Archive:Statics

Part of the Division of Applied Mechanics and the School of Engineering

Content summary

The study of Statics is the fundamental examination of the effects of Forces upon objects. Often referred to as the primary discipline within the field of Engineering Mechanics, statics explores the behavior of stationary bodies. Dynamics is the subsequent study of forces upon moving bodies.

Prerequisites

A Force System

Mathematics

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Calculus

Physics

• Introduction to physics
• Classical Mechanics

Learning Materials

A Free Body Diagram of a Loaded Truss

Texts

• Wikibooks:Statics

Statics Lessons

• Free Body Diagrams
• Force Systems
• Force Equilibrium
• Structures
• Beams
• Friction

Assignments

Preliminary Study guide

1. Wikipedia article:Statics
2. Wikipedia article:Force
3. Wikipedia article:Particle
4. Wikipedia article:Rigid Body
5. Wikipedia article:Vector
6. Wikipedia article:Newtons laws
7. Wikipedia article:Units
8. Wikipedia article:Free Body Diagram

Readings

• Peruse the appropriate sections of Wikibooks:Statics

Activities

• Pass the "Concept Assesment Tool for Statics" Test; Carnegie Mellon

Assignment 1 Introduction to Statical Principles and Methods for Solving

Questions:

1) What does it mean for a design of members to be "Statically indeterminable"?

2) What is a "Two force Member"?

3)How many forces are allowed on a member?

4)

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References

Additional helpful readings include:

• Basic Structural Theory; 2007, MIT
• Engineering Mechanics: Statics (4th Ed.); Meriam & Kraige, 1997, Wiley New York
• Vector Analysis Tutorial
• Structural Elements; 2007, Cornell

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See also

• Topic:Fluid statics
• Topic:Civil engineering