UNIT-1

ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Mechanics of fluids Mechanics of Solids

(Study of liquids/gases at rest or in motion)

Mechanics of rigid bodies Mechanics of deformable bodies

(Study of external effect of forces) (Study of internal force distribution)
Strength of Material

STATICS DYNAMICS
(Study of forces on bodies when the body (Study of forces when body in motion)
At rest or remains at rest)

Kinematics Kinetics
1.Study of motion of bodies without considering 1.Study of motion
The forces causing the motion. Of bodies considering the forces
causing the motion
2.It relates displacement,velocity & acceleration 2.It relates forces & acceleration by
& their variation with time law of motion
 BASIC CONCEPT
Matter: It is anything that occupies space and has physical existence. It possesses mass and offer
resistance to external forces.
Particle: It is defined as an object whose mass is concentrated at a point. It is infinitely small in size
and mass is irrelevant to its position.
Body: A body is a portion of matter which occupies finite space and consists of number of particles. It
has definite mass.
Rigid Body: A rigid body is that body which does not change its shape or size when subjected to
external forces.
Deformable Body: A deformable body changes its shape or size under the action of external forces.
Such bodied are also called elastic bodies. They regain their original shape after the external forces
are removed.
Space: It is a region which extends in all directions in the universe and continuous everything in it, eg.
stars and planets.
Mass: it is the quantity of matter contained in a body.
Weight: It is the force by which earth attracts a body towards its centre of gravity. W=mg Newton

FORCE: A "force" is an action that changes, or tends to change, the state of motion of the body
upon which it acts. It is a vector quantity that can be represented either mathematically or graphically.

A complete description of a force MUST include its:

1. MAGNITUDE
2. DIRECTION
3. SENSE or LINE OF ACTION
4. POINT OF APPLICATION

Scalar and Vector: A quantity is said to be scalar if it is completely defined by its magnitude alone.
Ex: length, area, time. A quantity is said to be vector if it is completely defined only when its
magnitude and direction are specified. Ex: force, velocity, acceleration

Coplanar force: If all the forces lie in a single plane the system is called co-planar force
system.

Non-Coplanar force: If all the forces do not lie in a single plane the system is called non co-
planar force system.

Concurrent force: If the line of action of forces passes through a single point the system is
called con-current force system.
 Non-Concurrent force: If the line of action of forces does not pass through a single point the
system is called non-concurrent force system.

Collinear forces: If the line action of all the forces acts along the same line it is called collinear
forces (ex; Forces on a rope in a tug of war)
Moment of a force: Moment of a force about a point is its measure of its rotational effect.
Moment is defined as the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular
distance of the point from the line of action of the force. The point about which the moment
is considered is called moment centre and the perpendicular distance is called moment arm.

Couple: Two parallel forces equal in magnitude and opposite in direction and separated by a
definite distance are said to form a couple. The sum of the forces forming a couple in any
direction is zero which means the translator effect of the couple is zero.

Equilibrium: A body is said to be in equilibrium when it is at rest or continues to be in

steady linear motion. According to Newton’s law of motion it means that the resultant of all the
forces acting on a body in equilibrium is zero.

Equilibriant: A according to Newton’s law of motion a body starts moving with uniform
acceleration if it is acted upon by a force. Hence if another force equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction to the force causing the motion is applied to the body, the body comes to rest. Such a force
is equal and opposite to a given force is called Equlibriant
Reactions: These are self adjusting forces developed by the other bodies which come in contact
with the body under consideration. According to Newton’s third law of motion the reaction are equal
and opposite to the action. The reactions adjust themselves to bring the body to equilibrium.

Resultant: It is possible to find a single force which will have the same effect as that of a number of
forces acting on a body. Such a single force is called Resultant.

MECHANICS: The science which deals with the physical state of rest or of motion of rigid
bodies under the action of external forces when applied to engineering problems is termed as
Engineering Mechanics. If the state of the body is at rest, it is called Statics and if the state of the
body ij motion it is called Dynamics
LAWS OF MECHANICS

Triangle Law: If two sides of a triangle represent two forces taken in order then the third side will
give the resultant taken in opposite order.
A

R
P

B Q C

ABC is a triangle. Two forces P& Q acting along AB & BC in same order. The side AC will give the
resultant in opposite order.

