Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE

49

Chapter 4

Moment of Force
4.1 TORQUE

Torque (about an axis) is the effectiveness of a force in producing rotation about that
axis. It is the product of the magnitude of the force and moment arm.

Symbol for torque is Greek letter tau (τ).

Where:
τ = torque about an axis
τ=Fxl eq. 4.1 F = force applied
l = moment arm
Moment arm ( l ) is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of
action of the force.

fulcrum F

fulcrum – the axis of

rotation
l
Fig. 4.1

Units of Torque (τ):

MKS CGS FPS
Nm dyne-cm ft-lb

4.2 TORQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH EQUILIBRIUM

Rotational Equilibrium

A body is in rotational equilibrium if the sum of the torques acting on it about any
point be equal to zero.

Second Condition of Equilibrium

The algebraic sum of the moments or torques of all the forces acting about any axis
perpendicular to the plane of the forces must be zero.

Equivalent Statement:

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 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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“The sum of the clockwise moments or torque about any such axis equals the sum of
the counterclockwise moments or torques about that axis.”
τ NET =0

l3
F3

l1

F1
F2

faxis plane of
forces
l2
Fig. 4.2

Assume convention signs:

- if the force tends to produce counterclockwise rotation about the

τ (+) axis.

τ (–) - If the force tends to produce a clockwise rotation about the axis.

Note: The axis location for calculating torque is arbitrary. The sum of the external
torques is zero, no matter where the axis of rotation is placed.

SOLVED PROBLEMS

1. A diver whose weight is 735 N is posed at the right and of a diving board, whose length
is 3.00m. The board has negligible weight and is bolted down at the left end while being

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 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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supported 1.20m away by a fulcrum. Determine the forces F 1 and F2 that the bolt and the
fulcrum, exert on the board.

FBD 1
1.20m 3.00m F2
1.20m 1.80m
fulcrum l1 lW

faxis
F1 W = 735N

Fig. 4.3a Fig. 4.3b

Solution:
Using 1st Equilibrium Condition:

(1)

Using 2nd Equilibrium Condition: Using equation (1), solve for F2:
on axis at

(2)

F2 = 1838.N, upward

F1 = 1103.N, downward

FBD 2
F2
1.20m

l2
faxis
lW
F1
3.0m
Mechanics
W and Heat
Fig. 4.3c
 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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Another solution for solving F2,

Using 2nd Equilibrium Condition:

on axis at
(2)

F2 = 1838.N, upward

2. An 8.00m ladder of weight (WL) = 400N leans against a smooth vertical wall. A painter,
whose weight is (WP) = 900N, stands 6.70m from the bottom of the ladder. Assume that
the weight of the ladder acts at the ladder’s center and neglect the weight of the paint.
Determine the forces that the wall and the ground exert on the ladder.

8.00m

6.70m

52°

Fig. 4.4a

FBD

8.0m R

6.7m

WP lR
4.0m

52° WL lR = 8.0 sin 52° = 6.304m

Gx
lL = 4.0 cos 52° = 2.463m

lL

G lP
Gy
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Fig. 4.4b
 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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lP = 6.70 cos 52° = 4.124m

Solution:
Using 1st Equilibrium Condition:
∑Fx = 0 ∑Fy = 0
Gx – R = 0 (1) Gy – WL – WP = 0 (2) WL = 400N
Gx = R Gy = WL + WP WP = 900N
Gy = 400N + 200N
Gy = 1300N

Using 2nd Equilibrium Condition: Using equation (1):

∑τ = 0 , axis of rotation at G Gx = R
τR – τL – τP = 0 (3) Gx = 745.05 N
RlR – WLlL – WPlP = 0

R = 745. N , toward –y axis

G = 1498. N , 63.6°
CCW from +x axis

3. A gymnast, strengthening his shoulder muscles, holds a dumbbell of weight Wd. His arm
is extended horizontally and weighs Wa= 31.0N. The deltoid muscle is assumed to be the
only muscle acting and is attached to the arm. The maximum force FM that the deltoid
muscle can supply to keep the arm horizontal has a magnitude of 1875N. The illustration
shows the distances that locate where the various forces act on the arm. What is the
weight of the heaviest dumbbell that can held and what are the horizontal and vertical
components (Sx) and (Sy), that the shoulder joint applies to the arm?

