Free Body Diagram

Industry relevance

Using FBD in Static and dynamic equilibrium situations, component loads and load path of an assembly could be derived. The concept is useful in joint assessment (reactions). Concept of FBD could also be used in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, electromechanical situations and others. Further, FBD helps resolve the direction of friction which is not obvious in some situations.

Example : Loads seen by casings via bearing support structures, which originates at shaft.

Learning outcomes

Treated with trigonometry and algebra

•   Ability to identify and compute all types of mechanical, thermal, aerodynamic and inertial in nature.
•   Detailed understanding of friction (static, dynamic and rolling resistance)
•   Ability to sketch FBD for both static and dynamic situations.
•   Ability to apply equilibrium equations and derive required loads/reactions
•   Assess friction and quantify.