Problem 6-101

If a force of magnitude P is applied perpendicular to the handle of the mechanism, determine

the magnitude of force F for equilibrium. The members are pin-connected at A, B, C, and D.
Given:
P := 30N
a := 625mm
b := 100mm
c := 125mm
d := 100mm
e := 125mm
f := 125mm
g := 750mm
Solution:
MA = 0;

FBC b P a = 0
FBC :=

P a
b

FBC = 187.5 N
+
Fx = 0;

Ax + P = 0
Ax := P

Fy = 0;

Ax = 30 N

Ay + F BC = 0
Ay := FBC

MD = 0;

Ay = 187.5 N

e Ax Ay ( b + c) + ( g + b + c) F = 0

F :=

e Ax + Ay ( b + c)
g+b+c

F = 47.1 N

Problem 6-102
The pillar crane is subjected to the load having a mass M. Determine the force developed in the
tie rod AB and the horizontal and vertical reactions at the pin support C when the boom is tied
in the position shown.
Units Used:
3

kN := 10 N
Given:
M := 500kg
a := 1.8m
b := 2.4m
1 := 10deg
2 := 20deg
g = 9.81

m
2

s
Solution:

initial guesses: F CB := 10kN

F AB := 10kN

Given
M
g cos 1 FAB cos 2 + FCB
2

( )

( )

M
g sin 1 FAB sin 2 + FCB
2

( )

( )

FAB
:= Find ( FAB , FCB)
FCB

Cx
:=
Cy

b
2

= 0

a +b

a
2

a +b

M g = 0
2

2
2 a
a +b
F CB

FAB
9.7

Cx = 11.53 kN

8.65
Cy

Problem 6-103
The tower truss has a weight W and a center of gravity at G. The rope system is used to
hoist it into the vertical position. If rope CB is attached to the top of the shear leg
AC and a second rope CD is attached to the truss, determine the required tension in BC to
hold the truss in the position shown. The base of the truss and the shear leg bears against the
stake at A, which can be considered as a pin. Also, compute the compressive force acting
along the shear leg.
Given:
W := 2300N
:= 40deg
a := 1.5m
b := 0.9m
c := 3m
d := 1.2m
e := 2.4m
Solution: Entire system:

MA = 0;

TBC cos ( ) ( d + e) TBC sin ( ) a W ( a + b) = 0

W ( a + b)
TBC :=
cos ( ) ( d + e) sin ( ) a
TBC = 3.08 kN
CA is a two-force member.

At C:

b + c

:= atan
initial guesses:

F CA := 500N

TCD := 300N

Given

Fx = 0;

Fy = 0;

F CA

F CA

a
2

a + ( d + e)

d+e
2

a + ( d + e)

FCA
:= Find ( F CA , TCD)
TCD

+ TCD cos ( ) TBC cos ( ) = 0

TCD sin ( ) TBC sin ( ) = 0

TCD = 1.43 kN

F CA = 2.96 kN

Problem 6-104
The constant moment M is applied to the crank shaft. Determine the compressive force P that is
exerted on the piston for equilibrium as a function of . Plot the results of P (ordinate) versus
(abscissa) for 0deg 90deg .
Given:
a := 0.2m
b := 0.45m
M := 50N m
Solution:

= asin cos ( )
b

a cos ( ) = b sin ( )

M + FBC cos ( ) a = 0
F BC =

M
a cos ( )

P = FBC cos ( ) =

M cos ( )
a cos ( )

This function goes to infinity at = 90 deg, so we will only plot it to = 80 deg.

:= 0 , 0.1 .. 80

( ) := asin cos ( deg)

b

P ( ) :=

M cos ( ( ) )
a cos ( deg ( ) )

Newtons

1500

P ( )

1000
500
0

20

40

Degrees

60

80

Problem 6-105
Five coins are stacked in the smooth plastic container shown. If each coin has weight W,
determine the normal reactions of the bottom coin on the container at points A and B.
Given:
W := 0.094N
a := 3
b := 4
Solution:
All coins :
Fy = 0;

NB := 5W
NB = 0.470 N

Bottom coin :
Fy = 0;

NB W N0

a +b

N0 := NB W

NA := N0

a
2

a +b

NA = 0.282 N

a +b

N0 = 0.47 N

Fx = 0;

= 0

Problem 6-106
Determine the horizontal and vertical components of force at pin B and the normal force the pin at C
exerts on the smooth slot. Also, determine the moment and horizontal and vertical reactions of force
at A. There is a pulley at E.
Given:
F := 50kN
a := 4m
b := 3m
Solution:
Guesses
Bx := 1kN
By := 1kN
NC := 1kN
Ax := 1kN

