Vector Applications in Engineering: Determining Static Equilibrium

by James McClendon

Submitted : Fall 2016

In this problem, a surface is supported by hinges and a cable.  The plate has a mass of   30 kg.  Since the plate is in equilibrium if the supports hold, it is known that the sum of forces in all directions as well as the sum of moments about any point will equal zero.  To solve this problem, the general process is to first express the forces acting on the plate in vector form, and then take the moment about a point.  Solving for unknowns, we can then go back to the equilibrium equations of summing forces to equal zero to determine the remaining reactions. 

            Upon following this process, I found the magnitude of the support reactions to be 200.88 newtons at hinge A and 334.311 newtons at hinge B.  Since the magnitude of the reaction at B is greater than it is rated for, this structure will fail.  

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