Two-Dimensional Force System

A two-dimensional system in mechanical engineering involves the analysis of motion and forces in a plane. A two-dimensional force vector can be resolved into its components as:

Consider a structural element in a two-dimensional space where a force acts at an angle theta with the x-axis.

Considering that the line of action of the force passes through the origin, its components can be expressed in the Cartesian form. The direction of the force vector is always given by tan inverse of the ratio of its components.