ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Module Title : A Learning Module in Engineering Mechanics

Course Title : Engineering Mechanics I (Statics)
Course Number : ABE 215
Course Description : Principles of statics; resultant of force systems;
equilibrium force; analysis of structures, and
friction
Total Learning Time : 54 hours (18 weeks) 1
Pre-requisites : Physics for Engineers, Calculus I

Module 2
Resultants of Force Systems

Overview : The effect of a system of forces on a body is usually expressed in terms of a resultant.
The value of this resultant determines the motion of the body. If the resultant is zero, the body will be in
equilibrium and will not change its original state of motion. In this module, we shall consider the technique
for determining the resultant effect of various types of coplanar force systems. When these coplanar types are
mastered, it is only a simple step to the more general case of systems of forces.
Learning Outcomes : At the end of the module (module 2), the students must be able to:

1. Discuss the concept of forces and components; resultant of three or more concurrent forces;
moment of a force; resultant of parallel forces; couples and show how to calculate it in two
dimensions.

2. Show how to add forces and resolve them into components using Parallelogram Law.

3. Apply Varignon’s theorem to simplify certain moment analysis.

4. Determine the force and its intercept (ix & iy).

5. Determine the magnitude and position of the resultant of the forces.

6. Determine the moment of a couple.

Indicative Content : This module (module 2) consists of:

Lesson 1 - Forces and components

Lesson 2 - Resultant of three or more concurrent forces
Lesson 3 - Moment of a force
Lesson 4 - Resultant of parallel forces
Lesson 5 - Couples

Lesson 1 - Forces and components

Overview
A force represents the action of one body on another. It is generally characterized by its magnitude, its point
of application, its line of action and its direction. Forces acting on a given particle, however, have the same point of
application. Thus, each force considered in this lesson is completely defined by its magnitude and direction.
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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Conversely, a force F acting on a particle may be replaced by two forces that, together, have the same effect
on the particle. These forces are called components of the original force F, and the process of substituting them for F is
called resolving the force F into components.

Pre-Assessment : In this module, students are challenged to:

1. Determine the characteristics of a force:

In Fig. 1.10 AB is a ladder kept against a wall. At point C, a person weighing 600 N is standing. Identify the
characteristics of the force applied by the person on the ladder:
2

 _______________ is 600 N
 the _______________ is at C which is 2 m from A along the ladder.
 the _______________ is vertical, and
 the _______________ is downward.

Note that the magnitude of the force is written near the arrow. The line of
the arrow shows the line of action and the arrow head represents the point of
application and the direction of the force.

2. Examine/analyse the concept application given: (Try by yourself computing the problem)

Source: Beer, F. P., et al. (2019) Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics. Twelfth Edition. New York, NY.
McGraw-Hill Education. Chapt. 2.2A p. 30.

Discussion:
Consider the example of a car driven due east for 4 miles, then turned sharply and driven due north for
3 miles. What resultant distance has the car covered? The answer can be obtained by drawing the vectors of
the travel as in Fig. 2-la, from which the resultant distance is 5 miles.

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In the illustration just cited, the 4-mile and- 3-mile distances may be called the components (meaning
parts) of the resultant. Since these components were at right angles to each other, their resultant was easily
computed by means of the Pythagorean, theorem. If the car travels the 3 miles in a northeasterly direction, the
resultant distance cannot be so readily computed, although the resultant can be scaled from the vector addition
shown in Fig. 2-lb. In this case, the 4-mile and 3-mile distances are also components of the resultant distance
although not mutually perpendicular. A resultant may be resolved into any pair of components, but it is
generally most convenient to use rectangular components.

In engineering, forces are not generally at right angles. While the resultant of such forces may be found
graphically, it is not always convenient to do so. It is frequently desirable to resolve each force into a pair of
right-angle components for analytical calculation.

Consider Fig. 2-2 in which force F acts upon the given body. The effect of the force is to move the
body rightward and upward. Choosing these directions as the positive directions of perpendicular X and Y
reference axes, we project the force F upon them to obtain the perpendicular components Fx and Fy. The
relation between these components and F is determined by the basic definitions of sine and cosine of the angle
F F
𝜃 xbetween F and the X axis, i.e., sin  x  y and cos x  x which are usually rewritten in the following
F F
form:

Fx  F cos  x 
 (2 – 1)
F y  F sin  x 

The components Fx and Fy are considered positive if they

act in the positive directions of the X and Y axes, and negative if
directed in the negative sense of the reference axes. The choice of
the X and Y axes is arbitrary; they may be in any convenient
position; the relations given above are independent of the
orientation of the X axis. If desired, the angle between F and the
Y axis, designated as 𝜃 y, may also be used; whence the
components are then given by Fx = F sin 𝜃 y and Fy = F cos 𝜃 y.