Parallelogram Law: If two forces acting simultaneously on a body at a point are

represented in magnitude and direction by the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, their resultant
is represented in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram which passes through
the point of intersection of the two sides representing the forces

A D
P α R P P Psinθ
θ
θ
B Q C E

Pcosθ
ABCD is a parallelogram. P & Q are the two force acting along BA & BC. The diagonal BD will give the
resultant(R).
R=SQRT (P2+Q2+2PQcosθ) & θ=tan-{ Psinθ / (Q+Pcosθ) }

POLYGON LAW: If a number of concurrent forces acting simultaneously on a body are

represented in magnitude and direction by the sides of a polygon taken in order then the resultant is
represented in magnitude and direction by the closing side of the polygon taken in opposite order
 Newton’s Law of motion:

First Law: Every body continues in its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line unless it is
compelled to change that state by forces acting on it.

Second Law: The rate of change of momentum of a body is directly proportional to the impressed
force and it takes place in the direction in which the force acts. This law leads to the definition of force.

Momentum =mass × velocity

Rate of change of momentum=mass× rate of change of velocity
= mass × acceleration
Force is proportional to mass × acceleration

Third law: To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction

Principle of transmissibility of forces: The state of rest or of uniform motion of a rigid body is
unaltered if a force acting on the body is replaced by another force of the same magnitude and direction but
acting anywhere on the body along the same line of action of the replaced force.

B P
A

Principle of superposition of forces: This principle states that the action of a given system of forces
on a rigid body will in no way be changed if another system of forces in equilibrium is added or subtracted.

EQUILIBRIUM CONDITIONS
For concurrent force system the conditions of equilibrium are:
(i) ЄX=0: Algebraic sum of the forces in X-direction is equal to zero.
(ii) ЄY=0: Algebraic sum of the forces in Y-direction is equal to zero.
For non concurrent force system the conditions of equilibrium are:
(i) ЄX=0: Algebraic sum of the forces in X-direction is equal to zero.
(ii) ЄY=0: Algebraic sum of the forces in Y-direction is equal to zero.
(iii) ЄM=0: Algebraic sum of the moments about any point is equal to zero.
Resolution of Forces: It is the process of finding a number of component forces which will have the same
effect on the body as the given single force. It is exactly the opposite process of composition of forces.

P
P sinθ

Pcosθ

Transfer of a force in a parallel position: A force can be transferred in a parallel position by a force
and a couple at the new position.
P
P

B A
P l

A force is acting at A. Now at B two equal and opposite force of magnitude P is acting. Now the force P
at A acting upward and the force P at B acting downward form a couple of moment =pl(anticlockwise)

pl
B A
FREE BODY DIAGRAM
The new body diagram is a simple diagrammatic representation of an isolated body or
combination of bodies (treated as a single body) to show all the forces imposed on the body from
the surrounding. The forces may be either internal or external to the body under consideration.
All the forces (including reactions) acting on it are drawn. To draw it the supports are removed
and replaced by reactions which they exert on the body. The condition of equilibrium of the body
is attained when the active forces and reactive forces together represent a system of forces in
equilibrium.

Steps to Construct Free-body Diagrams:

Step 1:
Decide which body or combination of bodies is to be isolated. The body selected will usually
involve one or more of the desired unknown quantities.
Step 2:
The complete external boundary of the body selected should be drawn to express the isolation of
the body from all other contacting bodies.
Step 3:
The coordinate axes should be represented on the diagram, to show the proper position of
external forces.
Step 4:
The forces acting on the body due to contacting and attracting bodies should be represented in
their proper position. It should include both the known and unknown forces.
Note:
(1) For a simple support the beam is free to move and rotate, so only normal reaction will
develop.
(2) For roller support the beam is free to move and rotate, so there is only one reaction normal to
the surface.
(3) For hinged support beam can not move but can rotate about the support, so there are two
reactions RAX and RAY.
(4) For rocker support the beam is free to move an rotate so there is only one reaction normal to
surface.
LAMI’S THEOREM
Lami’s theorem states that if a body is in equilibrium under the action forces, then each force is
proportional to the sin of the angle between the other two forces. Symbolically,
F1/sinα = F2/sinß = F3/siny

Let F1→, F2→ and F3→ be three forces in equilibrium acting on a body along the directions s
shown in figure. Since the forces are in equilibrium they can represented by the three sides of the
triangle.
Now, applying the since rule for triangle ABC
AB/sin( 180 - α ) = BC/sin( 180 - ß ) = AC/sin (180 - y )
⇒ AB/sinα = BC/sinß = AC/siny (sin (180 - o) = sin θ
⇒ F1/sinα = F2/sinß = F3/sinY

When α, ß and y are the angle between F2→, F3→, F1→,F3 → and F1→, F2→

Example : Two weights C = 2000 N and D = 100 N are located on a horizontal beam AB as
shown in figure. Find the distance of weight C from support A, i.e., ‘x’ so that the support
reaction of A is twice that at B.

Solution: First of all, let us draw the free body diagram of the beam.
We are given RA = 2RB …(1)
Now, taking moment about A MA = 0

⇒ RB × 4 – 1000 (x+1) – 2000 x = 0

⇒ 4RB = 1000 x + 1000 + 2000 x
⇒ 4RB = 3000 x + 1000 …(2)
From force balance,
2000 + 1000 – RA – RB = 0
⇒ 3000 – 2RB – RB = 0
⇒ RB = 1000 N
RA = 2000 N
From eqn. (2), we get
4 × 1000 = 3000 x + 1000
x=1m
Example: Figure shows a sphere resting in a smooth V shaped groove and subjected to a spring
force. The spring is compressed to a length of 100 mm from its free length of 150 mm. if the
stiffness of spring is 2N/mm, determine the contact reactions at A and B.

Solution: From given data:

Deflection of the spring = 150 – 100 = 50 mm
Let Fs be the force transmitted by spring. Then,
Fs = k.δ
where k = stiffness of spring material,

⇒ Fs = 2 × 50 = 100 N
Total load = 40 + 100 = 140 N
From free body diagram of the sphere, using Lami’s theorem
RA/sin(120o) = RB/sin(150o) = 140/sin90o
⇒ RA = 140.sin (120o) = 121.24 N
RB = 140.sin (150o) = 70 N
Example: An electric light fixture weighing 25 N hangs from a point C, by two strings AC and
BC. The string AC is inclined at 60o to the horizontal and BC at 45o to the vertical; as

shown in figure. Determine the forces in the strings AC and BC.

Solution: Given that load at C = 25 N
Now, let us assume that Tension in string AC = T1
Tension in string BC = T2

The system of forces can be shown from free body diagram of joint C.
< BCD = 45o + 90o = 135o
< ACD = 60o + 90o = 150o
< ACB = 360o – 135o – 150o = 75o
Using Lami’s equation at C, we get
25 / sin 75o = T1 / sin 135o = T2 / sin 150o
⇒ T1 = 25 sin 35o / sin 75o = 18.30 N
T2 = 25 sin 150o / sin 75o = 12.94 N
Solved Examples Based On Resultant Force
Example: Three external forces are acting on L shaped lever as shown in figure. Determine the
equivalent system through point O.

Solution: To determine the equivalent system we used to calculate the resultant force and single
moment through O.
For simplicity consider x-axis along OC and y-axis along OA.
⇒ ΣRx = FC cos 40o – 200 – 50o = 100 cos 40o – 250 = –173.4 N
ΣFy = –FC sin 40o = –100 sin = –64.3 N
∴ Resultant force R = √(ΣRx)2 + (ΣRy)2
⇒ R = √( - 173.4)2 + ( - 64.3)2 = 184.93N

Angle made by resultant with x axis;

sin
Given α = 90o, we get
tan 90o = Q sin θ / P + Q cos θ
∝ = Q sin θ / P + Q cos θ
This is possible only when the denominator is zero.
P + Q cos θ = 0; cos θ = (–P/Q)
θ = cos–1 (–P/Q)
Solved Examples Based On The Principle Of Equilibrium
Example: Find the reactions R1, R2 and R3 in the case of two beams placed one over the other as
shown in figure.
Solution: Taking moment about F, we get
R1 × 10 – 1500 × 4 + 500 × 8 = 0 …(1)
⇒ R1 = 200 N
Thus, we can observe that out of total load 2000, the reaction 1 takes only 200 N and remaining
(2000 – 200 = 1800 N) acts at the edge of the bottom beam as shown in figure.
For equilibrium, Σ Fy =0
⇒ R2 + R3 – 1800 – 3000 = 0
⇒ R2 + R3 = 4800 N …(2)
Now, taking moment about R3, we get
–1800 × 24 + R2 × 16 – 3000 × 10 = 0
R2 = 4575 N
From equation (2), we get R3 = 225 N

Example: A uniform bar AB of length L is hinged at A and supported at B by a string that

passes over a pulley C and carries a load W2 at its free end, as shown in figure. If the weight of
bar is W2, find the configuration of equilibrium of the system as defined by the ratio of lengths
r/h.
Solution: Considering the bar AB in equilibrium, we ca observe that it is acted upon by three
forces W2, W1 and RA. The line of action of RA can be represented by AE. Since D is mid point
of AB and DE is parallel to AC, it can be concluded that E is mid point by BC.
Thus, the triangle of forces as shown in figure will be similar to triangle CAE as shown in figure.

(r/2)/W1 = h/W2 ⇒ r/h = 2W1/W2 …(1)

From figure it can be noted that
(h – 1) < r < (h + 1)
Hence, the configuration of equilibrium can be defined by equation (1) only if;
(h - 1/h) < r/h < (h + 1/h)
h-1/h < 2W1/W2 < (h + 1/h)
Or (h - 1/2h) < W1/W2 < (h + 1)/2h …(2)
If equation (2) is not followed, the bar AB will assume a vertical position of equilibrium.
UNIT:1
Q.1. Q.2. D E

2 D
C 1.5m

1 C 1m
A
o
60
A B
B
120mm C is hinge joint

Radius of ball 1=100mm and ball 2=50mm ; A Cylinder 1m diameter and 10kg mass
Weight of ball 1=2000N and ball 2 =800N is lodged between cross pieces that
Determine reactions at A, B, C, D makes an angle of 600 with each other
As shown in Fig. above. Determine the
Tension in the horizontal rope DE.
Q.3.

P A

B
Q C

S 30o
R
Three uniform, homogeneous and smooth spheres A, B & C weighing 300N, 600N & 300N respectively and having
diameters 800mm, 1200mm & 800mm respectively are placed in a trench as shown in Fig. above. Determine the reactions
at the contact points P, Q, R and S
Q.4.A rigid circular roller of weight 5000N rest on a smooth inclined plane and is held in position by a chord AC as shown
in Fig below. Find the tension in the chord if there is a horizontal force of magnitude 1000N acting at C.

30o
1000N

C
20 o A

)
UNIT:1
Q.5. 20KN/m
C

5m

BD
3m 5m
o
A 60 30o E

Determine the magnitude of pin reaction at B on the horizontal member BD. The smooth surface on which
the structure rests is horizontal
Q.6.. The horizontal force 200N in Fig is applied to the slopping member BCD whose bottom rests on a
smooth horizontal plane. Its upper end is pinned at B to the horizontal member AB. What couple must be
applied to the member AB to hold the system in equilibrium? What is the magnitude of the pin reaction at B
16m
A B

8m
M
4m
C 200N
60o

D
6m 2m
Q.7. 600N/m

D E F
3000Nm
3m
A C
1m 50o B

Determine the tension in the wire AC which is horizontal.

Q.8. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the following set of forces acting on a body.
(i) 200N inclined 30 degree with east towards north
(ii) 250N towards the north
(iii) 300N towards North West
(iv) 350N inclined at 40 degree with west towards south.

