LECTURE NOTES

ON
ENGINEERING MECHANICS
(BE2104)

Prepared
By
Prof. (Dr.) M. K. Roul
Professor and Principal,

Gandhi Institute for Technological Advancement

(GITA), Bhubaneswar – 752054
June 2014

Prepared by Prof. (Dr.) Manmatha K. Roul Page 1

 BE2104 Mechanics (3-0-0)

Module I (13 Hours) :

Concurrent forces on a plane – Composition and resolution of forces and equilibrium of

concurrent coplanar forces, Method of projections, Methods of moment, Friction. Parallel
forces in a plane- Two parallel forces, General case of parallel forces, Center of parallel forces
in a plane and center of gravity- centroids of composite plane figure and curves, Distributed
parallel forces in a plane. General case of forces in a plane- composition of forces in a plane
and equilibrium of forces in a plane.

Module II (13 Hours) :

Plane trusses- method of joints and method of sections, Principle of virtual work – equilibrium
of ideal systems. Moments of Inertia- Plane figure with respect to an axis in its plane and
perpendicular to the planeparallel axis theorem, Moment of Inertia of material bodies.
Rectilinear Translation- Kinematics- Principles of Dynamics- D’Alemberts Principles.

Module III (14 Hours) :

Momentum and impulse, Work and Energy- impact Curvilinear translation- Kinematics-
equation of motion- projectile- D’Alemberts Principle in curvilinear motion, Moment of
momentum, Work- Energy in curvilinear motion. Kinetics of Rotation of rigid body.

Text Books:

1. Engineering Mechanics by S Timoshenko, D.H Young and J.V.Rao, Revised 4th edition
(Special Indian Edition), McGraw Hill.

Reference Books:
1. Fundamental of Engineering Mechanics(2nd Edition) by S. Rajesekharan & G.Sankara
Subramanium, Vikash Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
2. Engineering Mechanics by Shames and Rao, Pearson Education.
3. Engineering Mechanics, Statics and Dynamics by Boresi and Schmidt, Thomson.
4. Engineering Mechanics by I.S.Gunjal, Laxmi publications.
5. Engineering Mechanics by K.L.Kumar, Tata McGraw Hill
6. Engineering Mechanics by Kumaravelan, Scitech

Prepared by Prof. (Dr.) Manmatha K. Roul Page 2

 1st Year Special Examination(Old Course)–2014
Q.CODE: (G560)

Q1.(a) Draw the free body diagram of a car moving down the hill.

Ans. The figure below shows the free body diagram of a car moving down the hill

RA = Normal reaction at A
RB = Normal reaction at B
μRA = Force of friction at A
μRB = Force of friction at B
W = Weight of the car

(b) State whether the statement ‘the moment of a couple is a free vector ‘ is true or false with
justifications.
Ans.

Let us consider two equal, opposite and non collinear forces (known as a couple) as
shown in the figure.
Now, moment of the couple about any arbitrary point O,

Thus, moment of the couple, defined by the vector is independent of the point about which the
moment is taken.
Since the moment of a couple is independent of choice of the moment centre.
So, moment of a couple is a free vector .

(c) ‘ Moment of inertia is the equivalent of mass in rotational motion’ – do you agree with this
statement ? if yes justify it . If no, explain why ?

Ans. ‘ Moment of inertia is the equivalent of mass in rotational motion’ – Yes I agree with this
statement.
We know that, For linear motion
F = ma --------
 And for rotational motion
T = I α --------
( T= Torque or moment, I= Moment of inertia, α= angular acceleration= )
From equation (1), we have

From equation (2), we have

So, in case of rectilinear motion, when mass is more, acceleration will be less for same applied
force. So, mass is called the measure of inertia in rectilinear motion.
And in case of rotational motion, when moment of inertia is more, angular acceleration will be
less for same applied torque.
Hence, ‘Moment of inertia is the equivalent of mass in rotational motion’.

(d) Justify the truth in the statement, ‘an elastic impact must be noiseless’, if true.

Ans. In general, when there is impact between two bodies, some energy is converted into heat energy,
sound energy and energy of deformation.
So, Total energy before impact = total energy after impact + Energy loss
For an elastic impact, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
According to Law of conservation of energy
Total energy before impact = total energy after impact
Energy loss = 0
So no energy is converted in to heat, noise, or energy of deformation.
So, an elastic impact must be noiseless.

