TERM PAPER

OF
MECHANICAL SCIENCE

TOPIC-Free Body Diagram of Four

Force System

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Lect. Avtar Singh

Avinash Manhas

Roll.no- RE2801B46

Reg.no- 10809450

Course- B Tech-M.Tech( IT)

INTRODUCTION
A free body diagram is a pictorial representation often used by physicists and engineers to
analyze the forces acting on a free body. A free body diagram shows all contact and non-
contact forces acting on the body. Drawing such a diagram can aid in solving for the unknown
forces or theequations of motion of the body. Creating a free body diagram can make it easier to
understand the forces, and moments, in relation to one another and suggest the proper concepts
to apply in order to find the solution to a problem. The diagrams are also used as a conceptual
device to help identify the internal forces—for example, shear forces and bending moments in
beams—which are developed within structures

Example:
Contents:

* Free body diagram With Force System

a . The Umbrian Street Lamp

b . The Harbor Crane

* Representative problems and their solutions

• String and block system

• Incline and block system

• Pulley, string and block system

• Two blocks system

• Pulley, string and multiple blocks system

Free body diagram With Force System

One of the most useful aids for solving a statics problem is the free body diagram (FBD). A free
body diagram is a graphic, dematerialized, symbolic representation of the body (structure,
element or segment of an element) in which all connecting "pieces" have been removed. A FBD
is a convenient method to model the structure, structural element, or segment that is under
scrutiny. It is a way in which to conceptualize the structure, and its composite elements, so that
an analysis may be initialized.

All of the physical attrributes of the structure are removed. This is not completed at random,
rather with a distinct method. A body, or segment thereof, is represented by a simple single line.
Each connection is solely represented by a juncture with distinct properties, or is replaced by a
set of forces and moments which would represent the action at that connection. Internal forces
which would be found at a node (connection or joint) can be replaced by representational
external forces where that "part" connects would connect with the other member in the FBD. All
loads are represented as force systems.
The image to the right is a link to a movie which illustrates the way in which each of the loads on
the structure (in this case the bench) are resolved. It also illustrates how each and every physical
load that acts upon the structure must be represented. This means that all of the loads are
replaced by vectors. Even the supports are replaced by single vectors.

Everything that is needed to solve a force system is included on the FBD. Free body diagrams
may not seem necessary in the relatively simple current applications, but as problems become
more complex, their usefulness increases.

The following is the process for determining the reaction at the wall for a cantilever beam. A
FBD is first drawn of the beam. Next, cut the beam free from the wall and replace the wall with
the forces that were supporting the beam at the wall before it was cut free. These forces are
unknown, but they are the only forces that can keep the beam in equilibrium. They are identical
to the internal forces in the beam at that point before it was cut. The internal forces in the beam
before it was cut free from its support are also determined when the forces which will keep, or
put, the FBD in equilibrium are found.

A fixed support will resist translation in all directions and rotation (moment). The FBD must
show all of these directions. The principles of equilibrium can always be used to solve a FBD. In
the FBD above Sum Fy = 2K and Sum Fx = 0. The 2K forces (load and vertical reaction force)
cause a counter-clockwise couple of 10 K-FT which must be resisted by a moment on the end of
the cut section of 10 K-FT acting in a clockwise direction.

This is an illustration of three different structural systems which have one 100 pound load and
one 150 pound load acting on them at exactly the same point. They are also supported with a
roller support at the left
and pinned support at
the right. Each one
could be a structure
made of any type of
material.....wood, steel,
bamboo, or perhaps
paper.

This is a Free Body Diagram of these three systems which has been drawn to represent the force
system. Note how all of the internal structure has been removed from this representation. The
internal arrangement does not matter for the determination of the supporting reactions! AND, if
the supporting and loading geometries are the same, the external reactions will alsways remain
the same.

The Umbrian Street Lamp

This is a street lamp that is commonly found in Umbria, Italy. It looks like many lamps found all
over the world. The three photos illustrate how the free body diagram for this structure should be
conceived. The first step is to dematerialize the lamp. Identify the center of the body and draw
this as a straght line. The only identifieable weight is the lamp, so this is drawn as a vector as
indicated. The next step is to determine what is required at the other end of the lamp to maintain
equilibrium; what is needed to keep the lamp from spinning off into space? These forces
(including the moment) are drawn as indicated. What is missing from this illustration? The
magnitudes of the moment and force at the left side should be included in a complete free body
diagram.
The Harbor Crane

When confronted with what appears to be

a complex prolblem, the first thing to do
is to SIMPLIFY!!! Determine the
identifiable pieces. Look for significant
changes in the structural morphology.
Turn the image upside down if need be in
order to attempt to dematerialze the
problem.