Ay := 1kN

MA := 1kN m

Given
Bx +

By

a
2

a +b

b
2

a +b

NC F = 0

NC F = 0

(F + Bx) a (F + By) b = 0
a

a +b
b
2

a +b
F 2a +

NC Ax = 0

NC Ay = 0

a
2

a +b

NC a + MA = 0

 Bx

By

NC

:= Find ( Bx , By , NC , Ax , Ay , MA)
A
x
A
y
MA

NC = 20 kN

Bx 34
=
kN
By 62

Ax 34
=
kN
Ay 12

MA = 336 kN m

Problem 6-107
A force F is applied to the handles of the vise grip. Determine the compressive force developed
on the smooth bolt shank A at the jaws.
Given:
F := 20N

b := 25mm

a := 37.5mm

c := 75mm

d := 18.5mm

e := 25mm

:= 20deg
Solution:

From FBD (a)

ME = 0;

b = 0

2
2
c + ( d + e)

d+e

F ( b + c) F CD

c + ( d + e)

F CD := F ( b + c)
Fx = 0;

b ( d + e)

F CD = 159.5 N

Ex := FCD

c + ( d + e)

Ex = 137.9 N

From FBD (b)

MB = 0;

NA sin ( ) d + NA cos ( ) a Ex ( d + e) = 0
NA := Ex

d+e
sin ( ) d + cos ( ) a

NA = 144.3 N

Problem 6-108
If a force of magnitude P is applied to the grip of the clamp, determine the compressive force F
that the wood block exerts on the clamp.
Given:
P := 40N
a := 50mm
b := 50mm
c := 12mm
d := 18mm
e := 38mm

Solution:
Define

:= atan

= 70.20 deg

From FBD (a),

MB = 0;

F CD cos ( ) c P ( a + b + c) = 0
F CD :=

Fy = 0;

P ( a + b + c)
cos ( ) ( c)

F CD = 1102.2 N

F CD sin ( ) By = 0
By := FCD sin ( )

By = 1037.0 N

From FBD (b),

MA = 0;

By d F e = 0
F :=

By d
e

F = 491.2 N

Problem 6-109
The hoist supports the engine of mass M. Determine the force in member DB and in the
hydraulic cylinder H of member FB.
Units Used:
3

kN := 10 N
Given:
M := 125kg

d := 1m

a := 1m

e := 1m

b := 2m

f := 2m

c := 2m

g = 9.81

m
2

s
Solution:

Member GFE :
ME = 0; F FB

c+d

b + M g ( a + b) = 0

( c + d) + ( b e)

FFB := M g

a+b
b ( c + d)

2
2

( c + d) + ( b e)

FFB = 1.94 kN

Fx = 0;

Ex FFB

Ex := F FB

be

= 0

( c + d) + ( b e)

be
2

( c + d) + ( b e)

Member EDC:
c = 0;

Ex ( c + d) F DB

e
2

e +d

d = 0
2

c+d
2
2
FDB := Ex
e +d
e d

FDB = 2.6 kN

Problem 6-110
The flat-bed trailer has weight W1 and center of gravity at GT .It is pin-connected to the cab at D.
The cab has a weight W2 and center of gravity at GC Determine the range of values x for the
position of the load L of weight W3 so that no axle is subjected to a force greater than F Max . The
load has a center of gravity at GL.
Given:
W1 := 35kN

a := 1.2m

W2 := 30kN

b := 1.8m

W3 := 10kN

c := 0.9m

Fmax := 27.5kN d := 3m
e := 3.6m
Solution:
Ay := Fmax

Case 1:

Assume

Guesses

Ay := Fmax
x := 1m

Given

By := F max

Cy := Fmax

Dy := Fmax

Ay + By W2 Dy = 0
W2 a Dy ( a + b) + By ( a + b + c) = 0
Dy W1 W3 + Cy = 0
W3 x + W1 e Dy ( c + d + e) = 0

By

Cy
:= Find ( By , Cy , Dy , x)
Dy

x
Ay
27.5

By = 31.7 kN
15.8
Cy

x1 := x

x1 = 9.28 m
Since B y > Fmax then this solution is no good.

By := F max

Case 2:

Assume

Guesses

Ay := Fmax

By := F max

Cy := Fmax

x := 1m
Given

Dy := Fmax

Ay + By W2 Dy = 0
W2 a Dy ( a + b) + By ( a + b + c) = 0
Dy W1 W3 + Cy = 0
W3 x + W1 e Dy ( c + d + e) = 0

Ay

Cy
:= Find ( Ay , Cy , Dy , x)
Dy

x

Ay
26.2

By = 27.5 kN
21.3
Cy

x2 := x

x2 = 5.21 m

Since Ay < Fmax and Cy < Fmax then this solution is good.
Cy := Fmax

Case 3:

