Rigid Body Equilibrium
Data Sheet for Statics Lab
Lab day and time
Sketch _____ Analysis ______ Answers ______ Neatness _______ Total _______
Group members (Each member must print name)
1. Determine the masses and weights. .
Mass (kg)
Weight (N)
Ladder
_________________
_________________
'Climber'
_________________
_________________
Horizontal load
_________________
_________________
Vertical load
_________________
_________________
2. Measure the ladder and climber lengths.
Length of ladder
cm
Length of 'climber'
cm
(Measure between ladder bearing centers.)
3. Using a horizontal load of 4.5 newtons, adjust the slope angle of the ladder until it reaches
equilibrium.
Equilibrium angle
4. Add a vertical load of 2 newtons to the top of the ladder and determine the angle for
equilibrium.
Equilibrium angle
5. Add the 'block' that represents a climber so that the bottom of the 'block' is 10 cm from the
center of the bottom bearing. Measure the angle for equilibrium.
Equilibrium angle
6. Assignment:
Show all work including basic equations and sketches where appropriate.
Submit the following results as a group:
a. Sketch the apparatus.
b. Draw a single generic but COMPLETE free body diagram of the ladder (include the
'climber block').
c. For each configuration calculate the theoretical angle for the ladder and compare it to
the measured angle.
0610 - 302
Rochester Institute of Technology
Report Cover Sheet
Page 1 of 2
Revised pjb/mg 10/18/04
0610-302
Rigid Body in Equilibrium
(Ladder)
#5
Bx
Ladder
W of Ladder
θ
AX = 4.5 N
AY
C:\WEBSHARE\WWWROOT\megite\302 lab rigid body equilibrium.rtf
Rochester Institute of Technology
USE THIS DIAGRAM AS
A GUIDE ONLY –
PLEASE CONSTRUCT
YOUR OWN FBD’s
Revised pjb 4