Static Force Analysis
Static Force Analysis
Static Force Analysis
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Force Analysis
Static Force Analysis
Introduction
A machine is a device that performs work and, as such, transmits energy by
means mechanical force from a power source to a driven load. It is necessary in the
design machine mechanisms to know the manner in which forces are transmitted from
input to the output, so that the components of the machine can be properly size
withstand the stresses that are developed. If the members are not designed to strong
enough, then failure will occur during machine operation; if, on the other hand, the
machine is over designed to have much more strength than required, then the machine
may not be competitive with others in terms of cost, weight, size, power requirements,
or other criteria. The bucket load and static weight loads may far exceed any dynamic
loads due to accelerating masses, and a static-force analysis would be justified. An
analysis that includes inertia effects is called a dynamic-force analysis and will be
discussed in the next chapter. An example of an application where a dynamic-force
analysis would be required is in the design of an automatic sewing machine, where,
due to high operating speeds, the inertia forces may be greater than the external loads
on the machine.
Another assumption deals with the rigidity of the machine components. No
material is truly rigid, and all materials will experience significant deformation if the
forces, either external or inertial in nature, are great enough. It will be assumed in this
chapter and the next that deformations are so small as to be negligible and, therefore,
the members will be treated as though they are rigid. The subject of mechanical
vibrations, which is beyond the scope of this book, considers the flexibility of
machine components and the resulting effects on machine behavior. A third major
assumption that is often made is that friction effects are negligible. Friction is inherent
in all devices, and its degree is dependent upon many factors, including types of
bearings, lubrication, loads, environmental conditions, and so on. Friction will be
neglected in the first few sections of this chapter, with an introduction to the subject
presented. In addition to assumptions of the types discussed above, other assumptions
may be necessary, and some of these will be addressed at various points throughout
the chapter.
The first part of this chapter is a review of general force analysis principles
and will also establish some of the convention and terminology to be used in
succeeding sections. The remainder of the chapter will then present both graphical
and analytical methods for static-force analysis of machines.
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Chapter 5
F03
F03
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Chapter 5
=0
(5.1B)
Since each of these vector equations represents three scalar equations, there are a total
of six independent scalar conditions that must be satisfied for the general case of
equilibrium under three-dimensional loading.
There are many situations where the loading is essentially planar; in which case,
forces can be described by two-dimensional vectors. If the xy plane designates the
plane of loading, then the applicable form of Eqs. 5.1A and 5.1B is:(5.2A)
Fx = 0
(5.2B)
Fy = 0
(5.2C)
T z = 0
Eqs. 5.2A to 5.2C are three scalar equations that state that, for the case of twodimensional xy loading, the summations of forces in the x and y directions must
individually equal zero and the summation of moments about any arbitrary point in
the plane must also equal zero. The remainder of this chapter deals with twodimensional force analysis. A common example of three-dimensional forces is gear
forces.
5.1.3 Superposition:
The principle of superposition of forces is an extremely useful concept,
particularly in graphical force analysis. Basically, the principle states that, for linear
systems, the net effect of multiple loads on a system is equal to the superposition (i.e.,
vector summation) of the effects of the individual loads considered one at a time.
Physically, linearity refers to a direct proportionality between input force and output
force. Its mathematical characteristics will be discussed in the section on analytical
force analysis. Generally, in the absence of Coulomb or dry friction, most
mechanisms are linear for force analysis purposes, despite the fact that many of these
mechanisms exhibit very nonlinear motions. Examples and further discussion in later
sections will demonstrate the application of this principle
5.1.4 Graphical Force Analysis:
Graphical force analysis employs scaled free-body diagrams and vector
graphics in the determination of unknown machine forces. The graphical approach is
best suited for planar force systems. Since forces are normally not constant during
machine motion. analyses may be required for a number of mechanism positions;
however, in many cases, critical maximum-force positions can be identified and
graphical analyses performed for these positions only. An important advantage of the
graphical approach is that it provides useful insight as to the nature of the forces in the
physical system.
This approach suffers from disadvantages related to accuracy and time. As is
true of any graphical procedure, the results are susceptible to drawing and
Dr. Mostafa S. Habib
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Chapter 5
measurement errors. Further, a great amount of graphics time and effort can be
expended in the iterative design of a machine mechanism for which fairly thorough
knowledge of force-time relationships is required. In recent years, the physical insight
of the graphics approach and the speed and accuracy inherent in the computer-based
analytical approach have been brought together through computer graphics systems,
which have proven to be very effective engineering design tools. There are a few
special types of member loadings that are repeatedly encountered in the force analysis
of mechanisms, These include a member subjected to two forces, a member subjected
to three forces, and a member subjected to two forces and a couple. These special
cases will be considered in the following paragraphs, before proceeding to the
graphical analysis of complete mechanisms.