Assume

Guesses

Ay := Fmax
x := 1m

Given

By := F max

Cy := Fmax

Dy := Fmax

Ay + By W2 Dy = 0
W2 a Dy ( a + b) + By ( a + b + c) = 0
Dy W1 W3 + Cy = 0
W3 x + W1 e Dy ( c + d + e) = 0

Ay

By
:= Find ( Ay , By , Dy , x)
Dy

x

Ay
24.8

By = 22.7 kN
27.5
Cy

Since Ay < Fmax and By < Fmax then this solution is good.
We conclude that x3 = 0.52 m < x < x2 = 5.21 m

x3 := x

x3 = 0.52 m

Problem 6-111
Determine the force created in the hydraulic cylinders EF and AD in order to hold the shovel
in equilibrium. The shovel load has a mass W and a center of gravity at G. All joints are pin
connected.
Units Used:
3

Mg := 10 kg
3

kN := 10 N
Given:
a := 0.25m

1 := 30deg

b := 0.25m

2 := 10deg

c := 1.5m

3 := 60deg

d := 2m

W := 1.25Mg

e := 0.5m
Solution:
Assembly FHG :

( )) = 0

MH = 0; [ W g ( e) ] + FEF c sin 1
F EF := W g

( )

c sin 1

F EF = 8.17 kN (T)

Assembly CEFHG :

( )

MC = 0; F AD cos 1 + 2 b W g ( a + b + c)cos 2 + e = 0

F AD := W g

( )

( )

( )

cos 2 a + cos 2 b + cos 2 c + e

F AD = 158 kN (C)

cos 1 + 2 b

Problem 6-112
The aircraft-hangar door opens and closes slowly by means of a motor which draws in the cable
AB. If the door is made in two sections (bifold) and each section has a uniform weight W and length
L, determine the force in the cable as a function of the door's position . The sections are
pin-connected at C and D and the bottom is attached to a roller that travels along the vertical track.

Solution:
L

2L sin N =

A
2
2

cos

MD = 0;

2W

C = 0;

T L cos

NA =
cot
2
2

N L sin W L cos =

A
2
2
2
2

T= W

Problem 6-113
A man having weight W attempts to lift himself using one of the two methods shown. Determine the
total force he must exert on bar AB in each case and the normal reaction he exerts on the platform at
C. Neglect the weight of the platform.
Given:
W := 750N

Solution:

(a)
Bar:
+

Fy = 0;

F 2 W = 0

2 2

F := W

F = 750 N

Man:
+

Fy = 0;

F
NC W 2 = 0
2
NC := W + F

NC = 1500 N

( b)
Bar:
+

Fy = 0;

W 2 F = 0

2
4

F :=
Man:
+

Fy = 0;

F = 375 N

F
NC W + 2 = 0
2

NC := W F

NC = 375 N

Problem 6-114
A man having weight W1 attempts to lift himself using one of the two methods shown. Determine the
total force he must exert on bar AB in each case and the normal reaction he exerts on the platform at
C. The platform has weight W2.

Given:
W1 := 750N

W2 := 150N

Solution:
(a)
Bar:
+

Fy = 0;

W1 + W2 = 0

F := W1 + W2
F = 900 N

Man:
+

Fy = 0;

NC W1 2

=0

NC := F + W1
NC = 1650 N

( b)

Bar:
+

Fy = 0;

+2
2

W1 + W2

=0

F :=

W1 + W2

F = 450 N

Man:
+

Fy = 0;

NC W1 + 2

NC := W1 F
NC = 300 N

=0

Problem 6-115
The piston C moves vertically between the two smooth walls. If the spring has stiffness k and is
unstretched when = 0, determine the couple M that must be applied to AB to hold the mechanism
in equilibrium.
Given:
k := 15

N
cm

:= 30deg
a := 8cm
b := 12cm

Solution:
Geometry:
b sin ( ) = a sin ( )

:= asin sin ( )

:= 180deg
rAC
sin ( )

b
sin ( )

= 19.47 deg
= 130.53 deg
sin ( )
rAC := b
sin ( )

rAC = 18.242 cm

Free Body Diagram: The solution for this problem will be simplified if one realizes that member CB
is a two force member. Since the spring stretches
x := ( a + b) rAC

x = 1.758 cm
Fsp := k x

the spring force is

Fsp = 26.37 N

Equations of Equilibrium: Using the method of joints

+

Fy = 0;

FCB cos ( ) F sp = 0

FCB :=

F sp
cos ( )

FCB = 27.97 N

From FBD of bar AB

+MA = 0;

FCB sin ( ) a M = 0

M := FCB sin ( ) a

M = 1.70 N m

Problem 6-116
The compound shears are used to cut metal parts. Determine the vertical cutting force exerted
on the rod R if a force F is applied at the grip G.The lobe CDE is in smooth contact with the
head of the shear blade at E.
Given:
F := 100N

e := 0.15m

a := 0.42m

f := 0.15m

b := 0.06m

g := 0.15m

c := 0.6m

h := 0.75m

d := 0.225m

:= 60deg

Solution:
Member AG :
MA = 0;

