Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-1 Equilibrium

TYPE I : EXAMPLES BASED ON EQUILIBRIUM OF BARS

Ex. 2.6 : A bar AB 12 m long rests in horizontal position as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.6 on two smooth planes. Find
distance x at which a load P = 100 N is to be placed to keep the bar in equilibrium. Neglect weight of bar.

Fig. Ex. 2.6
Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D. of bar :


Fig. Ex. 2.6(a)
Step 2 : Conditions of equilibrium :
Z F
x
= 0 R
A
cos 60 R
B
cos 45 = 0
R
A
= 1.414 R
B
(1)
Z F
y
= 0 R
A
sin 60 + R
B
sin 45 200 100 = 0
Substituting R
A
= 1.414 R
B
from Equation (1)
. 1.414 R
B
sin 60 + R
B
sin 45 = 300
. R
B
= 155.3 N
. By Equation (1) R
A
= 1.414 (155.3) = 219.6 N
Z M
B
= 0
( R
A
sin 60 12) + (200 9) + 100 x = 0
. (219.6 sin 60 12) (200 9) = 100 x . x = 4.82 m Ans.
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-2 Equilibrium

Ex. 2.7 : A rod AB of length l and weight W lies in a vertical plane and
subjected to a couple M. Determine angle 0 for equilibrium
when M = 4 N.m, W = 36 N and l = 1.2 m.
Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D. of bar AB as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.7. Fig. Ex. 2.7
Resolving weight of the bar parallel to AD and perpendicular to it as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.7(a).
Step 2 : Conditions of equilibrium.
Z M
C
= 0
M W sin 45
L
2
cos (45 0) + W cos 45
L
2
sin (45 0) = 0
. M =
WL
2
[sin 45 cos (45 0) cos 45 sin (45 0)]
=
WL
2
[cos (45 + 45 0)]
M =
WL
2
sin 0
. sin 0 =
2 M
WL

Now substitute M = 4 N.m, W = 36 N, l = 1.2 m
sin 0 =
2 4
36 1.2

0 = 10.67 Ans.
Fig. 2.7(a)
Ex. 2.10 : A bar AB of length L and weight W is placed in vertical plane with their ends connected to smooth
small rollers as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.10. Prove that o + 0 = 90 when bar is in equilibrium.



Fig. Ex. 2.10 Fig. Ex. 2.10(a)
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-3 Equilibrium

Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D. of bar as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.10(a).
Step 2 : Conditions of equilibrium :
Since 3 forces are acting on bar AB they must be concurrent.
Now either use Z F
x
= 0 and Z F
y
= 0 OR Lamis theorem to obtain relation between forces.
.
R
A
sin (90 + o)
=
R
B
sin (180 o)
=
W
sin 90

.
R
A
cos o
=
R
B
sin o
=
W
1
(1)

Fig. Ex. 2.10(b)
Now use Z M
A
= 0 In A AMB, BM = L sin 0
R
B
(BM) W (AN) = 0 and In A ANG, AN =
L
2
cos (0 o)
.R
B
(L sin 0) = W
L
2
cos (0 o)
From Equation (1), R
B
= W sin o
. W sin o (L sin 0) = W
L
2
cos (0 o)
. 2 sin o sin 0 = cos 0 cos o + sin 0 sin o
. sin o sin 0 = cos 0 cos o
. cos 0 cos o sin 0 sin o = 0 .cos (0 + o) = 0
. 0 + o = r/2 . o + 0 = 90 Proved.
Ex. 2.12 : A hollow hemispherical bowl is firmly fixed to horizontal plane and a bar of length L is placed inside it
against a wall as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.12. If mass of bar is m and diameter of hemisphere is d. Find
ratio of length of bar to diameter of hemisphere.


