Problem 1- Equilibrium of rigid bodies in 3D
The L-shaped BCDE bar, of negligible mass, is supported by a ball joint at point E
and by three cables, two of which are connected at D and one at B. A load of 500 (N)
is applied at point C parallel to the z axis. The DG cable is parallel to the y axis
(Figure 1).
(a) Draw the free-body diagram of the BCDE bar.
(b) Express the force vectors represented in the free-body diagram in terms of the unit
vectors ($\hat{i}$, $\hat{j}$, $\hat{k}$). This includes all reactions, externally applied forces, and tensions
in the cables.
(c) Determine the magnitude of the tension in the DF, DG and BA cables and the
reaction of the support at point E.