1

SOLID MECHANICS PRATICAL REPORT

MODULE A
EQUILIBRIUM FORCES

GROUP PI
Adam Yuta Prayoga
Asti Diar Safitri
Bimasena Heribowo
Christopher Kevinly
Nathan Djumali
Wednesson Lawijaya

Date of experiment
Experiment Assistant
Approval date
Score
Assistant Signature

( 1206292370 )
( 1206292414 )
( 1206292351 )
( 1206223846 )
( 1206292420 )
( 1206230593 )

: 10 11 2013
: Bayu Arif Hidayat
:
:
:

SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF INDONESIA
DEPOK 2013

Universitas Indonesia

A. POLYGON FORCES

I.

PURPOSE
To justify some forces that are in equilibrium position satisfies the
equation below:

And these forces can be drawn in a closed polygon forces where the sides
of the polygon represent the forces including the value and its direction.
II.

THEORY
Design a structure base from its weight and forces working on the
structure with movement that influences the structure itself. Normally
there is no movement produced in the structure such that the structure is in
static equilibrium position.
And so the forces that are in equilibrium must satisfy this two equation.
Such are: 1. Resultant of all forces must be equal to zero (0) and moment
from all points must be zero (0). In mathematical equation, condition can
be said as:

If these forces are applied in one plane, so:

The experiment which is done UI gave a clear understanding for all aspect
of equilibrium and the application of its forces in a scope and free body diagram.

Universitas Indonesia

III.

APARATUS

Forces Board

Single Pulley

Double Pulley

Rope

Weight Hanger

Sticky Tapes

2 (two) Rings that is connected with rope

A Single Ring

IV.

PROCEDURE
a. Concurrent Forces:

Make a hole on the center of an A1 Paper with 6 mm in diameter.

Remove center peg and place paper on the forces board then install back
the centre peg onto the hole

Use ring and 6 ropes then install each of the rope on the pulley; 3 rope will
be attached to the pulley that is on the right side of the ring and another 3
is on the left side.

Hang the weight hanger on the a rope

Add weight on the hanger and observed how the ropes moves and form an
equilibrium every time a weight is added

After equilibrium is reach, draw the position of the force onto the A1
paper and write how much the weight is (hanger weight is included)

b. Non-concurrent Forces:
-

Now use the pair of ring that is connected with a rope and tie 6 ropes so
that 3 ropes are tied onto each of the ring

Hang the weight onto each of the ropes, then draw ropes onto the drawing
paper and take note of the weight that is hang onto each of the ropes

Universitas Indonesia

V.

DATA PROCESSING
a. Concurrent Forces

Figure V.1 forces that occur on the center ring

Forces (N)

Angle x

Angle y

Quadrant

Fx

Fy

P1

0.7

240

660

0.639

0.285

P2

1.1

500

400

0.707

0.843

P3

2.0

270

630

IV

1.782

-0.908

P4

1.9

160

740

III

-1.826

-0.524

P5

0.7

70

830

II

-0.695

0.085

P6

1.0

470

430

II

-0.682

0.731

-0.075

0.512

Total
Table V.1 Data Calculation

Universitas Indonesia

Or

Relatives Error (Fx)

=|
=|

|
(

)|

= 7.5%

Relatives Error (Fx)

=|
=|

|
|

= 51.2%

Figure V.2 Polygon of Concurrent Forces

Universitas Indonesia

b. Non-Concurrent Forces

Figure V.3 forces that works on 2 rings

Forces

Angle x

Angle y

Fy

Ma

P1 0.7

740

160

0.13

0.193

0.0251

P2 1.1

300

600

0.13

0.953

0.124

P3 1.8

290

610

0.13

-1.574

-0.205

P4 1.2

240

660

0.13

-1.096

-0.143

P5 1.1

90

810

0.13

1.086

0.141

P6 0.7

560

340

0.13

0.391

0.051

Total

-0.047

-0.0559

Mb

0.049

or

Universitas Indonesia

|
|

|
(

)|

|
|

Figure V.4 Polygon of Non - Concurrent Forces

VI.

