Eng Mechanics: Resultants of force systems

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the resultant force from given moments about points O, B, and A. The initial calculations suggest a force of 61.8 lb, but the textbook states the answer is 75 lb at an angle of 36.9 degrees. Participants debate the sign conventions used in their moment calculations, particularly regarding clockwise and counterclockwise moments. Clarifications indicate that using different sign conventions leads to discrepancies in the results, specifically in determining the value of Fy. Ultimately, the confusion stems from the interpretation of moments and their respective signs in the equations.
Edwardo_Elric
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Homework Statement


In the figure , the moment of a certain force F is 180ft - lb clockwise about O and 90ft-lb counterclockwise about B. If its moment about A is zero, determine the force.
moment.jpg



Homework Equations


Moment of a force
Mo = Fy(x)
Mo = Fx(y)


The Attempt at a Solution


Since its moment about A is zero then the force passes through A down to the right because the problem mentioned its directions:

Moment of F w/ respect to O = 180ft - lb = Fx(y)
180ft - lb = Fx (3)
Fx = 30lb

Moment of F w/ respect to B = 90ft - lb = Fy(x)
90ft - lb = Fy(6)
Fy = 15lb
using Summation of components:
F^2 = (30)^2 + (15)^2
F = 61.8lb

the answer at the book is 75lb down to the right at theta = 36.9 degrees
is the book a typo?
 
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Edwardo_Elric said:

Homework Statement


In the figure , the moment of a certain force F is 180ft - lb clockwise about O and 90ft-lb counterclockwise about B. If its moment about A is zero, determine the force.
moment.jpg



Homework Equations


Moment of a force
Mo = Fy(x)
Mo = Fx(y)


The Attempt at a Solution


Since its moment about A is zero then the force passes through A down to the right because the problem mentioned its directions:

Moment of F w/ respect to O = 180ft - lb = Fx(y)
180ft - lb = Fx (3)
Fx = 30lb
your math is off...Fx = 60

Moment of F w/ respect to B = 90ft - lb = Fy(x)
What about the conrtribution of Fx(y)??
the answer at the book is 75lb down to the right at theta = 36.9 degrees
is the book a typo?
No
 
thanks for replying Phantom Jay

Moment of F w/ respect to O = 180ft - lb = Fx(3)
Fx = 60lb

I don't understand this part:
Since F passes through A... and you compute its moment w/ respect to O
Fx on this part is clockwise so it is a positive moment
Fy on this part is counterclockwise so it has a negative moment

Moment of F w/ respect to B = 90ft-lb = Fx(3) - Fy(6)
90 = (60)(3) - Fy(6)
Fy(6) = 90 - 180
Fy = 30lb

but when i put the counter clockwise as positive moment the answer would be 45 and the answer would be the same as of the back of the book...
is it because of the signs?
 
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Edwardo_Elric said:
thanks for replying Phantom Jay

Moment of F w/ respect to O = 180ft - lb = Fx(3)
Fx = 60lb

I don't understand this part:
Since F passes through A... and you compute its moment w/ respect to O
Fx on this part is clockwise so it is a positive moment
Fy on this part is counterclockwise so it has a negative moment

Moment of F w/ respect to B = 90ft-lb = Fx(3) - Fy(6)
90 = (60)(3) - Fy(6)
Fy(6) = 90 - 180
Fy = 30lb

but when i put the counter clockwise as positive moment the answer would be 45 and the answer would be the same as of the back of the book...
is it because of the signs?
You have chosen clockwise as positive therefore counterclockwise is negative. Therefore, your equation should read, asuming Fy acts down,
-90 = 60(3) -Fy(6)
-270 = -Fy(6)
Fy = 45 downward
 
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