Resultant and Equivalent

of Force Systems

A force on a body produces translation while a couple produces rotation. The forces
acting on a body may be in the same plane (coplanar) or in different planes (non-coplanar) or
in space ; see plate 1 and plate 2.
The coplanar forces may be parallel (like or unlike) or concurrent. If a number of forces
are acting on a body, Fig. 1.1, to find their resultant R (in magnitude, direction with
horizontal and line of action), find first their algebraic sum of horizontal and vertical
components i.e., X and Y, then
y2

F3

x2

x3
Y

Rigid
body

O
y

a1
a3
F1

y3

a2
a4
x

A
y1

x1

y4

F4
x4

Fig. 1.1

R=

( X ) 2 + ( Y ) 2 ,

tan =

Y
X

...(1.1)

To find the line of action of R (at a w.r.t. a point A or a line), find the algebraic sum of
the moments of all the forces about A, then
MA = F1 . a1 = R . a ;

a=

M A
R

...(1.2)

The force systems are illustrated in A, B & C (graphical methods) and D in space, as
follows:

Engineering Mechanics
20 N
A B

N = 15 N
40 N
C
D E

c
a
R

0
a

30 N E
0
c
0

0
b

15 N
0
e
d

e
b
d

Force or vector
diagram

Space diagram
(ii) Unlike II forces
kN

20
=
Q L irons

Gusset
plate

(angle-irons)

Q
R
= 46 kN
20 L ir
s ons
P=3
0 kN

20

kN

R=
20 46 kN
P=3
0 kN
(i) Parallelogram
law of forces

R = 46 kN
kN
20
20
P=3
=
0 kN
Q

Resultant of
two forces

(ii) Triangle of forces

0
B

300
b N

a
C

Block A

a
N
110
R= aa
=

e
O

250 N

200 N
Aa 0
0
a
100
N

0 60
e
E
30

0 D
d

Force polygon
(will not close)
R = aa

200 N

No. of forces on Block A

=

67

kN

a
R
=
oe
e
4
a
25 kN
25 kN
25 kN
3
D
C
A
60 B
16 m
22 m
0
47
0
45
E
d
x
0
= 43 m 25 kN
c
0
0
a
b

Space diagram

O
pole

R = 67 kN
e

d
Vector or force diagram

See Example 1.3, Fig. 1.3 & 1.4, page 8 (single equivalent tug boat, R)
A . Resultant of Coplanar Non Concurrent Forces

180 b

A
b
Block A

90
= 2 60 W = 400 N
00
N

30 60
of forces
Spherical ball of
mass 40 kg
rests in a smooth Dr groove

C
R = 500 N

RB

RA

180 g
180 a
a

Lamis Theorem:

W = RA = RB
Sin 90 Sin 60 Sin 30

B
C
A
=
=
Sin a Sin b Sin g

Block A in equilibrium under three forces

A

2m

jib

10 kN

kN

D
E
180 N

 of forces at A

160 N

150 N

27

30

30

18

10 kN

45

(C)

kN

(t)

tie

30

=3

Q = 300 N

P = 400 N

40

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

200 N
R = 150 N
= aa
c

a
Jib crane

d
No. of concurrent forces
R = Resultant = aa
E = Equilibrant = aa

PLATE 1
B. Equilibrium Under Coplanar Concurrent Forces

Engineering Mechanics
f

I
1.1

NA

.7 k

1.

RA

1 kN
D 1.5 kN

0
c
0e
E
4m
RE = 3.8 kN

oc

los

ing

O
pole

Funicular
polygon

lin

4m 0
d

II t

RE

f, g, h,
i

Vector diagram or Force

polygon to find reactions

e
Superposition of force Maxwell or

polygons at each joint Force diagram

(i) Truss Space diagram

(with Bow's notation)

[See Ex. 3.1 & Fig. 3.1, page 30]

RB = 8 kN

(c)
e

(C) = E

3.5

5.8

RA = 7 kN

(D)

3.5
H
I
1.7

6.3

3.5

1.1

RA

=1

1.7 0 H
0G
0
0
F 0
a
b
4m
4m
Cl
os
ing
lin
e

2.2

B
2.8

1 kN

1 kN
C
2.5

RA

3 kN

2 kN

(ii) Cantilever Truss Space diagram

(with bow's notation)

Maxwell diagram
gives also reactions
in cantilever trusses

[See Ex. 3.3 & Fig. 3.14, page 34]

C. Equilibrium Under Coplanar Non Concurrent Forces

(x, y) of R = ?

