We first make equilibrium equations of the body by considering all the three dimensional forces and then the free body diagram is made and solved. Thus the criteria for the potential energy equilibrium.

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Engineering Mechanics Practice Test: Principle of Virtual Work — practice the complete quiz, review flashcards, or try a random question.

Principle of Virtual Work topics include: Work, conservative forces, potential energy, equilibrium potential energy criterion and stability configurations. The principle of virtual work (PVW) states that the virtual work of the forces applied to a system is zero when the system is in equilibrium.  The PVW states that the stress, body force, and traction are in equilibrium if and only if the IVW equals the EVW for every virtual displacement field.  The PVW was originally used to examine systems of rigid structures. It is a powerful method for solving problems involving several connected... Show more

We first make equilibrium equations of the body by considering all the three dimensional forces and then the free body diagram is made and solved. Thus the criteria for the potential energy equilibrium.