Coefficient of Unit Vectors

3D Vectors

Explanation by DF Sozinando Vaal University of Technology

Coefficient of Unit Vectors (3D vectors)

If the externally applied force is not the direction of one of principal axes, then the components of the force in the x-, y- and z-directions must be calculated. To simplify these calculations an coefficient of unit vectors is introduced.

Any vector

of magnitude

can be written as:

(1)

Respective coefficients of unit vectors in equation (1) are called direction coefficients and determine the inclination/direction of respective vectors. These coefficients can also be calculated using the position vector and spatial coordinates as indicated in equation (2)

(2)

Coefficient of Unit Vectors

3D Vectors

Explanation by DF Sozinando Vaal University of Technology

Example: * A force of 7KN is applied at point A in figure and its line of action passes trough point E

Let the Force direction or Cosine of the angle be:

Force_direction =

"axes direction" "distance between points A and E"

Cos =

"adjacent" "hypoteneuse"

Force_direction =
2

x x +y +z
2 2

Force direction at x axes or

cosx =

x x +y +z
2 2 2

Force_direction =
2

y x +y +z
2 2

Force direction at y axes or

cosy =

y x +y +z
2 2 2

Force_direction =
2

z x +y +z
2 2

Force direction at z axes or

cosz =

z x +y +z
2 2 2

Coefficient of Unit Vectors

3D Vectors

Explanation by DF Sozinando Vaal University of Technology

Let the component of Force in each direction be:

"The component of Force in the each direction" = "Force_direction x Applied Force" there for: NB: Respect the sign in each axes direction and the point zero or the reference is where the cartesian plane is placed. Fx = x x +y +z
2 2 2

Fx :=

5 5 +2 +7
2 2 2

7 kN

Fx = 3.963 kN

Fy =

y x +y +z
2 2 2

Fy :=

-2 5 +2 +7
2 2 2

7 kN

Fy = -1.585 kN

Fz =

y x +y +z
2 2 2

Fz :=

-7 5 +2 +7
2 2 2

7 kN

Fz = -5.548 kN