Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Date:
Experiment # 2

Verification of Lami’s Theorem

Aim : To verify Lami’s theorem using Jib Crane apparatus

Apparatus : Jib Crane, Weights, Measuring Scale, Tape

Expt. Length of Tie (LT)

A
Set-up :
Spring Tie
Balance
Jib
Length
of Vertical
Vertical Post
Post Spring Pan
(LV) Balance
Length of
Jib (LJ)

Platform

Figure 2.1 Jib Crane set-up

Figure 2.1 shows photograph of the Jib Crane assembly. It consists of a rigidly placed
vertical post which is supported by a supporting member. The bottom end of the post is
connected with an inclined member called as Jib. The top of the Jib and the post are held
together with a chain, called as Tie, to form a triangle.

The Jib and the Tie members are respectively compression and tension carrying
members. Hence, they are fitted with a compression and tension spring balances,
respectively. The Jib Crane is loaded by adding weights in the pan. When loaded, the
assembly represents a coplanar concurrent force system of three forces. The forces in the
jib and tie can be obtained by applying Lami’s Theorem. The forces can also be obtained

graphically.

2.1 | P a g e
Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Theory : Lami’s theorem states that, “If three coplanar forces acting on a particle, keeps it in

equilibrium, then each force is proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two
forces.” The theorem represents the equilibrium of three forces acting on a rigid body, if
they
intersect at a single point.

Consider a coplanar concurrent force system in equilibrium as shown in Figure 2.2.

P2 P1

1100

2 kN

Figure 2.2

To obtain unknown P1 and P2 Equilibrium Equations and Lami’s Theorem can be used.

Using Equilibrium Equations Using Lami’s Theorem

Y
P2 120⁰ P1
P2 120⁰ P1
⁰⁰
C
40⁰ C 20⁰
1100 X 130⁰
130⁰ 110⁰ 110⁰
1100
1100

2 kN 2 kN

∑ Fx = 0
P1 Cos 20 – P2 Cos 40 = 0
∑ Fy = 0

P1 Sin 20 + P2 Sin 40 - 2 = 0 ∴ P1 = 1.77 kN

∴ Solving the above two equations,
P2 = 2.17 kN
we get

P1 = 1.77 kN
P2 = 2.17 kN

2.2 | P a g e
Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Consider the loaded jib crane assembly shown in Figure 2.1, in equilibrium under the effect
of
weight in the pan. Let LV, LT and LJ be the lengths of Vertical Post, Tie and the Jib, respectively.
It is known that whenever a body is in equilibrium, every particle on the body is in
equilibrium.
Figure 2.3 (a) shows the Free Body Diagram (FBD) of the point A. Various forces acting on the
point A are, namely, the weight (W = weight of pan + weight added in pan), the force in the
Tie
(PT) and the force in the Jib (PJ).

PJ LT
A
(180 - )
PT
(+) (180 - ) LV
LJ

(a) (b)
Figure 2.3 (a) Free body diagram of the connection A, and
(b) Determination of angles , and

Knowing the weight W, analytically the forces PT and PJ can be obtained by applying
Lami’s theorem, i.e.,

PT W PJ
Sin(180 α) Sin(180 β) Sin(α β) (2.1)

where, , and are expressed as

L2 +L2 - L2VJT
α = Cos-1 2LV LJ (2.2a)

L2 +L2 - L2TJV
β = Cos-1 2LT LJ (2.2b)

L2 +L2 - L2VTJ
γ = Cos-1 2LV LT (2.2c)

The forces in the Tie and Jib can also be obtained graphically by extending the discussion
in the preceding paragraph. As the lengths of the three sides of the Jib Crane are known, the
directions of the forces can be obtained by drawing (to the length scale, for e.g. 1 cm = 1/20
units) the three sides, respectively, as shown in Figure 2.3(a).

2.3 | P a g e
Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

n
LT c o PT
b m
c

LV W
LJ PJ

a l

(a) (b)

Line b-c = Direction of force PT

Line a-c = Direction of force PJ
Figure 2.4 (a) Determination of the directions of forces PT and PJ, (i.e. Space Diagram)
(b) Vector Diagram

As the weight (W) acting at the point (or corner A) and its direction is known, the same
can
2.4(a), be respectively,
ii) tie.
Noterepresented
Subtract graphically
initial readings
initial on the (to
toreadings
intersect at the
spring
from pointforce
this
balances
c. scale,
toThe
get for
lengths
the
in the e.g.,
forces
jib
o-c
and1 the
inandcm =
tiel-c
jib 10
withoutN)tie.
by Also,
converted
and line
loading o-l
to force
theasscale
measure
Procedure shown
: in
are
iii)
i)iv)
the
pan.
Measure
Figure
Place
the
Repeat
lengths
magnitudes
a
2.4(b).
load
length
above
(LT)(W)
Then,
and
of
of
procedure
on
the
the
(Llines
the
J).
forces
post
pan
o-m
(L
with
Pand
VTand
).and
different
note
l-n
PJ,are
respectively.
final
weights.
drawn
readings
parallel
on the
to lines
spring b-cbalances
and a-c2.4of
(of
|Pthe
Figure
a gjibe and
 Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Course: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

Sample : [Show sample calculations of the analytical solution for any one set of readings and compare with the
Observation Table:

corresponding graphical and analytical solution.]

Initial reading in Jib = _____________ (gm-f)
Calculations
Initial reading in Tie = _____________ (gm-f)

Experimental forces Analytical forces

Graphical forces in
Set (gm-f)
Load Length of members (cms) Forces in (gm-f) Angles (Deg) Forces in (gm-f)
#
applied
(gm-f) LV LJ LT Jib (PJ) Tie (PT) Jib (PJ) Tie (PT) Jib (PJ) Tie (PT)

2.5 | P a g e
Discussion : [The students shall write down their observations about the practical in this section. They shall also
write
down any difficulties faced while performing the practical. Moreover, they shall also write down
suggestions (if any) in improving the practical.]

Result(s) & :
Conclusion(s)

Precautions : i) Weights should be added gently.

ii) Apparatus should be well-lubricated.