40 kN

TA = ? T B = ?
TC = ?

R.C.C. mat

4m

20 kN

C
30 kN

15 kN

2mx

2m
y

2m

2m

B
W = 50 kN

(i) Concurrent forces

2m
3m

2.5

(ii) Parallel forces

m
x
2.5 Column
loads

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

7
z
R C at O = ?

z
B

50 kN (in x-y plane)

3m

E
m

3m

2m

1.5

A
D

1m
1m
20
1m 1m
20 kN
kN-m
60 kN
(in x-z plane)
(II to y-axis)

3m

1.5

30

TE, TD = ?
RA = ?

Cables

C
20 kN crate
y
x
Forces for f = 0 :
Coplanar concurrent at C
Non Coplanar concurrent at B

y
(iv) Non concurrent,
Non parallel forces

(iii) Space frame-Derrick

D. Spatial Force System [Forces in three-dimensions]

PLATE 2

MA = (X)y (Y)x

Also,

...(1.3)

This Eqn. can be solved for the ratio of y to x corresponding to any point O along the
line of action of R as indicated by the dashed line, that is the force can be applied at any point
on its line of action. This is called the principle of tansmissibility of force.
From Eqs. (1.2) and (1.3), R . a = (X )y (Y ) x

...(1.4)

i.e., the moment of the resultant is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments of its components.
This is called Varignons Theorem.
Example 1.1. Determine the resultant of the forces in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1

Solution: + X = 150 100 sin 45 = 79.29 N

+ Y = 50 8 100 cos 45 = 28.71 or 28.71 N
R=
tan =

79.29 2 + 28.712 = 84.32 N

28.71
= 0.3621,
79.29

= 19.9

Engineering Mechanics
Moment of the resultant (at a distance a from C) = Moment of the
components (about C)
R . a = MC
+

MC = 150 1 + 100 1 50 1 8 1
= 192 N.m
a=

Fig. 1.1a

MC
192
=
= 2.27 mm
R
84.32

Example 1.2. The resultant (100 kN) of four forces and three of these are shown in
Fig. 1.2. Determine the fourth force.

Fig. 1.2

Solution:

+ X = 70 cos 60 120 cos 60 + 50 cos 50

= 62.88

or 62.88 kN

+ Y = 70 sin 60 120 sin 60 50 sin 50

= 81.6

or 81.6 kN

RX = 100 cos 45 = 70.71 kN

RY = 100 sin 45 = 70.71 kN

F4
Y4
q
X4

X4 = 70.71 ( 62.88) = 133.59 kN

Y4 = 70.71 ( 81.6) = 152.31 kN
F4 =
tan =

Fig. 1.2a

133.59 2 + 152.312 = 202.6 kN, Fig. 1.2a

152.31
= 1.14, = 48.746.
133.59

Example 1.3. (a) State Varignons Theorem.

(b) Four tugboats exert 25 kN each (as shown in Fig. 1.3) to bring an ocean liner to the
pier. Determine the point on the hull where a single, more powerful tugboat should push to
produce the same effect as the original four boats.

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

Boat - 1

Boat - 2

Boat - 3

4
3
60
16 m

22 m
36 m

63 m

30 m

66 m

Hull of ship

30 m

1
Boat - 4

Fig. 1.3

Solution: (a) The Varignons (French Mathematician) Theorem states that if a number
of coplanar forces acting on a body, the algebraic sum of the moments of all the forces about
any point is equal to the moment of their resultant about the same points, i.e. F1. a1 = R.a or
simply the moment of a force about any point equals the algebraic sum of the moments of its
components about the same point, i.e. F . a = X . x + Y . y, where F =

x 2 + y 2 .

(b) To find the resultant R due to the four forces acting on the hull of the ship, Fig. 1.4.

21.65

F1
60
12.5

16 m
O

25 kN
F2
5
4
3
15

X = 45.18
 = 47.3

25 kN F3
Y
= 48.97

R = 66 kN

22 m
66 m

63 m
43 m

X

Y
x

30 m

30 m

22 m

17.68

25 kN 1
1
F4

45

17.68

25 kN

20

Fig. 1.4

+ X = 12.5 + 15 + 17.68 = 45.18 kN

+ Y = 21.65 20 25 + 17.68
= 48.97 or 48.97 kN
R=

45.18 2 + 48.97 2 = 66.63 kN, Fig. 1.4(a)

Fig. 1.4(a)

