Engineering Mechanics Instructional Educational Manual
Engineering Mechanics Instructional Educational Manual
Edres, Acmad B.
Uy, Vince Jacinto L.
Audal, Jan Michael
Dagayday, Mark Vincent
Capistrano, Cristobal III
INSTRUCTOR:
Newton’s laws of motion form the foundation of classical mechanics, describing how
objects move and interact. These laws are critical for understanding and predicting the motion
of objects in everyday life and technological applications.
The first law states that an object remains at rest or continues in uniform motion in a
straight line unless acted upon by an external force. This property of resisting changes in motion
is called inertia. For example, a book on a table stays in place unless pushed, and passengers
in a moving car lurch forward when it suddenly stops, demonstrating inertia.
The second law defines the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration,
expressed as F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. This law explains how
the acceleration of an object depends directly on the net force acting on it and inversely on its
mass. For instance, pushing a lighter object requires less force to accelerate it compared to a
heavier object.
The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This
means that when one object exerts a force on another, the second object exerts a force of equal
magnitude but in the opposite direction. A clear example is rocket propulsion, where gases
expelled downward generate an upward thrust that propels the rocket.
• Particles are idealized objects with no size, shape, or internal structure, considered as
a single point with mass. They are used to simplify problems where the dimensions of
the object are negligible compared to the scale of motion.
• Rigid bodies, on the other hand, are objects with fixed size and shape that do not deform
under the action of forces. Analyzing rigid bodies allows us to study both translational
and rotational motion, which is critical in real-world applications like machinery and
engineering.
Vectors are mathematical quantities that have both magnitude and direction, essential in
mechanics to describe forces, velocity, and acceleration.
Problem:
Solution:
1. Given Data:
a. Mass of the box (m) = 10 kg
b. Force applied (F) = 50 N
c. Friction is negligible.
2. Formula:
Newton’s Second Law:
F=ma
𝐹
𝑎=
𝑚
𝑎 = 50/10 = 5𝑚/𝑠 2
Answer:
Problem:
A force of F⃗=(5,3) N acts on a box, causing it to move d⃗=(2,1) m. Find the work done by the
force.
Solution:
1. Given Data:
a. Force vector F⃗=(5,3) N.
b. Displacement vector d=⃗ (2,1) m.
2. Formula for Work:
W=F⃗⋅d⃗=Fxdx+Fydy
3. Substitute Values:
W= (5)(2) + (3)(1) = 10 + 3 = 13 J.
4. Answer:
The position of a particle refers to its specific location in space relative to a chosen
reference point and is expressed as a vector 𝑟 ⃗ (𝑡), which can vary with time. Displacement, on
the other hand, is the change in the position of the particle over a period, represented as Δ 𝑟 ⃗ =
𝑟 ⃗ − 𝑟 ⃗. Displacement is distinct from distance, as it considers only the straight-line change
between the starting and ending points, including direction.
When acceleration is constant, the motion of a particle can be described using a set of
equations known as the equations of motion. These equations link the initial velocity (𝑢), final
velocity (𝑣), acceleration (𝑎), displacement (𝑠), and time (𝑡). The first equation, 𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎 𝑡,
relates velocity and time. The second equation, 𝑠 = 𝑢 𝑡 + 1/ 2 𝑎 𝑡^2, calculates displacement in
terms of initial velocity, time, and acceleration. The third equation, 𝑣^2 = 𝑢^2 + 2 𝑎 𝑠, relates
velocity and displacement. These equations are fundamental for analyzing scenarios involving
uniform acceleration, such as vehicles accelerating along a straight road or objects falling under
gravity.
Problem: A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 2 m/s^2 for 5 seconds. Find the
distance covered and the final velocity. Solution:
Given:
𝑢 = 0 m/s, 𝑎 = 2 m/s^2, 𝑡 = 5 s.
Use v=u+at
v=0+(2)(5) = 10 m/s.
Use s=ut+1/2at^2
= 25 m.
