TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES – MANILA

"I affirm that I shall not give or receive any unauthorized help on this assignment
and that all work shall be my own."

ASSIGNMENT # 4
FRICTION

Engineering Mechanics / CE 201B / EE21S1

SUBMITTED BY:
Bencalo, Mark Emmanuel L.

SUBMITTED TO:
DR. GERARDO C. MALAB

DATE:
November 15, 2021
Problem No. 1
- A 100-lb force acts as shown on a 300-lb block placed
on an inclined plane. The coefficients of friction
between the block and the plane are ms = 0.25 and
mk=0.20. Determine whether the block is in
equilibrium, and find the value of the friction force.
- Force Required for Equilibrium. Determine the value
of friction force required to maintain equilibrium. If F
is directly down and to the left, we draw the free-body
diagram of the block and write:
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
3
100 lb − (300 lb) − F = 0
5
F = −80 lb
-The force F required to maintain
F = 80 lb
equilibrium is an 80-lb force
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0; directed up and to the right; the
4 tendency of the block is thus to
N − (300 lb) = 0
5 move down the plane.
N = +240
N = 240 lb

- Maximum Friction Force. -Since the value of the force required to maintain
F𝑚 = m𝑠 𝑁 equilibrium (80 lb) is larger than the maximum value
F𝑚 = 0.25(240 𝑙𝑏) which may be obtained (60 lb), equilibrium will not be
F𝑚 = 60 lb
maintained and the block will slide down the plane
- Actual Value of Friction Force. The magnitude of the
actual friction force is obtained.
F𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = m𝑘 𝑁
F𝑘 = 0.20(240 𝑙𝑏)
F𝑘 = 48 𝑙𝑏

-The sense of this force is opposite to the sense of motion;

the force is thus directed up and to the right:

F𝑘 = 48 𝑙𝑏
-It should be noted that the forces acting on the block are
not balanced; the resultant is
3
(300 𝑙𝑏) − 100 𝑙𝑏 − 48 𝑙𝑏 = 32 𝑙𝑏
5
Reference screenshot:
Problem No. 2
- Determine the minimum horizontal force P
required to hold the crate from sliding down
the plane. The crate has a mass of 50 kg and
the coefficient of static friction between the
crate and the plane is µs = 0.25.
- Free body diagram.
When the crate is on the verge of sliding
down on the plane, frictional force F will act
up the plane.
- Solving for Equilibrium.
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
P cos 30𝑜 + 0.25𝑁 − 50(9.81) sin 30𝑜 = 0
𝑃 = 140𝑁

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
N − P sin 30𝑜 − 50(9.81) cos 30𝑜 = 0
N = 494.94 N
Reference screenshot:
Problem No. 3

- The movable bracket shown may be placed at any

height on the 3-in. - diameter pipe. If the coefficient of
static friction between the pipe and bracket is 0.25,
determine the minimum distance x at which the load W
can be supported. Neglect the weight of the bracket.
- Free-Body Diagram.
When W is placed at the minimum distance x from the
axis of the pipe, the bracket is just about to slip, and the
forces of friction at A and B have reached their
maximum values:
𝐹𝐴 = 𝑚𝑠 𝑁𝐴
𝐹𝐴 = 0.25𝑁𝐴

𝐹𝐵 = 𝑚𝑠 𝑁𝐵
𝐹𝐵 = 0.25𝑁𝐵

- Solving for Equilibrium.

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
𝑁𝐵 − 𝑁𝐴 = 0
𝑁𝐵 = 𝑁𝐴

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝐹𝐴 + 𝐹𝐵 − 𝑊 =
0.25𝑁𝐴 + 0.25𝑁𝐵 = 𝑊
- Since NB has been found equal to NA:

0.50𝑁𝐴 = 𝑊
𝑁𝐴 = 2𝑊

Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0;
𝑁𝐴 (6 𝑖𝑛. ) − 𝐹𝐴 (3 𝑖𝑛. ) − 𝑊(𝑥 − 1.5 𝑖𝑛. ) = 0
6𝑁𝐴 − 3(0.25𝑁𝐴 ) − 𝑊𝑥 + 1.5𝑊 = 0
6(2𝑊) − 0.75(2𝑊) − 𝑊𝑥 + 1.5𝑊 = 0
x = 12 in.
- Dividing through by
W and solving for x,
Reference screenshot:
Problem No. 4