It is obvious that the magnitude, inclination, and

direction of a force can be derived when its rectangular
components are known. For example, assuming values of Fx,
and Fv to be known, we obtain from Fig. 2-2 the following equations:

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

F  (Fx ) 2  ( F y ) 2 


Fy  (2 – 2)
tan  x  
Fx 

The direction of F is determined by the signs of its components; this is clearly explained in the table which
follows.
Table ll-1. Signs, directions and diagram of F.

Cont’n. Table ll-1

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Exercises/Drills:

201. A force of 200 lb is directed as shown in Fig. 2-3.

Determine the X and Y components of the force.

Solution: By projecting the force upon the axes, we discover

that the sign of Fx is minus and of Fy positive. Applying Eq. (2-1), we
obtain
5
[Fx = F cos 𝜃𝑥 ] Fx = - 200 cos 30°
= -200 x 0.866
Fx = -173.2 lb
[Fy = F sin 𝜃𝑥 ] Fy = 200 sin 30°
= 200 x 0.5
Fx = 100 lb Ans. 202. Determine the components of the 300-lb. force
directed down to the right at a slope of 2 to 3 as shown
in Fig. 2-4a.

Solution: The major difference between this problem and the preceding one is that the direction of the
force is defined by its slope instead of its angle. We can compute 𝜃 x from its target and then substitute its sine
and cosine functions into

Eq. (2 – 1), but it is simpler and more direct to compute the hypotenuse of the slope triangle as
√(2)2 + (3)2 = √13 = 3.61 and then apply the definitions of sine and cosine as follows:

Fx  F cos x  Fx  300 

3
 249 lb.
3.16
F y  F cos x  Fy  300 
2
3.16
 166 lb.

An even better procedure is to note the similarity between the slope triangle and the force triangle in
Fig. 2-4b whose corresponding sides are proportion to each other. This gives

Fx Fy 300
 
3 2 3.16

Whence

Fx  249 lb. and Fy  166 lb.

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203. The components of a certain force are defined by Fx = 300 lb. and Fy = – 200 lb. Determine the
magnitude, inclination with the X axis, and pointing of the force.

Solution: The magnitude of the force is found by applying the first of Eq. (2 – 2).

F  ( Fx ) 2  ( Fy ) 2  F  (300) 2  (200) 2 F  361 lb. Ans.

The inclination with the X axis is determined by the second part of Eq. (2 – 2).
6
 Fy  200
 tan  x   tan  x   0.667  x  33.7º Ans.
 Fx  300

Note particularly that by neglecting the given signs of the components the angle found is the acute angle between
the force and the X axis. The direction of the force is found by sketching a tip – to – tail summation of the components
as shown in Fig. 2 – 5, or by visualizing it mentally. Note that the minus
sign of Fy indicates it to be directed downward. Hence the force F points
down to the right.

This technique of determining a force eliminates the necessity of

remembering certain arbitrary conventions. For example, a mathematical
convention defines an angle as always measured in a counterclockwise
sense from the X axis. Accordingly in the given example, 𝜃 x might be
defined as – 33.7º or as + 326.3º.

Evaluation:
Ans. Fx = -150 lb
PS#1] Determine the X and Y components of each of Fy = 360 lb
the forces shown in Fig. P-204. (Show your detailed
solution.) [204/18] Px = 260 lb
Py = -150 lb

Tx = -307 lb
Ty = -257 lb

PS#2] In Fig. P-210, the X component of the force P is 140 lb. to the left.
Determine P and its Y component. [210/19] Ans. P = 161 lb up to the left

[Save your work as PS#1 & PS#2]

Additional Readings:

Hibbeler, R. C. 2016. Engineering Mechanics. STATICS and

DYNAMICS. 14th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Chapt. 2.3 pp. 20-26 & Chapt. 4 pp.121
Online reading