CHAPTER 3: FORCES AND FORCE SYSTEM
A force is a push or pull acting upon an object resulting from its interaction with another
object. Forces can be broadly categorized into contact forces and non-contact forces. Contact
forces occur when two objects physically interact, such as friction, tension, normal force, and
applied forces. Non-contact forces, such as gravitational force, magnetic force, and electric
force, act without direct contact between objects.
o Friction: The force opposing motion when two surfaces are in contact.
• Gravitational Force: A universal attractive force acting between all objects with mass.
For an object of mass m, the gravitational force is Fg=mg, where g≈9.8 m/s^2.
• Resultant Force:
• The resultant force is the single force that can replace multiple forces acting on a
particle while producing the same effect. It is calculated using vector addition. For
forces represented as vectors, the resultant F⃗R is:
F⃗R=F⃗1+F⃗2+⋯+F⃗n.
• Equilibrium:
An object is in equilibrium when the net force acting on it is zero. For particles in a concurrent
force system (forces meeting at a point), the equilibrium condition is:
∑F⃗=0,
where the sum of all force components in each direction must individually equal zero.
A force diagram, also called a free-body diagram (FBD), visually represents all the forces
acting on an object. To draw an FBD:
A free body diagram (FBD) can be used to facilitate the analysis of forces.
The FBD of a particle is achieved by isolating the particle from its surrounding (free
particle). The FBD of a particle consists of the particle, represented as a point, and
concurrent forces acting on the particle. As an example, Fig. below demonstrates
how a ring being pulled by three cable forces is idealized as a particle subject to three
forces.
The equation of equilibrium includes the necessary and sufficient conditions for a
particle to be in equilibrium. In Statics, mainly non-moving (at-rest) bodies are
considered; in other words, static equilibrium of a stationary body or structure is
concerned.
EXAMPLE
For the ring shown, If F=100N and angle= 45^\circ, determine the tension forces, T1 and T2, in the
cables.
SOLUTION
Consider the ring as a particle and draw the FBD of the ring.
Find the Cartesian (rectangular) components of each force (set a Cartesian coordinate system if not
given).
Use the scalar formulation. Determine the magnitudes of the components of the (known and unknown)
forces by decomposing them into their Cartesian components.
where the non-bold capital letters are magnitudes and hence non negative. Apply the equilibrium
equation in each direction.
Solve the system of equations for the unknowns.
√2
𝑇1 = 𝑇2 = 100 𝑁 = 70.7
2
CHAPTER 5: RECTILINEAR AND CURVILINEAR MOTION OF
PARTICLE
Rectilinear motion refers to the motion of a particle along a straight line, where the direction of
movement does not change. This motion can involve varying velocity, where the particle speeds up,
slows down, or moves at a constant velocity. The key parameters in rectilinear motion are displacement,
velocity, and acceleration.
• Velocity () is the rate of change of displacement, and if it changes over time, the particle is
experiencing acceleration. The relationship between displacement, velocity, and time is
described by the equations of motion, especially in uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion.
• Acceleration () is the rate of change of velocity. If the velocity increases or decreases, it
means there is acceleration or deceleration.
Real-life applications include vehicles accelerating or decelerating along a highway, such as a car
moving from rest to a certain speed or braking to a stop. The motion of objects under constant
acceleration, like a falling object under gravity, also falls under rectilinear motion.
The strong accelerations experienced in a roller coaster are not only due to the changes of the
speed, but also to the curved trajectory. The rate of change of the speed is only one of the
components of the acceleration, namely, the tangential component. The other component of the
acceleration depends on the curvature of the trajectory as it is shown in this chapter.
5.2.1 Tangential velocity ( ): This is the component of velocity along the direction
of motion, which indicates how fast the particle is moving along the path.