ANALYSIS
a. Experiment Analysis

This practical mainly about equilibrium forces, all of the experiment involve
balancing weight so that equilibrium state is reached. In this sub chapter, polygon
forces are made to show what we have done in the experiment to reach the

Universitas Indonesia

equilibrium state. This polygon forces experiment purpose is to test some forces
in equilibrium position that fulfill the equation of

. Not to

mention these forces can be pictured as closed polygon forces where the sides of
the polygon represent forces, its quantity and its direction. Apparatus that are used
in this experiment are forces plane, single pulley, double pulley, rope, weight
hanger, and scotch tape, 2 rings that are interconnected with rope and a single
ring. There are two parts of experiments that need to be done here such are:
polygon forces on concurrent and non-concurrent forces.
In the first experiment, concurrent forces are being tested first. The first step in
doing this experiment is to place A1 paper on the forces plane, the purpose of
placing the A1 paper onto the plane is to provide room for sketching the direction,
amount of forces that are to be made in order for the ring to reach equilibrium
condition. Then make a 6 mm hole diameter in the center of the paper so that
center peg can be installed as a guidelines in providing visual condition of ring
that are in equilibrium position.
Then single ring are to be tied with 6 ropes and are to be connected in each of the
pulleys provided. In each of the rope, install the weight hanger which weight
about 0.5N. Take note that the ring are to be place in the center peg and weight are
apply to the weight hanger that are connected to the rope and slowly observe and
adjust the weight so that the ring can be in the center position. After an
equilibrium state is reach, then sketch the image of how the experiment is done
onto the A1 paper, and take note the weight. Every rope is named as P1, P2, P3,
P4, P5 and P6.
In the second experiment, we are to test the non concurrent forces. Single ring
are to be replaced with double ring that are interconnected with a 0.13 meter
length rope. Tied 3 ropes in each of the ring then connect every rope to the pulley
provided. Hang the weigh hanger and find the equilibrium of it. In the equilibrium
state, the two rings are in the horizontal position and no elevation is made. The
position of the rings must be 180o. When the equilibrium is reached, all the ropes

Universitas Indonesia

that are installed in the system and the two rings are all being sketch onto the A1
paper provided on the forces plane. The weight, direction and angle must all be
written and drawn in that paper. Every rope is named as P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and
P6.
b. Calculation analysis
i.

Concurrent forces

Results that are obtained in this experiment are weight, angle and sketched forces.
From those forces, we need to transform all those result in x and y axis. Therefore,
every force have two components which is Fx and Fy.
(

)
(

Or
(

After obtaining the x and y component of the force, we can ensure that the sum of
every component must be 0 (equilibrium position). Fx = 0 dan Fy = 0
F

Forces (N)

Angle x

Angle y

Quadrant

Fx

Fy

P1

0.7

240

660

0.639

0.285

P2

1.1

500

400

0.707

0.843

P3

2.0

270

630

IV

1.782

-0.908

P4

1.9

160

740

III

-1.826

-0.524

P5

0.7

70

830

II

-0.695

0.085

P6

1.0

470

430

II

-0.682

0.731

-0.075

0.512

Total

Universitas Indonesia

10

Highlighted result on the table above represents the resultant of the component
forces. As we can see from the result, the resultant of the component forces is not
equal to zero, this means that the system are not equilibrium enough. Relatives
error that are being calculated in this experiment are:
Forces Component

Relatives Error

Fx

7.5%

Fy

51.2%

This can occur when the centre peg is not exactly in this middle and therefore the
system did not reach equilibrium state and therefore if we look in the polygon
forces, the forces did not form a perfect polygon.
ii.

Non Concurrent Forces

Similar to the experiment done in the concurrent forces, the results of this
experiment are weight, angle and sketched forces. This is the formula for the
calculation.
(

or

At equilibrium review these concurrent forces, it is to be achieved is M = 0 both

at point A and at point b.

Universitas Indonesia

11

Here are the results of the calculation are obtained from experimental data:
F

Forces

Angle x

Angle y

Fy

Ma

P1 0.7

740

160

0.13

0.193

0.0251

P2 1.1

300

600

0.13

0.953

0.124

P3 1.8

290

610

0.13

-1.574

-0.205

P4 1.2

240

660

0.13

-1.096

-0.143

P5 1.1

90

810

0.13

1.086

0.141

P6 0.7

560

340

0.13

0.391

0.051

Total

-0.047

-0.0559

Mb

0.049

In the part in bold is the sum of each moment in each spot. Obtained from the
calculation, the number of moments is not zero; it indicates that the state of the
system with dual ring is not quite balanced. And so relatives error of this
experiment can be calculated.
M at point

Relatives Error

5.59%

4.9%

This could be due to the rope connecting the two rings have not fully 180o so the
system is not in balance and it can also be shown to not be closed polygon style.
c. Relatives Error
1. Concurrent Forces
To determine relatives errors that are being made by the concurrent forces we
should use formula below as our guideline:

Universitas Indonesia

12

Relatives Error (Fx) = |

Relatives Error (Fx) = |

From this equation the relatives error obtained are 7.5% and 51.2% for Fx and Fy.
Fy has greater relatives error this means the force polygon, the distance y at the
close polygon is greater that the distance X closure. The relatives error is caused
by:
a. Practical Error
An error that may occur is when determining whether the system is in balance or
not. It may occur in the delivering load combinations. In the current load on each
hanger given load, many components of the system are held and intentionally
drawn so fast equilibrium. Therefore it affects the equilibrium of the system and
change the system that originally had been set.
Error can occur in setting up the center peg in the middle of the ring, because
some practitioners may have lack in experience therefore the center peg are no
really fix properly
b. Parallax Error
This type of error may occur when our eyes are not parallel to the reading, but in
this case parallax error may occur when we observed the motion of the ring; ring
are expected to be positioned in the middle of the peg without touching it, but
sometimes our eyes are not parallel enough to the reading therefore there may be
some error or mistakes in the calculation and data reading. This is commonly
occurring when reading the angle of the rope that represents forces.

