2.5.

Couples

Couple is a system of forces whose magnitude of the

resultant is zero and yet has a moment sum.
Geometrically, couple is composed of two equal forces
that are parallel to each other and acting in opposite
direction. The magnitude of the couple is given by

C=Fd MA = +F1x – [F2(x + d)]

Where: F1=F2=F
Where F are the two forces and d is the moment arm, or
the perpendicular distance between the forces. and because F1 and F2 form a couple system,

MA = +Fx - Fx – Fd
F
Therefore:

MA = -Fd
d The final moment M is called the moment of the couple.
Note that M is independent of the location of the
reference point A. M will have the same magnitude and the
same rotational sense regardless of the location of A.
F
Let’s examine a rigid body in the x-y plane acted upon
by two equal, opposite, and parallel forces F1 and F2.

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 31
 Couple is independent of the moment center, thus, the
effect is unchanged in the following conditions.
 The couple is rotated through any angle in its plane.
 The couple is shifted to any other position in its
plane.
 The couple is shifted to a parallel plane.

MA = -F1d1 + F2d2 = -F1d1 + F2d2 Resolution of a Force into a Force and Couple Acting at
Another Point.
But: d = d1 + d2
MA = -Fd Force-couple system
-A single, equivalent force can produce a combination of
It can be concluded, therefore, that the moment M of a the force and a couple which lies in a plane.
couple is constant.

Equivalent Couples:
Changing the values of F and d does not change a given
couple as long as the product remains the same. The
couple is not affected if the forces acts in a different
but parallel planes.

Any force F acting on a rigid body may be moved to any

given point A (with a parallel line of action) provided
that a couple M is added. The moment M of the couple is
equal to F times the perpendicular distance between the
original line of action and the new location A.

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 32
Illustrative Example2.5: 1 2 2 3
∑ 𝑴𝑨=40x2-10x√2-20x x2-20x x1+50 x2+50 x3
√5 √5 √13 √13
Determine the resultant moment about point A of the
system of forces shown in Fig. Each square is 1 m on a MA= 210.358 KN.m CW Ans.
side.

Solution:
Take a moment of all forces about point A , assuming
clockwise moments as positive.
MR=∑ 𝑴𝑨

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 33
EXERCISES 2.5: Problem 2.5.2.
The cantilever truss shown in Fig. carries a vertical
Problem 2.5.1. load of 15 kN. The truss is supported by bearing at A
A couple consists of two vertical forces of 60 lb and B which exert the forces Av, Ah, and Bh. The four
each. One force acts up through A and the other acts forces shown constitute two couples which must have
down through D. Transform the couple into an opposite moment effects to prevent movement of the
equivalent couple having horizontal forces acting truss. Determine the magnitude of the supporting
through E and F. forces.

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 34
 Problem 2.5.3 Problem 2.5.4.
A vertical force P at A and another vertical force F To close a gate valve it is necessary to exert two forces
at B in Fig. P-251 produce a resultant of 100 lb down of 50 KN at opposite sides of a hand wheel 0.60 m in
at D and a counterclockwise couple C of 200 lb·ft.
diameter. Through an accident the wheel is broken and the
Find the magnitude and direction of forces P and F.
valve must be closed by a thrusting bar through a slot in
the valve stem and exerting a force 0.80m out from the
center. Determine the force required and draw a free-body
diagram of the bar.

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 35
Problem 2.5.5.
An inclined truss is subjected to two forces as shown.
Determine the moments at A and B due to the two forces.

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 36
 2.6. Resultant of Non-Concurrent Force System Where,
Fx = component of forces in the x-direction
The resultant of non-concurrent force system is defined Fy = component of forces in the y-direction
according to magnitude, inclination, and position. Rx = component of the resultant in x-direction
The magnitude of the resultant can be found as follows Ry = component of the resultant in y-direction
R = magnitude of the resultant
𝑅𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑥 θx = angle made by a force from the x-axis
MO = moment of forces about any point O
d = moment arm
𝑅𝑦 = ∑ 𝐹𝑦 MR = moment at a point due to resultant force
ix = x-intercept of the resultant R
iy = y-intercept of the resultant R
𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥 2 + 𝑅𝑦 2

The inclination from the horizontal is defined by:

𝑅𝑦
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑥 =
𝑅𝑥

The position of the resultant can be determined according

to the principle of moments.

𝑀𝑅 = ∑ 𝑀𝑜

Rd=MR

Ryix=MR

Rxiy=MR

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 37
Illustrative Example 2.6:

The rectangular framework shown in the figure is

subjected to the indicated non-concurrent system of
forces. Determine the magnitude and direction of the
resultant, also its moment arm relative to the origin.

Then,compute the the x-component (Rx) and y-component (Ry) of

the resultant force:

( + ) 𝑅𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑥
Rx= +17.3-70.7+60-50

Rx=-43.4 KN
Solution:

Draw a new diagram and to replace each of the original ( +) 𝑅𝑦 = ∑ 𝐹 𝑦

forces by its x and y components: Ry= 10+70.7-86.6-30

Ry=-35.9 KN

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 38
Determine the resultant: ix=2.32 m

𝑅 = √𝑅𝑥 2 + 𝑅𝑦 2 Rxiy=M
𝑅 = √(−43.4)2 + (−35.9)2
43.4iy=83.4
R= 56.32 KN ans.
iy= 1.92 m
𝑅𝑦
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑥 =
𝑅𝑥

−35.9
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑥 =
−43.4

𝜽𝒙 = 𝟑𝟗. 𝟔° cw from the horizontal axis ans.

MR=∑ 𝑀𝑜
∑ 𝑀𝑜= 17.3(3)-70.7(3)-70.7(4)+60(3)+86.6(4)
MO= -83.4 KN.m CCW ans.

Determine the location of the Resultant:

M
O=R.d
83.4 =56.32xd
d=1.48 m

Determine the x-intercepts and y-intercepts;

Ryix=Mo

35.9(ix)=83.4

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 39
EXERCISES 2.6: Problem 2.6.2
The Howe roof truss shown in Fig. carries the given
Problem 2.6.1
loads. The wind loads are perpendicular to the inclined
Determine the resultant of the three forces acting on the
members. Determine the magnitude of the resultant, its
dam shown in Fig. P-266 and locate its intersection with
inclination with the horizontal, and where it intersects
the base AB. For good design, this intersection should
AB.
occur within the middle third of the base. Does it?

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 40
Problem 2.6.3 Problem 2.6.4
Determine completely the resultant of the forces acting
Determine the resultant of the force system shown in Fig.
on the step pulley shown in Fig.
and its x and y intercepts.

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 41
References:

Barry Onouye, Kevin Kane, C 2012, Statics and

Strength of Materials for Architecture and Building
Construction 4th edition, Pearson Education, Inc.,
Prentice Hall, One Lake Street ,Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey 07458

R. C. HIBBELER,C 2013, Engineering Mechanics Statics

13th edition, Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson
Prentice Hall
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

https://mathalino.com/

J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige, C 2002, Engineering

Mechanics Volume 1 Statics Fifth Edition, John Wiley
& Sons, Inc.,New York

Singer,Ferdinand L,C 1954,Engineering Mechanics, 2nd

edition,Harper & Row, New York, Evanston & London

ES11 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES | PREPARED BY: ENGR. RUTH ANN D. MANINGDING 42