Search
 
 

STATICS - CASE STUDY

    Introduction


Power Boat


Boat Angle Diagram

 

An insurance company is investigating an accident in which a speedboat driver ran over some debris, lost control, and crashed. The debris bent the driveshaft of one of the propellers and redirected the thrust (force) it exerts on the boat.

What is known:

  • The thrust F of each propeller is 1000 lb.
  • The thrust directions are described by the angles
         α = 10°
         β = 5°
         γ = 20°
   
  Question

   
 

What is the total thrust (force) on the boat in Cartesian components after the driveshaft was bent?

   
    Approach

 
  • Draw a diagram labeling all known angles.
  • Using geometry, solve for the Cartesian components of the two propeller forces.
  • Combine the components to get the total thrust (force) on the boat.
     
   
 
Practice Homework and Test problems now available in the 'Eng Statics' mobile app
Includes over 500 free problems with complete detailed solutions.
Available at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.