5.2.1 Analysis of a Two-Force Member:
A member subjected to two forces is in equilibrium if and only if the two
forces (1) have the same magnitude, (2) act along the same line, and (3) are opposite
in sense. Figure 5.2A shows a free-body diagram of a member acted upon by forces
F1 and F2 where the points of application of these forces are points A and B. For
equilibrium the directions of F1 and F2 must be along line AB and F1 must equal F2
graphical vector addition of forces F1 and F2 is shown in Figure 5.2B, and, obviously,
the resultant net force on the member is zero when F1 = F2 . The resultant moment
about any point will also be zero.
Thus, if the load application points for a two-force member are known, the
line of action of the forces is defined, and it the magnitude and sense of one of the
forces are known, then the other force can immediately be determined. Such a
member will either be in tension or compression.
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Chapter 5
Since the directions of all three forces are now known and the magnitude of F1 were
given, this equation can be solved for the remaining two magnitudes. A graphical
Dr. Mostafa S. Habib
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Chapter 5
Solution follows from the fact that the three forces must form a closed vector loop,
called a force polygon. The procedure is shown in Figure 5.4B. Vector F1 is redrawn.
From the head of this vector, a line is drawn in the direction of force F2 , and from the
tail, a line is drawn parallel to F3 . The intersection of these lines closes the vector loop
and determines the magnitudes of forces F2 and F3 . Note that the same solution is
obtained if, instead, a line parallel to F3 is drawn from the head of F1 , and a line
parallel to F2 is drawn from the tail of F1 . See Figure 5.4C.
Concurrency point P
Figure 5.4(A) Graphical force
analysis of a three- force member.
Line of action of F3
Line of action F2
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Chapter 5
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Chapter 5
Finally, crank 1 is subjected to two forces and a couple T (the shaft torque T is
assumed to be a couple). The force at B is F12 = F21 and is now known. For force
equilibrium, F01 = F21 as shown on the free-body diagram of link 1. However these
forces are not collinear, and for equilibrium, the moment of this couple must be
balanced by torque T. Thus, the required torque is clockwise and has magnitude
T = F21h = (42.0N )(26.6mm ) = 1120N .mm = 1.120N .m
It should be emphasized that this is the torque required for static equilibrium in the
position shown in Figure 9.10A. If torque information is needed for a complete
compression cycle, then the analysis must be repeated at other crank positions
throughout the cycle. In general, the torque will vary with position.
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Total problem
Sub problem I
Chapter 5
Sub problem II
1
1 1
And; T 1 = F21h = (36N )(11mm ) = 396N .mm CW
The analysis of sub problem II is very similar and is shown in Figure 5.6C, where
superscript II is used. In this case, link 2 is a two-force member and link 3 is a threeforce member, and the following results are obtained:
F0311 = 29N
11
11 11
And; T 1 = F21 h = (17N )(26mm ) = 442N .mm CW
The superposition of the results of Figures 5.6B and 5.6C is shown in Figure 5.6D.
The results must be added vectorially, as shown. By scaling from the free-body
diagrams, the overall bearing force magnitudes are
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Chapter 5
Figure 5.6B
The solution of
sub problem I
F01 = 50N
F23 = 31N
F12 = 50N
F03 = 49N
CW
The directions of the bearing forces are as shown in the figure. These resultant
quantities represent the actual forces experienced by the mechanism. It can be seen
from the analysis that the effect of the superposition principle, in this example, was to
create sub problems containing two-force members, from which the separate analyses
could begin. In an attempt of a graphical analysis of the original problem without
superposition, there is not enough intuitive force information to analyze three-force
members 2 and 3, because none of the bearing force directions can be determined by
inspection.
Figure 5.6C
The solution of
sub problem II
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Chapter 5
PROBLEMS
Perform a graphical static-force analysis of the given mechanism. Construct the
complete force polygon for determining bearing forces and the required input force or
torque. Mechanism dimensions are given in the accompanying figures.
