A short cylinder of circular cross-section and weight N is resting on a V block of angle 2α as shown in the figure. The reaction at point A is

Concept:

If the cylinder is kept symmetrically between the V block we will get equal normal reactions at both the surfaces.

Calculation:

Given:

The angle between V block inclined surfaces = 2α

Considering the V block of symmetrical shape and the system is under equilibrium we have,

2 × N × cos (90 - α) = W

2 × N × sin α = W

N = \(\frac{W}{{2\sin \alpha }}\)

Hence, the normal reaction at point A is \(\frac{W}{{2\sin \alpha }}\).