Fig. Ex. 2.12 Fig. Ex. 2.12(a)
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-4 Equilibrium

Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D. of bar AB which involves :
1) Weight of bar acting from c.g.
2) Horizontal normal reaction at A
3) Reaction at B, perpendicular to tangent at B hence passing through center of hemisphere.
Geometry :
Draw a vertical line through point B.
Let angle DBP = 0 . Z BPG = 0
Step 2 : Conditions of equilibrium :
Z F
x
= 0 R
A
R
B
sin 0 = 0 R
A
= R
B
sin 0 (1)
Z F
y
= 0 R
B
cos 0 mg = 0 R
B
cos 0 = mg (2)
Z M
A
= 0 mg
l
2
sin 30 + R
B
sin (30 0) l = 0
mg = 4 R
B
sin (30 0) (3)
Equating Equations (2) and (3),
R
B
cos 0 = 4 R
B
sin (30 0)
cos 0 = 4 [ sin 30 cos 0 cos 30 sin 0 ]
cos 0 = 2 cos 0 3.46 sin 0 . cos 0 = 3.46 sin 0
. tan 0 =
1
3.46
. 0 = 16.12
Step 3 : To find ratio of l/d.
We have, AD = l sin 30 = l/2 But AD = MC = MO + OC

l
2
=
d
2
+
d
2
sin 0 l = d + d sin 0 = d (1 + sin 0)
.
l
d
= 1 + sin 0 = 1 + sin 16.12
l
d
= 1.28 Ans.
Ex. 2.16 : A rod of length L and weight W is attached to two
smooth collars A and B which can slide freely
along the guides. The collars are connected by a
string passing over a smooth pulley. Express the
tension in the string in terms of W and 0. Refer
Fig. Ex. 2.16.
Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D. of rod AB which involves :
1) Reaction at A and B, normal to the guides
2) Tension in BC and AC Fig. Ex. 2.16
3) Self weight W.
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-5 Equilibrium

Step 2 : Conditions of equilibrium :
Z F
x
= 0 T R
A
= 0
T = R
A
(1)
Z F
y
= 0 R
B
W + T = 0
. R
B
= T W (2)
Z M
A
= 0 W
l
2
cos 0 + R
B
l cos 0 T l sin 0 = 0

W
2
cos 0 + (T W) cos 0 T sin 0 = 0
.
W
2
cos 0 + T cos 0 W cos 0 T sin 0 = 0 Fig. Ex. 2.16(a)
. T cos 0 T sin 0 = W cos 0
W
2
cos 0
T (cos 0 sin 0) =
W
2
cos 0
. T =
W
2

cos 0
cos 0 sin 0
=
W/2
1 tan 0
Ans.

TYPE II : EXAMPLES BASED ON EQUILIBRIUM OF CIRCULAR BODIES
Ex. 2.22 : A hollow cylinder of radius r is open at both ends and rests on a smooth horizontal plane. Two spheres
having weights W
1
and W
2
and radii r
1
and r
2
respectively are placed inside the cylinder as shown in
Fig. Ex. 2.22. Find minimum weight W of the cylinder in order that it will not tip over.



Fig. Ex. 2.22
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-6 Equilibrium

Soln. : Consider F.B.D. of two spheres as shown in
Fig. Ex. 2.22(a) and F.B.D. of cylinder as shown in
Fig. Ex. 2.22(b).



Fig. Ex. 2.22(a) Fig. Ex. 2.22(b)
From F.B.D. of spheres,
Z F
x
= 0 R
1
R
2
= 0 . R
1
= R
2
(1)
Z F
y
= 0 R
3
= W
1
+ W
2
...(2)
Z M
o
2
= 0 W
1
b R
1
h = 0
. R
1
=
W
1
b
h
. by Equation (1) R
2
=
W
1
b
h

From F.B.D. of cylinder, we see that R
1
and R
2
form a couple which tends to overturn the cylinder about
point A.
. Z M
A
= 0 W r + R
1
h = 0
Wr = R
1
h
W =
W
1
b
r
h W =
W
1
b
r
(3)
But, referring back to Fig. Ex. 2.22, we see that b = 2 r r
1
r
2

Substituting in Equation (3) . W =
W
1
r
(2r r
1
r
2
)
This is the maximum value of weight W of cylinder for which equilibrium can exist. Ans.

Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-7 Equilibrium

Ex. 2.27 : A 10 kg ring is supported by a smooth surface at E and a wire AB. A body of mass 3 kg is fixed at D as
shown in Fig. Ex. 2.27. What is the tension in the wire AB ? Also find angle o. The point A is directly
above point O.



