EQUILIBRIUM OF PARTICLE
FBD OF 2-D SYSTEMS
Objectives:
a) Concept of free body diagram (FBD), and how to
draw the FBD,
b) Apply equations of equilibrium to solve 2-D and 3-D
problems.
Mechanical Engineering 2012 1
APPLICATIONS
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APPLICATIONS
For a spool of given For a given cable strength,
weight, what are the what is the maximum
forces in cables AB weight that can be lifted ?
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and AC ?
Condition for the equilibrium
• Equilibrium = static equilibrium
• Satisfy Newton’s first law of motion – resultant
force acting on a particle is equal zero.
F = 0
• An object is at rest or constant velocity
• Newton’s second law of motion:
F = ma where a=0
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EQUILIBRIUM OF PARTICLE IN 2-D
This is an example of a 2-D
or coplanar force system.
If the whole assembly is in
equilibrium, then particle A
is also in equilibrium.
To determine the tensions in
the cables for a given weight
of the engine, we need to
learn how to draw a free
body diagram and apply
equations of equilibrium.
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THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW OF A
FREE BODY DIAGRAM (FBD)
Free Body Diagrams is the
most important thing for us to
know - how to draw and use.
What? - It is a drawing that
shows all external forces
acting on the particle.
Why? - It helps to write the
equations of equilibrium to
solve for the unknowns (usually
forces or angles).
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How? – the procedure to draw the FBD.
1. Imagine the particle to be isolated or cut free from its
surroundings. Draw the outlined shape
2. Show all the forces that act on the particle.
Active forces: They want to move the particle.
Reactive forces: They tend to resist the motion.
3. Identify each force and show all known magnitudes
and directions. Show all unknown magnitudes and
directions as variables .
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Note : Engine mass = 250 kg FBD at A
FREE BODY DIAGRAMS (FBD)
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Frictionless Pulley:
Spring Force:
T1 = T2.
= spring constant X deformation
or F = k x DL
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Equations of 2-D Equilibrium (Coplanar systems)
Since particle A is in equilibrium,
the net force at A is zero.
So F1 + F2 + F3 + F4 = 0
or F = 0
or Fx i + Fy j = 0
Or, written in a scalar form,
Fx = 0 and Fy = 0
These are two scalar equations of equilibrium (E of E).
They can be used to solve for up to two unknowns.
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Example
Determine the force in each cord for
equilibrium of the 200-kg crate. Cord BC
remains horizontal due to the roller at C,
and AB has a length of 1.5 m. Set y = 0.75 0.75m
m. q
FBD 200kg
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Example
If the 1.5m cord AB can withstand a
maximum force of 3500N, determine the
force in cord BC and the distance y so that
the 200kg crate can be supported.
FBD
FBC = 2.90 kN
and 12
Example
The members of a truss are
connected to the gusset plate. If the
forces are concurrent at point O,
determine the magnitudes of F and
T for equilibrium. Take q = 30o.
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Example
If block B weighs 200 lb and block
C weighs 100 lb, determine the
required weight of block D and the
angle q for equilibrium.
100cos30o – 200cosq = 0
q = 64.3o
100sin30o + 200sin 64.3o – WD = 0
WD = 230 lb
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Example
Determine the stretch in springs AC
and AB for equilibrium of the 2-kg
block. The springs are shown in the
equilibrium position.
FBD
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Example
The unstretched length of spring AB is
3 m. If the block is held in the
equilibrium position shown, determine
the mass of the block at D.
FAB = kx = 30(5-3) = 60 N
60(4/5) – FACcos45o = 0
FAC = 67.88 N
FBD
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Draw the FBD
50 kg
FBD
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Draw the FBD
50 lb
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Draw the FBD
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Example
A “scale” is constructed with a 4-ft-long cord
and the 10-lb block D. The cord is fixed to a
pin at A and passes over two small pulleys at
B and C. Determine the weight of the
suspended block at B if the system is in
equilibrium.
Note:
The tension in the
cord ABCD is the
same throughout the
length, that is 10 lb.
WB 20
