At the end of this section you should be able to:

1. Properly draw a FBD for 3D rigid body

   • Correctly identify reaction forces and moments

2. Create scalar and vector equilibrium equations from FBD

This section teaches how to solve 3D rigid body equilibrium problems using a consistent statics workflow. You will draw correct 3D free body diagrams and identify support reactions and reaction moments for common connections such as collars, rollers, pin connections, ball and socket joints, cables, and bearings. You will then write equilibrium equations from the FBD in both vector form and scalar component form, using the 3D conditions for equilibrium to solve for unknown reaction forces, moments, and required applied loads. Mathematica resources are included to help set up and solve the resulting system of equations efficiently.