This is an accelerated course, covering what normally is given in two semesters. When it is complete, you must be able to do the following (you will need these skills later):

• Draw a complete free-body diagram of any system.
• Analyze the equilibrium of any static system (2D and 3D), including friction.
• Recognize the common connector types and their force and moment reactions.
• Draw the internal shear and moment diagrams for a static beam.
• Calculate the internal forces within a cable.
• Find the centroid of a system.
• Characterize the moments of inertia of a system using Mohr’s circle.
• Determine whether a dynamical system can be treated as particles of rigid bodies.
• Set up the most appropriate coordinate system (x-y, n-t, or r-q ) for the problem at hand.
• Classify types of motion (translational, rotational, general planar, three-dimensional).
• Solve simple cases of dependent motion.
• Determine whether the equation of motion, work-energy, or impulse-momentum approaches are more appropriate for the problem at hand. Be able to work two different approaches for the same dynamics problem.
• Distinguish between conservative and non-conservative systems.

In statics, certain key topics must be mastered by the student in order to proceed to the next course in an engineering curriculum. One of the key skills is the ability to draw free body diagrams (FBDs). Without this skill, the student is severely impa ired when solving design and analysis problems in engineering.

Most problems in statics can be directly solved using pencil, paper, and a calculator. However, with the computer software available today, a computer solution can provide a more complete solution to the problem. Once a problem has been solved on the c omputer the solution can be plotted for a range of configurations. These graphs can also be used to see the sensitivity to changes in the geometry or forces. During the semester, problems will be assigned that will involve computer work. These problems ca n be solved using computer packages such as a spreadsheet, math programs such as MathCAD, or programming in the computer language of the student’s choice.

Course Grading

The final grade is based on the student’s performance in various tasks. The points awarded for each task are as follows:

Submittal of Written Work (homework, examinations, projects)

• Homework is due at the end of lecture. A few minutes will be used each day to answer questions on the current homework. Your homework should be done prior to the class period. Late homework will only receive half credit. Homework turned in after the a ssignment has been returned to the class will receive no credit.

• It is permissible to work on homework together; however, each student must write/type up his/her own solution to be graded. Copying other student’s homework is not acceptable. When a computer solution is used, copies of the same printout are not accep table.

• All homework must be submitted on E-2 paper (8.5 by 11 inches) in the following format:

• Top margin: Course number, assignment number, date of the assignment submittal, name of the student, page number and total number of pages.
• Problem number
• A copy of the problem. Do not add anything to the problem.
• Solution. Be sure to use appropriate significant figures in your solutions. Unless otherwise stated, 3 significant figures are required.
• Each problem will be on a separate sheet of E-2 paper.
• Neatness and a logical flow in your solutions are required. To draw FBDs, etc., a straight edge and compass (where appropriate) are required.

Posted Solutions

Solutions for the assigned homework, projects, and exams will be placed on reserve in the Library under the MNGN241 course number. An effort will also be made to have them posted on the class web site.