SYSTEM OF FORCES
Two-Dimensional Force Systems
Rectangular Components
Moment and Couple
Resultants
Three-Dimensional Force Systems
Rectangular Components
Moment and Couple
Resultants
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Principle of Transmissibility
• Statement of the Principle
A force may be applied at any point on its given line of action without altering the resultant
effects of the force external to the rigid body on which it acts.
• Illustration
• Sliding Vectors
2D Rectangular Components
Vector Components: F = Fx + Fy
• Scalar Components: F = Fxi + Fyj
• Other Useful Relationships
Finding Resultants using Components
We add the components in the x- and y- direction
EXAMPLE
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force
We can approach this problem by resolving the forces into their x- and
y-components. Thus, we have:
300i + 0j
400 cos300i + 400 sin 300j = 346i + 200j
– 250 i + 250 j = – 200i + 150j
R = 446i + 350j
R = = 567N
θ = = 38.10
Rectangular Components (3D)
• Illustration and Equations of Interest
Writing Vector Components
• Specification by two points on the line of action of the force.
Writing Vector Components
• Specification by two angles which orient the line of action of the force.
• Horizontal and Vertical Components
• x- and y-Components
EXAMPLE
Determine the magnitude and coordinate direction angles
F1 = 72i + 54k
of the resultant force
F2 = 53.25i + 53.25j +129.9k
F3 = 200k
R = 125.25i + 53.25j +383.9k
EXAMPLE Cont’d
The Dot Product
• Definitions and Illustration
• P·Q = Q·P = PQ cos θ
• θ = cos-1(P·Q /PQ)
Moment
• A moment is the tendency of a force to rotate a body about an axis.
• Illustration: Pipe Wrench
The Cross Product
• Vector Expression for Moments
• Position Vector, r
• Moment Vector, M = r × F
Varignon’s Theorem
• The Theorem Stated
The moment of a force about any point is equal to the sum of the moments of the components of
the force about the same point.
• The Theorem Illustrated – Vectors
R=P+Q
MO = r × R = r × (P + Q) = r × P + r × Q
EXAMPLE
• Calculate the magnitude of the moment about the base point O of the 600-N force.
EXAMPLE Cont’d
Use Components at A (CW is +)
EXAMPLE Cont’d
Vector Approach
EXAMPLE
The turnbuckle is tightened until the tension in cable AB is 2.4 kN. Determine the moment about
point O of the cable force acting on point A and the magnitude of this moment.
EXAMPLE Cont’d
• Tension Vector
• Moment about Point O
• Magnitude of the Moment
Couple
• Definition
The moment produced by two equal, opposite, and noncollinear forces is called a couple.
MO = F(a + d) - Fa = Fd
MO = rA × F + rB × (-F) = (rA - rB) × F = r × F
The Couple is a Free Vector
Equivalent Couples
• Illustration
Force-Couple Systems
• Principle of the Force-Couple System
Any force which acts at a particular location on a body can be replaced by an equivalent force
which acts at a different location and a couple.
• Illustration of the Process
Resultants
• Definition
The resultant of a system of forces is the simplest force combination which can replace the
original forces without altering the external effect on the rigid body to which the forces are
applied.
Example
Four people are attempting to move a
stage platform across the floor. If they
exert the horizontal forces shown,
determine the equivalent force–couple
system at O
Example
A table exerts the four forces shown on
the floor surface. Reduce the force
system to a force–couple system at
point O. Show that R is perpendicular
to MO.
