Break a vector into component forces
Break a vector into component forces
(OP)
I am trying to come up with an Excel solution to breaking up an angular force into its component horizontal and vertical forces. My problem is that the angle of my vector can be from 0 (0 /360 is at the top) to 359 and I want my horizontal and vertical values to be expressed as positive or negative values.
For example:
Force= 35 units at 240 degrees
= in a horizontal direction -17.5 units
= in a vertical direction -30.3 units
or..
-17.5 at 270 degrees and -30.3 at 180 degrees
Can any one help.. it has been way to long since school
Thank you for your time.
For example:
Force= 35 units at 240 degrees
= in a horizontal direction -17.5 units
= in a vertical direction -30.3 units
or..
-17.5 at 270 degrees and -30.3 at 180 degrees
Can any one help.. it has been way to long since school

Thank you for your time.





RE: Break a vector into component forces
I am a bit confused, do you mean -30.3 at 270 degrees and -17.5 at 180 degrees?
Or are those numbers "guesstimating"?
RE: Break a vector into component forces
Horizontal: =Force*SIN(RADIANS(Angle))
Vertical: =Force*COS(RADIANS(Angle))
In your example the force is 30 degrees below horizontal, so you have got your components round the wrong way.
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/
RE: Break a vector into component forces
Those are the values I would expect with a force (vector) of 35 at 240 degrees, Is my math wrong?
RE: Break a vector into component forces
TTFN

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RE: Break a vector into component forces
Perfect for what I wanted to do..
RE: Break a vector into component forces
RE: Break a vector into component forces
RE: Break a vector into component forces
RE: Break a vector into component forces
Thanks again
RE: Break a vector into component forces
RE: Break a vector into component forces
If you need to go the other way (find the resultant angle from the vertical and horizontal components) use the ATAN2() function, as this will give a result over the complete circle, rather than just 0 to pi radians.
To convert degrees to radians use the Radians() function, or multiply by PI()/180, rather than typing in an approximation to pi.
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/
RE: Break a vector into component forces
Another scenario.. To calculate the tension in a sling used at an angle
Vertical known
Angle of hypotenuse (will always be between 0 horizontal and 90 vertical) known
Want to know value of horizontal and hypotenuse.
RE: Break a vector into component forces
TTFN

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Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
RE: Break a vector into component forces
TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
RE: Break a vector into component forces
I am not understanding how to use IRstuff latest formula Fv/atan(theta) to solve my problem.
In an Excel spread sheet
A1=Vertical force
A2=Angle of force (hypotenuse of right angle triangle)
With A1 and A2 known is there enough information to determine A3 and A4
A3=______________ horizontal force
A4=______________ amplitude (length) of hypotenuse)
This to calculate the tension on a sling that is used in a none vertical position.
Thank you again for all the previous help
RE: Break a vector into component forces
TTFN

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Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
RE: Break a vector into component forces
Resolved my own issue after much frustration. The final solution to solve for the long side of a triangle when the angle and one side is known is =A1/ SIN(A2*(3.1416 / 180)). My problem was that the numbers were not coming out right.. It seems that Excel uses radians and not degrees
RE: Break a vector into component forces
TTFN

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Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers