Statics is primarily concerned to system of forces applied to body at rest.

It includes
the following topics: resultant of force system; equilibrium of force system; cables;
friction; trusses; frames; centroid; center of gravity; and moment of inertia.

Content so far...

Rectangular Components Moment of a Force about

Couples
of a Force a Point
Resultant of Concurrent Resultant of Parallel Resultant of Non-concurrent, Non-
Forces Force System parallel Force System
Equilibriumf of Concurrent Equilibrium of Parallel Equilibrium of Non-concurrent,
Force System Force System Non-parallel Force System
Method of Joints for Method of Sections for
Method of Members for Frames
Simple Trusses Simple Trusses
Moment of Inertia and Radius of
Dry Friction Centroid of Plane Areas
Gyration

Forces acting at some angle from the the coordinate axes can be resolved into mutually
perpendicular forces called components. The component of a force parallel to the x-axis
is called the x-component, parallel to y-axis the y-component, and so on.

Components of a Force in XY Plane

Fx=Fcosθx=Fsinθy
Fy=Fsinθx=Fcosθy
F=Fx2+Fy2−−−−−−−−√
tanθx=FyFx
Given the slope
of the line of
action of the force as v/h (see
figure to the right)
r=h2+v2−−−−−−√
Fx=F(h/r)
Fy=F(v/r)
Components of a Force in 3D Space
Given the direction cosines of the force:
Fx=Fcosθx
Fy=Fcosθy
Fz=Fcosθz
F=Fx2+Fy2+Fz2−−−−−−−−−−−−−√
cosθx=FxF
cosθy=FyF
cosθz=FzF

Given the
coordinat
es of any
two points along the line of
action of the force (in reference to
the figure shown, one of the points
is the origin):
Let d = distance OB

d=x2+y2+z2−−−−−−−−−−√
Fx=F(x/d)
Fy=F(y/d)
Fz=F(z/d)

Vector Notation of a Force (Also called Rectangular Representation of a Force)

F=Fλ
Where λ is a unit vector. There are two cases in determining λ; by direction cosines and
by the coordinates of any two points on the line of action of the force.

Given the direction cosines:

λ=cosθxi+cosθyj+cosθzk
Given any two points P1(x1, y1) and P2(x2, y2) on the line of action of the force:
λ=1d(dxi+dyj+dzk)
 Where
i, j, and k are unit vectors in the direction of x, y and z respectively.
dx=x2−x1
dy=y2−y1
dz=z2−z1
d=dx2+dy2+dz2−−−−−−−−−−−−√
cosθx=dx/d
cosθy=dy/d
cosθz=dz/d
Note:
cos2θx+cos2θy+cos2θz=1
(dx/d)2+(dy/d)2+(dz/d)2=1
Also note the following:
Fx=cosθx=dx/d
Fy=cosθy=dy/d
Fz=cosθz=dz/d
F=Fx2+Fy2+Fz2−−−−−−−−−−−−−√

Thus,

F=F(cosθxi+cosθyj+cosθzk)
F=Fd(dxi+dyj+dzk)

In simplest term

F=Fxi+Fyj+Fzk

The above rectangular representation of a force is applicable in both 2D and 3D forces.

Tags:

 components of a force
 3d force
 2d force
 direction cosines
 x-component
 y-component
 z-component
 vector notation
 001 Horizontal and vertical componets of planar forces
 002 Components of forces with given slope
 003 Components of a 3D force with given distances
 004 Components of a 3D force with given angles
 005 Components of a force in rotated axes
 006 Components of a force in axes that are not perpendicular to each other
 007 Components of a force parallel and perpendicular to the incline
 008 Components of a force at different pairs of axes
 009 Force with given component parallel to the incline
 010 Components of force normal and tangent to hypotenuse of a triangle
 016 Components of a force parallel to supporting bars
 017 Computation of force with given component parallel to a frame member
Problem 001
Problem Determine the x and y components of the forces shown below in Fig P-001.

Solution 001

Fx1=58cos30∘=50.23 kN
Fy1=58sin30∘=29 kN

Fx2=−50cos45∘=−35.36 kN
Fy2=50sin45∘=35.36 kN

Fx3=−45(513)=−17.31 kN
Fy3=−45(1213)=−41.54 kN

Fx4=40 kN
Fy4=0

Rectangular Representation
F=F(cosθxi+sinθxj)
F1=58(cos30∘i+sin30∘j)=50.23i+29j kN
F2=50(−cos45∘i+sin45∘j)=−35.36i+35.36j kN
F3=45(−513i−1213j)=−17.31i−41.54j kN
F4=40i kN

From the above vector notations, Fx is the coefficient of i and Fy is the coefficient of j.

Calculator Techniques

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The calculator keys here are based on the following CASIO models: fx-570ES, fx-570ES Plus,
fx-115ES, fx-115ES Plus, fx-991ES, and fx-991ES Plus

Technique 1 - Calculator in CMPLX mode: [MODE] → 2:CMPLX

For F1 = 58 kN:

58 ∠ 30 = 293√+29i

To get the decimal display, input [S⇔D]

58 ∠ 30 = 50.23+29i

Thus,
Fx1=50.23kN
Fy1=29kN

Note: To enter the ∠ in the operation, input [SHIFT] → [(–)] and the calculator will
display the symbol ∠. If not, that means, you are not yet in CMPLX mode.

For F2 = 50 kN:

50 ∠ (180 - 45) = −252√+252√i

Press [S⇔D] −35.36+35.36i

Thus,
Fx2=−35.36kN
Fy2=35.36kN
 For F3 = 45 kN:

45 ∠ (180 + tan-1(12/5)) = −22513−54013i

Press [S⇔D] −17.31−41.54i

Thus,
Fx3=−17.31kN
Fy3=−41.54kN

Technique 2 - Using Rec. Calculator in COMP mode: [MODE] → 1:COMP

To enter Rec input [SHIFT] → [–] and for comma " , " input [SHIFT] → [ ) ]

Note: For this method, the answer in X and Y will automatically stored to variable
X and Y, replacing any stored values on those variables. To recall the new values,
simply input [ALPHA] X or [ALPHA] Y

For F1 = 58 kN:
Rec(58,30)=
X = 50.23, Y = 29

For F2 = 50 kN:
Rec(50,(180-45))=
X = -35.36, Y = 35.36

For F3 = 45 kN:
Rec(45,(180+tan-1(12/5))=
X = -17.31, Y = -41.54
Problem 002
Compute the x and y components of each of the four forces shown in Fig. P-002.

Solution 002

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Px=722(213√)=400.49 lb
Py=722(313√)=600.74 lb

Qx=−200cos60∘=−100 lb
Qy=200sin60∘=173.20 lb

Fx=−448(25√)=−400.70 lb
Fy=−448(15√)=−200.35 lb

Tx=400sin20∘=136.81 lb
Ty=−400cos20∘=−375.88 lb

Rectangular Representation
F=F(cosθxi+sinθxj)
P=722(213√i+313√j)=400.49i+600.74j lb
Q=200(−cos60∘i+sin60∘j)=−100i+173.20j lb
F=448(−25√i−15√j)=−400.70i−200.35j lb
T=400(sin20∘i−cos20∘j)=136.81i−375.88j lb
The coefficients of i and j from the vector notations are the respective x and y components of
each force.
Calculator Techniques

HideClick here to show or hide the solution

Based on the following CASIO models: fx-570ES, fx-570ES Plus, fx-115ES, fx-115ES Plus, fx-
991ES, and fx-991ES Plus

Using CMPLX mode: [MODE] → 2:CMPLX

Using this mode, you input F ∠ θ and the calculator will return a + bi. The x-component of the
force is a and the y-component is b. Note that θ starts from the positive side of x-axis and is
positive if rotated counterclockwise and negative if rotated clockwise.
P = 722 ∠ tan-1(3/2) = 400.49 + 600.74i

Q = 200 ∠ (180 - 60) = -100 + 173.20i

F = 448 ∠ (180 + tan-1(1/2) = -400.70 - 200.35i

T = 400 ∠ -(90-20) = 136.81 - 375.88i

Using Rec: [MODE] → 1:COMP

In this function, we will input Rec(F,θ).
P = Rec(722,tan-1(3/2)) =
X = 400.49, Y = 600.74

Q = Rec(200,180-60) =
X = -100, Y = 173.20

F = Rec(448,180+tan-1(1/2)) =
X = -400.70, Y = - 200.35

T = Rec(400,-(90-20)) =
X = 136.81, Y = - 375.88
Problem 003
Which of the following correctly defines the 500 N force that passes from A(4, 0, 3) to
B(0, 6, 0)?
A. 256i - 384j + 192k N
B. -256i + 384j - 192k N
C. -384i + 192j - 256k N
D. 384i - 192j + 256k N

Solution 003

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From the figure
rAB=−4i+6j−3k m

Unit vector from A to B:

λAB=rABrAB
λAB=−4i+6j−3k(−4)2+62+(−3)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√
λAB=−0.5121i+0.7682j−0.3841k

Rectangular representation of F:

F=FλAB
F=500(−0.5121i+0.7682j−0.3841k)
F=−256i+384j−192k N

Answer: B

Calculator Technique
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May work in the following CASIO models: fx-570ES, fx-570ES Plus, fx-115ES, fx-115ES Plus,
fx-991ES, and fx-991ES Plus

Use VECTOR mode: [MODE] → 8:VECTOR

This mode is made primarily for vector quantities, thus, handling forces in 3D is straightforward.

Enter position vector:

[MODE] → 8:VECTOR → 1:VctA → 1:3
r = VctA = [ -4 6 -3 ]

Solve for vector F: AC

F = 500[×]([SHIFT] → [5 VECTOR] → 3:VctA ÷ [SHIFT] → [hyp Abs]( → [SHIFT] → [5
VECTOR] → 3:VctA) ) =
Calculator display: 500×(VctA÷Abs(VctA))
F = [ -256 384 -192 ] answer

Note: the unit vector λ is:

λ = [SHIFT] → [5 VECTOR] → 3:VctA ÷ [SHIFT] → [hyp Abs]( → [SHIFT] → [5 VECTOR]
→ 3:VctA)

Problem 004
Referring to Fig. 1.4, determine the angle between vector A and the y-axis.
A. 65.7°
B. 73.1°
C. 67.5°
D. 71.3°
Solution 004

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Axy=Asin30∘
Axy=0.5A

Ay=Axysin40∘
Ay=(0.5A)sin40∘
Ay=0.321A

cosθy=0.321
θy=71.3∘

Answer: D

Problem 005
Find the components in the x, y, u and v directions of the force P = 10 kN shown in Fig.
P-005.

Solution 005

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Px=10cos60∘=5 kN
Py=10sin60∘=8.66 kN
Pu=10cos40∘=7.66 kN
Pv=10sin40∘=6.43 kN

Problem 006
The force P of magnitude 50 kN is acting at 215° from the x-axis. Find the components
of P in u 157° from x, and v negative 69° from x.

Solution 006

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From the figure:
ϕ=180∘−157∘=23∘
φ=215∘−180∘=35∘
θ=215∘−157∘=58∘
α=69∘−ϕ=69∘−23∘=46∘
β=180∘−69∘−φ=180∘−69∘−35∘=76∘

Check:
θ+α+β=58∘+46∘+76∘=180∘ (okay!)

By Sine Law:
Pusinβ=Pvsinθ=Psinα
Pusin76∘=Pvsin58∘=50sin46∘
Pu=50sin76∘sin46∘=67.44 kN answer
Pv=50sin58∘sin46∘=58.95 kN answer

Problem 007
A block is resting on an incline of slope 5:12 as shown in Fig. P-007. It is subjected to a
force F = 500 N on a slope of 3:4. Determine the components of F parallel and
perpendicular to the incline.

Solution 007

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θ=α+β
θ=arctan(3/4)+arctan(5/12)
θ=59.49∘

Fx=500cosθ=500cos59.49∘
Fx=253.85 kN answer

Fy=−500sinθ=−500sin59.49∘
Fy=−430.77 kN answer
Problem 008
A force P = 800 N is shown in Fig. P-008.

1. Find the y-component of P with respect to x and y axis.

2. Find the y'-component of P with respect to x' and y' axis.
3. Find the y-component of P with respect to x' and y axis.
4. Find the y'-component of P with respect to x and y' axis.

Solution 008

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Part (a)
y-component of P with respect to x and y axis

Py=800sin30∘
Py=400 N answer

Part (b)
y'-component of P with respect to x' and y' axis

Py′=800sin60∘
Py′=692.82 N

Part (c)
y-component of P with respect to x' and y axis
The figure formed is in the shape of equilateral triangle. Thus,

Py=800 N answer

Part (d)
y'-component of P with respect to x and y' axis
By Sine Law
Py′sin30∘=Psin120∘
Py′=Psin30∘sin120∘
Py′=800sin30∘sin120∘
Py′=461.88 N answer

Problem 009
The body on the 30° incline in Fig. P-009 is acted upon by a force P inclined at 20° with
the horizontal. If P is resolved into components parallel and perpendicular to incline and
the value of the parallel component is 1800 N, compute the value of the perpendicular
component and that of P.

Solution 009

θ=20∘+30∘
θ=50∘

Perpendicular component
Pn=1800tanθ
Pn=1800tan50∘
Pn=2145.16 N answer
Value of P
P=1800cosθ
P=1800cos50∘
P=2800.3 N answer

Problem 010
The triangular block shown in Fig. P-010 is subjected to the loads P = 1600 lb and F =
600 lb. If AB = 8 in. and BC = 6 in., resolve each load into components normal and
tangential to AC.

Solution 010

Fn=Fsinθ=600(3/5)
Fn=360 lb

Ft=Fcosθ=600(4/5)
Ft=480 lb

Pn=Pcosθ=1600(4/5)
Pn=1280 lb

Pt=Psinθ=1600(3/5)
Pt=960 lb
Problem 016
The magnitude of vertical force F shown in Fig. P-016 is 8000 N. Resolve F into
components parallel to the bars AB and AC.

Solution 016

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By Sine Law:
FABsin20∘=8000sin40∘
FAB=4256.71 N answer
FACsin120∘=8000sin40∘
FAC=10778.37 N answer

Problem 017
If the force F shown in Fig. P-017 is resolved into components parallel to the bars AB
and BC, the magnitude of the component parallel to bar BC is 4 kN. What are the
magnitudes of F and its component parallel to AB?
Solution 017

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tanα=1.51.0
α=56.31∘

tanβ=1.54.0
β=20.56∘

θ=90∘−α=90∘−56.31∘
θ=33.69∘

ϕ=90∘−β=90∘−20.56∘
ϕ=69.44∘

φ=180∘−θ−ϕ=180∘−33.69∘−69.44∘
φ=76.87∘

By Sine law
Fsinφ=FBCsinθ
F=FBCsinφsinθ
F=4sin76.87∘sin33.69∘
F=7.02 kN answer

FABsinϕ=FBCsinθ
FAB=FBCsinϕsinθ
FAB=4sin69.44∘sin33.69∘
FAB=6.75 kN answer