In points where the velocity is different from zero, there is always only one tangential
unit vector ˆet , which determines the direction of the velocity vector. Namely, the
velocity vector can be written,
As mentioned in Chapter 3, the velocity vector v is given by the derivative of the position
vector r
5.2.2 Normal unit vector: The acceleration vector a is given by the derivative of the
velocity vector with respect to time. Hence, the relation between the acceleration and
the tangential unit vector can be found differentiating both sides of equation above
Note that the derivative of the tangential unit vector is not null because that vector is not
necessarily the same at different instants.
The expression for the acceleration vector is obtained substituting this derivative into equation
Example Problem:
A car accelerates from rest at a constant rate of 
Solution:
We can use the equation of motion for uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion:
V^2=u^2+2ad
Where:
• v = final velocity
• u = initial velocity = 0 (since the car starts from rest)
•  = acceleration = 
• d = distance traveled = 100 m
V^2=0+2(2)(100)
V^2=400=20 m/s
CHAPTER 6: RELATIVE MOTION AND FRAMES OF REFERENCE
In mechanics, relative motion is the calculation of the motion of an object with respect to
another moving object. This chapter introduces key concepts and equations related to relative
velocity, relative acceleration, and transformations between different frames of reference.
RELATIVE VELOCITY: The concept of relative velocity describes the velocity of one object as
observed from another moving reference frame.
Formula:
Key Concepts:
❖ Relative Velocity: Defined as the vector difference between the velocity of one object and
the velocity of another object. Formula:
Where:
➢ : : Velocity of object A relative to object B.
➢ : : Velocity of object A in the reference frame.
➢ : : Velocity of object B in the same reference frame.
Examples:
● Boats in a River: A boat moving upstream or downstream relative to the current.
● Moving Trains: A passenger on one train observing the speed of another train moving in the
same or opposite direction.
RELATIVE ACCELERATION: The relative acceleration describes how the acceleration of one
object appears to change when observed from a non-inertial or moving reference frame.
Key Concepts:
1. Relative Acceleration: The vector difference between the acceleration of two objects.
Formula:
Where:
○ : : Acceleration of object A relative to object B.
○ : : Acceleration of object A in the reference frame.
○ : : Acceleration of object B in the same reference frame.
1. Transformation of Acceleration: Used in dynamic systems to shift between inertial and
non-inertial reference frames.
1. A boat crosses a river with a current velocity of 3 m/s. The boat’s velocity relative to the
water is 5 m/s. Find the boat’s resultant velocity relative to the riverbank.
2. Two trains are moving on parallel tracks. Train A moves at 20 m/s east, and Train B moves at
30 m/s west. What is the velocity of Train B relative to Train A?
3. A car accelerates at 2 m/s² relative to the ground, and a truck accelerates at 1 m/s² relative to
the same ground. Find the acceleration of the car relative to the truck.
1. Understand the Problem: Identify the objects, their reference frames, and what is being
asked.
2. Draw a Diagram: Visualize the motion with a simple sketch showing directions and
velocities/accelerations.
3. Apply Formulas: Use the equations for relative velocity and acceleration.
4. Solve and Verify: Perform calculations and check if the results make sense logically and
physically.
CHAPTER 7: DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM AND INERTIA
This chapter focuses on dynamic equilibrium, D’Alembert’s principle, and the concept of
inertia. These ideas are critical in understanding motion and forces in systems where acceleration is
present.
DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM
D’Alembert’s Principle
This principle states that the sum of the real forces acting on a body and the inertial forces is zero.
Formula:
Where:
Inertial Force
Example:
EFFECTIVE FORCE DIAGRAMS
Effective force diagrams incorporate real forces and inertial forces to analyze motion.
Formula:
Example:
Exercises
CHAPTER 8: DEPENDENT MOTION
This chapter focuses on analyzing the motion of particles connected by systems such as
pulleys and cables. Dependent motion refers to the relationship between the movements of
interconnected objects, constrained by the geometry of the system.
Key Concepts
1. Constraint Relationships:
Motion in interconnected systems is governed by the lengths of cables or other constraints.
These constraints establish mathematical relationships between the displacements, velocities,
and accelerations of the objects.
2. Pulley Systems:
○ Assume cables are inextensible and taut.
