sin (36.87)
Consider the equilibrium of the cylinder A;
Resolve the forces horizontally;
RJ = 200 Cos (36.87) = 160 N

Reaction between cylinder A and vertical wall, RJ = 160 N

Method of Moments
Q1. Calculate the moment of the force F = 10 kN acting at a point A as shown in the figure when the angle  = 0,
 = 30,  = 90 about the point O. Also calculate the maximum moment of force about O.

When  = 0, the line of action is horizontal and hence the arm of force is 2.5 m

M = 10 x 2.5 = 25 kN-m (CCW)

When  = 30, the line of action is passes through the moment centre

M = 10 x 0 = 0 kN-m
When  = 90, the line of action is vertical and arm of the force is 4.33 m

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 M = 10 x 4.33 = 43.3 kN-m (CW)
The moment will be maximum when the force is perpendicular to line joining moment center and point of action
of force. Here line joining moment center and point of action of force is OA. So, arm of the force is 5m.

M = 10 x 5 = 50 kN-m (CW)

Q2. A uniform wheel 60 cm diameter weighing 1000 N rests against a rectangular obstacle 15 cm height as shown
on the figure. Find the least force required using method of moments, which when acting through the canter of
the wheel will just turn the wheel over the corner A of the block. Also find the reaction of the block.

When the roller just turned about point A, the contact at point B breaks and hence there will not be any reaction
at B. Let P is the force applied to turn the wheel over the block. RA is the reaction at A.  is the inclination of the
line joining A and C with vertical.  is the angle between line of action of force P and line joining A and C. Consider
the figure shown below;

BC = AC Cos  + 15
30 = 30 Cos  + 15
30 - 15 15 15
Cos  = = ;  = Cos-1 [ ] = 60o
30 30 30
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Take moments of P and W about A and consider equilibrium. For equilibrium sum of moments should be zero.
About A, RA will not have any moment as line of action and moment center are coinciding.
(P Sin ) AC = W (AC Sin )
P Sin  = W Sin 
W Sin 60 1000 Sin 60 866
P= = =
Sin  Sin  Sin 
It required to find the least value of P. If P should be minimum Sin  should be maximum as 866 is constant. Sin
will be maximum when  = 90o or Sin  = 1.
P = 866 N
For finding RA, resolve the forces along AC;
RA = P Cos  + W Cos  = 866 Cos 90 + 1000 Cos 60 = 500 N
Least force required, P = 866 N; Reaction of the block RA = 500 N

Varignon’s Theorem of Moments

Q1. Calculate the moment of the given force F = 10 kN acting as shown in the figure about point O using Varignon’s
theorem of moments.

Varignon’s theorem states that Moment of a given force about any point = sum of moments of its components
about the same point. Here it is required to find the components of the force F as angle is already given as 80o.
Consider the figure shown below;

Moment of force F about O = (10 Sin 80) (5 Cos 20) - (10 Cos 80) (5 Sin 20) = 43.3 kN-m
Moment of force F = 10 kN about O = 43.3 kN-m

Q2. Calculate the moment of the force system as shown in the figure about O using Varignon’s principle.

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Varignon’s theorem states that Moment of a given force about any point = sum of moments of its components
about the same point. The given forces can be considered as components of a resultant force. Finding moment
of this resultant force about O will give the required moment of the forces about O.

∑ FX = 30 Cos 30 + 60 Cos 10 - 40 Cos 45 - 50 Cos 60 = 31.78 N

∑ FY = 30 Sin 30 + 40 Sin 45 - 50 Sin 60 - 60 Sin 10 = -10.44 N

2 2
R = √(∑ FX ) + (∑ FY ) = √(31.78)2 + (10.44)2 = 33.45 N

∑ FY 10.44
 = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 ( ) = 18.19o
∑ FX 33.45
The horizontal component of the resultant has positive value and vertical component has negative value. It means
the resultant is in fourth quadrant as shown below.

R = 360 -  = 360 - 18.19 = 341.81o

However, inclination of resultant with X axis in clockwise direction (i.e., 18.19o) is enough for calculating the
moment. Consider the figure below;

Moment of force F about O = (R Sin ) 5 = (33.45 Sin 18.19) 5 = 52.21 N-m

Moment of the force system about O = 52.21 N-m

Q3. Forces 15 N, 20 N, 25 N, 35 N, and 45 N act at an angular point of a regular hexagon towards the other
angular points as shown in the figure. Calculate the moment of these forces about A, using Varignon’s principle.

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When we draw lines from one angular point of a regular hexagon to the other angular points, the angle made by
these lines are shown below in the figure.

Resolving the forces horizontally (X axis);

∑ FX = 15 + 20 Cos 30 + 25 Cos 60 + 35 Cos 90 - 45 Cos 60

∑ FX = 15 + 17.32 + 12.5 + 0 - 22.5 = 22.32 N along positive X axis

Resolving the forces vertically (Y axis);

∑ FY = 0 + 20 Sin 30 + 25 Sin 60 + 35 Sin 90 + 45 Sin 60

∑ FY = 0 + 10 + 21.65 + 35 + 38.97 = 105.62 N along positive Y axis

2 2
R = √(∑ FX ) + (∑ FY ) = √(22.32)2 +(105.62)2 = 107.95 N

∑ FY 105.62
 = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 ( ) = tan-1 (4.7321) = 78.07o
∑ FX 22.32
FH is towards horizontally right (positive X axis) and FV is towards vertically upwards (positive Y axis) indicate that
resultant is in first quadrant;

Moment of resultant about A is;

Moment of force F about A = (R Sin ) 5 = (107.95 Sin 78.07) 5 = 528.09 N-m
Moment of the force system about A = 528.209 N-m

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