References:
Singer, F. L. (1970). ENGINEERING MECHANICS. 2nd Edition. A Harper International Edition. Harper & Row,
New York, Evanston & London: Printed in Japan. Chapt. 2 pp. 14-19
Beer, F. P., et al. (2019) Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics. Twelfth Edition. New York,
NY. McGraw-Hill Education. Chapt. 2.1A pp. 17-21 & Chapt. 2.2 pp. 29-33 [pdf]
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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Lesson 2 - Resultant of Three or More Concurrent Forces

Pre-Assessment :In this lesson, students are challenged to:

1. Examine/analyse the concept application given:

Source: Beer, F. P., et al. (2019) Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics. Twelfth Edition. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill
Education. Chapt. 2.2. Sample problem 2.3 p. 33

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Discussion

The determination of the resultant of three or more concurrent forces that are not collinear requires determining
the sum of three of more vectors. There are two ways of accomplishing of three or more vectors graphically and
analytically.

Graphically. Two vectors can be added to give a resultant; this resultant in turn can be added to a third vector,
etc., until all the vectors have been added together to give an overall resultant. These vectors can be added in any order.

Consider the system of three concurrent forces shown in Fig. 2- 6. If the parallelogram method of vector addition 8
is used, forces F and P may be combined to give a resultant R 1 as shown in Fig. 2-6b. Since R2 is equivalent to a replaces
F and P, the original system of three forces now consists of only two: R 1 and Q.

These may also be combined by the parallelogram method to give the final resultant R. If the original system
consists of more than three forces, this same technique can be extended to include the additional forces.

The same result can be more readily obtained by the use of free vectors and the
application of the triangle law. Thus in Fig. 2-7, by using the free vector P, the
resultant of F and P, (i. e., R1) is easily obtained. To this resultant the free vector
Q is added to give the final resultant R. Observe that R 1 need not be drawn at all,
the total resultant of the system being obtained by joining the tail of the first
vector (F) with the tip of the last vector (Q). The same result would be obtained
if the order of addition had been P, F and Q. In fact any convenient order of tip
– to – tail vector addition may be used.

Analytically. The vectors can be resolved into components is that

coincide with arbitrarily chosen axes. The component of each vectors with
respect to these axes can be added algebraically, and the resulting additions will be the components of the overall
resultant vector.
Figure 2 – 7 can be redrawn as in Fig. 2 – 8 to show the X and Y components of each force by projection upon
the reference axes. It is apparent that Rx, the X component of R, is equivalent to the algebraic sum of the X components
of F, P and Q; also the Ry is equivalent to the algebraic sum of the Y components of F, P and Q. Denoting such algebraic
summations of the components of the forces by ∑X and ∑Y respectively, we have
Rx   X 

Ry  Y 

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Having thereby computed the components of the resultant R, we can now determine its magnitude and
inclination by using the method discussed in Art. 2 – 2. Doing this transforms Eq. (2 – 2) into

R  ( X ) 2  (  Y ) 2 (2 – 3)

tan  x 
Y (2 – 4)
X
The pointing of R is determined by the sigs of its rectangular components ∑X and ∑Y as described in the table ll-1.

Exercises/Drills:

212. Determine completely the resultant of the concurrent force system shown in Fig. 2-9.

Solution: We first determine the components of the resultant from the algebraic summations of the components
of the given forces. Knowing the rectangular components of the resultant, we can easily find R.

Since the X component of a force F is given by F and cos 𝜃 x and the Y component by F sin 𝜃 x, we obtain

R   X 
x  X  200 cos 30º  100 cos 45º  400 cos 0º  300 cos 60º
 173.2  70.7  400  150  X  306.1 lb.
R   Y 
y  Y  200 sin 30º  300 sin 60º  50 sin 90º  100 sin 45º
 100  259.8  50  70.7  Y  239.1 lb.

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The magnitude and inclination of R are now found from

R  ( X )  ( Y )
2 2
 R  ( X ) 2  ( Y ) 2 
R  (306 .1) 2  (239 ) 2 R  (306 .1) 2  (239 ) 2
R  388 lb. Ans. R  388 lb. Ans. FBD of the Resultant

  Y 

 tan  x 
 Y  Y

 tan  x 
  X    X  R
239.1 10
239.1
tan  x   0.781
θx = 38°
tan  x   0.781
306 .1 306 .1
 x  38º Ans. R=388 lb up to the left @ θx = 38°
 x  38º Ans.