○ The sum of the cable lengths remains constant.
Example:
DEPENDENT EQUATIONS OF MOTION
Example:
Exercises:
This chapter explores the relationship between work and energy in mechanical systems,
focusing on the Work-Energy Theorem, potential and kinetic energy, and conservation principles.
WORK-ENERGY THEOREM
Key Concepts
1. Definition of Work:
Work is done when a force acts on an object and causes displacement in the direction of the
force.
Formula:
Where:
1. Work-Energy Theorem:
The net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.
Formula:
Where:
Example:
POTENTIAL AND KINETIC ENERGY
1. Kinetic Energy (KE):
Formula:
Formula:
Where:
In the absence of non-conservative forces (e.g., friction), total mechanical energy remains
constant.
APPLICATIONS IN MECHANICS
1. Energy Conservation in a Pendulum:
At the highest point, energy is entirely potential (PE). At the lowest point, it’s entirely kinetic
(KE).
2. Work Done Against Friction:
If friction is present, mechanical energy decreases as some energy converts to heat.
EXERCISES
2. A 10kg car accelerates from 5m/s to 15m/s. Find the work done on the car.
3. A 3kg ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 10m/s. Find the maximum
height it reaches.
4. A 4kg object slides 8m on a rough surface with a frictional force of 10N. Find its final
velocity if it starts with 15J of kinetic energy.
CHAPTER 10: IMPULSE AND MOMENTUM
This chapter focuses on the relationship between impulse and momentum, the principles of
linear momentum conservation, and the different types of collisions.
IMPULSE-MOMENTUM PRINCIPLE
Key Concepts
1. Impulse (J):
Impulse is the product of a force acting on an object and the time duration during which the
force acts.
Formula:
Where:
Momentum (p):
Formula:
Where:
Impulse-Momentum Principle:
Formula:
COLLISIONS
Types of Collisions
1. Elastic Collision:
○ Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
○ Example: Collision between two billiard balls.
2. Inelastic Collision:
○ Momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.
○ Example: A car crash where the cars stick together.
3. Perfectly Inelastic Collision:
○ The objects stick together after the collision, moving as one mass.
Formula:
Where:
EXERCISES
1. A 3kg object moving at 10m/s collides inelastically with a 5kg stationary object. After the
collision, they move together. Find their final velocity.
2. A ball of mass 0.2kg experiences a force of 10N for 0.05s. Find the change in momentum.
3. Two cars collide elastically. Car A (1,500kg) moves at 10m/s, and Car B (2,000kg) is
stationary. After the collision, Car A moves at 2m/s. Find the velocity of Car B.
4. A 0.5kg ball moving at 3m/s rebounds off a wall at 2m/s. Find the impulse delivered by the
wall.
CHAPTER 11: MOMENTS AND COUPLES
This chapter explores the concepts of moments, couples, and their applications in analyzing forces
and rotational effects on structures.
MOMENT OF A FORCE
Key Concepts
1. Moment of a Force:
Where:
1. Sign Convention:
● Counterclockwise moments are considered positive.
● Clockwise moments are considered negative.
COUPLES
Key Concepts
1. Definition:
A couple is a system of two parallel forces of equal magnitude but opposite direction,
separated by a distance d.
2. Moment of a Couple:
The moment of a couple is the product of one of the forces and the perpendicular distance
between them.
Formula:
Where:
1. Characteristics:
a. The net force of a couple is zero.
b. Couples cause pure rotational motion without translation.
APPLICATIONS
1. Torque in Structures:
○ Moments and couples are critical in analyzing torque in beams, bridges, and rotating
shafts.
○ Proper calculation ensures structural stability and prevents failure.
2. Rotational Effects:
○ Moments cause bending or rotation in rigid bodies, important in machinery and
mechanical systems.
This chapter focuses on simplifying complex force systems by reducing them into equivalent force-
couple systems. Such reductions help in analyzing and solving mechanics problems efficiently.
Key Concepts
1. Force-Couple System:
A force acting at a point can be replaced by an equivalent force and a couple at another point.
