Mechanics 2: Equilibrium of rigid body under coplanar forces

Equilibrium of rigid bodies under coplanar forces is one of the topics in the  International Advanced Level Further Mathematics Course. So this course is not a coverage of the entire Further Mathematics as a subject. The course emphasizes the ability to use simple concepts in the solution of complex mechanical structures. The course is meant for students who have challenges in understanding forces which keep mechanical structures in equilibrium. 

Concepts that are covered in this course include:

• moment of a force about a point in two dimensions.

• center of gravity (COG) or center of mass (COM) of regular and composite laminae

• Moment due to the weight of a rigid body

• conditions for equilibrium of a rigid body under the action of forces in two dimensions.

• contact force between rigid bodies  which are in equilibrium

Use of trigonometry has been kept of a minimum. The course will help the student to avoid common mistakes when applying any of the above concepts. More importantly, the student will quickly identify which of the above concepts to apply in a given situation.

I have kept the length of the lectures short and straight to the point in consideration of the fact that the student is also under pressure to study other topics as well.