Force couple supported by line

In summary, the force couple is supported by a line and the force distribution along the line is unknown.
  • #1
teleswamp
4
0
Hi,

I know how to calculate the reaction to a force couple supported by 2 points. But what if it is supported by a line. See example attached. How do I figure the force distribution along the constant support?

Thanks
 

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  • #2
Good evening teleswamp and welcome to Physics Forums.

Actually neither of your analyses are correct so let us start with the simplest first one and get that correct.

The block as drawn is not in equilibrium so you cannot apply the equations of equilinrium to it.

Firstly does you block have no weight?

Secondly what of the horizontal components of the reactions at the two support points?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Yes, for simplicity assume the block is essentially weightless. Assume it is pin connected on either end. The horizontal reaction would be 10 lbs. And the vertical reaction +10 lbs at one support and -10 lbs at the other.
 
  • #4
Assume it is pin connected on either end. The horizontal reaction would be 10 lbs. And the vertical reaction +10 lbs at one support and -10 lbs at the other.

That's very slick and quick, but unfortunately not correct.

If you are going to get the right answers you need to do the job properly.
 
  • #5
I guess you are questioning my supports? so pin connection on one end and roller on the other, Pin support vertical reaction is -10 lbs, horz reaction is -10 lbs, roller support is +10 lbs.
 
  • #6
Sorry, should be -20 vertical at pin, -10 horz at pin and +20 vertical at roller.
 
  • #7
Now that you understand why you cannot have two pinned joints - you then have three equations and four unknowns so you cannot solve them. Although in this case you can solve the vertical reactions only by using a moment condition as well as the vertical equilibrium.

Using the roller removes one of the unknowns so you can then solve for the other one.

Now to your second diagram.

In order to solve this you have to make some assumptions.

The assumption I would make would be that there is an even upward pressure.

This upward pressure may be replaced by a single force acting through the centroid of the line of pressure, equal in magnitude to the integral of pressure times area (or line length in this case).

Does this help?
 

Related to Force couple supported by line

1. What is a force couple supported by line?

A force couple supported by line is a type of mechanical system in which two equal and opposite forces are applied at different points on a rigid body, causing it to rotate around a fixed point or axis. The forces are parallel to each other and act along the same line, creating a moment or torque that causes the rotation.

2. How does a force couple supported by line differ from a single force?

A single force acting on a body will cause it to translate or move in a straight line, while a force couple will cause the body to rotate around a fixed point. Additionally, a force couple requires the application of two equal and opposite forces, while a single force can be of any magnitude and direction.

3. What are some real-world examples of force couples supported by line?

One common example is a pair of pliers, in which the handles provide two parallel forces that allow the user to grip and rotate objects. Another example is a wrench, in which opposing forces are applied to the bolt or nut, causing it to rotate and loosen or tighten. Force couples are also present in many sports, such as rowing, where the oars create a force couple to propel the boat forward.

4. What is the significance of a line of action in a force couple supported by line?

The line of action refers to the imaginary line along which the forces in a force couple act. This line determines the direction and magnitude of the resulting moment or torque. It is important to note that the line of action must be perpendicular to the axis of rotation in order to produce a pure rotation without any translational motion.

5. How is the magnitude of the moment in a force couple supported by line determined?

The magnitude of the moment created by a force couple is equal to the product of one of the forces and the perpendicular distance between the forces. This distance is also known as the lever arm or moment arm. The direction of the moment is determined by the right-hand rule, where the thumb points in the direction of one of the forces and the fingers curl in the direction of the moment.

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