1- The applied piston load P on the offset slider crank mechanism of Figure1 remains
constant as angle varies and has a magnitude of 100 Ib. Determine the required
input torque T1 for static equilibrium at the following crank positions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
= 45
= 135
= 270
= 315
Figure 1
2- Determine the required input torque Ti for static equilibrium of the mechanism
shown in Figure2. Forces F2 and F3, have magnitudes of 20 Ib and 10 Ib.
respectively. Force Fa acts in the horizontal direction.
Figure 2
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Chapter 5
3- Determine the required input torque T1 for static equilibrium of the mechanism shown
in Figure3. Torques T2 and T3 are pure torques, having magnitudes of 10N.m m and
7 N.m, respectively.
Figure 3
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Chapter 5
(5.4B)
As indicated, the inertia torque is a pure torque or couple. From Eqs. 5.4A and 5.4B,
their directions are opposite to that of the accelerations. Substitution of Eqs. 5.4A and
5.4B into Eqs, 5.3A and 5.3B leads to equations that are similar to those used for
static-force analysis:
(5.5A)
F = Fe + Fi = 0
(5.5B)
T = T + C = 0
Where F refers here to the summation of external forces and, therefore, is the
resultant external force, and T is the summation of external moments, or resultant
G
eG
eG
external moment, about the center of mass G. Thus, the dynamic analysis problem is
reduced in form to a static force and moment balance where inertia effects are treated
in the same manner as external forces and torques. In particular for the case of
assumed mechanism motion, the inertia forces and couples can be determined
completely and thereafter treated as known mechanism loads.
Furthermore, d'Alembert's principle facilitates moment summation about any
arbitrary point P in the body, if we remember that the moment due to inertia force F,
must be included in the summation. Hence,
T P = TeP + C i + RPG Ft = 0
(5.5C)
Where; T P is the summation of moments, including inertia moments, about point
P. T eP is the summation of external moments about P, C, is the inertia couple
defined by Eq. 5.4B, F, is the inertia force defined by Eq. 5.4A, and RPG is a vector
from point P to point C. It is clear that Eq. 5.5B is the special case of Eq.5.5C, where
point P is taken as the center of mass G (i.e., RPG = 0).
For a body in plane motion in the xy plane with all external forces in that plane.
Eqs. 5.5A and 5.5B become:
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F = F
F = F
T = T
Chapter 5
(5.6A)
(5.6B)
y
ey
(5.6C)
G
eG
Where aGx and aGy are the x and y components of aG. These are three scalar equations,
where the sign convention for torques and angular accelerations is based on a righthand xyz coordinate system; that is. Counterclockwise is positive and clockwise
is negative. The general moment summation about arbitrary point P, Eq. 5.5C,
becomes:
T P = TeP + C i + RPGx .Fiy RPGy .Fix
(5.6D)
= T eP + (I G ) + R PGx ( maGy ) RPGy (maGx ) = 0
x
ex
Where RPGx and RPGy are the x and y components of position vector RPG. This
expression for dynamic moment equilibrium will be useful in the analyses to be
presented in the following sections of this chapter.
(A)
(C)
(D)
h = I G / maG
h = I G / maG
Figure 5.7 (A) Derivation of the equivalent offset inertia force associated with planer motion of a rigid
body. (B) Replacement of the inertia torque by a couple. (C) The strategic choice of a couple. (D) The
single force is equivalent to the combination of a force and a torque in figure 5.7(A)
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Chapter 5
Distance h, as shown in Figure 5.7B. The necessary conditions for the couple to be
equivalent to the inertia torque are that the sense and magnitude be the same.
Therefore, in this case, the sense of the couple must be clockwise and the magnitudes
of Q and h must satisfy the relationship
Q .h = I G .
Otherwise, the couple is arbitrary and there are an infinite number of possibilities that
will work. Furthermore, the couple can be placed anywhere in the plane.
Figure 5.7C shows a special case of the couple, where force vector Q is equal to
maG and acts through the center of mass. Force (- Q) must then be placed as shown to
produce a clockwise sense and at a distance;
I
I
h= G = G
(5.7)
Q
maG
Force Q will cancel with the inertia force Fi= - maG, leaving the single equivalent
offset force shown in Figure 5.7D, which has the following characteristics:
1. The magnitude of the force is | maG |.
2. The direction of the force is opposite to that of acceleration .
3. The perpendicular offset distance from the center of mass to the line of
action of the force is given by Eq. 5.7.
4. The force is offset from the center of mass so as to produce a moment about
the center of mass that is opposite in sense to acceleration a.