Since the signs of ∑X and ∑Y were neglected in finding the inclination of R, it follows that 𝜃 x is the
acute angle between R and X axis. The direction of R is obtained from a mental tip – to – tail addition of ∑X
and ∑Y. Since ∑X is minus (i.e., directed left) and ∑Y is positive (i.e., directed up), R points up to the left at
an angle of 38° with the X axis.
If desired, a check may be obtained graphically by plotting the given forces to scale in tip – to – tail
fashion.

Evaluation:

PS#3] Determine the resultant of the concurrent system of forces shown in Fig. P-214.
Ans. 5091.97 lb ⦫ 17.13°
PS#4] Knowing that 𝞪= 35°, determine the resultant of the three forces shown (Fig. P2.35).
Ans. 309 N ⦫ 86.6°

@Beer et al. Chapt.2.2B p 37

[Save your work as PS#3 & PS#4]

Additional Readings:
Beer, F. P., et al. (2019) Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics. Twelfth Edition. New York,
NY. McGraw-Hill Education. Chapt. 2 pp. 17-53

Hibbeler, R. C. 2016. Engineering Mechanics. STATICS and DYNAMICS. 14th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall,
New Jersey. Chapt. 2 pp.17-26

Online reading

Reference:
Singer, F. L. (1970). ENGINEERING MECHANICS. 2nd Edition. A Harper International Edition. Harper & Row,
New York, Evanston & London: Printed in Japan. Chapt. 2 pp 19-24

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Lesson 3 - Moment of a force

Overview

The moment of a force about an axis or line is the measure of its ability to
produce turning or twisting about the axis. The magnitude of the moment of a force
about an axis which is perpendicular to a plane containing the line of action of the
force is defined as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the
axis to the line of action of the force. For example, in Fig. 2-10, the moment of the
horizontal force F about the vertical axis Y equals F times d or Fd. The distance d is 11
frequently called the moment arm of the force.

Pre-Assessment : In this lesson, students are challenged to:

Fill in the missing phrase from the following important points to be remembered in this lesson.

1. The _________________________ creates the tendency of a body to turn about an axis passing through a specific
point O.

2. Using the right-hand rule, the sense of rotation is indicated by the curl of the fingers, and the thumb is directed along
the moment axis, or _________________________ of the moment.

3. The magnitude of the moment is determined from M O = Fd, where d is called the ________________________,
which represents the perpendicular or shortest distance from point O to the line of action of the force.

4. In three dimensions the vector cross product is used to determine the moment, i.e., M O = r * F. Remember that r is
directed from point O _________________________ on the line of action of F.

Discussion

The moment of a force F about point O, or actually about the moment axis passing
through O and perpendicular to the plane containing O and F, Fig. 4–10a, can be
expressed using the vector cross product, namely,

MO = r * F (4–6)

Here r represents a position vector directed from O to any point on the line of action of
F. We will now show that indeed the moment MO, when determined by this cross
product, has the proper magnitude and direction.

Magnitude. The magnitude of the cross product is defined from Eq. 4–3 as MO = rF sin
θ, where the angle θ is measured between the tails of r and F. To establish this angle, r
must be treated as a sliding vector so that θ can be constructed properly, Fig. 4–10b.
Since the moment arm d = r sin u, then

MO = rF sin θ = F(r sin θ) = Fd

which agrees with Eq. 4–1 (MO = Fd).

Direction. The direction and sense of MO in Eq. 4–6 are determined by the right-hand rule as it applies to the cross
product. Thus, sliding r to the dashed position and curling the right-hand fingers from r toward F, “r cross F,” the thumb
is directed upward or perpendicular to the plane containing r and F and this is in the same direction as MO, the moment
of the force about point O, Fig. 4–10b. Note that the “curl” of the fingers, like the curl around the moment vector,

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

indicates the sense of rotation caused by the force. Since the cross product does not obey the commutative law, the order
of r * F must be maintained to produce the correct sense of direction for M O.

Principle of Transmissibility. The cross product operation is often used in three

dimensions since the perpendicular distance or moment arm from point O to the
line of action of the force is not needed. In other words, we can use any position
vector r measured from point O to any point on the line of action of the force F,
Fig. 4–11. Thus,
12
MO = r1 * F = r2 * F = r3 * F

Since F can be applied at any point along its line of action and still create this
same moment about point O, then F can be considered a sliding vector. This
property is called the principle of transmissibility of a force.
*@Russel Hibbeler, Chapter 4.3 p 128.