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 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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deltoid muscle

shoulder
joint
Fig.
4.5a

FBD
FM
Sx 13° FMy

θ FMx
Sy Wa = 31.0N Wd = ?
0.15m
S
0.280m 0.620m
Fig.
4.5b
Solution:
Using 1st Equilibrium Condition:
∑Fx = 0 Sx = FM cos 13°
Sx – FMx = 0 (1) Sx = 1875 cos 13°
Sx = FMx
Sx = 1827. N

∑Fy = 0
Sy + FMy – Wd – Wa = 0 (2)

Using 2nd Equilibrium Condition:

∑τ = 0 , at S axis
FMy lMy – Wa la – Wd ld = 0

Wd =equation
Using 88.0 N (2):
Sy = Wa + Wd – FMy
Sy = 31.0N + 88.044N – 1875 sin 13°
Sy = -302.74 N

 Negative means that the assumed vertical components of shoulder joint force should be in
reverse direction.

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4. The 200 KN symmetrical barrel shown in figure is positioned at rest on the 35° inclined
plane by a weight B suspended from a cable wrapped around the barrel. If slipping
impends, find B and the coefficient of friction.

W = 200 KN

r=1

B
35°

Fig. 4.6a
Solution:
Using 1st Equilibrium Condition:
∑Fy = 0
FN – B cosθ – W cos θ = 0 (1)
FN = B cosθ + W cos θ
FN = B cos 35° + 200KN cos 35°
FN = 0.81915 B + 163.83 KN

y
FBD 1
FN
Bx
By
Wx
Wy
B x
W
f

θ = 35°

Solution: Fig. 4.6b

Using 1st Equilibrium Condition:
∑Fy = 0
FN – B cosθFBD 2 θ = 0 (1)
– W cos W
FN = B cosθ + W cos θ
FN = B cos 35° + 200KN cos 35°
FN = 0.81915 B + 163.83 KN
O
r=1
B
f

θ = 35° Mechanics and Heat

Fig. 4.6c
 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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Using 2nd Equilibrium Condition:

∑τO = 0 , at axis O
B (1) – f (1) = 0 ; B = f
f = µ FN
f = µ (0. 0.81915 B + 163.83 KN) (2)

∑Fx = 0
B sinθ + W sin θ – f = 0 (3)

B sinθ + W sin θ – B = 0
B (1 – sinθ) = W sin θ

B = 269. N

From equation (2),

f = µ (0. 0.81915 B + 163.83 KN) ;

= 0.700

5. A horizontal uniform beam AB, 4m long and weighing 150N, is supporting a weight of
250N as shown in figure. What is the (a) tension in the rod, (b) compression of beam, and
(c) hinge reaction components.

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FBD 1 y
5m
3m
T
θ axis T sinθ
T cosθ θ
x
A B
3m 2m WB
250 N 3m
W = 250N
4m
4m

Fig. 4.7a Fig. 4.7b

Solution:
(a) Using 2nd Equilibrium Condition:
∑τA = 0 , fulcrum at point A
T sin θ (4m) – 250N (3m) – 150N (2m) = 0 (1)

437.5 N
=

FBD 2 y

T
Ty
Tx θ
x
RB B

Fig. 4.7c
(b) ∑Fx = 0
RB – Tx = 0 (2)
RB = T cos θ
FBD 3
= 350 N

Ty
RH RB

θ
RV
R 150 N 250 N Mechanics and Heat

Fig. 4.7d
 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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∑Fx = 0
RH – RB = 0
RH =
350 N

∑Fy = 0
RV + Ty – 250N – 150N = 0 (3)
RV = 250N + 150N – T sin θ

RV = 137.5N

4.3 CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG)

Center of gravity is the point at which the weight can be considered to act when
calculating the torque due to the weight. It is also point from which object can be suspended
without tending to rotate. It can be also a point at which the weight of the object is
concentrated.