(e) What will be the work done if the point of application of force moves in a direction normal
to the force ?

Ans. Let a force F acts on body, displaces it through S unit at an angle θ with the direction of force
Work done, W =
When, angle between force and displacement is 900
Work done, W =
= 0
= 0

(f) A 300 N weight is suspended by a helical spring having a constant k = 1 kN/m. neglecting
mass of the spring , find the period t for small amplitudes of vertical vibration.
Ans. Given data:
W = 300 N , So Mass M = = = 30.61 Kg and spring constant k = 1 kN/m = 1000 N/m .

We know that time period t = 2 π = 2 × 3.14 × = 1.098 sec.

Hence, the time period t for small amplitudes of vertical vibration is 1.098 sec.

(g) A simply supported beam AB of span 6 m is hinged at A and supported on a roller at B. it is

loaded with a down ward vertical force of 100 kN at 2 m from end A. Find the reactions at
the supports .
Ans. Given data are

Let RA and RB be the reactions at supports at A and B.

Now, taking moment about A, We have , RB × 6 = 100 × 2 => RB = 33.33 kN.
Also, we have RA+ RB = 100 kN . So, RA = 100 – RB = 100 – 33.33 = 66.67 kN.
Hence, the reactions at the supports A and B are 66.67 kN and 33.33 kNrespectively .

(h) Define the term ‘Moment of momentum’ .

Ans. Moment of momentum of the particle with respect to the origin is defined as the product of
momentum and perpendicular distance.

So, referring to the above fig moment of momentum of the particle with respect to the origin O is
defined as the product of momentum and the perpendicular distance OB.
Moment of momentum = ( ) × v × OB = mv × OB =

(i) If the speed of a particle along a curved path is constant, what is the value of tangential
acceleration ? justify your answer .
dv
Ans. Tangential acceleration at = 0 , because we know that at = ,
dt
Thus, when v is constant, at becomes zero.
(j) What are the governing equations for angular velocity and angular rotation of a rigid body
rotating about a fixed axix under the action of a constant moment ?

Ans. The governing equation for rotational motion of a body is given by :

I =M (1)
where I is the moment of inertia, M is the moment of the active forces, is the angular
acceleration.

Assuming that M and I are constants, and integrating the above equation, we have
(2)
When t = 0, the angular velocity of the rotating body is

Substituting this value of C1 in equation (2), we have

(3)
Integrating the above equation, we have
(4)
At the initial moment t = 0, the angular rotation is

Substituting this value of C2 in equation (4), we have

(5)
Governing equations for angular velocity and angular rotation of a rigid body rotating about a
fixed axis under the action of a constant moment, are given by eq. (3) and (5) respectively.

Q2 Two spheres weighing 100 kN and 150 kN are connected by a flexible string and rest on two
mutually perpendicular planes PQ and QR as shown in Figure. Find tension in the string which
passes freely through slots in smooth inclined planes PQ and QR.

Q 150 kN
900
B
100 kN
φ
A

600
P R

Ans. Let us draw the free body diagram of roller A

The roller A is in equilibrium under the action of following three forces
i) Its own weight W = 100 kN, acting in the vertically downward direction,
ii) Tension in the string S, acting along AB, and
 iii) Reaction of the plane PQ on the roller R, acting perpendicular to the surface.

RA
S

Now resolving the forces along the plane, we have

(i)

Again, let us draw the free body diagram of roller B

300

150kN

Now resolving the forces along the plane, we have

(ii)

Dividing eq.(i) by eq. (ii), we have,

 Substituting this value of in eq. (i)
We have,

Q3 Find the forces in the members of the pin jointed truss loaded and supported as shown in Figure .
All the triangles shown in the figure are equilateral triangles.