- The tongs are used to lift the 150-kg crate, whose

center of mass is at G. Determine the least coefficient
of static friction at the pivot blocks so that the crate
can be lifted.
- Free - Body Diagram. Since the crate is suspended
from the tongs, P must be equal to the weight of the
crate; P= 150(9.81) N as indicated on the free - body
diagram of joint H. Since the crate is required to be on
the verge of slipping downward, FA and FB must act
upward so that FA = µsNA and FB = µNB
- Equations of Equilibrium.
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
𝐹𝐻𝐸 cos 30𝑜 − 𝐹𝐻𝐹 cos 30𝑜 = 0;
𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 𝐹𝐻𝐹 = 𝐹

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
150(9.81) − 2𝐹 sin 30𝑜 = 0;
𝐹 = 1471.5𝑁

Σ𝑀𝐶 = 0;
1471.5 cos 30𝑜 (0.5) + 1471.5 sin 30𝑜 (0.275) − 𝑁𝐴 (0.5) − µ𝑠 𝑁𝐴 (0.3) = 0;
0.5𝑁𝐴 + 0.3µ𝑠 𝑁𝐴 = 839.51
𝑁𝐴 = 1237.57𝑁

- Due to the symmetry of the system and loading, NB =NA.

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
2µ𝑠 𝑁𝐴 − 150(9.81) = 0
µ𝑠 = 0.595~0.60
Problem No. 5

- If the center of gravity of the stacked tables

is at G, and the stack weighs 100 lb,
determine the smallest force P the boy
must push on the stack in order to cause
movement. The coefficient of static friction
at A and B is µs = 0.3. The tables are locked
together.
- Free body Diagram. The impending motion of the stack could be due to either sliding or
tipping about point B. We will assume that sliding occurs. Thus, FA= µs NA = 0.3NA and
FB= µs NB =0.3NB.
- Equations of Equilibrium. Referring to the free-body diagram of the stack down:
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
Pcos 30𝑜 − 0.3𝑁𝐴 − 0.3𝑁𝐵 =0
P= 29.5N

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑁𝐴 + 𝑁𝐵 + 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛 30𝑜 − 100 = 0
𝑁𝐴 = 12.90𝑁

Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0;
𝑁𝐵 (4) − 𝑃 cos 30𝑜 (3.5) − 100(2) = 0
𝑁𝐵 = 72.40𝑁

- Since the result for NA is positive, the leg of the chair at A still remains in contact
with the floor. This means that the stack will not tip, thus, the assumption is correct.
Problem No. 6

- The 50-kg uniform pole is on the verge of slipping at A when θ= 45O. Determine the
coefficient of static friction at A.
- Free body diagram. By referring to the geometry shown.
8 − 5𝑐𝑜𝑠45𝑜
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒂 = -Since the end A of the pole is on the verge of sliding
5 sin 45𝑜
𝑎 = 51. 62𝑜 to the left due to TBC, the frictional force FA must act
𝑜 𝑜
ϕ = 180 − 51. 62 to the right such that FA =µsNA.
𝑜
ϕ = 83. 38
- Equations of Equilibrium.
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0;
𝑇𝐵𝐶 sin 83.38𝑜 (5) − 50(9.81)𝑠𝑖𝑛 45𝑜 (2.5) = 0
𝑇𝐵𝐶 = 175𝑁

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑁𝐴 + 209.50 sin 51.62𝑜 − 50(9.81) = 0
𝑁𝐴 = 353.60𝑁

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
µ𝑠 (326.26) − 209.50 cos 51.62𝑜 = 0
µ𝑠 = 0.31
Problem No. 7

- Determine the maximum height h in

meters to which the girl can walk up the
slide without supporting herself by the
rails or by her left leg. The coefficient of
static friction between the girl’s shoes and
the slide is µs =0.8.
- Free body Diagram. Since the girl is
required to be on the verge of slipping
down, the frictional force F must act
upwards so that F= µs N= 0.8N as indicated:
- Equations of Equilibrium.
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑁 − 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠θ = 0
𝑁 = 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠θ

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
0.8(𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠θ) = 0
tan θ = 0.8
𝑑𝑦 2
-From the geometry of the slide, we have = 𝑥. Thus,
𝑑𝑥 3

