In physics and engineering, a free body diagram (FBD; also called a force diagram)[1] is a graphical illustration used to visualize the applied forces, moments, and resulting reactions on a free body in a given condition. It depicts a body or connected bodies with all the applied forces and moments, and reactions, which act on the body(ies). The body may consist of multiple internal members (such as a truss), or be a compact body (such as a beam). A series of free bodies and other diagrams may be necessary to solve complex problems. Sometimes in order to calculate the resultant force graphically the applied forces are arranged as the edges of a polygon of forces[2] or force polygon (see § Polygon of forces).
- ^ "Force Diagrams (Free-body Diagrams)". Western Kentucky University. Archived from the original on 2011-03-17. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
- ^ Rennie & Law 2019.