G E C
50 kN

A B
2m F D
2m 2m
100 kN

Ans. Considering the whole truss as a free body and taking moment about A, we have
G E C
50 kN

A 600 600
H F D B
RAX 2m 2m
2m
RAY 100 kN RB
 (i)

In the equilateral triangle AGF,

Substituting in equation (i), we have

Now, let us draw the free body diagram of joint B

S1

600
S2 B

RB

Resolving forces vertically, we have

Resolving forces horizontally, we have

let us draw the free body diagram of joint C

C
S4 50 kN
0
60 600
600

S3 S1

Resolving forces vertically, we have

Resolving forces horizontally, we have

let us draw the free body diagram of joint D

S5 S3

600
0
60 600
S6 S2
D
Resolving forces vertically, we have

Resolving forces horizontally, we have

let us draw the free body diagram of joint E

E
S8 S4
0
60 600
600

S7 S5

Resolving forces vertically, we have

Resolving forces horizontally, we have

let us draw the free body diagram of joint F

S9 S7

600
0
60 600
S10 S6
F

100 kN
Resolving forces vertically, we have

Resolving forces horizontally, we have

Now, let us draw the free body diagram of joint G

G
S8
0 0
60 60
600

S11 S9

Resolving forces vertically, we have

Sl. No. Member Axial Force Magnitude Nature

1 BC S1 55.16 kN Compression
2 BD S2 27.58 kN Tension
3 CD S3 55.16 kN Tension
4 CE S4 5.16 kN Compression
5 DE S5 55.16 kN Compression
6 DF S6 82.74 kN Tension
7 EF S7 55.16 kN Tension
8 EG S8 60.32 kN Compression
9 FG S9 60.32 kN Tension
10 AF S10 80.16 kN Tension
11 AG S11 60.32 kN Compression
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web of 20 mm x 2mm about its centroid.

Ans.

a1 = 24 2 = 48 mm2.
a2 = 20 2 = 40 mm2.
y1 = 20 + = 21 mm
y2 = = 10
= = = = = 16 mm.
Ixx1 = Ig1 + a1 h12 = + 48(21 – 16 )2 = 16 + 1200 = 1216 mm4
Ixx2 = Ig2 + a2 h22 = + 40(16 – 10 )2 = 1333.33 + 1440 = 2773.33 mm4
Ixx = Ixx1 + Ixx2 = 1216+ 2773.33 = 3989.3 mm4
Iyy = Iyy1 + Iyy2 = + = 2304+ 13.33 = 2317.33 mm4
Polar moment of inertia, Izz = Ixx+ Iyy = 3989.33 + 2317.33 = 6306.66 mm4

Q5 A block overlaying a 100 wedge on a horizontal floor, leaning against a vertical wall , and
weighing 2 kN is to be raised by applying a horizontal force to the wedge (Figure). Assuming
coefficient of friction for all contact surfaces to be 0.3, determine the minimum horizontal
force to applied to raise the block.

Ans. The free body diagram of the block is as shown in the figure below
Resolving horizontally
N1 - N2 sin 100 – 0.3 N2cos 100 = 0
N1 – 0.174 N2 – 0.295 N2 = 0
N1 = 0.174 N2 + 0.295 N2 = 0.469 N2
Resolving vertically
N2cos 100 – 0.3 N1 – 0.3 N2 sin 100 - 2 = 0
0.985 N2 – 0.3 N1 -0.052 N2 = 2
0.933 N2 – 0.3 N1 = 2
0.933 N2 – 0.3 (0.469 N2 ) = 2
0.933 N2 – 0.141 N2 = 2
0.792 N2 = 2
N2 = 2.525 kN
The free body diagram of the wedge is as shown in the figure below

Resolving vertically
N3 + 0.3 N2 sin100 – N2cos 100 = 0
N3 + 0.052 N2 – 0.985 N2 = 0
N3 – 0.933 N2 = 0
N3 = 0.933 N2 = 0.933 2.525 = 2.356 kN
Resolving horizontally
0.3 N3 + 0.3 N2cos 100 + N2 sin 100 - P = 0
P = 0.3 N3 + 0.295 N2 + 0.174 N2
= 0.3 N3 + 0.469 N2
= 0.3 2.356 + 0.469 2.525 = 0.707 +1.184 = 1.891 kN
P = 1.891 kN
6. (a) Using theorem of Pappus-Guldinus, find the volume generated by revolving a quarter ellipse
about its major semi-axis. The major and minor semi-axes of the quarter ellipse are 10cm and 8cm
respectively.