The usefulness of this approach for graphical force analysis will be demonstrated in
the following section. It should be emphasized, however, that this approach is usually
unnecessary in analytical solutions, where Eqs. 5.6A to 5.6D. Including the original
inertia force and inertia torque, can be applied directly.
I G 1 = 20kg .mm 2
m 2 = 0.20kg
I G 2 = 400kg .mm 2
m 3 = 0.30kg
I G 3 = 20kg .mm 2
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Chapter 5
Figure 5.8(A)
The four-bar
linkage of
Example 5.3
SOLUTION
This problem falls in the first analysis category that is given the mechanism motion,
determine the resulting bearing forces and the necessary input torque. Therefore, the
first step in the solution process is to determine the inertia forces and inertia torques.
Thereafter, the problem can be treated as though it were a static-force analysis
problem.
Kinematics analysis of the mechanism can be accomplished by using any of the
methods presented in earlier chapters. Figure 5.8B shows a graphical analysis
employing velocity and acceleration polygons. From the analysis, the following
accelerations are determined:
aC 1 = 0(Stationary Center of mass )
1 = 0( given )
2 = 520rad / s 2
ccw
3 = 2740rad / s 2
cw
Where the angles of the acceleration vectors are measured counterclockwise from the
positive x direction shown in Figure 5.8A. From Eqs. 5.4A and 5.4B, the inertia
forces and inertia torques are;
Fi 1 = 0
Fi 2 = m 2aG 2 = 47, 000132kg .mm / s 2 = 47132N
Fi 3 = m 3aG 3 = 30, 000128kg .mm / s 2 = 30132N
Ci1 = 0
C i 2 = I G 2 2 = 208, 000kg .mm 2 / s 2 cw = 208N .mm cw
C i 3 = I G 33 = 274, 000kg .mm 2 / s 2 ccw = 274N .mm ccw
The inertia forces have lines of action through the respective centers of mass, and the
inertia torqueses are pure couples.
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Chapter 5
Velocity polygon
Acceleration polygon
aG 2 = 235, 000 312 mm / Sec2
2 = 520rad / Sec
Figure 5.8(B)
the velocity and
acceleration
analysis
necessary for
determination
of inertia forces
and inertia
torques
ccw
= 2740rad / Sec
cw
GRAPHICAL SOLUTION
In order to simplify the graphical force analysis, we will account for the inertia
torques by introducing equivalent offset inertia forces. These forces are shown in
Figure 2.8C, and their placement is determined according to the previous section. For
link 2, the offset force F2 is equal and parallel to inertia force F12.Therefore,
F2 = 47132N
It is offset from the center of mass G2 by a perpendicular amount equal to
h2 =
I G 2 2
208
=
= 4.43mm
m 2aG 2
47
And this offset is measured to the left as shown to produce the required clockwise
direction for the inertia moment about point G2. In a similar manner, the equivalent
offset inertia force for link 3 is
I G 3 3 274
=
= 9.13mm
F3 = 30128N at an offset distance h3 =
m 3aG 3
30
Where this offset is measured to the right from G3 to produce the necessary
counterclockwise inertia moment about G3. From the values of h2 and h3 and the
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Chapter 5
angular relationships, the force positions r2 and r3 in Figure 5.8C are computed to
h2
= 45.10mm
cos(132 17 90)
h3
r3 = O 3G 3 +
= 38.40mm
cos(90 + 85 128)
r2 = BG 2
be
Now, we wish to perform a graphical force analysis for known forces F2 and F3.
This has been done in Example Problem 9.2, and the reader is referred to that
Figure 5.8(C)
Equivalent offset
inertia forces for
members 2 and 3
1 = 135
2 = 17
3 = 85
r1 = 0
r2 = 50mm
r3 = 25mm
F2 x = 47 cos(132) = 31.40N
F2 y = 47 sin(132) = 34.90N
F3x = 30 cos(128) = 18.50N
C 2 = 208N .mm
F3 y = 30sin(128) = 23.60N
C 3 = 274N .mm
F1x = F1y = C 1 = 0
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Chapter 5
Figure 5.8(D)
Combinations of
inertia forces and
inertia torques for
members 2 and 3
F23 = 31.30N
a22 95.6
b2 = 1920
F12 = 50.30N
F03 = 49.20N
F01 = 50.30N
T = 851N .mm
Thus, it can be seen that the general analytical solution of the four-bar linkage
presented in this Chapter for static-force analysis is equally well suited for dynamicforce analysis. Before leaving this example, a couple of general comments should be
made.