10

Engineering Mechanics
= tan1

48.97
= 47.3.
45.18

Let the line of action of R cut the X-axis at x. Taking moments about O (and using
Varignons theorem),
M0 = X.y + Y.x,

y=0

M0 = 48.97 x

+ M0 = 12.5 16 + 15 22 + 20 63 + 25 159
17.68 22 17.68 129 = 3095.32 kN.m
48.97 x = 3095.32,

x=

3095.32
= 63.2 m
48.97

From Fig. 1.4, the resultant R will intersect the hull at a distance of (x a) from O :
tan =

22
= 1.084,
a

63.2 20.3 43 m

a = 20.3 m,

i.e., where a single, more powerful tug boat should push, exerting a force of 66.63 kN. See the
graphical solution in Plate 1A, page 5.
Example 1.4. Find the resultant of the four forces acting as shown in Fig. 1.5.
200 kN

100

50

70.7 kN

45

30

50
70.7 kN

173.2

1m

309
q

200 kN

45

1.5 m

30

80

Fig. 1.6(a)

1.5 m

86.6

A
A

1m

80 kN

30

x
100 kN

SY

80 kN

100 kN
50

Fig. 1.5

30

1m

Fig. 1.6

Solution: See Fig. 1.6

+ X = 50 + 173.2 + 86.6 = 309.8 kN

+ Y = 50 + 100 50 80 = 80 or 80 kN

SX
R

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

R=

x 2 + y 2 =

11

309.8 2 + 80 2 = 320 kN, Fig. 1.6(a)

80
= 14.48
309.8

= tan1

To find the line of action of the resultant R, take moments about A (and applying
Varignons theorem),
MA = R . a = X.y + Y.x,

y = 0,

MA = 50 1.5 100 1 + 173.2 1.5 + 50 1 = 284.8 kN

a=

M A 284.8
=
= 0.89 m,
R
320

x=

M A 284.8
=
= 3.56 m
80
Y

Note: a = x sin = 3.56 sin 14.48 = 0.89 m

Example 1.5. A rigid bar AB is subjected to a system of parallel forces as shown in
Fig. 1.7. Reduce the given system of forces to an equivalent (a) single force, (b) force and moment
at A, (c) force and moment at D, and (d) force and moment at B.
25 kN
A

10 kN

15 kN

C
1m

D
2m

20 kN

B
2m

Fig. 1.7

Solution: (a) For an single force on AB:

+ Resultant R = 10 25 + 20 15 = 10 or 10 kN
To find its location : MA = R . a
+

MA = 25 1 20 3 + 15 5 = 40 kN.m
a=

M A 40
=
= 4 m, Fig. 1.8
R
10

Fig. 1.8 Single Force on AB

To find force and couple at any point other than E, introduce equal and opposite forces R at the
required point, which will not affect the equilibrium:

12

Engineering Mechanics

(b) A force R at E may be treated as another force at A and a couple as shown in

Fig. 1.9(b)

Fig. 1.9. Force and Moment at A

(c) A force at E another force at D and a couple as shown in Fig. 1.10(b)

R

R = 10 kN

4m
E

A
3m

1m

(a)

R
R = 10 kN
D

A
3m

B
10 1 = 10 kN.m
(b)

Fig. 1.10 Force and Moment at D

(d) A force at E another force at B and a couple as shown in Fig. 1.11(b)

R = 10 kN
R
4m
E

A
(a)

B
1m
R
10 kN

B
(b)

10 1 = 10 kN.m = M

Fig. 1.11 Force and Moment at B

From Fig. 1.7, +

MB = 10 5 25 4 + 20 2 = 10 i.e., 10 kN.m

Thus, the equivalent system at any point other than E is the same resultant force R and
a moment which is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments of all the forces acting on the bar
AB about that point.

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

13

Note: A single force F (acting at A in Fig. 1.12) can be looked

upon as a force of the same magnitude and direction shifted parallel
to itself (by AB = a) accompanied by a couple of moment (M) = force
shift (= F . a)
i.e.,

F at A = F at B + F . a

Contrariwise, a force, F and a couple of moment M

(= F . a) acting at point (B) is equivalent to a single force (F) of
the same magnitude and direction shifted parallel to its original
line of action, the shift being =

M
(i.e., = a in Fig. 1.12).
F

Fig. 1.12

Example 1.6. Replace the system of a force and couple shown in Fig. 1.13 by a single
force.
100 N

50 N

0.4 m
50 N
x
100 N

Fig. 1.13

100 N

Fig. 1.14

Fig. 1.15

Solution: Since a force another force (shifted suitably) and a couple, Fig. 1.14, shift x
to counteract the existing couple :
100 x

= 50 0.4
x = 0.2 m or 1.8 m from the support

The equivalent system is as shown in Fig. 1.15.

