How to Find the Cable Tension Forces – Static Equilibrium – Equilibrium Problem 15

In this video, we find the range of the angles such that the tension in the smallest value due to the applied force on the system. This problem is solved using static equilibrium and the property that all forces, internal and external, must cancel and counteract each other so all forces sum to be zero. SUBSCRIBE to my channel for similar videos and problem walkthroughs. Make sure to leave a LIKE if this video was helpful. Please check out videos on the channel, as we cover many different topics. Problem statement: Two cables are tied together at C as shown. Find the value of alpha for which the tension is as small as possible (a) in cable BC, (b) in both cables simultaneously. In each case determine the tension in both cables. Problem walkthrough steps: Draw a free body diagram Look at each force separately, known and unknown Find or determine the x and y directional forces for each of the known and unknown forces in variable form Sum all the x directional forces together. Then sum all the y directional forces together Solve for the unknown forces. Can use multiple processes to solve for 2 equations 2 unknowns (if this happens) Check answers Topics of this problem include: Free Body Diagram (FBD) Solve a statics equilibrium problem with multiple unknowns Determining equilibrium 2 unknown forces 2 unknown vectors X and Y Components Summation of forces in the x and y directions Vector Addition Force combination Vector combination Vector Mechanics Forces in right triangles Orthogonal vectors Determining tension forces Cable tension Tension in members Finding tension Summing forces to be zero Beer Johnston problem 2.45 Engineering statics 2D equilibrium problem 15 College level Professor Engineer Professor_Engineer