The following problems are to be solved using the principle of virtual work.ProblemIf you...

The following problems are to be solved using the principle of virtual work.

Problem

If you were assigned to calculate the force exerted on the bolt by the pliers when the grips are subjected to forces F as shown in Fig. a, you could carefully measure the dimensions, draw free-body diagrams, and use the equilibrium equations. But another approach would be to measure the change in the distance between the jaws when the distance between the handles is changed by a small amount. If your measurements indicate that the distance d in Fig. b decreases by 1 mm when D is decreased 8 mm, what is the approximate value of the force exerted on the bolt by each jaw when the forces F are applied?

(a)

(b)