Fig. Ex. 2.27
Soln. : F.B.D. of ring is shown in Fig. Ex. 2.27(a).


Fig. Ex. 2.27(a)
Apply conditions of equilibrium,
Z M
o
= 0 29.43 (r cos 45) + T cos o r = 0
. 29.43 r cos 45 = T r cos o
. T cos o = 20.81 (1)
Z F
x
= 0 R
E
cos 30 T cos o = 0
. T cos o = R
E
cos 30 (2)
Z F
y
= 0 T sin o + R
E
sin 30 98.1 29.43 = 0
. T sin o = 127.53 R
E
(0.5) ...(3)
Now, equating Equations (1) and (2)
. 20.81 = R
E
cos 30 . R
E
= 24.03 N
Substituting this value in Equation (3),
T sin o = 127.53 24.03 (0.5) . T sin o = 115.52 (4)
Now,
T sin o
T cos o
=
115.52
20.81
. o = 79.8 Ans.
By Equation (4), T sin (79.8) = 115.52 . T = 117.375 N Ans.
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-8 Equilibrium

TYPE III : EXAMPLES BASED ON EQUILIBRIUM UNDER PARALLEL FORCES
Ex. 2.31 : A bar of L-shape is suspended as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.31. Find angle 0 of equilibrium of bar.


Fig. Ex. 2.31 Fig. Ex. 2.31(a)
Soln. : Consider F.B.D. of bar which involves three parallel forces 1) Tension T 2) W
AB
and 3) W
BC
.
Using Z M
A
= 0
Note that moment of W
AB
about A is counterclockwise, hence moment of W
BC
must be clockwise which is
possible only when line of action of W
BC
passes to the right of A. (Refer Fig. Ex. 2.31(a)).
Z M
A
= 0 W
AB
(150 sin 0) W
BC
[100 cos 0 300 sin 0] = 0
(ALp)
AB
150 sin 0 = (ALp)
BC
[100 cos 0 300 sin 0]
But A
AB
= A
BC
(C.S. area is same)
and p
AB
= p
BC
(Material is same, so density is same)
. 300 [150 sin 0] = 200[100 cos 0 300 sin 0]
. 1050 sin 0 = 200 cos 0
. tan 0 =
200
1050
0 = 10.78 Ans.
TYPE IV : EXAMPLES BASED ON GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM AND REACTIONS
Ex. 2.36 : Two cables tied at C as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.36
knowing that the maximum allowable tension
in each cable is 1000 N. Determine (1) the
magnitude of largest force P which may be
applied at C (2) the corresponding value of 0.
Refer Fig. Ex. 2.36.
Fig. Ex. 2.36
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-9 Equilibrium

Soln. : F.B.D. of joint C.
Using Lamis theorem, .
T
BC
sin (210 0)
=
T
AC
sin (55 + 0)
=
P
sin 95

Now to find magnitude of largest force P each cable must be
subjected to its maximum allowable value of tension (1000 N).
. T
BC
= T
AC
= 1000 N
. sin (210 0) = sin (55 + 0)
. 210 0 = 55 + 0
20 = 155 Fig. Ex. 2.36(a)
. 0 = 77.5 Ans.
Maximum value of P . P
(max)
=
T
AC
sin 95
sin (55 + 0)
=
800 sin 95
sin (55 + 77.5)

P
(max)
= 1080.94 N Ans.
Ex. 2.38 : For given arrangement find sag BD. Neglect friction. Refer Fig. Ex. 2.38.