Ans. Given,
Semi major axis, a=10cm
Semi minor axis, b= 8cm
A= Area of the quarter ellipse
=
yc= C.G. of quarter ellipse from OX

xc= C.G. of quarter ellipse from OY

When the quarter ellipse revolve one rotation it desecrates 2π radian

Let Vx= Volume generated by the ellipse when it rotates about OX
Vy= Volume generated by the ellipse when it rotates about OY

Using Pappus theorem,

(b) A projectile has a horizontal range R. if h1 and h2 are the greatest heights in the two paths
possible, show that R= 4(h1h2)1/2
Ans. Given,
R= Range
h1 , h2 = Heights
α, β = Angle of projections
We know that, for the same horizontal range,
α + β = 900
or, β = 900- α
When angle of projection is α
 Fron equation (1) and (2), we get

Similarly, when angle of projection is β, we get

Multiplying equation (3) and (4)

(proved)

Q7 (a) A train weighing 4000 kN has a frictional resistance of 5 N/kN of trains weight. Determine
the steady pull which the locomotive must exert if the speed of the train is to be increased
from 30 kmph to 60 kmph within a period of 1.5 minutes.

Ans. Given data are ;

Weight of the train W = 4000 kN. So, Mass of the train m = 4000 ×1000/9.8 = 408163.2 kg .
Let the steady pull P is applied to the train and frictional resistance be F .
F = 5 × 4000 = 20000 N
Initial velocity, u = 30 kmph = 8.33 m/s.
Final velocity , v = 60 kmph = 16.66 m/s , time taken t = 1.5 minutes = 90 secs
We know v = u + at => a = (v - u)/t = (16.66 – 8.33) /90 = 8.33/90 = 0.0925 m/s2 .
 a

F P

So , Resultant force in the direction of acceleration = P - F

So, P - F = ma
=> P = ma + F = 408163.2 × 0.0925 + 20000
= 37755.10 + 20000 = 57755.10 N or 57.755kN.
Hence , the steady pull required is 57.755 kN.

(b) A ball is dropped from a height ho = 5.0 m on a smooth floor . Knowing that the height of
first bounce is h1 = 300 cm, determine ;
(i) the coefficient of restitution, and
(ii) the expected height after third bounce

Ans. Given data are ;

ho = 5 m and h1 = 300 cm = 3 m
(i) Coefficient of restitution:
We know that , coefficient of restitution , e = = = 0.7746
(ii) Expected height after third bounce:
Let h2 and h3 are heights after second and third bounce successively.
We have, e = =
So, h2 = e h1 , h3 = e2 h2 ,
2

So, h2 = e2 h1 = (0.7746)2 3 = 1.8 m

h3 = e2 h2 = (0.7746)2 1.8 = 1.08 m .
Hence ,the expected height after third bounce is 1.08 m.

Q8 a) A weight of 50 N is attached to a vertical spring and is set into vibratory motion. If the
weight is found to make 4 oscillations per second, determine the stiffness of the spring .

Ans. Given data are ;

W = 50 N , So, M = W/g = 50/9.8 = 5.10 Kg
n = frequency = 4 oscillations per second . Hence , time period, T = 1/n = ¼ = 0.25 sec
Also, T = 2 π where M is the mass and k is the spring stiffness. Then we can write
T 2 = 4 π2 M / k
=> k = 4 π2 M/ T 2 = 4 × 3.142 × 5.1/ (0.25)2 = 3218.17 N/m Or 3.218 N/mm ,
Hence , the stiffness of the spring is 3.218 N/mm .

(b) A flywheel has an initial angular velocity of 20 r.p.m and a constant angular acceleration of
5 rad/ s2 . Determine the number of revolutions it must undergo to attain an angular velocity
of 200 r.p.s. Also find the time required.

Ans. Given data are ;

Initial angular velocity, N0 = 20 r.p.m => = 2π N0/ 60 = 2 × 3.14 × 20 /60 = 2.093 rad/s .
Final angular velocity, N = 200 r.p.s
So =2π N = 2 × 3.14 × 200 = 1256 rad/s ,
Angular acceleration α = 5 rad/s2 .
Let time required be t sec .
We know that,
+ α t => 1256 = 2.093 + 5 t => t = 250 sec = 4.17 mins .
And angular displacement , - ) / 2 = {(1256)2 -( 2.093)2} / 2 5 = 157753.16 rad.
We know that, in one revolution, angular displacement, θ = 2 rad ,
number of revolutions, n = θ /2 = 157753.16/ (2 × 3.14) = 25107.2 rev .
Hence, number of revolutions is25107.2 rev .