Principle of Moments
A concept often used in mechanics is the principle of moments, which is sometimes
referred to as Varignon’s theorem since it was originally developed by the French
mathematician Pierre Varignon (1654–1722). It states that the moment of a force
about a point is equal to the sum of the moments of the components of the force about
the point. This theorem can be proven easily using the vector cross product since the
cross product obeys the distributive law. For example, consider the moments of the
force F and two of its components about point O, Fig. 4–16. Since F = F1 + F2 we
have

MO = r * F = r * (F 1 + F2) = r * F1 + r * F2

For two-dimensional problems, Fig. 4–17, we can use the principle of moments by
resolving the force into its rectangular components and then determine the moment
using a scalar analysis. Thus,

MO = Fx y - Fy x.

This method is generally easier than finding the same moment using MO = Fd.

Important Points
• The moment of a force creates the tendency of a body to turn about an
axis passing through a specific point O. • Using the right-hand rule, the
sense of rotation is indicated by the curl of the fingers, and the thumb is
directed along the moment axis, or line of action of the moment.
• The magnitude of the moment is determined from M O = Fd, where d is
called the moment arm, which represents the perpendicular or shortest
distance from point O to the line of action of the force.
• In three dimensions the vector cross product is used to determine the
moment, i.e., MO = r * F. Remember that r is directed from point O to any
point on the line of action of F.
p. 132

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OR [@ Ferdinand L. Singer pp. 28-36]

Applications. In some cases it is more convenient to determine the moment of a force itself. For example, in Fig. 2 – 14
suppose a force F, making an angle of 𝜃 with the X axis, passes through a point A having the coordinates (x, y).

13

@F. L. Singer Chapt. 2-5 p28

In this case it is inconvenient to calculate the moment arm d. by resolving the force into its components Fx and
Fy at A, the moment arm of Fx about O is the coordinate distance y, and the moment arm of Fy about O is the
coordinate distance x. Then the moment of F is expressed by

+ M O  F  d  Fx  y  Fy  x (a)

from which the value of the moment arm d may be computed if desired.

The intercepts of the line of action of F with the X and Y axes may also be computed from the principle of
moments. Replacing F by its components at B and at C in Fig. 2 – 14, we have

+ M O  Fx  i 
and  (b)
+ M O  Fy  i x 


Note that Fy at B and Fx at C both have zero moment about O since they both pass through O and therefore have zero
moment arms. Having already determined the moment of F by means of Eq. (a), and the intercepts iyandixare now readily
computed from Eq. (b).

Another example is shown in Fig. 2-15. Suppose it is desired to find the moment about point A of the force P
acting on the roof P acting on the roof truss. At a point B on the action life of P, resolve the force into its components
Px and Py.

Applying the principle that the moments of a force is equal to the moment sum of its components, we have

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

⁺ M A  P  d  Py  AB (c)

Note that Px intersects the moment center A and therefore has no moment arm.

Exercises/Drills

1. In Fig. 2-16, a force F passing through C causes a clockwise moment

of 120 ft.-lb about A and a clockwise moment of 70 ft-lb about B.
Determine the force and its X intercept ix.
14

Solution: By resolving the force into its components at C, we

observe that since Fy passes through A, and the moment of F about A is
due only to Fx, which must act afterwards as shown in order to create
clockwise moment about A. The magnitude of Fx therefore is

 +  MA  F  y  x 120  Fx (2)
Fx  60 lb. left.
Considering again the components at C, we see that with respect to B, Fx causes a counterclockwise moment,
and hence Fy must act upwards in order to create the specified clockwise moment of 70 ft-lb about B. By applying the
principle of moments, the value of Fy is

 + M B  FY  x  Fx  y 70  Fy (5)  (60)(3) Fy  50 lb. up

Now that the components of F are known, we apply Eq. (2-2) to obtain

F  ( Fx ) 2  ( Fy ) 2  F  (60) 2  (50) 2 F  78.2 lb. up to the left

 Fy  50
 tan  x   tan  x   x  39.8º
 Fx  60

To determine the x intercept of F, at D where F crosses the X axis, resolve F into its components. Since Fx at
D causes zero moment about B, the specific clockwise moment about B can be created only by placing Fy to the left of
B as shown. Then we obtain

 + M B  Fy  x  70  50 e e  1.4 ft.

whence the x intercept from O is ix = 5 – e =5 – 1.4 = 3.6 ft. Ans.