In this case, the crane must be divided

into at least two recognizable pieces. It
has a trussed upper structure (A) and a
rigid frame lower structure (B). We can
split the structures into these two parts
because we can also recognize that the
upper part must be able to rotate while
the lower part remains "stable" or at the
very least remains in place. Two
significant weights, or forces, can be
identified acting on part A; the weight of the hoisted load and the large concrete block counter-
balance. Notice the relative magnitudes of the force vectors. If the actual magnitude of forces are
unknown, this is one way in which these values can be represented.

Note also that some parts of the actual built form of the crane have been neglected in the upper
part. There is a series of machines which occupy the platform above the circular swivel track.
These are not really of concern in this anaysis unless they are permanent AND of considerable
weight. If they are NOT considered, then their location at the center of the whole crane adds a bit
of stability to the overall system. Thus, smaller items which might or might not be present are
usually neglected.

Part B consists of a heavy, solid plate steel rigid frame. It seems to have feet at the bottom of
each "leg" that provide the "footing." The free body diagram is drawn passing through the center
of gravity of the section. There are times when the location of the center of gravity is actualy
unknown. When this is the case, then it is necessary to make a "best guess" as to its location.
Once this is completed, it can be tested as to its "correctness" by the logic of the resulting
diagram. There are times when the Free body diagram does not seem to represent anything close
to the built form.

Representative problems and their solutions

We discuss problems, which highlight certain aspects of the study leading to the balanced force
system. The questions are categorized in terms of the characterizing features of the subject
matter :

• String and block system

• Incline and block system

• Pulley, string and block system

• Two blocks system

• Pulley, string and multiple blocks system

String and block system

Problem 1 : A block weighing 100 N is suspended with the help of three strings as shown in the
figure. Find the tension in each of the strings.

Balanced force system

Solution : This example illustrates one important aspect of force diagram. We can even draw
force diagram of a point on the system like “O”, where three strings meet. The point does not
represent a body, but force diagram is valid so long we display the forces acting through the
point, O.

Let T1 , T2 and T3 be the tensions in the string as shown in the figure here.
A preliminary assessment of forces suggests that analysis of forces on block will provide value
for the unknown, T1. Hence, we first analyze force on the block.

Free body diagram of block

T1=100N
Free body diagram of “O”

The external forces at point “O” are (i) Tension, T1 (ii) Tension, T2 and (iii) Tension, T3

∑Fx=T3sin600−T2
=0

⇒T2=T3sin600
and

∑Fy=T3cos600−T1=0

0
⇒T3=T1cos60 =200
N

Putting this in the equation for T2 , we have :

⇒T2=T3sin600=200x√3/ 2

=100√3N

We should note that direction of tension " T1 " acts up with respect to the body, whereas " T1 "
acts down with respect to point "O". We need not be overly concerned and just try to figure out,
what a taut string does to the body or point in consideration. The tension pulls down the point
"O" and pulls up the body. For this reason, it has different directions with respect to them.

Incline and block system

Problem 2 : Find the force, F, required to keep the block stationary on an incline of angle "θ"
having friction-less surface as shown in the figure.
Solution : We can either have (a) axes in horizontal and vertical directions or (b) parallel to
incline and perpendicular to it. Which of the two is better suited here ? In this case, one force
(mg) is along vertical direction, whereas other external force (F) is along horizontal direction. As
such, it is advantageous to have a horizontal and vertical axes as two of three forces are along the
coordinate axes. Free body diagram of the block

The external forces on the block are (i) Force, F (ii) Weight, mg and (iii) Normal force, N.
 ∑Fx=F−Nsinθ=0

⇒F=Nsinθ and

∑Fy=Ncosθ−mg=0

⇒mg=Ncosθ

Taking ratio, we have :

⇒F mg=tanθ

⇒F=mgtanθ

Pulley, string and block system

Problem 3 : A string going over a pulley “A” of mass “m” supports a mass “M” as shown in the
figure. Find the magnitude of force exerted by the clamp “B” on pulley “A”.