Example 1.7. Replace the system of a force and couple shown in Fig. 1.16 by a single
force on the line AB.
120 N

96

r=

10

0m

60

50
mm

Fig. 1.16

120 N

O
60

Fig. 1.17

Fig. 1.18

14

Engineering Mechanics
Solution: Since a force another force (shifted suitably) and a couple Fig. 1.17,
shift x to counteract the existing couple:
960 x

= 120 0.2
x = 0.025 m or 25 mm ; OC =

25
= 50 mm
cos 60

The equivalent system is as shown in Fig. 1.18.

Example 1.8. An angle is subjected to a force-couple system as shown in Fig. 1.19. Reduce
the system (a) to an equivalent system at A, (b) as a single resultant anywhere.
Solution:
(a) At A,

X = 80 cos 45 = 56.56 N
Y = 50 + 80 sin 45 150 = 43.44 or 43.44 N
R=

56.56 2 + 43.44 2 = 71.32 N

= tan1

at
+

43.44
= 37.53
56.56

M = 300 80 sin 45 3 + 150 4 = 130.32 Nm

Hence, the equivalent system at A is a force-couple system of R and M, Fig. 1.20.

50 N

50 N

3m

300 Nm

300 Nm
80 N

80 N

2.3 m
q

45
3m

1m

a
q
M
R

R
45
3m

150 N

Fig. 1.19

1m
150 N

Fig. 1.20

(b) The force-couple system at A can be reduced to a single resultant R acting at B,

Fig. 1.20, in the same direction at a distance,
a=

AB =

130.32 Nm
M
=
= 1.83 m
R
71.32 N
a
183
.
=
= 2.3 m
cos cos 37.53

Principle of Transmissibility. The point of application of a force may be transmitted

along its Line of Action to another point, without changing its effect on any rigid body. This

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

15

is known as the principle of transmissibility of force and it

enables to regard a force acting on a rigid body as a Sliding
Vector. In Fig. 1.21. the force P on the body can be applied
at A or B, without changing the reactions at the bearing
support at C or roller support at D.

C
Pinned

D
RCH

Roller

RD

RCY

Fig. 1.21

PROBLEMS
1.1. Six forces are acting along the sides of a regular hexagon of side 100 mm as shown in Fig. P 1.1.
Find the resultant and its distance from A.

[185. 2N, 57.32

2
4

Loads in kN

2
3m
1

, 276.5 mm]

3m

3m

Fig. P 1.1

3m

Fig. P 1.2

1.2. For the loaded truss shown in Fig. P 1.2, find the resultant load and where its line of action will
intersect AB.

[15.46 kN, 75

; 4.4 m from A]

1.3. Determine the resultant of the forces acting on the dam shown in Fig. P 1.3 and locate its intersection with the base AB. For safe design, the intersection should occur within the middle-third
of the base. Is the design safe ?

[137.12 kN,

79.92 ; 2.15 m from B ; Yes]

2m
MWL

Dam

c.g.

P = 50 kN

TWL
Q = 30 kN

2m
A

W = 120 kN
5m
Base of dam

Fig. P 1.3

1m

60
B

16
1.4.

Engineering Mechanics
(a) Determine completely the resultant of the five forces shown in Fig. P 1.4. The squares are
100 mm 100 mm.
[0.8 N , Y = 67 m ; 0.8 N , 53.6 Nm

(b) Give an equivalent system at O.

at O]

20
0

100

20

100

X
O

282 N

Fig. P 1.4
1.5. A force of 500 N is acting at A in Fig. P 1.5 produces a moment of 1200 Nm about O. Find the
y-intercept of the force. Give an equivalent system with the same force acting at O.
[3 m ; 500 N and 1200 Nm

Fig. P 1.5

at O]

Fig. P 1.6

1.6. A 50 N force is applied to a corner plate as shown in Fig. P 1.6. Determine an equivalent forcecouple system at A.
[50 N, 3.08 Nm]
1.7. Find the single resultant of the forces acting on the pulley in Fig. P 1.7. Give its intercept with
the axes.
[1020 N ], (0.1, 0.02) m]
1.8. An electric light fixture weighing 15 N is hung from two strings from the roof and wall as shown
in Fig. P 1.8. Find the tension in the strings.
[7.8, 11 N]

Resultant and Equivalent of Force Systems

17
Roof
60
Wall
45

Light
15 N

Fig. P 1.7

Fig. P 1.8