#6 CEEMEC30 – ENGINEERING

MECHANICS

FLEX Course Material

Recite the concept of
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

friction.
Compute the friction of a
body with or without
impending motion.

FRICTION,
Compute the angle of
friction.
Compute the friction of
wedges.
Compute the friction of
WEDGES AND
belts and other related
materials. BELT FRICTION

Marvin M. Bartido, RCE

2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

FRICTION
In most of the equilibrium problems that we have analyzed up to this
point, the surfaces of contact have been frictionless. The reactive forces
were, therefore, normal to the contact surfaces. The concept of a frictionless
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

surface is, of course, an idealization. All real surfaces also provide a force
component that is tangent to the surface, called the friction force, that
resists sliding
In many situations, friction forces are helpful. For example, friction
enables you to walk without slipping, it holds nails and screws in place, and it
allows us to transmit power by means of clutches and belts. On the other
hand, friction can also be detrimental: It causes wear in machinery and
reduces efficiency in the transmission of power by converting mechanical
energy into heat.
Dry friction refers to the friction force that exists between two
unlubricated solid surfaces. Fluid friction acts between moving surfaces that
are separated by a layer of fluid. The friction in a lubricated journal bearing is
classified as fluid friction, because the two halves of the bearing are not in
direct contact but are separated by a thin layer of liquid lubricant. In this
chapter, we consider only dry friction.* A study of fluid friction involves
hydrodynamics, which is beyond the scope of this text.
Friction – the contact resistance exerted by one body upon a second
body when the second body moves or tends to move past the first body. It is
a retarding force always acting opposite to the motion or the tendency to
move. Friction exists primarily because of the roughness of the contact
surfaces.

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 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Theory of Friction (Coulomb’s Theory)

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

It is apparent that frictional resistance depends upon the degree of

wedging action between the hills and vales of the contact surfaces. The measure
of this wedging action depends upon the normal pressure N between the
surfaces. As a result, the maximum frictional resistance is said to be proportional
to the normal pressure N and is expressed symbolically as
FαN
where the sign α is read as “is proportional to”.
This may be reduced by putting in a constant of proportionality, say μ,
which depends upon the roughness of the contact surfaces. This constant is called
the coefficient of friction.
F = μN Eq. (1)
Angle of Friction
Angle of friction, Ø is the particular value of the angle (between the total
reaction R and the normal reaction N) when the maximum frictional resistance is
acting. It acts at its maximum value of Ø only when motion is impending.
From the figure, it is apparent that the angle of friction may be defined by
the relation
tan Ø = F/N

Comparing it to Eq. (1), we see that

tan Ø = μ Eq. (2)

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 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Laws of Friction
A summary of the principles discussed may be called laws of friction
and may be stated as follows:
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

1. If friction is neglected, the reaction are always normal to the

surfaces in contact.
2. Friction (Friction force) always acts to oppose the motion of the
free-body (or its tendency to move/impending motion). It is tangent to
the surfaces in contact.
3. If static friction is acting, the value of the friction force may vary
from zero to the maximum available value, depending upon the
resultant force tending to cause motion.
𝐹 ≤ 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 (Eq. 7.1)
4. The maximum available value of static friction is equal to the μ𝑠 N
where μ𝑠 is the coefficient of static friction and N is the normal
pressure.
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁
5. If kinetic friction is acting, the friction force is constant at its limiting
value.
𝐹 = 𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 𝑁
6. The kinetic friction is equal to μ𝑘 N where μ𝑘 is the coefficient of
kinetic friction and N is the normal pressure.
𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 𝑁
7. The angle between the total reaction and its normal component,
when limiting friction is acting, is called the angle of friction (∅). The
tangent of this angle is the coefficient of friction (𝜇).
𝐹 −1
𝐹
𝑡𝑎𝑛∅ = ; ∅ = tan
𝑁 𝑁
𝑡𝑎𝑛∅ = 𝜇

4
 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Problem Classification and Analysis

The analysis of equilibrium problems that involve friction can be
somewhat complicated because Coulomb’s law, Eq. (7.1), is an
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

inequality. It does not tell us the friction force; it tells us only the
largest possible friction force. The equality 𝐹 = 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 can be
used only if slipping is known to impend. Because F is not necessarily
equal to 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 at a friction surface, it is not possible to develop a single
method of analysis that is valid for all friction problems.