2. Equivalent System:
The process involves transferring a force to a new location while introducing a couple to
account for the moment generated by the relocation.
3. Formula for Equivalent Systems:
● A force F acting at a distance d from a point generates a moment:
EXERCISES
1. A 120N force acts at 4m from a point. Replace it with an equivalent force-couple system.
2. In a coplanar force system, three forces act: 60N, 40N, and 20N at distances 3m, 2m, and 1m,
respectively. Find the resultant force and moment.
3. Two forces, 80N and 50N, act on a rigid body at 2m and 1m from a reference point. Calculate
the equivalent force-couple system.
4. A 200N force is applied at an angle, generating a horizontal moment of 400 N*m. Determine
the perpendicular distance of the force from the reference point.
CHAPTER 13-14: EQUILIBRIUM OF RIGID BODIES 2D AND 3D
1.) The sum of all forces acting on the body must be zero:
2.) The sum of all moments about any point must be zero:
• Choose a point to calculate moments that simplifies the equations (e.g., where
multiple unknowns intersect).
- In 3D, it refers to the state in which a rigid body remains at rest or moves with constant
velocity under the action of forces and moments in a three-dimensional space. For a rigid
body to be in equilibrium, both the resultant force and the resultant moment acting on the
body must be zero.
Conditions for Equilibrium in 3D
- To satisfy the equilibrium of a rigid body in 3D, the following conditions must be met:
1.) Force Equilibrium:
- The sum of all forces acting on the body in each of the three directions must be zero:
- The sum of all moments about any axis (or any point) must also be zero:
, ,
Where:
• Identify the rigid body to analyze and isolate it from its surroundings.
• Draw all the forces acting on the body including:
• Applied forces (e.g., loads, weights, external forces).
• Reaction forces at supports or connections (e.g., pins, rollers, fixed supports).
• Indicate the coordinate or axes (e.g., x, y, z) for reference.
- In mechanics, the center of gravity and centroid of shapes helps to locate a point
where the total weight or geometry of an object seems to act.
• The point at which the entire weight of a body can be considered to act.
• It depends on the distribution of mass or weight of the object.
• For uniform gravitational fields, the center of gravity coincides with the centroid.
• Composite shapes are made by combining simple basic shapes like, rectangles,
triangles; or circles.
Steps:
Here:
• Similar to finding the centroid but based on weight distribution rather than geometric
shape.
• The formula becomes:
Where:
- For slended members like wires or beams, the first moment of a line is used.
The formula is similar to the area case but with dL (a differential line element) of
dA.
Where:
- The first moment of an area about an axis quantifies how the area is distributed relative to
the axis. Mathematically it is given as:
Where:
- is the integral of the volume multiplied by its perpendicular distance from a reference axis.
Mathematically, it is given as:
Where:
- In a 3D body (analogous to the center to the center of gravity for uniform materials) it can
be determined from the first moment of volume as:
Here:
Therefore, this expressed the centroid (x, y, z ) as the “weighted average” of the volume
distribution.
- For a body with varying density or material, the center of gravity is determined using the
first moment of weight:
Where:
• dW: Differential weight element (dW = pg dV, where p is the material density and g
is gravity).
• W: Total weight of the body
Therefore, If the material is uniform, the density p is constant, and the center of a gravity and
centroid coincide.
CHAPTER 20-21: KINETICS OF A RIGID BODIES
- It deals with the relationship between the motion of a rigid body and the forces and
moments that causes this motion. In essence, it combines Newton’s Second Law with
rotational dynamics to analyze how forces and torques influence the linear and angular
motion of rigid bodies.
- This approach uses Newton’s Second Law for both translation and rotation to determine the
motion of a rigid body under given forces.
Key Equations:
Where:
- This method involves calculating the work done by all forces and equating it to the change
in kinetic energy of the rigid body.
KEY EQUATION:
Where:
Therefore, this approach is useful when the motion is complex, but forces are not explicitly
required.
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