Equilibrium Forces

Subject: Mechanics for Engineers
TOPIC NAME:EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES & LAMI’S

THEOREM
Presented By : SOUMYA RANJAN MAHALI

REGRESATION NO : 230301120397
BRANCH & SECTION : Btech (CSE) & H
EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES:
A set of forces, whose resultant is zero , are called Equilibrium forces. If the
resultant of a number of forces acting on a particle is zero, the particle will
be in equilibrium.
TYPES OF FORCES PRINICIPLES:
1. Two forces principle
2. Three forces principle
3. Four forces principle
Two forces principle:
If a body in equilibrium, is acted upon by two forces, then they must be equal ,
opposite &colinear.
Three forces principle:

If a body in equilibrium, is acted upon by three forces, then the resultant of any
two forces must be equal , opposite & colinear with 3rd force.
Four forces principle:

If a body in equilibrium, is acted upon by four forces, then the resultant of any two
forces must be equal, opposite & colinear with the resultant of other two.
Examples Of Equilibrium Forces In Everyday Life:
Hanging Objects: A painting hanging on a wall is in equilibrium.
Book on a Table: A book resting on a table is in equilibrium. The gravitational

pull downwards is balanced by the normal force exerted upwards by the table.
Floating Objects: A boat floating on water is in equilibrium. The weight of the

boat pushing down on the water is balanced by the buoyant force of the water
pushing up on the boat.
Standing Structures: A standing building or tower is in equilibrium. The force

of gravity pulling the structure down is balanced by the ground pushing up
against it through the foundation.
Suspension Bridges: The forces in a suspension bridge are in equilibrium.

The weight of the bridge and the vehicles on it is distributed through cables
that create a balance of tension and compression forces in the structure
4
F
FRn FRn
LAMI’S THEOREM:
If three coplanar forces acting at a point , be in Equilibrium, then each
forces is proportional to sine of the angle between the other two.
Referring to the above diagram, consider three forces, A, B, and C, acting on a particle
or rigid body, making angles α, β and γ with each other.
In the mathematical or equation form, it is expressed as,
Example of Lami’s Theorem:
Cranes Lifting Loads: In cranes, when lifting a load, the tension in each cable and
the weight of the load must be in equilibrium. Lami's theorem can help determine
the necessary tension in each part of the cable system to maintain balance.
Tents and Marquees: The ropes used to secure tents and marquees often form a
system where several ropes hold a central pole. The tensions in these ropes must
balance the forces due to the weight of the structure and any external loads like
wind.
Sailboats: The forces acting on the sails, such as the wind force and the tension in
the ropes (sheets), must be in equilibrium for the sailboat to be stable and to
navigate correctly. Lami’s theorem helps in calculating how these forces balance.
Truss Bridges: The joints in a truss bridge where several members meet are points
where Lami’s theorem can be used to analyze the forces in each member, ensuring
the bridge’s stability under various loads.
Mast Structures: Masts, such as those used in radio antennas or ship masts, often
have multiple guy-wires holding them in place. The tension in these wires and their
angles relative to each other can be analyzed using Lami's theorem.
Limitations of Lami’s Theorem:-
Limitation of Lami’s Theorem
There are some limitation of Lami’s Theorem, these are listed as follows:
 Lami’s theorem applies when all forces act in the same plane and meet at a single
point.
 It works when the object is at rest and not undergoing acceleration.
 Forces must be accurately represented as vectors for the theorem to be applied
correctly.
 Lami’s theorem assumes the object is rigid and doesn’t deform under the applied
forces.
 Material characteristics of the object are not taken into account.
 Specifically designed for systems with exactly three forces meeting at a point.
 The theorem focuses on forces but doesn’t consider moments or couples.
 Applicable only in static (non-accelerating) conditions.
Conclusion:
• Equilibrium dictates that for an object to be stationary, the vector sum of all forces
acting on it must be zero. This principle ensures the object doesn’t undergo any net
acceleration.
•
Lami's Theorem applies specifically to situations with three coplanar, concurrent
forces acting on a point (or a rigid body treated as a point) that are in equilibrium.
It states that the magnitude of each force is proportional to the sine of the angle
between the other two forces.
THANK YOU

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Subject: Mechanics for Engineers

TOPIC NAME:EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES & LAMI’S

Presented By : SOUMYA RANJAN MAHALI

Three forces principle:

Four forces principle:

Book on a Table: A book resting on a table is in equilibrium. The gravitational

Floating Objects: A boat floating on water is in equilibrium. The weight of the

Standing Structures: A standing building or tower is in equilibrium. The force

Suspension Bridges: The forces in a suspension bridge are in equilibrium.

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