We have started a new topic in our previous post i.e.
engineering mechanics. We have seen there the basics of engineering
mechanics such as concept
of force system, principle
of transmissibility of forces and its limitations, classification
of force system and composition and resolution of forces in
mechanics.
Now, we will be interested to understand here the body
force and surface force in mechanics with the help of this post.
Body force and surface force
As we have already seen that forces are acting between
two bodies those are directly interacted with each other or might be at a
distance away and not interacted directly.
Therefore, we can classify the forces in two types on
the basis of interaction between two bodies and these are as mentioned here.
- Body forces
- Surface forces
Let us first understand the body forces
Body forces act on each volume element of the body and
these are exerted when the body will be kept in a gravitational, centrifugal,
electric or magnetic field.
The best example of body force is the force due to
gravitation and which is usually known as weight of the body.
Let us consider the example of apple falling down from
its tree due to force of gravitation.
Gravitational force i.e. force of the earth
on the body or object (here apple in the example) will be one good example of
body force.
Briefly, we can say that body forces are the forces acting
on the volume of the body.
Example of body forces
Following are few examples for body forces which will
help us to understand the basics of body forces.
- Gravitational force
- Centrifugal force
- Electric field
- Magnetic Field
- Inertia force
Surface forces
Surface forces act on each surface element of the body
and these are exerted when the body will be kept in direct mechanical contact
with another body.
The best example of surface force is the pressure
force, viscus force etc.
Briefly, we can say that surface forces are the forces
acting on the surface of the body.
Let us consider the following figure where a person is
pulling a load, such force will be one example for surface force as there is
direct mechanical contact between two bodies.
Example of body forces
Following are few examples for surface forces which
will help us to understand the basics of surface forces.
- Pressure force
- Viscus force
- Frictional force
- Normal force
Therefore, we have seen here the basics of body
force and surface force with the help of this post.
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Reference:
Engineering Mechanics, By Prof K. Ramesh
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