Query: How can ix be found directly from the moment of F about O.

This procedure illustrates the application of Varingon’s theorem, but it would be simpler in this instance to
determine ix directly, using the slope of the action line of F as specified by its components. Doing this yields.

3 𝐹𝑦 3 50 50
= = or 𝑖𝑥 = 3 𝑥 = 3.6 𝑓𝑡. Ans.
𝑖𝑥 𝐹𝑥 𝑖𝑥 60 60

Evaluation:

PS#5] In Fig. P-229, find the y coordinate of point A so that the 361 – lb. force will have a clockwise
moment of 400 ft-lb about O. Also determine the X and Y intercepts of the action line of the force.
Ans. YA = 2.67. ft; iy = 1.33 ft. above O; iy = 2 ft. left of O.

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15

bbbbbb
PS#6] A force P passing through points A and B in Fig. P-231 has a
clockwise moment of 300 ft-lb about O. Compute the value of P.
[231/31] Ans. P = 111.80 lb

[Save your work as PS#5 & 6]

Additional Reading:

Beer, F. P., et al. (2019) Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics. Twelfth Edition. New York,
NY. McGraw-Hill Education. Chapt. 2 p 16-67 [pdf]

Online reading

References:

Hibbeler, R. C. 2016. Engineering Mechanics. STATICS and DYNAMICS. 14th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall,
New Jersey. Chapt. 4 (4.3) p.128 & Chapt. 4 (4.4) p.132 [pdf]

Singer, F. L. (1970). ENGINEERING MECHANICS. 2nd Edition. A Harper International Edition. Harper & Row,
New York, Evanston & London: Printed in Japan. Chapt. 2 (2.4 to 2.5) pp. 24-31

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Lesson 4 - Resultant of Parallel Forces

Overview Pre-Assessment: In this lesson, students are challenged to:

Answer the following: Choose among the figure (a, b & c) and identify its
name (1, 2, & 3).

I. All forces are parallel to each other and lie in a single plane.

II. All forces are parallel to each other, lie in a single plane and are acting 16
at the same direction.

III. All forces are parallel to each other, but not in same plane

a. b. c.
@Beer, et al. p. 142
1. Coplanar parallel 2. Coplanar like parallel 3. Non-coplanar parallel

Discussion:

A parallel force system is one in which the action lines of all the forces are parallel. The resultant of
such as system is determined when it is known in magnitude, direction and position. One of the outstanding
differences between a concurrent and a parallel force system is that in the former the position of the resultant
is known by inspection whereas in the latter it is not.

For example, consider the wheels shown in Fig. 2-17. In Fig. 2-17a the resultant force acts through the
axis of rotation; the wheel does not rotate.

Fig. 4-28 @Russel C. Hibeller p. 155

In Fig. 2-17b the same forces applied to the rim of the wheel cause rotation. The resultant of the parallel forces
in Fig. 2-17b must be so located as to produce the equivalent moment effect of the system; the position (Fig.
4-28) of the resultant must be determined to produce this effect.

At this point we shall restrict ourselves to the analytical determination of the resultant of a parallel force
system; in a later chapter we shall consider graphic methods of solution for the present case as well as for
other.

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Consider the system of parallel forces P, Q, and S shown in Fig. 2-18. Select reference axes as
shown, with the Y axis parallel to the forces so that none of the forces have
an X component and the Y component of each force is its own magnitude.
Consequently, ∑X = 0 and ∑Y = ∑F where ∑F is the algebraic summation
of the forces. Using the methods of Art. 2-3, we have
R  ( X ) 2  (Y ) 2 which reduces to

R = ∑F (2 – 5)
17

Obviously the line of action of R is parallel to the forces comprising the

system.

To determine the position R, we select some convenient point O as a moment center and employ the
principle that the moment of the resultant equals to moment sum of its parts. Denoting the moment sum of the
force system by ∑MO and the moment arm of R by d, we then have

R d  MO (2 – 6)

The relative position of R with respect to O is determined from the fact that the resultant must
produce the same moment effect as the original system. A sample problem will illustrate the technique used.

Exercises/Drills

1. Determine the resultant of the parallel force system

acting on the bar AB shown in Fig. 2-19. The forces and
positions are given in the figure.

