Statics (MET 2214)

Prof. S. Nasseri
Forces and Moments
MET 2214
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Moments and Forces
Part 4
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Moment of a Couple
A couple is defined as:
Two parallel forces
Same Magnitude
Opposite direction
Separated by a perpendicular distance d

-F
d
F
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Couple Moment
A moment produced by a couple
is called a Couple Moment.
( )
F r M
r r - r But
F r r - M
F r F -r M
F r F) ( r M
A B
B A
B A
B A
=
=
+ =
+ =
+ =
So a couple moment is a free vector which
can act at any point and depends only on r,
not on r
A
and r
B
.
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Couple Moment
Remember:
Scalar Formulation:
Magnitude: M = Fd

Direction and sense using right-hand rule

Vector Formulation:

Magnitude: M = r x F


Note: The moment of a couple does not
depend on the point one takes the moment
about. In other words, a moment of a couple
is the same about all points in space.
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 1
Each person in this figure is exerting a 20N force on
the tube. If the distance between the two points is
150mm, what is the moment due to the forces applied.
M = F.d= (20)(0.15) = 3N.m
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 2
The crossbar wrench is used to remove a lug nut from the automobile
wheel. The mechanic applies a moment couple to the wrench such that his
hands are a constant distance apart.


Is it necessary that a = b in order to
produce the most effective turning of
the nut? Explain.
Solution:
Couple moment: Mc = F(a+b),
The couple moment depends on the total
distance between grips. a = b is not a
necessary condition to produce the most
effective turning of the nut.
Also what is the effect of changing the
shaft dimension c in this regard? The
forces act in the vertical plane.

Changing the dimension c has no effect on turning the nut.
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 3
Determine the resultant couple moment of the two couples that act on
the pipe assembly. The distance from A to B is d = 400 mm. Express
the result as a Cartesian vector.
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 3
( ) { }
{ }m k 0.2 j 35 . 0 r
m k 0) (0.4sin30 j 0) (-0.4cos30 i 0.35 0.35 r
) sin30 ,0.4 0.4cos30 - B(0.35,
0) 0, A(0.35,
: Vector Position
AB
AB
+ =
+ + =

Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 3
{ }
( )
( ) { }
( )
( ) { }N.m 5 17 10
0 0 50 -
0.2 35 0 0

N.m 25 12
35 0 0
0.2 35 0 0

N } {-50 N; } {35
m 0.2 35 0
: Moments Couple
2
k . j .
k j i
M
F r M
i . .
k j i
M
F r M
i F k F
k j . r
2 C
AB 2 C
1 C
1 AB 1 C
2 1
AB
= =
=
= =
=
= =
+ =
{ }
( ) { }
( ) { }
( ) ( ) { }N.m 5 17 10 25 12
: Moment Couple Resultant
N.m 5 17 10
N.m 25 12
N } {-50 N; } {35
m 0.2 35 0
k . j i . M M M
M M
k . j M
i . M
i F k F
k j . r
2 C 1 C R
R
2 C
1 C
2 1
AB
= + =
=
=
=
= =
+ =
Notice this is negative because we are taking moment about A !
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 3
Come on!
There must
be an
easier
way!!
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 3
Lets check three different views and see what
forces are causing moments about x, y and z
axes:
y
z
x
z
x
y
35N
35N
50N
50N
50N
50N
0.4cos30
0.4sin30
0.4cos30
X-view
Gives moment about x
Y-view
Gives moment about y
Z-view
Gives moment about z
-
-
-
Statics (MET 2214)
Prof. S. Nasseri
Example 3
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
{ }N.m 5 17 10 25 12
: vector Cartesian a as M Express
N.m 5 17
30 4 0 50
N.m 10
30 4 0 50
N.m 25 12
30 4 0 35
axes z and y, about x, moments Summing : Analysis Scalar
R
k . j i . M
.
) cos . (
) sin . (
.
) cos . (
R
=
=
= =
=
= =
=
= =
z R
z z R
y R
y y R
x R
x x R
M
M M
M
M M
M
M M