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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

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 NQ = ?90 mm35 mm

A hand squeezes the handles of a pair of pliers with 200 N each, 90 mm from the pin O. The jaws grip a bolt 35 mm from the pin. Find the gripping force Q on the bolt.

F = 200 Na = 90 mmb = 35 mm
Q = N
2.Easy
4 kN4 m0.8 m2.2 mABCDE

The A-frame shown stands on a pin at A and a roller at B, 4 m apart. The legs meet at the pin C, 3 m high, and are tied together by the horizontal bar DE at a height of 0.8 m. A load of 4 kN acts at C. Find the tension T in the tie DE.

P = 4 kNAB = 4 mheight of C = 3 mheight of DE = 0.8 m
T = kN
3.Medium
OAB150 NQ150 mm150 mmFO​ = ?

The bell crank shown turns about the pin O. A vertical force of 150 N at A (150 mm from O) is balanced by a horizontal force at B (150 mm above O). Find the magnitude of the pin reaction FO.

F = 150 NOA = 150 mmOB = 150 mm
FO = N
4.Medium
15 kN6 m2 m0.9 mABCK

The frame shown has pins at A, B and C; A and C are fixed to the ground 6 m apart, and B is 2 m above the ground and 0.9 m to the right of A. A vertical load of 15 kN acts on member AB at K, 0.225 m (horizontally) from A. Find the force FBC in member BC.

P = 15 kNL = 6 mH = 2 mhorizontal distance A to B = 0.9 mhorizontal distance A to K = 0.225 m
FBC = kN
5.Hard
6 kN3.2 m1.5 m3 m0.96 mABCDEK

The A-frame shown stands on a pin at A and a roller at B, 3.2 m apart, with its apex pin C 4.5 m high and the horizontal tie DE 1.5 m above the ground. A vertical load of 6 kN acts on leg AC at K, 0.96 m (horizontally) from A. Find the magnitude of the force C that the pin C exerts on leg BC.

P = 6 kNAB = 3.2 mheight of C = 4.5 mheight of DE = 1.5 mhorizontal distance A to K = 0.96 m
C = kN
6.Hard
w = 2.5 kN/m6 kN2 m2 m0.75 mABCD

The beam AB of the wall bracket shown is pinned at A and propped by the strut CD (C is 0.75 m below A). The beam carries a uniform load of 2.5 kN/m over its full length and a point load of 6 kN at its free end B. Find the force FCD in the strut.

w = 2.5 kN/mP = 6 kNAD = 2 mAB = 4 mAC = 0.75 m
FCD = kN

Answer key

  1. 1. Q = 514.3 N
  2. 2. T = 1.818 kN
  3. 3. FO = 212.1 N
  4. 4. FBC = 1.541 kN
  5. 5. C = 2.04 kN
  6. 6. FCD = 62.66 kN

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