Force Composition and Force Resolution

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Force Composition and Force Resolution.

Force Composition

Vector addition of multiple forces to produce a single resultant force.

Co-linear Forces

Forces that are in a straight line and produce a resultant that acts linearly or translatory.

Parallelogram Method

A way of representing or adding non-linear vectors together by completing a parallelogram and drawing the resultant force.

Polygon Method

A way of representing or adding vectors together sequentially, placing the tail of the second vector to the tip of the first.

Force Resolution

Taking a resultant force and 'resolving' it into 2 component forces that are at right angles to each other.

Tangential Component

The component of force acting parallel to the segment or lever, primarily providing compression or distraction.

Normal Component

The component of force acting perpendicular to the segment or lever, primarily providing rotary movement.

cos θ

Related to the adjacent side of a right triangle. cos θ = Fx/QLf (adjacent/hypotenuse)

sin θ

is related to the opposite side of the right triangle. sin θ = Fy/QLf (opposite/hypotenuse)

tan θ

is the association between the opposite and adjacent sides. tan θ = Fy/Fx (opposite/adjacent)