Type I. The problem statement does not specify impending motion.

In problems of this type, we do not know whether or not the
body is in equilibrium. Therefore, the analysis must begin with an
assumption about equilibrium.
Method of Analysis
1. Assume equilibrium. You are strongly advised to write down this
assumption as a reminder that the solution will not be complete
unless the assumption has been checked. The sense of each friction
force can be assumed because the solution of the equilibrium
equations will determine the correct sense.
2. Solve the equilibrium equations for the friction forces required for
equilibrium.
3. Check the assumption. If the friction forces required for equilibrium
do not exceed their limits (i.e., if 𝐹 ≤ 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 at each friction surface),
then the assumption is correct, and the remaining unknowns can be
computed using equilibrium analysis. (Note that if 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 at a
surface, which would imply impending sliding, then the assumption is
still correct.) If equilibrium requires that 𝐹 > 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 at any friction
surface (which is physically impossible), the assumption of equilibrium
is incorrect. Therefore, we have a dynamics problem in which the
friction forces at the sliding surfaces are 𝐹 = 𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 𝑁.

5
 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Type II. The problem statement implies impending sliding.

Friction problems of this type have the most straightforward
analyses, because no assumptions and, therefore, no checks are
required. It is not necessary to assume equilibrium—a body known to
be in a state of impending sliding is in equilibrium by definition.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Method of Analysis
1. Set 𝐹 = 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁 at the surfaces where sliding impends. Make
sure that the sense of each 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 is correctly shown on the FBD
(opposing impending sliding), because the solution of the equilibrium
equations may depend on the assumed directions of the friction
forces.
2. Solve for the unknowns using the equilibrium equations.

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. The 100-lb block in Fig. (a) is initially at rest on a horizontal plane.

Determine the friction force between the block and the surface after P
was gradually increased from 0 to 30 lb.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Solution: 𝐹 ≤ 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥
From the problem statement we
conclude that this is a Type I 30 𝑙𝑏 ≤ 50 𝑙𝑏 (correct!)
problem (impending motion is not
specified).
Assume Equilibrium Because 𝐹 < 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 , we conclude
that the block is in static
equilibrium, and the correct
value of the friction force is
𝐹 = 30 𝑙𝑏

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑁 − 100 = 0
𝑁 = 100 𝑙𝑏

σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
30 − 𝐹 = 0
𝐹 = 30 𝑙𝑏

Check
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.5(100)
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 50 𝑙𝑏

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. Determine the friction force at the surface of contact.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Solution:
From the problem statement we
conclude that this is a Type I
problem (impending motion is 𝐹 ≤ 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥
not specified).
400 𝑁 ≤ 150 𝑁 (incorrect!)
Assume equilibrium

Because 𝐹 < 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 is not

satisfied, we conclude that the
block is not in static equilibrium,
it is slipping, and the correct
value of the friction force is
𝐹 = 𝜇𝑘 𝑁
σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
3
𝐹 = 0.2 500
𝑁 − 500 − 200 = 0 𝐹 = 100 𝑁
5
𝑁 = 500 𝑁

σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
4
500 −𝐹 =0
5
𝐹 = 400 𝑁

Check
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.3(500)
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 150 𝑁

8
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

3. A 200-N block is in contact with a plane inclined at 30° to the

horizontal. A force P, parallel to and acting up to the plane, applied to
the body. If the coefficient of static friction is 0.20,
(a) Find the value of P to just cause motion to impend up the plane,
and
(b) Find P to just prevent motion down the plane.
(c) If P = 80N, determine the magnitude and direction of the friction
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

force

Solution: 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁
(a) and (b) are type II. (c) is type I. 𝐹 = 0.20 173.21
𝐹 = 34.642 𝑁

