Free-Body Diagram
This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for problem-solving.
A sketch which represents a body isolated from its surroundings and shows all forces and moments exerted on the body. It is an “Equilibrium Tool”
Steps
- Identify particle/body of interest
- Sketch particle/body free of constraints
- Apply External forces and moments
- (if needed) Replace constraints with force reactions and moment reactions
- (if needed) Add dimensions