First, the torque determined is the instantaneous value required for the prescribed
motion, and the value will vary with position. Furthermore, for the position
considered, the torque is opposite in direction to the angular velocity of the crank.
This can be explained by the fact that the inertia of the mechanism in this position is
tending to accelerate the crank in the counterclockwise direction, and, therefore, the
required torque must be clockwise to maintain a constant angular speed. If a constant
speed is to be maintained throughout the mechanism cycle, then there will be other
positions of the mechanism for which the required torque will be counterclockwise.
Dr. Mostafa S. Habib
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Chapter 5
The second comment is that it may be impossible to find a mechanism actuator, such
as an electric motor, that will supply the required torque versus position behavior.
This problem can be alleviated, however, in the case of a "constant" rotational speed
mechanism through the use of a device called a flywheel, which is mounted on the
input shaft and produces a relatively large mass moment of inertia for crank 1. The
flywheel can absorb mechanism torque and energy- variations with minima] speed
fluctuation and. thus, maintains an essentially constant input speed. In such a case.
The assumed-motion approach to dynamic-force analysis is appropriate.
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Chapter 5
Figure 5.9(A)
Dynamic-force
analysis of a slider
crank mechanism
(5.8C)
(5.8D)
(5.8E)
(5.8F)
(5.8G)
(5.8H)
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Chapter 5
Where T is the input torque on the crank. This set of equations embodies both of the
dynamic-force analysis approaches described in Newton's Laws. However, its form is
best suited for the case of known mechanism motion, as illustrated by the following
example.
Student No.:
Question 1:
The four-bar mechanism of Figure has one external force P = 200 Ibf and one
inertia force S = 150 Ibf acting on it. The system is in dynamic equilibrium as a result
of torque T2 applied to link 2. Find T2 and the pin forces.
(a) Use the graphical method based on free-body diagrams.
S=150 lbf
200 lbf
O2A = 30 mm
AB = 60 mm
O4B = 45 mm
O2O4 = 90 mm
23 mm
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Chapter 5
Student No.:
Question 2:
The input crank of the four-bar linkage of Figure rotates at a constant speed of
w2 = 500 rad/Sec (C.W). Each link has significant inertia. The velocity and acceleration
diagrams are provided in the figure. Calculate the values of all velocities and
accelerations in these diagrams.
Then;
(a) Determine the linear accelerations of each center of gravity and angular accelerations
2 , 3 and 4 .
(b) Find the inertia forces F02 , F03 and F04 .
(c) Find the offsets 2 , 3 and 4 of the inertia forces.
(d) Sketch the inertia forces in their correct positions on the linkage.
(e) Find the directions and magnitudes of the pin forces at A and B.
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Chapter 5
Student No.:
Question 3:
The slider-crank mechanism of Figure is to be analyzed to determine the effect
of the inertia of the connecting rod (link 3). The velocity diagram is shown in the figure
and the magnitude of VA is given. Calculate the crank vector O2A and the input angular
velocity W2, and proceed to calculate the values of all vectors in the velocity diagram.
Then;
(a) Determine the linear acceleration of the center of gravity of link 3 and the angular
acceleration 3 .
(b) Find the inertia force F03 of the coupler link.
(c) Find the offset 3 of the inertia force F03.
(d) Sketch the inertia force in its correct position on the linkage.
(e) Find the directions and magnitudes of the pin forces at A and B.
(f) Determine the required input torque to drive this mechanism in this position under
the conditions described in this problem.
AB = 4 in
AG3 = 3 in
O2B = 5.5 in
M3 = 3 slugs
I3 = 12 slug.in2
VA = 20 in/Sec
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Chapter 5
Student No.:
Question 4:
(a) Find the magnitude Ag4.
(b) Find the angular accelerator 4 .
(c) What is the magnitude of the inertia force F04?
(d) What is the magnitude of the offset 4 ?
(e) Draw the vector F04 in the correct location on the mechanism.
(f) Given that the mechanism is driven by an input torque, TIN, applied to link 2.
Determine the following: magnitudes of all pin forces, and magnitude and
direction of the input torque.
O2B = 80 mm
BC = 160 mm
O4C = 100 mm
O4G4 = 50 mm
O2G4 = 200 mm
ACT
168,000 mm/Sec2
255,000 mm/Sec2
AC = AB + ACB
288,000
4000 mm/Sec2
N
ACR
578,000 mm/Sec2
A (TCB )
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