Solution: The magnitude of the resultant force is first

obtained by applying

[𝑅 = 𝛴 𝐹 ] 𝑅 = −20 − 10 + 30 − 40
𝑅 = − 40 𝑙𝑏 𝐴𝑛𝑠.

Upward forces having been assumed to be positive, the negative signs of R indicates it to be directed
downward.

Applying the principle that the moment of the resultant is equal to the moment sum of its parts
(Varingon’s theorem), we have, taking clockwise moments about A as positive,

M R  M A  +  M A  10  2  30  5  4 0  8
 190 lb - ft
M R  Rd  M A  40 d A  190 d A  4.75 ft. Ans.

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

To determine the position of R relative to A, draw R acting

downwards (because of the minus sign) as shown in Fig. 2-20. Since the
moment sum of the original forces was found to be clockwise, R must lie
to the right of the moment center A in order also to produce a clockwise
moment.

By locating R with respect to B, it is easily shows that the

position of the resultant is independent of the choice of moment center. 18
Thus we have

[𝑀𝑅 = Σ𝑀𝐵 ] + Σ𝑀𝐵 = 10 𝑥 2 − 30 𝑥 5 + 40 𝑥 8

= − 130 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡
[𝑀𝑅 = 𝑅. 𝑑 = Σ𝑀𝐵 ] 40 𝑑𝐵 = 130 𝑑𝐵 = 3.25 𝑓𝑡 𝐴𝑛𝑠.

Referring to Fig. 2-20 and noting that the sign of ∑MB is negative (thereby indicating a counterclockwise
moment). We see that R must lie to the left of the moment center B to create an equivalent counterclockwise moment.
Moreover, dA + dB = 4.75 + 3.25 = 8 ft, which is the total distance from A to B. Hence the position of R is independent
of the choice of moment center.

It is usually convenient to choose the moment center somewhere near the middle of the given system of forces
in order to simplify calculations by having smaller moment arms. Also, it is wise to select the moment center at one of
the forces in order to eliminate the moment effect of that force from the computations.

2. A beam of length L supports a load which varies from w lb. per ft. at the
right end to zero at the left end. Determine the magnitude and position of the
resultant load. [235/34]

Solution: The total weight W of the triangular load shown in Fig. 2-

21 is the resultant of smaller parallel loads like dW each of which is the
product of an intensity of y lb per ft by the small length of dx ft. along which
it may be assumed constant. From the proportionality between similar
triangles, we have yx = w
L
w
or y x. Applying Eq. (2-5) we obtain.
L

The position of this resultant weight from O is obtained from Eq. (2-6):
+

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Evaluation :

PS#7] Determine the resultant of the four parallel forces acting on the rocker arm of Fig. P-237.
Ans. R=50 lb at 4 ft to the right of O

19

PS#8] Locate the amount and position of the resultant of the loads acting on the Fink truss shown in Fig. P-
241. Ans. 3400 lb down at 12.06 ft. to right of A

[Save your work as PS#7 & 8]

Additional Reading :

Singer, F. L. (1976). ENGINEERING MECHANICS. 3rd Edition. A Harper International Edition. Harper &
Row, New York, Evanston & London: Printed in Japan.

Reference :

Singer, F. L. (1970). ENGINEERING MECHANICS. 2nd Edition. A Harper International Edition. Harper &
Row, New York, Evanston & London: Printed in Japan. Chapt. 2 (2-6) pp.31-36

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Lesson 5 – Couples
Overview
A couple is defined as two parallel forces that
have the same magnitude, but opposite directions, and
are separated by a perpendicular distance d, Fig. 4–25.
Since the resultant force is zero, the only effect of a
couple is to produce an actual rotation, or if no
movement is possible, there is a tendency of rotation in
a specified direction. For example, imagine that you are 20
driving a car with both hands on the steering wheel and
p156 you are making a turn. One hand will push up on the
wheel while the other hand pulls down, which causes the steering wheel to rotate.

Pre-Assessment

1. Transform the couple shown in Fig. 2-24a into an equivalent couple whose forces are horizontal and act through
points C and D. What is the magnitude of the force F acting through C and D (Fig. 2-24d)?