𝑑𝑦
= 𝑡𝑎𝑛θ
𝑑𝑥
2
𝑥 = 0.8
3
𝑥 = 1.2𝑚
-Therefore,

1
ℎ = (1.2)2
3
ℎ = 0.48𝑚
Problem No. 8

- If θ = 30𝑜 , determine the minimum coefficient of

static friction at A and B so that the roller remains self-
locking, regardless of the magnitude of force P applied
to the belt. Neglect the weight of the roller and neglect
friction between the belt and the vertical surface.
- Free body Diagram. Since the belt is required to be on
the verge of slipping downwards, the frictional force FB
must act downward on the roller so that FB=µs NB.
- Equations of Equilibrium.
Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0;
𝑁𝐵 (0.03 sin 30𝑜 ) − µ𝑠 𝑁𝐵 (0.03 + 0.03 cos 30𝑜 ) = 0
µ𝑠 = 0.27

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
𝐹𝐴 sin 30𝑜 + 𝑁𝐴 sin 60𝑜 − 𝑁𝐵 = 0
𝐹𝐴 = 0.27𝑁𝐵

Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
−𝐹𝐴 cos 30𝑜 + 𝑁𝐴 cos 60𝑜 − 0.27𝑁𝐵 = 0
𝑁𝐴 = 𝑁𝐵
-To prevent slipping at A, the
coefficient of static friction at
A must be at least:

𝐹𝐴
µ𝑠 =
𝑁𝐴
µ𝑠 = 0.27
Problem No. 9

- The coefficient of static friction between

the 150-kg crate and the ground isµ𝑠 = 0.3,
while the coefficient of static friction
between the 80-kg man’s shoes and the
ground isµ𝑠 = 0.4. Determine if the man
can move the crate.
- Free - Body Diagram. Since P tends to move
the crate to the right, the frictional force FC
will act to the left as indicated on the free - body
diagram shown. Since the crate is required to be on
the verge of sliding the magnitude of FC can be
computed using the friction formula FC=µ𝑠 𝑁𝑐 =
0.3𝑁𝑐 . The frictional force Fm acts to the right since
force P has the tendency to cause the man to slip to
the left.
- Equations of Equilibrium.
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑁𝑐 + 𝑃 𝑠𝑖𝑛30𝑜 − 150(9.81) = 0
𝑃 = 434.49𝑁

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
𝑃 𝑐𝑜𝑠30𝑜 − 0.3𝑁𝑐 = 0
𝑁𝑐 = 1254.26𝑁
-Using the result of P:
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑁𝑚 − 434.49𝑠𝑖𝑛30𝑜 − 80(9.81) = 0
𝑁𝑚 = 1002.04𝑁

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
𝐹𝑚 − 434.49𝑐𝑜𝑠30𝑜 = 0
𝐹𝑚 = 376.28𝑁

-Since𝐹𝑚 < 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = µ𝑠 𝑁𝑚 = 0.4(1002.04) = 400.82𝑁,

the man does not slip, therefore he can move the crate.
Problem No. 10

- The 3-Mg rear-wheel-drive skid loader has a center of mass at G. Determine the largest
number of crates that can be pushed by
the loader if each crate has a mass of 500
kg. The coefficient of static friction
between a crate and the ground is µ𝑠 =
0.3 , and the coefficient of static friction
between the rear wheels of the loader
and the ground is µ𝑠 = 0.5. The front
wheels are free to roll. Assume that the
engine of the loader is powerful enough
to generate a torque that will cause the
rear wheels to slip.
- Free - Body Diagram. Since the frictional
force FA provides the driving force to the skid
roller which is about to move to the right, it
must act to the right as indicated on the free
- body diagram shown. Here, FA is required
to be maximum FA = µ𝑠 𝑁𝐴 = 0.5𝑁𝐴 . Since
the crates are required to be on the verge of
slipping to the right, the frictional force FC
must act to the left so that FC = µ𝑠 𝑁𝐶 =
0.3𝑁𝐶 .
- Equations of Equilibrium.
Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0;
𝑃(0.3) + 3000(9.81)(0.75) − 𝑁𝐴 (1) = 0
𝑃 = 12,983.82𝑁
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
0.5𝑁𝐴 − 𝑃
𝑁𝐴 = 25,967.65𝑁
-Using the result of P:
Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑁𝐶 − n(500)(9.81) = 0
𝑁𝐶 = 4905𝑛

Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0;
12,983.82𝑁 − 0.3(4905n) = 0
n = 8.82 -Thus, the largest number of crates that
can be pushed by the skid roller is roughly
n=9
Reference screenshot:
"I affirm that I shall not give or receive any unauthorized help on this assignment and that all
work shall be my own."