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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Mechanics 114 - Statics (AMC 110S)

Examination #2
Date: 24
th
April 2014
Duration: 2 hours

Total marks: 60



Examiner: Mr. A. M. Zulu

Moderator: Dr. V. S. Kamara



IMPORTANT NOTICES:

Write neatly and legibly, as illegible work will not be considered for marks. If
you are of the opinion that insufficient information was provided to solve a specific
problem, make realistic assumptions, motivate these and continue solving the
problem based on your assumptions made.

Use F.B.Ds and illustrative diagrams wherever possible.

Clearly show the reference Cartesian axes system used for each question.

Pay attention to units and show the relevant unit in each calculated answer.

No marks will be awarded for answers only. Calculations must contain a
minimum number of logically sequenced steps followed by an answer.

In cases where two or more different - and undeleted answers are given for the
same item, the right answer will not be considered for marks.

Use, where applicable, gravitational acceleration g = 9.81 m/s
2
.

Do not write your name anywhere on the answer scripts student number is
sufficient

Answer all questions.

- 2 -



Question 1

Using the method of joints, determine the forces in all the members of the loaded truss
of Figure Q1 [16].

Figure Q1

Question 2

For the plane truss shown in Figure Q2, and using the method of sections, determine
the forces in the members DF, EF, and EG. Indicate whether the members are in com-
pression or tension [10].
Figure Q2.

Question 3

The load in the bucket of a skid loader is 600 kg with its centre of gravity at G (Figure
Q3). For the position shown, determine the forces in the hydraulic cylinders AC (vertical)
and DE (horizontal) [10].


Figure Q3 (dimensions in centimetres)
3 m
3 m
3 m
3 m
6 Panels @ 4m = 24 m
16 kN 16 kN
A
B C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
N
M
L
- 3 -
.
Question 4

The 10-kN cylinder shown in Figure Q4 is held at rest on the 30 incline by a weight P
suspended from a cord wrapped around the cylinder. If slipping impends, determine P
and the coefficient of friction [11].

Figure Q4.

Question 5

Figure Q5 shows a 20-kg block of height 800 mm and width 400 mm on an inclined
plane. Determine the values of angle for which:
(a) the block begins to slide down (angle of repose) [4]
(b) the block begins to tip [8]
From your answers in (a) and (b), what occurs (first), tipping or sliding? [1].


Figure Q5.

- End