Frames & machines worksheet with answers

Free printable Frames & machines worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
O200 N200 NQ140 mm35 mm

The handles of a pair of pliers are squeezed with 200 N each, 140 mm from the pin O, and the jaws grip a wire 35 mm from the pin. Take all forces as perpendicular to the handle. Find the force FO that the pin transmits.

F = 200 Na = 140 mmb = 35 mm
FO = N
2.Easy
O80 N80 NQ140 mm24 mm

The handles of a pair of pliers are squeezed with 80 N each, 140 mm from the pin O, and the jaws grip a wire 24 mm from the pin. Take all forces as perpendicular to the handle. Find the force FO that the pin transmits.

F = 80 Na = 140 mmb = 24 mm
FO = N
3.Medium
20 kN5 m4 m3 mABCK

The frame shown has pins at A, B and C; A and C are fixed to the ground 5 m apart, and B is 4 m above the ground and 3 m to the right of A. A vertical load of 20 kN acts on member AB at K, 1.5 m (horizontally) from A. Find the force FBC in member BC.

P = 20 kNL = 5 mH = 4 mhorizontal distance A to B = 3 mhorizontal distance A to K = 1.5 m
FBC = kN
4.Medium
400 NQ = ?15°ABC

In the toggle clamp shown, two equal links AB and BC are pinned together at B, and each makes 15° with the line AC. A downward force of 400 N is applied at B. The slider C presses on a workpiece. Neglecting friction and weights, find the horizontal clamping force Q.

F = 400 Nθ = 15°
Q = N
5.Hard
F = ?2500 N25 mmABC

A toggle press has two equal links AB and BC, each 100 mm long between pins. The joint B sits 25 mm above the line AC. Which downward force F at B produces a horizontal pressing force of 2500 N at the slider C? Neglect friction and weights.

Q = 2500 NAB = BC = 100 mmh = 25 mm
F = N
6.Hard
6 kN1 kN6 m1.5 mABC

A uniform horizontal boom AB of weight 1 kN is pinned to a wall at A and held by a cable from B to the point C on the wall, 1.5 m above A. A load of 6 kN hangs at B. Find the magnitude of the pin reaction A.

W = 6 kNWb = 1 kNAB = 6 mAC = 1.5 m
A = kN

Answer key

  1. 1. FO = 1000 N
  2. 2. FO = 546.7 N
  3. 3. FBC = 6.708 kN
  4. 4. Q = 746.4 N
  5. 5. F = 1291 N
  6. 6. A = 26 kN

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.