The 25-kg bar has a center of mass at G.
If it is supported by a smooth
peg at C, a roller at A, and cord AB, determine the reactions at these
supports.
Solution:
Step 1: Construct for the FBD of your chosen body (it can be a point, an element or whole body itself). For this
example, let us consider first the FBD of bar AD.
25(9.81)
0.3 m
0.2 m FC FCcos30
G C 30°
0.5 m 30° FC
30° T FCsin30
A 15°
0.5 cos 30°
Ay
Notes:
1. FC is the reaction at “smooth peg” at C. The reaction force for smooth surfaces, for a roller, and
smooth peg is a reaction force that is perpendicular to the surface of contact. Thus, for the roller
located at point A, the reaction Ay is also perpendicular. On establishing the proper direction for
the reaction force(s) (whether on pin, or in roller, etc.) you can assume for any direction, just
proceed in solving. If the result yields for a negative value, it only means that your assumed
direction is incorrect. Just neutralize the negative sign and indicate on your final answer the
appropriate direction of that reaction force.
2. The 25-kg mass of the bar AD is concentrated on its center of mass (other problems stated as
center of gravity) and it is a downward force. (You have an option if you will multiply the constant
acceleration due to gravity to make the unit as Newtons, or you will proceed in using the unit “kg”
but you must take note to convert the final unit into N.) Another thing that you need to observe
in the given FBD is that the dimension “0.5 cos 30°”. The said dimension is the one that you will
be using in performing the summation of moment at point A. Other students perform mistake
on using 0.5 m as the “perpendicular distance” of the 25-kg mass with respect to point A. If you
are having a hard time in determining the perpendicular distance of a force with respect to a
specific point, just apply the principle of transmissibility. (Extend the line of action of the force
and the distance measured perpendicularly from the tip of the arrow up to the required pivot
point is the required distance.)
3. It was geometrically proven that any perpendicular reaction force (on the given example, FC)
acting on an inclined surface (on the given example, the surface of bar AD) makes an angle with
respect on the constructed vertical line the same as with the angle of inclination of the body (the
angle made by the bar AD in reference with the horizontal ground is 30°).
Step 2: After constructing the FBD showing all the external forces, you can now apply the standard equilibrium
equations.
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0; (Assuming all counterclockwise moments are positive)
-25 (9.81) (0.5 cos 30°) + FC (0.7) = 0; FC = 151.7091 N
Note: Choosing the ideal pivot point in moment summation can be easily identify by observing the point on where there
are more than two unknown forces. (You should remember that any force that will passes thru the pivot point does not
have a moment.)
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0; (Assuming all rightward forces are positive)
T cos15 - FC sin30 = 0; T = 78.5304 N
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0; (Assuming all upward forces are positive)
Ay + T sin15 + FC cos30 – 25 (981) = 0; Ay = 73.2157 N
Step 3: Follow the principles in constructing FBD and applying static equations on the pin located at B.
15° BX
By
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0; (Assuming all rightward forces are positive)
Bx – T cos15 = 0; Bx = 75.8545 N
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0; (Assuming all upward forces are positive)
By – T sin15 = 0; By = 20.3252 N