Fig. Ex. 2.38 Fig. Ex. 2.38(a)
Soln. : Consider F.B.D. of point B
Since T
AB
= T
BC
= 20 N, the angle of AB and BC with horizontal must be same.
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-10 Equilibrium

Let 0 be the angle of AB and BC with horizontal. (Refer Fig. Ex. 2.38(a))
. By Lamis theorem,
20
sin (90 + 0)
=
10
sin (180 20)

.
20
cos 0
=
10
sin 20

. 20 [2 sin 0 cos 0] = 10 [cos 0]
sin 0 =
10
40

. 0 = 14.48 with horizontal Fig. Ex. 2.38(b)
Now, to find sag BD (y) In A AMB, tan 0 =
y
6

. y = 6 tan (14.48) y = 1.55 m Ans.
Ex. 2.40 : By means of a turnbuckle T a tensile force P is produced
in one of the radial bars of the hinged regular octagon as
shown in Fig. Ex. 2.40. Determine the forces produced in
other bars.
Soln. : For octagonal frame,
o =
360
8
= 45
. In A ABO, o + 20 = 180
. 0 =
180 o
2
=
180 45
2

0 = 67.5
Fig. Ex. 2.40
Now, draw F. B. D. of joint A,
By Lamis theorem,

F
AB
sin (180 0)
=
F
AH
sin (180 0)
=
P
sin 20

. F
AB
= F
AH
=
P sin 0
sin 2 0
=
P sin 0
2 sin 0cos 0
=
P
2 cos 0

Fig. Ex. 2.40(a) . F
AB
= F
AH
= 1.306 P [compressive]
Now, consider F. B. D. of join B,
By Lamis theorem,

F
BC
sin (180 0)
=
1.306 P
sin (180 0)
=
F
OB
sin 20

.
F
BC
sin 0
=
1.306 P
sin 0
=
F
OB
sin 2 0

F
BC
= 1.306 P (compressive)
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-11 Equilibrium

F
OB
=
1.306 P sin 2 0
sin 0

=
1.306 P (2 sin 0 cos 0)
sin 0

= 2.612 P cos 0
V = 2.612 P cos (67.5)
F
OB
= P (Tensile) Fig. Ex. 2.40(b)
. All radial bars are subjected to tensile force of P and all outside bars are subjected to
compressive force 1.306 P. Ans.
Ex. 2.46 : Two links AB and DE are connected by a bell crank as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.46. Determine the
maximum force which may be safely exerted by link AB on the bell crank if the maximum allowable
value of reaction at C is 400 N.


Fig. Ex. 2.46 Fig. Ex. 2.46(a)
Soln. : Let T
AB
and T
DE
be the force exerted by links AB and DE respectively.
Consider F. B. D. of lever BCD.
Apply conditions of equilibrium,
Geometry :
In A BMC, tan =
CM
BM
=
3
4

. = 36.87
. o = 90
o = 53.13
ZF
x
= 0 T
AB
cos o + C
x
= 0
. C
x
= T
AB
cos (53.13) . C
x
= 0.6 T
AB
(1)
ZF
y
= 0 T
AB
sin o + C
y
T
DE
= 0
. C
y
= T
AB
sin o + T
DE
= T
AB
sin (53.13) + T
DE

C
y
= 0.8 T
AB
+ T
DE
(2)
ZM
C
= 0 T
AB
(BC) T
DE
(DN) = 0
Here, BC = 3
2
+ 4
2
= 5 cm
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-12 Equilibrium

. T
AB
(5) T
DE
(6) = 0
. T
DE
= 0.83 T
AB
(3)
Substituting this value in Equation (2) . C
y
= 0.8 T
AB
+ 0.83 T
AB

C
y
= 1.63 T
AB
(4)
Now, maximum allowable reaction at C, R
C
= 400 N given
R
C
= C
2
x

+ C
2
y

(400)
2
= (0.6 T
AB
)
2
+
(1.63 T
AB
)
2

. T
AB
= 230.29 N ... Ans.
. Corresponding force in link DE
by Equation (3) T
DE
= 0.83 T
AB
= 0.83 (230.29)
T
DE
= 191.14 N
Ex. 2.47 : A sleder rod of mass 8 kg and length L is attached to collars which may slide without friction along the
guides. If rod is in equilibrium find reactions at A and B. Also find angle o for equilibrium. Refer
Fig. Ex. 2.47.