What will be the equilibrant of the force system? (Ans: R=456N,47.7 degree with X-axis in negative direction)

Q.9. Find the resultant of forces 2,3,4,5,6 N that act at an angular point of a regular hexagon towards the
other angular points taken in order.

Q.10. A uniform wheel of 50cm diameter and 1kN weight rest against a rigid rectangular block of thickness 20
cm as shown in Fig.1. Considering all surfaces smooth, determine
P

θ
20cm

(a) Least Pull to be applied through the centre of wheel to just turn it over the corner of the block.
(b) Reaction of the block

Q.11.A 1kN force has been resolved into components along AB and AC directions in the x-y plane as shown in
Fig.2.specified by the angles α and β as shown in Fig. If the component along is 2kN and along AB is 1.6kN,
determine the angles α and β
Q.15.Fig below shows a sphere resting in a smooth V shaped groove
and subjected to a spring force. The spring is compressed to a length of
100mm from its free
B Length of 150mm.If the stiffness of spring is 2KN/mm.
A β Determine the contact reactions at A and B
100mm k=2kN/mm

α 30o1kN
40N
C
30o A B 60o
Q.12.The frictional less pulley A shown in Fig is supported by two bars AB and AC which are hinged at B and C
to a vertical wall.The flexible cable DG hinged at D goes over the pulley and supports a load of 20KN at G.The
angles between various members are shown in Fig. Determine the forces in AB and AC.Neglect the size of
pulley
B

60o
G A

30o
D

20KN
30o
C

Q. 13. One end of a split horizontal beam ACB is fixed into wall and the other end B rests on a roller support. A
hinge is at point A.A crane of weight 50KN is mounted on the beam and is lifting a load of 10KN at the end L.
The C.G of the crane acts along the vertical line CD and KL=4m.Neglect the weight of the beam, find the
reaction / moments at A &B. 4m
L
D

10KN
W

A B
C
1m 1m

4m 8m

Q.14. The cross-section of a block is an equilateral triangle. It is hinged at A and rests on a rollerat B. It is pulled
by means of a string attached at C. If the weight of the block is Mg and the string is horizontal, determine the
force P which should be applied through string to just lift the block off the roller.
 C P

2a

a
A B

Mg

Q.15.A 12m boom AB weighs 1KN, the distance of the centre of gravity G being 6m from A. For the position
shown, determine the tension T in the cable and the reaction at B

15o
2.5KN
o
30
A

G
Q.16. A cylinder of weight 1000N and radius 40cm is in equilibrium as shown in Fig. Find the tension in the
rope AC. Length of BC is 2m
A
90o

B 60o
17.The resultant of two forces,when they act at an angle of 60 degree is 14N.If the same forces are
acting at right angles, their resultant is 136 .Determine the magnitude of the two forces.
(Ans:10N & 6N)

18.

Determine reaction at contact point.

120N

300 600

19.Two identical rollers of weight 1000N are supported by an inclined plane and a vertical wall shown in
Fig. Find reactions at all contact surfaces.

300

20. Two spheres each of weight 1000N and radius 25cm rest in a horizontal channel of width 90cm
shown in fig .Find reactions at contact points A, B, C

A
B

B
21.Two smooth cylinders each of weight 1000N and radius 15cm are connected at their centres by a
string AB of length 40cm and rest upon a horizontal plane, supporting above them a third cylinder of
weight 2000N and radius 15cm as shown in fig. Find force in string AB and pressure produced on the
floor at the points of contact D & E

A B

D E

Short questions:
1. Differentiate between statics and dynamics.
2. Differentiate between kinematics and kinetics.
3. What are the characteristics of a force? Explain types of force system.
4. What is resultant? How does it defer from equilibrant? How will you find resultant of a two
dimensional concurrent force system?
5. Explain:Triangle law, polygon law, parallelogram law
6. What is rigid body? State principle of transmissibility with limitations.
7. State and prove lami’s theorem
8. What is free body diagram? Explains with examples
9.What is vector?Difine different types of vectors.
10.State conditions of equilibrium.