F ( a + b) F BC b sin ( ) = 0
F BC := F

a+b
b sin ( )

F BC = 923.8 N

Lobe :
MD = 0;

F BC f NE e = 0
NE := F BC

f
e

NE = 923.8 N

Head :
MF = 0;

NE ( h + g) + h NR = 0
NR := NE

h+g
h

NR = 1.109 kN

Problem 6-117
The handle of the sector press is fixed to gear G, which in turn is in mesh with the sector gear
C. Note that AB is pinned at its ends to gear C and the underside of the table EF, which is
allowed to move vertically due to the smooth guides at E and F. If the gears exert tangential
forces between them, determine the compressive force developed on the cylinder S when a
vertical force F is applied to the handle of the press.
Given:
F := 40N
a := 0.5m
b := 0.2m
c := 1.2m
d := 0.35m
e := 0.65m
Solution:
Member GD :
MG = 0;

F a + FCG b = 0
F CG := F

F CG = 100 N

Sector gear :
MH = 0;

F CG ( d + e) FAB

c
2

c +d
2

F AB := FCG ( d + e)

d = 0
2

c +d
c d

F AB = 297.62 N

Table:
Fy = 0;

F AB

c
2

c +d

F s := FAB

Fs = 0

c
2

c +d

F s = 286 N

Problem 6-118
The mechanism is used to hide kitchen appliances under a cabinet by allowing the shelf to rotate
downward. If the mixer has weight W, is centered on the shelf, and has a mass center at G,
determine the stretch in the spring necessary to hold the shelf in the equilibrium position shown.
There is a similar mechanism on each side of the shelf, so that each mechanism supports half of the
load W. The springs each have stiffness k.
Given:
W := 50N
k := 1

a := 50mm

b := 100mm

mm

:= 30deg

c := 375mm

:= 30deg

d := 150mm

Solution:
W

MF = 0;

FED :=

b a F ED cos ( ) = 0

W b
2 a cos ( )

+
Fx = 0;

Fx + FED cos ( ) = 0

Fx := F ED cos ( )
+

Fy = 0;

Fy :=

W
2

FED = 57.74 N

W
2

Fx = 50.00 N
+ Fy FED sin ( ) = 0

+ F ED sin ( )

Fy = 53.87 N

Member FBA:
MA = 0;

Fs = ks;

Fy ( c + d) cos ( ) Fx ( c + d) sin ( ) Fs sin ( + ) d = 0

F y ( c + d) cos ( ) F x ( c + d) sin ( )
Fs :=
Fs = 87.50 N
d sin ( + )
F s = k x

x :=

Fs
k

x = 87.50 mm

Problem 6-119
If each of the three links of the mechanism has a weight W, determine the angle for
equilibrium.The spring, which always remains horizontal, is unstretched when = 0.
Given:
W := 25kN
k := 60

kN
m

a := 4m
b := 4m
Solution:
Guesses

:= 30deg

Bx := 10kN By := 10kN
Cx := 10kN Cy := 10kN
Given
a
W sin ( ) Cy a sin ( ) + Cx a cos ( ) = 0
2
b
W + Cy b = 0
2
By + Cy W = 0
Bx + Cx = 0
a
a
a
Bx a cos ( ) By a sin ( ) W sin ( ) + k sin ( ) cos ( ) = 0
2
2
2

Bx
By

Cx := Find ( Bx , By , Cx , Cy , )

Cy


W + 2 Cy
1
Cx = sin ( )
2
cos ( )

T = k sin ( )
2

Bx
16.58
By 12.5
kN
=

16.58
C
x

C 12.5
y

T := Find ( , T , Cx)
C
x

= 33.6 deg

Problem 6-120
Determine the required force P that must be applied at the blade of the pruning shears so that the
blade exerts a normal force F on the twig at E.
Given:
F := 100N
a := 12.5mm
b := 100mm
c := 18.75mm
d := 18.75mm
e := 25mm
Solution:
initial guesses:
Ax := 1N

Ay := 1N

Dx := 10N

Dy := 10N

P := 20N

F CB := 20N

Given
P ( b + c + d) Ax a + F e = 0
Dy P Ay F = 0
Dx Ax = 0
Ay d Ax a + ( b + c) P = 0
Ax FCB

= 0

Ay + P F CB

c +a

= 0
2

a +c

 Ax

A
y

Dx := Find A , A , D , D , P , F
( x y x y CB)
D
y

FCB

Ax

66.67
Ay 32.32

Dx = 66.67 N

144.44
Dy

F 80.12
CB

P = 12.12 N