Balanced force system

Solution : Here, we consider pulley as the body system. Let us also consider that clamp “B”
exerts a force “F” in an arbitrary direction, making an angle with the horizontal. We should note
that pulley, unless otherwise specified, is considered to be of negligible mass and friction-less. In
this case, however, pulley has finite mass “m” and its weight should be considered to be an
external force on the pulley.

The string is single piece and mass-less, whereas pulley is not mass-less. However, pulley is
static. As such, there is no torque involved. Hence, tension in the string all through out is same.
From the consideration of block, we see that tension in the string is equal to the weight of the
block i.e. Mg.

Now, the external forces on pulley are (i) Horizontal tension "T" (ii) Weight, mg, of the pulley
(iii) Vertical Tension, T, and (iv) force, F applied by clamp “B”.
 ∑Fx=Fx−T=Fx−Mg=0

⇒Fx=Mg and

∑Fy=Fy−mg−T=Fy−mg−Mg=0

⇒Fy=(M+m)g

The force exerted by the clamp,F, is :

F=\(Fx2+Fy2)=\{(Mg)2+(M+m)2g2{

⇒F=g\{M2+(M+m)2{

Two blocks system

Problem 4 : Two blocks "A" and "B", weighing 20 N and 10 N respectively are in contact with
each other. If the blocks are at rest, then find the force "F" and the normal reactions between all
contact surfaces.

Balanced force system

Solution : The question demands that we draw free body diagram of each of the block separately
as we are required to know normal reactions at all surfaces. Here, there are three contact surfaces
between (i) A and horizontal surface (ii) B and horizontal surface and (iii) A and B.

A preliminary assessment of forces on the blocks suggests that analysis of forces on B will
provide values of unknown force(s). It is so because the forces on B are mutually perpendicular
(thus, they would not need to be resolved), if appropriate coordinate system is chosen. Hence, we
first analyze force on block B.

Free body diagram of B

The external forces are (i) weight of B = 10 N (ii) Normal force applied by A i.e. N1 (say) (iii)
Normal force applied by surface i.e. N2 and (iv) external force of 20 N
 ∑Fx=N1−20=0

⇒N1=20N

and

∑Fy=N2−10=0

⇒N2=10N

Free body diagram of B

The external forces are (i) weight of A, 20 N (ii) Normal force applied by B i.e. N3 (say) = N1 =
20 N (iii) Normal force applied by surface i.e. N4 and (iv) force, F = ?
 Figure 10

∑Fx=Fcos300−N3=Fcos300−N1=Fcos300−
20=0

⇒20=Fcos300

⇒F=20 cos300 =20√3/2 =40√3 N

and

∑Fy=N4−Fsin300−20=0

⇒N4=Fsin300+20=40√3 X1/2 +20=20√3+20=20(1+√3 )N

Pulley, string and multiple blocks system

Problem 5: The blocks A and B weighing 10 N and 20 N are connected by a string. The block
B, in turn, is connected to block C with another string passing over a pulley. Friction forces at all
interfaces is negligible. If the block system is in equilibrium, find the weight of C and tensions in
the two strings.
Solution : There are two strings. Hence, the tensions in the strings will be different.
Let T1 and T2 be the tension in strings AB and BC respectively.

Looking at the various body systems, we guess that the simplest force system is the one
associated with block C. However, force analysis of block C will not yield anything as we do not
know its weight or the tension T2 .

Free body diagram of A

 Free body diagram

The external forces are (i) weight of A = 10 N (ii) Normal force applied by incline i.e. N1 (say)
(iii) tension in AB, T1 .

∑Fx=10sin300−T1=0

⇒T1=10sin300=5N

We need not analyze forces in y – direction as we are not required to determine normal
force N1 and it is not expected to be used for analyzing force on block B.

Free body diagram of B

The external forces are (i) weight of B, WC = 20 N (ii) Normal force applied by incline
i.e. N2 (say) (iii) tension in AB, T1 and (iv) tension in BC, T2 .

∑Fx=20sin300+T1−T2=0

⇒T2=20x1/2+5=15N

Free Body Diagram of C is:

∑Fx=20sin300+T1−T2=0

⇒T2=20x1/2+5=15N

Free Body Diagram of C is:

The external forces are (i) weight of c = ? and (ii) tension in BC, T2 .

∑Fy=T2−WC=0 ⇒WC=T2=15N