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
𝑃 − 𝐹 − 200 sin 30° = 0
𝑃 − 34.642 − 200 sin 30° = 0
𝑃 = 134.64 𝑁

b. P to just prevent motion down

μ𝑠 = 0.20 the plane - minimum value to
cause upward impending motion

a. P to just cause motion to impend

up the plane – maximum value to
cause upward impending motion

𝑁 = 173.21 𝑁
𝐹 = 34.642 𝑁

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0 𝑃 + 𝐹 − 200 sin 30° = 0
𝑁 − 200 cos 30° = 0 𝑃 + 34.642 − 200 sin 30° = 0
𝑁 = 173.21 𝑁 𝑃 = 65.358 𝑁

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

c. If P = 80N, magnitude and 𝐹 ≤ 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥

direction of the friction force
20 𝑁 ≤ 34.64 𝑁 (correct!)
Assume equilibrium

Because 𝐹 < 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 , we conclude

that the block is in static
equilibrium, and the correct
value of the friction force is
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

𝐹 = 20 𝑁 ↗

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
80 − 𝐹 − 200 sin 30° = 0
𝐹 = −20 𝑁
𝐹 = 20 𝑁 ↗

Check
σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0
𝑁 − 200 cos 30° = 0
𝑁 = 173.21 𝑁

𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝑁
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.2(173.21)
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 34.64 𝑁

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

4. A 200-N block is at rest on a 30° incline. The coefficient of friction

between the block and the incline is 0.20. Compute the value of a
horizontal force P that will cause the motion to impend up the incline.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0
value of a horizontal force P that 𝑁 − 200 cos 30° − 𝑃 sin 30° =
will cause the motion to impend 0
up the incline
𝑁 = 200 cos 30° + 𝑃 sin 30°
eq. 2
Solution:

Subst. eq. 2 to eq. 1

𝑃 cos 30° − 0.20(200 cos 30° +
𝑃 sin 30°) − 200 sin 30° = 0
𝑃 = 175.77 𝑁

μ𝑠 = 0.20

𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁
𝐹 = 0.20𝑁

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
𝑃 cos 30° − 𝐹 − 200 sin 30° =
0
𝑃 cos 30° − 0.20𝑁 −
200 sin 30° = 0 eq. 1

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

5. A 200-N block is at rest on a 30° incline. The coefficient of friction

between the block and the incline is 0.20. Compute the value of a
horizontal force P that will cause the motion to impend up the incline
using the angle of friction and the total reaction of the incline on the
block instead of its components F and N.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
P and R 𝑅 cos 30° + 11.310° − 200 =
0
Solution: 𝑅 = 266.26 𝑁
*Same with Sample Problem
Using the angle of σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
friction: 𝑃 − 𝑅 sin 30° + 11.310° = 0
tan ∅ = 𝜇 𝑃 − 266.26 sin(30° +
tan ∅ = 0.20 11.310°) = 0
∅ = 11.310° 𝑃 = 175.77 𝑁

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

6. The 200-N block is in contact with plane inclined at 30° to the

horizontal. It has impending motion up the plane caused by the
horizontal force of 400-N. Determine the coefficient of static friction
between the contact surfaces.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁
𝜇 𝐹
𝜇=
𝑁
246.41
𝜇=
Solution: 373.21
𝜇 = 0.66

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
400cos 30° − 𝐹 −
200 sin 30° = 0
𝐹 = 246.41 𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0
𝑁 − 200cos 30° −
400 sin 30° = 0
𝑁 = 373.21 𝑁

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

7. What weight W is necessary to start the system of blocks shown

moving to the right? The coefficient of friction is 0.10 and the pulleys
are assumed to be frictionless.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: FBD of 400 N block:

W

Solution:
FBD of 600 N block:

σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0
𝑁2 − 400 cos 30° = 0
𝑁2 = 346.41 𝑁

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑁1 − 600 = 0 𝐹2 = 𝜇𝑁2
𝑁1 = 600 𝑁 𝐹2 = 0.10 346.41
𝐹2 = 34.641 𝑁
𝐹1 = 𝜇𝑁1
𝐹1 = 0.10 600
𝐹1 = 60 𝑁 σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
𝑇2 − 𝑇1 − 𝐹2 − 400 sin 30° = 0
σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
𝑇2 − 60 − 34.641 −
𝑇1 − 𝐹1 = 0
400 sin 30° = 0
𝑇1 − 60 = 0
𝑇1 = 60 𝑁 𝑇2 = 294.64 𝑁

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

FBD of W block:
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑇2 − 𝑊 = 0
294.64 − 𝑊 = 0
𝑊 = 294.64 𝑁

15
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

8. A homogeneous block of weight W rests upon the incline shown. If

the coefficient of friction is 0.30, determine the greatest height h at
which force P parallel to the incline may be applied so that the block
will slide up in the incline without tipping over.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0
h 3
𝑃−𝐹−𝑊 =0
5
Solution: 3
𝑃 − 0.24𝑊 − 𝑊 = 0
5
𝑃 = 0.84𝑊

σ 𝑀𝑂 = 0 ↻ +
4
𝑃 ℎ −𝑊 2 −
5
3
𝑊 4 =0
5
8 12
0.84𝑊 ℎ − 𝑊 − 𝑊 =0
5 5
ℎ = 4.76′
σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0
4
𝑁−𝑊 =0
5
4
𝑁= 𝑊
5

𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁
4
𝐹 = 0.30 𝑊
5
𝐹 = 0.24𝑊

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 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Belt Friction
The figure below shows a thin, flat belt that passes over a cylinder of
radius r. Assuming that there is friction between the belt and the cylinder,
the tensions 𝑇1 and 𝑇2 are not equal. Because the direction of impending
motion (or motion) of the belt is assumed to be clockwise, equilibrium
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

implies that 𝑇1 > 𝑇2 .

𝑇1
= 𝑒 𝜇𝛽
𝑇2
where:
𝑇1 = tension in the tight side of the belt
𝑇2 = tension in the slack side of the belt
𝑒 = 2.718 . . . is the base of natural (Naperian) logarithms.
μ = coefficient of friction
𝛽 = angle of contact, in radians
𝑇1 > 𝑇2

The following points should be kept in mind when using the formula:
• 𝑇1 is the belt tension that is directed opposite the belt friction. Thus, 𝑇1
must always refer to the larger of the two tensions.
• For impending motion, use 𝜇 = 𝜇𝑠 . If there is relative motion between the
belt and cylinder, use 𝜇 = 𝜇𝑘 .
• The angle of contact 𝛽 must be expressed in radians.
• Because the formula is independent of r, its use is not restricted to circular
contact surfaces; it may also be used for a surface of arbitrary shape

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. The block of weight 𝑊 is supported by a rope that is wrapped one-

and-one-half times around the circular peg. Determine the range of
values of 𝑃 for which the block remains at rest. The coefficient of static
friction between the rope and the peg is 0.2
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: The smallest value of P

range of values of 𝑃 for which corresponds to impending
the block remains at rest motion of the block downward,
when W will be larger than P.
𝑇1 = 𝑊
Solution:
𝑇1 𝑇2 = 𝑃
= 𝑒 𝜇𝛽 𝑊
𝑇2 = 𝑒 0.2(3𝜋)
𝑃
𝜇 = 0.2 𝑃 = 0.152 𝑊
𝛽 = 1.5 2𝜋 = 3𝜋
Therefore, the block is at rest if P
The largest value of P for is in the range:
equilibrium occurs when the 0.152𝑊 ≤ 𝑃 ≤ 6.59𝑊
block is on the verge of moving
upward. For this case:
𝑇1 = 𝑃
𝑇2 = 𝑊
𝑃
= 𝑒 0.2(3𝜋)
𝑊
𝑃 = 6.59 𝑊

18
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. A rope wrapped twice around 3. A differential band brake is

a post will support a weight of used to measure the torque
4000N when a force of 50N is output of an engine. The
exerted at the other end. dimensions are shown in the
Determine the coefficient of figure below. Determine the
friction. torque M on the brake when P =
10lb. Assume coefficient of
friction to be 0.20.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find:
Coefficient of friction

Solution:
𝑇1
= 𝑒 𝜇𝛽
𝑇2
𝑇1 = 4000 𝑁
𝑇2 = 50 𝑁 Find:
𝛽 = 2 2𝜋 = 4𝜋 Torque M

4000 Solution:
= 𝑒 𝜇(4𝜋)
50 𝑇1
𝜇 = 0.34871 = 𝑒 𝜇𝛽
𝑇2
𝜇 = 0.20
𝜋 3
𝛽 = 270° = 𝜋
180° 2
3
𝑇1 0.20 𝜋
=𝑒 2
𝑇2
𝑇1 = 2.5663 𝑇2 eq. 1

σ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ↻ +
𝑇2 2 − 𝑇1 0.5 − 10 20 = 0
2𝑇2 − 0.5𝑇1 − 200 = 0 eq. 2

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 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Subst. eq.1 to eq 2: 4. In the figure below, the

2𝑇2 − 0.5(2.5663 𝑇2 ) − 200 = coefficient of friction is 0.20
0 between the rope and the fixed
drum and between all surfaces in
𝑇2 = 279.00 𝑙𝑏 contact. Determine the
𝑇1 = 716 .00 𝑙𝑏 minimum weight W to prevent
𝑇2
down plane motion of the
𝑇1 1000N body.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

σ 𝑀𝑂 = 0 ↻ +
𝑇1 10 − 𝑇2 10 − 𝑀 = 0
Find:
716 10 − 279 10 − 𝑀 = 0
minimum weight W to prevent
𝑀 = 4370 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑖𝑛 down plane motion of the
1000N body

Solution:
FBD of W block:

20
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0 σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0
3 4
𝑇2 − 𝐹2 − 𝑊 =0 eq. 1 𝑁1 − 𝑁2 − 1000 =0
5 5
4
𝑁1 − 𝑊 − 800 = 0
5
σ 𝐹𝑉 ′ = 0 4
4
𝑁1 = 𝑊 + 800
5
𝑁2 − 𝑊 =0
5
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

4
𝑁2 = 𝑊 𝐹1 = 𝜇𝑁1
5
4
𝐹1 = 0.20 𝑊 + 800
5
𝐹2 = 𝜇𝑁2 𝐹1 = 0.16𝑊 + 160 eq. 4
4
𝐹2 = 0.20 𝑊
5
𝐹2 = 0.16𝑊 eq. 2 Subst. eq. 4 to eq. 3
𝑇1 + 0.16𝑊 + 160 +
3
Subst. eq. 2 to eq. 1 0.16𝑊 − 1000 =0
5
3 𝑇1 + 0.32𝑊 − 440 = 0
𝑇2 − 0.16𝑊 − 𝑊 = 0
5
𝑇1 = 440 − 0.32𝑊
𝑇2 = 0.76𝑊
𝑇1
= 𝑒 𝜇𝛽
FBD of 1000 N block: 𝑇2

σ 𝐹𝐻 ′ = 0 𝛽=𝜋
3 440−0.32𝑊
𝑇1 + 𝐹1 + 𝐹2 − 1000 =0 = 𝑒 0.20𝜋
5 0.76𝑊
eq. 3 𝑊 = 252.21 𝑁

