The frictionless slider B has a frictionless pulley mounted to it, around which is wrapped...

The frictionless slider B has a frictionless pulley mounted to it, around which is wrapped a cable that supports weight W = 30 lb as shown. The pulley at D is also frictionless, and member BE is a bar.

(a) If α = 20°, determine the force in bar BE and the reaction between the slider and bar AC.

(b) Determine the value of α that will provide for the smallest force in bar BE, and determine the value of this force.

Figure P3.27