Fig. Ex. 2.47
Soln. : Consider F. B. D of rod AB which involves,
1) Self weight mg
2) Reaction at A which is perpendicular to guide CD.
3) Reaction at B which is perpendicular to guide EF.
Note : When a sliding collar is given, reaction must be perpendicular to the guide along which the
collar slides.
Here bar is in equilibrium under three forces, so they must be concurrent.
.
R
B
sin 90
=
78.48
sin 120
=
R
A
sin 150

Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-13 Equilibrium

. R
A
= 45.31 N Ans.
R
B
= 90.62 N Ans.
To find angle o for equilibrium
Use Z M
A
= 0 or ZM
B
= 0
We shall use,
Z M
B
= 0 mg
L
2
sin o R
A
L cos o = 0
. 78.48 L/2 sin o = 45.31 . L cos o
. tano =
45.31
39.24

o = 49.11 Ans.



Fig. Ex. 2.47(a)
Ex. 2.48 : A bracket is supported at fixed end E and a cable BDF. If tension in cable is 75 kN find reaction
components at E.


Fig. Ex. 2.48
60
o
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-14 Equilibrium

Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D. of bracket assuming.
3 reaction components at E.
From geometry tan o =
3
2.25

. o = 53.13
Step 2 : Conditions of equilibrium.
i) Z F
x
= 0 E
x
+ 75 cos (53.13) = 0
. E
x
= 45 kN
. E
x
= 45 kN
ii) Z F
y
= 0 E
y
10 10 10 10 75 sin (53.13) = 0
. E
y
= 100 kN |
iii) Z M
E
= 0
M 75 cos (53.13) 3 + (10 0.9) + (10 1.8) + (10 2.7) + (10 3.6) = 0 Fig. Ex. 2.48(a)
. M = 45 kN.m V
Ex. 2.50 : A bar AD is attached to collars which may move freely on the rods as shown in Fig. Ex. 2.50. Determine
tension in the cord.



Fig. Ex. 2.50
Soln. : F.B.D. of bar AD involves
1) Reaction at A and C perpendicular to
guides along which they slide
2) Tension in cord BE
3) Applied force 30 N at D
Assume any direction of R
A
and R
B

but perpendicular to guides only
. Angle of R
A
and R
B
with horizontal is 30.
Conditions of equilibrium Fig. Ex. 2.50(a)
Z F
x
= 0 R
A
cos 30 + T
BE
cos 60 R
C
cos 30 = 0
R
A
R
C
+ 0.577 T
BE
= 0 (1)
Z F
y
= 0
R
A
sin 30 + T
BE
sin 60 + R
C
sin 30 30 = 0
Dividing by sin 30.
we get, R
A
+ R
C
+ 1.732 T
BE
= 60 (2)
Z M
A
= 0 (T
BE
sin 60 80) + (R
C
sin 30 160) 30 240 = 0
Engineering Mechanics (Statics) 2-15 Equilibrium

Dividing by 80 sin 60
we get, T
BE
+ 1.155 R
C
= 103.92 (3)
Rearranging the equations
R
A
R
C
+ 0.577 T
BE
= 0
R
A
+ R
C
+ 1.732 T
BE
= 60
0 + 1.155 R
C
+ T
BE
= 103.92
Solving above equations, we get,
Ans.
Ex. 2.51 : A force of 450 N is applied at point B of a plate
hinged at E. Neglect weight of the plate. Find
(a) The horizontal force that should be applied at
point F to maintain equilibrium.
(b) The smallest force at F to maintain equilibrium.
Soln. :
Step 1 : F.B.D.
For part (a) : Assume a horizontal force P at point F.
Using Z M
E
= 0
P (225) + (450 cos 60 125) (450 sin 60 300) = 0
. P = 394.61 N Fig. Ex. 2.51
For Part (b) : Now assume a force P at an angle 0 with horizontal.
Z M
E
= 0
(P cos 0 225) + (P sin 0 225) (450 sin 60 300) + (450 cos 60 125) = 0
. P =
394.615
sin 0 + cos 0
(I)
Now for smallest force P.

d
d 0
(sin 0 + cos 0) = 0
. cos 0 sin 0 = 0
. cos 0 = sin 0
. 0 = 45
Substitute in Equation (I)
P
min
=
394.615
sin 45 + cos 45

= 279.03 N
Fig. Ex. 2.51(a)
Equilibrium Ends.