21
 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Wedges
A wedge is something solid that is usable as an inclined plane
(shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

them.
A wedge is one of the simplest and most useful machines. A
wedge is used to produce small adjustments in the position of a body
or to apply large forces. Wedges largely depend on friction to function.
When sliding of a wedge is impending, the resultant force on each
sliding surface of the wedge will be inclined from the normal to the
surface by an amount equal to the friction angle. The component of
the resultant along the surface is the friction force, which is always in
the direction to oppose the motion of the wedge relative to the
mating surfaces.
Consider, for example, the wedge shown in figure (a) below,
which is used to lift the block by applying a force to the wedge. Free-
body diagrams of the block and wedge are shown in (b). Here we have
excluded the weight of the wedge since it is usually small compared to
the weight W of the block. Also note that the frictional forces 𝐹1 and
𝐹2 must oppose the motion of the wedge. Likewise, the frictional force
𝐹3 of the wall on the block must act downward so as to oppose the
block’s upward motion.

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 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Solutions: Equilibrium Equations and Frictional Equations, Force

Triangle
F = μN
tan Ø = F/N
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

tan Ø = μ

23
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. The block A supports a load W = 1000lb and is to be raised by forcing

the wedge B under it. The angle of friction for all surfaces in contact is
Ø = 15°. Find the force P which is necessary to start the wedge under
the block.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: Solution 1: Equilibrium Equations

Force P and Frictional Equations
From FBD of block A
Solution: σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
FBD of block B: 𝑁2 cos 20° − 1000 − 𝐹1 −
𝐹2 sin 20° = 0 eq. 1

σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
𝐹2 cos 20° + 𝑁2 sin 20° − 𝑁1 =
0 eq. 2

tan Ø = μ
𝜇 = tan 15°
𝜇 =2− 3
FBD of block A:
𝐹1 = 𝜇𝑁1
𝐹1 = 2 − 3 𝑁1 eq. 3

𝐹2 = 𝜇𝑁2
𝐹2 = 2 − 3 𝑁2 eq. 4

24
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Subst. eq. 3 and 4 to eq. 1 𝐹3 = 2 − 3 𝑁3

𝑁2 cos 20° − 1000 − ൫2 − 𝐹3 = 2 − 3 1230.94859
3൯𝑁1 − ൣ൫2 −
𝐹3 = 329.83168 𝑙𝑏
3൯𝑁2 ൧ sin 20° = 0
0.84805𝑁2 − 2 − 3 𝑁1 − σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
1000 = 0 eq. 5
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

𝑃 − 𝐹3 − 𝐹2 cos 20° −
𝑁2 sin 20° = 0
Subst. eq. 3 and 4 to eq. 2 𝑃 − 329.83168 −
2 − 3 𝑁2 cos 20° + 388.93016 cos 20° −
𝑁2 sin 20° − 𝑁1 = 0 1451.50713sin 20° = 0
0.59381𝑁2 − 𝑁1 = 0 𝑃 = 1191.75 𝑙𝑏
𝑁1 = 0.59381𝑁2 eq. 6
Solution 2: Force Triangle
Subst. eq. 6 to eq. 5 From block A
0.84805𝑁2 − ൫2 −
3൯ 0.59381𝑁2 − 1000 = 0
𝑁2 = 1451.50713 𝑙𝑏

𝑁1 = 861.91945 𝑙𝑏

𝐹1 = 230.95062 𝑙𝑏
𝐹2 = 388.93016 𝑙𝑏

From FBD of block B

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑁3 − 𝑁2 cos 20° + 𝐹2 sin 20° =
0
𝑁3 − (1451.50713)cos 20° +
(388.93016)sin 20° = 0
𝑁3 = 1230.94859 𝑙𝑏