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For uniform or symmetrical object, the center of gravity is located at its geometric
center.
CG
Example:
plane square sheet of metal Fig. 4.8

Ways of Finding the Center of Gravity of Regular or Irregular Shape Object

4.3.1 Plumbline Method

The intersection point between

1 two plumbline is the center of
CG gravity.
PL
2
2

PL1

plumb bob

Fig. 4.9

4.3.2 Analytical Method (Using the Torque and Equilibrium Condition Concepts)

Center of Gravity of Irregular Composite Object

Procedure:
1. Imagine the object into two or more separate elements whose CG’s are known.
2. Consider those elements as particles joined by weightless rod.
3. Calculate the balance point of the assembly using torque concept.

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composite object

elements

particles

x1 W1 = m1g W2 = m2g W3 = m3g

x2
x3

x
W Fig. 4.10

The torque exerted about the end (axis) by a single particle of mass (m1,
m2, m3) located at x will be exactly the same as the torque exerted by the actual
system of the three particles.

∑τ individual components = ∑τ whole composite system

τ1 + τ2 + τ3 = τwhole
m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3 = Mx M = m1 + m2 + m3

CG of composite object along x – axis

If y and z axes are involved:

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Note: Calculation of center of gravity can be attained using other

quantities like weight, volume, area, length, etc.
Example:

A1 y 1  A2 y 2  A3 y 3
y
A

A1 z 1  A2 z 2  A3 z 3
z
A

SOLVED PROBLEMS

1. The hand, forearm, and the upper arm of a man have the respective masses of 0.5 kg, 1.4
kg and 2.3 kg and their CG’s are respectively 0.7m, 0.5m and 0.2m from his shoulder
joint. Find the distance of the center of gravity (CG) of his entire unbent arm from his
shoulder joint.

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shoulder
joint

Ua = 2.3 kg Fa = 1.4 kg H = 0.5 kg

Fig. 4.11a

FBD

fulcrum
m1 = Ua = 2.3 kg m2 = Fa = 1.4 kg m3 = H = 0.5 kg
x1 = 0.2m
x2 = 0.5m

x3 = 0.7m Fig. 4.11b

Solution:
M = m1 + m2 + m3
M = 2.3 kg + 1.4 kg + 0.5 kg
M = 4.2 kg
1m 1m

0.3595m
=
A2

4m 4m y2 CG1

2. Determine the center of gravity of the L-shape glass plate as shown in the figure.
y
y A1
1m y1 CG2 1m

x2 x1 x

2m 2m
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Fig. 4.12a Fig. 4.12b

 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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Solution:
A1 = 1m x 1m = 1m2 x1 = 1.5m y1 = 0.5m
A2 = 4m x 1m = 4m2 x2 = 0.5m y2 = 1.2m
AT = A1 + A2
= 1m2 + 4m2
AT = 5m2

x = 0.7m y = 1.7m

CG : (0.7m, 1.7m )

3. The asymmetric dumbbell shown in the figure is balanced on a frictionless surface.

Eventually the dumbbell falls over with the 3 kg ball moving to the right. Determine the
final position of the 1 kg dumbbell.

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 Chapter 4 MOMENT OF FORCE
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y
m1 = 3 kg

40 cm

40 cm
m2 m1

m2 = 1 kg
x

Fig. 4.13a Fig. 4.13b

Solution:
M = m1 + m2 x1 = 40 cm y1 = 40 cm
= 3 kg + 1 kg x2 = 0 y2 = 0
M = 4 kg

Horizontal Position: Vertical Position:

y = 30 cm
x = 30 cm

 from 1 kg ball to the left of its original initial position.