Discussion

Sometimes the resultant of a force system will be zero in magnitude and yet have a resultant moment sum. For
example, considering the force system shown in Fig. 2-22. The magnitude of the resultant is given by

[R = ∑F] R = – 10 + 20 + 30 – 40 R=0

The student should not leap to the conclusion that a resultant does not exist, since on taking a moment sum
about B, we find

+ ∑MB = – 20 x 3 – 30 x 4 + 40 x 6 ∑MB = +60 lb-ft

The system shown therefore does produce some effect; in this case, it
is a tendency to rotate with a magnitude of 60 lb-ft. Before discussing the
nature of the resultant in this case, let us take moment sums about points C,
D, E, and also any other point A as follows:

In this case, the resultant is seen to have the same clockwise moment effect regardless of where the moment
center is chosen.
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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

The special case in which the resultant has zero magnitude but does have a moment is said to consist of a couple.
We define a couple as made up of two equal, parallel, oppositely directed forces, as shown in Fig. 2-23. The
perpendicular distance between the action lines of the forces is called the moment arm of the couple. It is evident that
the magnitude of the resultant of these two forces is zero. Their moment sum is constant in independent of the moment
center. This is proved by selecting moment centers at A and B to give respectively

+𝛴𝑀𝐴 = 𝐹. 𝑑

+𝑀𝐵 = 𝐹(𝑑 + 𝑎) − 𝐹. 𝑎 = 𝐹. 𝑑
21
We conclude that the moment of a couple C is equal to the product of one of the forces composing the couple multiplied
by the perpendicular distance between their action lines. This relation is expressed by the equation

C = F.d

In the above example, the resultant is completely determined by specifying it to be a clockwise couple having
a magnitude of 60 lb-ft. Since neither the force nor the moment arm of this couple is known, any pair of forces separated
by a distance which gives a clockwise moment of 60 lb-ft could comprise the couple. Such couples might consist of two
60-lb forces 1 ft. apart or two 30-lb forces 2 ft. apart, etc.

Since the only effect of a couple is to produce a moment that is independent of the moment center, the effect
of a couple is unchanged if

(a) The couple is rotated through any angle in its plane

(b) The couple is shifted to any other position in its plane
(c ) The couple is shifted to a parallel plane

For the somewhat special case in which the given force system is composed entirely of couples in the same or
parallel planes, the resultant will consist of another couple equal to the algebraic summation of the moment sum of the
original couples.

Exercises/Drills

The cantilever truss shown in Fig. P-250 carries a vertical load of 2400 lb. The truss is supported by bearings
at A and B which exert the forces Av, Ah and Bh. The four forces shown constitute two couples which must
have opposite moment effects to prevent movement of the truss. Determine the magnitude of the
supporting forces. [250/39]
Required: Av, Ah, and Bh (the supporting forces)
Given:
Solution:

Using equation of equilibrium

[ΣFv=0] Av – 2400 lb = 0
Av = 2400 lb (upward)

[ + ΣMA =0] Bh (4) – 2400 (6) = 0

4 Bh = 2400 (6)
2400 (6) 14400
Bh = = = 3600 lb
4 4

[ΣFh=0] -Ah + Bh = 0
Bh = Ah
Ah=Bh = 3600 lb

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 ABE 215- Engineering Mechanics l

Evaluation

PS#9] The three – step pulley shown in Fig. P-247 is subjected to the given couples. Compute the value of
the resultant couple. Also determine the forces acting at the rim of the middle pulley that are required to
balance the given system.[247/38]
Ans. 760 in.-lb counterclockwise; two 63.3-lb forces

22

PS#10] A vertical force P at A and another vertical force F at B in Fig. P-251 produce a resultant of 100 lb
down at D and a counterclockwise couple C of 200 lb-ft. Find the magnitude and direction of forces P and F.
Ans. P = 300 lb down; F = 200 lb up

[Save your work as PS#9 & 10]

Additional Reading :

Hibbeler, R. C. 2016. Engineering Mechanics. STATICS and DYNAMICS. 14th Edition. Pearson Prentice
Hall, New Jersey. Chapt. 4.6 pp. 154-156.

Beer, F. P., et al. (2019) Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics. Twelfth Edition. New
York, NY. McGraw-Hill Education. Chapt. 3.3B pp. 120-122.

Reference :

Singer, F. L. (1970). ENGINEERING MECHANICS. 2nd Edition. A Harper International Edition. Harper &
Row, New York, Evanston & London: Printed in Japan. Chapt. 2 (2-7) pp. 36-39

1st Semester, SY 2020-2021