Module 1: Force Systems

Force vector magnitude, direction, point of

application
Analyse mainly external force, except for
structures & machines
External forces applied or reactive
Principle of force transmissibility applied at any
point on line of action, same resultant effects
Force classif. as contact or body (weight)
Weight grav. force concentrated over CoG

Force systems (contd)
Action & reaction Newtons 3
rd
law
Concurrent forces action lines meet at a point
Resultants:



Components:
Rectangular (ortho.) Components
2-D:




Determining components
Example 1




Example 1 (contd)
.
Example 2
.
Example 2 (contd)
.
Example 3
.
Moment
Rotational tendency of force, a.k.a torque
Moment about a point:

Principle of moments
(Varignons Theorem)
Moment of force about a point = sum of moments of its
components about same point

Example 4
.
Example 4 (contd)
.
Couple
Moment produced by 2 equal & opposite non-
colinear forces



Couple sense:

Equivalent couples &
Force-couple systems
Equivalent - described by same free vector (Fd)




Replace a force by an equal parallel force & a
couple! (force-couple system)
Example 5
.