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A three-dimensional force system is a system of forces that act in three dimensions. The forces are applied along the x, y, and z coordinate axes.
A three-dimensional force is generally expressed as Fx, Fy, and Fz. These forces refer to the forces along the X, Y, and Z directions in the space Cartesian coordinate system. One example of a three-dimensional force system is the force acting on a particle in space. This force can be broken down into three components: the x-component, the y-component, and the z-component. When a particle is in equilibrium, the vector sum of all the forces acting on it must be zero (Σ F = 0). This equation can be written in terms of its x, y, and z components. In solving three-dimensional problems, you must usually find the x, y, and z scalar components of a force. In most cases, the direction of a force is described by two points on the line of action of the force or by two angles which orient the line of action.
Related Test: Engineering Mechanics Practice Test: Force Vectors
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