2. Non concurrent Forces

In determining the error in this experiment we may use the equation below:

Universitas Indonesia

13

From the calculation above we obtain that the relatives error in this practical are:
5.59% for Ma and 4.9% for Mb. These errors are caused by:
a. Practical Error
Similar to concurrent forces, possible relatives error that occur in this experiment
is that whether or not the experiment has reach its equilibrium state. In this case
errors occur in process of combining variations of loads. In the process of
applying load in order for the system to reach the equilibrium position, the ropes
are intentionally being pulled in order for the rings to quickly reach equilibrium
position. But in fact, this faulty act affects the initial systems that are being set up
at the start of the experiment.
b. Parallax Error
Parallax error may occur in this experiment is when reading the angle form by the
rope that are attached to the load. Another possible error is when practitioners did
not carefully placed the ropes that connect rings vertical enough which is 180o.
VII. CONCLUSION
Forces

must

be

equilibrium

and

fulfill

the

equation

Px Py M 0
Relatives errors that were obtained in concurrent forces experiment are Fx
= 7.5% and for Fy = 51.2%
Relatives errors that were obtained in the non-concurrent forces
experiment are Ma = 5.59% and Mb = 4.9%

Universitas Indonesia

14

B. PARALLEL FORCES AND PERPENDICULAR FORCES

I.

PURPOSE

To check whether equilibrium can be accomplished if there are parallel forces

works on the structure.

II.

THEORY

In this study of equilibrium, there are two cases that need to be considered. First
case is generally happens. What happen in the first case is that the forces work
parallel and does not form a polygon. A table with 3 forces toward the bottom will
be balanced with 3 forces acting up the table. This condition is stated by one
equation that is Pv = 0 and is followed by the use moment equilibrium equation.
Second case happens when two parallel forces with equal magnitude but act in a
structure with opposite direction.

Picture B.1 Parallel force that acting on a structure

Equilibrium vertical forces in this case has been fulfill (Pv = 0) but structure will
turn unless moment is applied in the first picture. These additional moments are

Universitas Indonesia

15

given and are shown in the second picture where there are a pair of parallel force
Pb, with the same magnitude but different direction. These forces are acting on
the structure.

III.

APPARATUS
a. Instrument 1

b. Instrument 2

1. Force plane

1. Warrer beam structure and balancer

2. Center Peg

2. Beam reaction N and balancer

3. Ruler

3. Circular Reaction and balancer

4. Single Pulley

4. A tools for connecting ropes

5. Double Pulley
6. Rope
7. Load hanger

IV.

PROCEDURE

a. Parallel Forces
Apply hole in the centre of A1 paper with 6mm in diameter.
Remove centre peg and install the A1 paper into the forces plane and
again install center peg into the hole.
Taking one of the trusses and put a hole in the center of gravity over
the center peg board style.
Attaching a strap at the reaction site placement on the pulley.
Using two double pulleys vertically above each end of the truss to
determine the reaction and the load hanging from the bottom truss
directly on the hole that has been available. Hanger load and counted
as part of the overall burden while negligible weight hanger straps.
Hang the expense to order stem and add each string to the load
balancer so that the reaction:
a. Horizontal trusses.

Universitas Indonesia

16

b. Hole right in the middle of the center of gravity pegs middle / center
peg.
In this condition, the truss will be balanced, floating freely due to the
reaction
Read and record the total weight including mounting and reaction.
Repeats the experiment with different loads placed on different holes
or connections with other trusses.

V.

