68 | Engineering Mechanics

PRAcTICALS

P-11 : Lami’s Theorem

11.1 Practical Statement
Verify lami’s theorem.

11.2 Practical Significance

To verify the lami’s theorem.

11.3 Relevant Theory

Equilibrium : A body is to be in equilibrium, when it does not change its position with respect
to surrounding. When the body is in equilibrium it’s resultant is zero. The equilibrium of a body
under effect of three forces are observe experimentally and found analytically & graphically as
follows.
Analytically : Lami’s Theorem: If three forces acting on a body are in equilibrium, then each
force will be proportional to the sine of the angle between remaining two forces.
Graphically : Law of Triangle of the forces: If three forces acting on a body are in equilibrium,
they can be represent in magnitude and direction by the sides of a triangle in order.

11.4 Practical Outcomes (PrO)

1. Understand the lami’s theorem.
2. Interpret the lami’s theorem by Analytical & Graphical method.

11.5 Practical Setup

Pulley C
θ1
F2
θ3 F2
F1
θ2 θ1 F3
θ3

B
F3 F1
θ2 A

Vector Diagram
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11.6 Resources Required

Suggested Resources required Actual Resources required
Sr.
Machines / Tools / Instruments Qty Machines / Tools / Instruments Remarks
No.
with vital specification with broad specification

1 Drawing board 1

2 Drawing sheet 1

3 Pulley with fixing device 2

4 Set of slotted weights with hangers 3

5 Threads 3

As
6 Pins and adhesive tape
required

11.7 Precaution
1. Measure the angles between forces carefully.
2. Draw vector diagram with accuracy in length for magnitude & for angle for direction of
each forces.

11.8 Suggested Procedure

(1) Fit the drawing board vertically on the wall.
(2) Fix the pulleys at the upper edge of the drawing board at a desired distance
(3) Paste the drawing sheet on the drawing board with the help of adhesive tape.
(4) Hang the slotted weights at the end of three threads as shown in figure, so it will form
coplanar concurrent force system.
(5) When the system of forces comes in equilibrium mark the position of each threads on the
drawing sheet with the help of mirror and pencil.
(6) Note the magnitude and mark the direction of all three forces on the drawing sheet.
(7) For next reading change the magnitude of forces by changing the weights and repeat the
steps 4, 5 and 6.
(8) Draw the applied forces F1, F2 and F3 on the drawing sheet by joining marked points.
(9) To verify the law of triangle of forces we can construct perfect triangle on graph of forces
F1, F2 and F3 as the sides (AB, BC & CA) of the triangle in order, which are represent in
magnitude and direction with the help of q1, q2 and q3.(Graphical Value)
(10) To verify Lami’s theorem, put the values of quantities F1, F2, q1, q2 and q3 in the Lami’s
Formula and find the value of F3. (Analytical Value)
(11) Compare the observed third force (F3) with analytical and graphical values.
70 | Engineering Mechanics

11.9 Observation Table and calculations

FORCE F1 FORCE F2 FORCE F3 Resultant Force (R)
Sr.
No. Magnitude Direction Magnitude Direction Magnitude Direction Magnitude `
Magnitude
`
(N) p1 (N) p2 (N) p3 (N) (N)

Sample Calculations :
F1
( I ) K1 = =
sin θ1
F2
(II) K2 = =
sin θ2
F3
(III) K3 = =
sin θ3
F1 F2 F3
K1 = K2 = K3 = = = =K
sin θ1 sin θ2 sin θ3

11.10 Results and/or Interpretation

...................................................................................................................................................................

11.11 Conclusions and/or Validation

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11.12 Practical related Questions

1. What are the conditions to apply Lami’s theorem?
2. A ball of radius 12 cm weighing 200 N is connect to a vertical wall using a 35 cm string.
Find the tension in the string & reaction of the wall against the ball.
3. A lamp weighing 50 N is suspend from a ceiling. A horizontal force of 20 N acts on
the string that is use to suspend the lamp. Find the tension in the string & the angle of
inclination of the string from the vertical direction.

11.13 Disposal of Waste

Classify the waste materials to be throw in this experiment in the following bins:
 Equilibrium | 71

Type of Waste Bin Details

Biodegradable waste Green bin
e-Waste Black bin
Plastic and metal waste Blue bin
Any Other

11.14 Environments Friendly Approach : Reuse, Reduce and Recycle

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11.15 Suggested Assessment Scheme (As per Practical No. 1)

NOTE : Following practical can performed same way as discuss in practical 11 above.
Practical 12: Study forces in various member of jib crane.
Following practical can performed same way as discuss in practical 10 in Unit – I.
Practical 13: Determine support reactions for simply supported beam.
Practical 14: Obtain support reactions of beam using graphical method.

KNOW MORE

1. How lami’s theorem can be used in different engineering problems?

2. How check point can be used for calculation of beam supports reaction?
3. Result of support reaction by analytical method can be verified by graphical method.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

1. D.S.Bedi, “Engineering Mechanics”; Khanna publications, New Delhi.

2. Khurmi RS, “Applied Mechanics”; S. Chand & Co, New Delhi.
3. Ramamrutham, “Engineering Mechanics”; S. Chand & Co, New Delhi.
4. Bansal RK, “A text book of Engineering Mechanics”; Laxmi publications, New Delhi.
5. Dhade, Jamadar &Walawelkar, “Fundamentals of Applied Mechanics”; Pune VidhyarthiGruh, Pune
6. Meriam JL, Kraige LG, “Engineering Mechanics- statics –Vol.-I”; Wiley publication, New Delhi.
7. Beer, Johnson, Mazurek, Cornwell &Sanghi, “Vector Mechanics for Engineers – Statics and
Dynamics”; Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi.
8. https://nptel.ac.in/courses/112/106/112106286/
9. https://nptel.ac.in/courses/122/104/122104015/
10. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC3A601B6060658D3