25
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

𝑅2 1000
=
sin 105° sin 40°
𝑅2 = 1502.71 𝑙𝑏

From Block B
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

1502.71 𝑃
=
sin 75° sin 50°
𝑃 = 1191.75 𝑙𝑏

26
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

2. If the wedge had a weight of 400lb, what value of P would be

required to start the wedge under the block? To pull the wedge out
from under the block? The angle of friction for all surfaces in contact is
Ø = 15°.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Find: a. P to start the wedge under the

a. P to start the wedge under the block, if wedge weighs 400lb
block, if wedge weighs 400lb FBD of block B
b. P to pull the wedge out from
under the block

Solution:
FBD and Force Triangle from block
A (Same with Sample Problem 1)

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅3 cos 15° − 400 − 𝑅2 cos 35° =
0
𝑅3 cos 15° − 400 −
1502.71cos 35° = 0
𝑅3 = 1688.48 𝑙𝑏

σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
𝑃 − 𝑅3 sin 15° − 𝑅2 sin 35° = 0
𝑃 − 1688.48sin 15° −
1502.71 sin 35° = 0
𝑅2 = 1502.71 𝑙𝑏 𝑃 = 1298.93 𝑙𝑏

27
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

b. P to pull the wedge out from FBD of block B

under the block
FBD and Force Triangle of block
A
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

σ 𝐹𝑉 = 0 ↑ +
𝑅3 cos 15° − 400 − 𝑅2 cos 5° =
0
𝑅3 cos 15° − 400 −
980.83cos 5° = 0
1000 𝑅2 𝑅3 = 1425.68 𝑙𝑏
=
sin 100° sin 75°
𝑅2 = 980.83 𝑙𝑏
σ 𝐹𝐻 = 0 → +
𝑃 + 𝑅3 sin 15° − 𝑅2 sin 5° = 0
𝑃 + 1425.68sin 15° −
980.83 sin 5° = 0
𝑃 = −283.51 𝑙𝑏
𝑃 = 283.51 𝑙𝑏 ← (P must be
directed to the left to pull out
the wedge from under the block)

28
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

3. Two blocks, each weighing 200N and resting on a horizontal surface,

are to be pushed apart by a 30° wedge. The angle of friction is 15° for
all contact surfaces. What value of P is required to start the movement
of the blocks?
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

FBD and Force Triangle of the

block

Find:
value of P required to start the
movement of the blocks

Solution:
FBD and Force Triangle of the
wedge

200 𝑅2
=
sin 45° sin 15°
𝑅2 = 73.205 𝑁

𝑃 73.205
=
sin 60° sin 60°
𝑃 = 73.205 𝑁

29
 REFERENCES

Singer, Ferdinand. Engineering Mechanics (2nd edition).

Harper and Brothers Publisher.
Hibbeler, R.C. 2018. Engineering Mechanics: Statics 13th
Edition; New Jersey, Pearson Prentice Hall Pearson
Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River.
Pytel, Andrew and Kiusalaas, Jaan; Understanding
Engineering Mechanics: Statics; Pasig City; Cengage
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

Learning Asia Pte Ltd (Philippine Branch)

https://mathalino.com/reviewer/engineering-
mechanics/problem-507-friction
https://mathalino.com/reviewer/engineering-
mechanics/problem-537-firction-wedges

30
 ASSESSMENT TASK

CM Assessment Task No. 6

Write the problem. Show your complete solution and box your final
answer.

1. Determine the friction force at the surface of contact.

Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

2. The 2225-N block shown in Fig. P-507 is in contact with 45° incline.
The coefficient of static friction is 0.25. Compute the value of the
horizontal force P necessary to (a) just start the block up the incline or
(b) just prevent motion down the incline. (c) If P = 1780 N, what is the
amount and direction of the friction force?

3. A rope wrapped once around a post will support a weight of 950 lb

when a force of 60 lb is exerted at the other end. Determine the
coefficient of friction.

31
 ASSESSMENT TASK

4. In Fig. P-537, determine the value of P just sufficient to start the 10°
wedge under the 40-kN block. The angle of friction is 20° for all
contact surfaces.
Engr. Marvin Bartido 2ND TERM AY 2022-2023

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