DATA PROCESSING

Figure V.1 Sketch of the forces at the time of reaching equilibrium on stem

Experiment Result:
Va:

1.8cos 22 = 1.6689 N

Vb:

1.8cos 15 = 1.7386 N

Ha:

1.8sin 22 = 0.6743N

Hb:

1.8sin15 = 0.4659 N

*As we can see Va is not equal to Vb and Ha is not equal to Hb; this means that
the experiment did not reach its equilibrium state because of the error

Universitas Indonesia

17

From Analytical Result:

Let F1 = 1.1 N; Let F2 = 1.3N

Ma: 0

-30 Vb + F1(20) + F2(10) = 0

30 Vb = 1.1(20) + 1.3 (10)
30Vb = 35
Vb = 1.167 N

Mb = 0

30 Va - F1 (10) - F2 (20) = 0
30Va = 1.1 (10) + 1.3 (20)
30Va = 37
Va = 1.233 N

V = 0

Va F1 F2 + Vb = 0
1.233 N 1.1 N 1.3 N + 1.167 N = 0
0 = 0 (Equilibrium is proved)

Universitas Indonesia

18

Relatives Error

Relatives Error Va =
Relatives Error Vb =
VI.

ANALYSIS
Practical Analysis

In this second experiment of equilibrium parallel forces and perpendicular forces

is applied. The aim of experiment is to check whether equilibrium can be achieved
if there are parallel forces working on the structure. In this experiment a; we need
is the forces plane, center peg, ruler, single pulley, double pulley, rope, load
hanger and trusses.
The first step of this experiment is to take one trusses that had been prepared.
Then direct the hole that had been there in the trusses and put it in the center peg
and the edge of the trusses is later connect with a rope through the single and
double pulley. Then ropes are being connected with the load hanger, not to forget
that the load hanger must be connected to the trusses too.
Then, place load onto the load hanger provided at the end of each ropes, keep
adjusting loads until the trusses until it reach equilibrium. Trusses reach
equilibrium state when trusses does not touch the center peg and is positioned
180o on the plane force; when it happens we may conclude that the trusses had
come to equilibrium state. From then we must take note the Va, F1, F2 and Vb.

Result Analysis

The result that is obtained in this experiment is the support reaction that is
symbolized as Va and Vb then with the forces that is attached to the trusses. In
this experiment we obtained that the Va = 1.6689 N; F1 = 1.1 N; F2 = 1.3 N and

Universitas Indonesia

19

Vb = 1.7386 N. From the result obtained in this practical, practitioners need to

find its support reaction through analytical method by the formula of:
Ma = 0 | Mb = 0 | V = 0
Below are the results from the analytical procedure
Support Reaction

Force (N)

Va

1.167 N

Vb

1.233 N

Because there are differences between practical result and the analytical result,
therefore there must be some relatives error in this experiment. Relatives error in
the two supports are stated below:
Support Reaction Relatives Error (%)
Va

35.35%

Vb

48.98%

Just like the previous practical, load that are measured had not reach equilibrium
state.
H is not equal to zero; as Ha = 0.6743N and Hb = 0.4659 N; this means that
there is some error happening in the experiment

Error Analysis

Relative error in the trial forces of parallel and perpendicular are equated as
below:
Relatives Error

Universitas Indonesia

20

Relatives error are calculated with the equation we obtain that Vas and Vbs
relative error are 35.35% and 48.98% these happens because of this factors:

a) Practical Error / Personal Error

Personal errors are usually being made because practitioners have lacked of
experience. Since the experiment and test are still new to us, we have hard time to
adjust the trusses in order to achieve equilibrium state. Instead of putting some
load first, we tend to pull ropes that are connected from the trusses and pulley to
the weight hanger because that way, equilibrium state will reach faster. Secondly
is that we fail to accurately adjust the load because the system are too sensitive
with touches therefore a little touch of the trusses may affect the whole system to
change its state.
b) Parallax Error
Parallax error often happens in this experiment. As I mentioned in the previous
experiment, parallax error is an error that occur in the process of taking the
readings. First, the position of the truss may not be 180o of the plane.
VII.

CONCLUSION

From the analytical calculation of support reaction we obtain that the

amount of Va is 1.167 N while in the experiment Va obtained is 1.6689 N

From the analytical calculation of support reaction we obtained that the

amount of Vb is 1.233 N while in the experiment Vb obtained is 1.7386 N

Relatives Error happen in support reaction A (Va) is about 35.35% while

at B (Vb) = 48.98%

H is not equal to zero; as Ha = 0.6743N and Hb = 0.4659 N; this

means that there is some error happening in the experiment

Universitas Indonesia

21

VIII. REFERENCES
Pedoman Praktikum Mekanika Benda Padat.2009:Laboratorium Struktur dan
Material. Departemen Teknik Sipil UI
Hibbeler R.C., Mechanics of Materials, Fifth Edition, Prentice-Hall, New
Jersey 1997.

IX.

ATTACHMENTS

Picture 1 Trusses equipped with ropes through pulleys and load hanger

Universitas Indonesia

22

Picture 2 observing equilibrium

Picture 4 Taking down Angle

Picture 3 Double Ring Experiment

Pict. 5 Equilibrium position (Single ring)

Universitas Indonesia