Statics

Abstract

This chapter gives a brief outline of the statics of rigid solids and systems of rigid solids. Two definitions of the equivalence of systems of forces are given and shown to be equivalent. Setting up of equilibrium equations of mechanical systems by various methods is demonstrated by examples. Problems of determination of the position of the center of mass of a rigid solid, an equilibrium of a truss, and a flexible inextensible string are considered. Properties of friction forces are described, the solution to the Euler’s equilibrium problem of a string wound on a cylinder is found.