4. Determine the location of the center of gravity of the object of uniform dimension.

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8”
8”

2” 2” A1 2” 2”
1” 4” 1” 4”
A2

3” 3”
14” 14”
A4
1”
1”

2”
2”
A3
2”
2” x
2”
2”
Fig. 4.14b
4”
4” Fig. 4.14a

Solution:
A1 = 8 in x 4 in = 32 in2 x1 = 4 in y1 = 12 in
A2 = 2 in x 1 in = 2 in2 x2 = 4 in y2 = 12 in
A3 = 2 in x 1 in = 2 in2 x3 = 2 in y3 = 3 in
A4 = 10 in x 4 in = 40 in2 x4 = 2 in y4 = 5 in

AT = A1 – A2 – A3 + A4
= 32 in2 – 2 in2 – 2 in2 + 40 in2
AT = 68 in2

= 2.882 in

= 8.147 in

CG : (2.882 in, 8.147 in )

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5. Given a figure of metallic square sheet of uniform thickness of having dimensions of 50
cm x 50 cm with a small circular portion cut out from it. This portion has a diameter of
15 cm and has its center located 15 cm from the side of the sheet. Point the center of
gravity of the remaining portion.
y 15 cm

15 cm

A2
50 cm

A1
x

50 cm Fig. 4.15

Solution:
A1 = 50 cm x 50 cm x1 = 25 cm y1 = 25 cm
A1 = 2500 cm2 x2 = 35 cm Y2 = 35 cm

A2 = 176.715 cm2
AT = 2500 cm2 – 176.715 cm2
AT = 2323.285 cm2

= 24.239 cm

= 24.239 cm

CG : (24.239 cm, 24.239 cm)

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SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS

1. Five forces F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5 of magnitude 1.0 dyne, 2.0 dynes, 3.0 dynes, 4.0
dynes, and 5.0 dynes, respectively, are applied on the mesh (1.0 cm on each side of
the square) as shown. (a) Find the lever arm for each about the pivot point O. (b)
Find the torque produced by each force about point O. (c) Find the sum of torques
due to the forces about the pivot point.

F1
F3

F4

O
F2

F5

2. The uniform, 600 N beam of length L is hinged at P. Find the tension in the tie rope
and the components of the force exerted by the hinge on the beam.

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400
P

3L/4

800N

3. A uniform, 400 N boom of length L is supported as shown. Find the tension in the tie
rope and the force exerted on the boom by the pin at P.

L/4

2000N
50 0

4. A ladder 20m long weighs 40 kN and its center of gravity is 8m from the bottom.
The ladder is placed against a rough vertical wall so that it makes an angle of 60
with the ground. How far up the ladder can a 160 kN man climb before the ladder is

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on the verge of slipping? The angle of friction at all contact surfaces is 15 . (Answer:
L = 10.502m)

5. The drawing shows an A-shaped ladder. Both sides of the ladder are equal in length.
This ladder is standing on a frictionless horizontal surface, and only the crossbar
(which has a negligible weight) of the “A” keeps the ladder from collapsing. The
ladder is uniform and has a weight of 190 N. Determine the tension in the crossbar of
the ladder.

4m

crossbar 1m

6. A steel beam has a weight of 100 kg and is lifted at its left end by a cable passing
through a smooth pulley whose position is 2m above the left end of the beam and at a
horizontal distance of 1m, from the right end of the beam which is 6m long. If the
beam is on the point of slipping when it makes an angle of 60 from the horizontal,

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find the tension of the cable and the coefficient of friction between the beam and the
horizontal plane. (Answers: T = 25.87 kg,  = 0.22)

2m 45°
T

3m
100 kg

5.2m
3m

60° A

2m 1m

7. Find the center of gravity of the following flat, thin, homogeneous, composite
objects in the figure.

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4cm

6cm 4cm

6cm
8cm

(a) (b)

10”

1.5” D = 1”

2”
8” 1.5” 2”

D = 1” 1.5”

10”

(c)

8. A uniform circular plate of radius 2R has a hole of radius R cut out of it. The center
of gravity of the smaller circle is a distance 0.80R from the center of the larger circle.
What is the position of the center of gravity of the plate?

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9. Three cubes of side Lo, 2Lo, and 3Lo are placed next to one another (in contact) with
their centers along a straight line. What is the position, along this line, of the center
of gravity of this system? Assume the cubes are made of the same uniform material.

Mechanics and Heat