statics

Engineering Statics is the gateway into engineering mechanics , which is the application of Newtonian physics to design and analyze objects, systems, and structures with respect to motion, deformation, and failure. In addition to learning the subject itself, you will also develop skills in the art and practice of problem solving and mathematical modeling, skills that will benefit you throughout your engineering career. The subject is called “statics” because it is concerned with particles and rigid bodies that are in equilibrium, and these will usually be stationary, i.e. static. Forces and Other Vectors — basic principles and mathematical operations on force and position vectors. Moments and Static Equivalence — the rotational tendency of forces, and simplification of force systems. Rigid Body Equilibrium — balance of forces and moments for single rigid bodies. Internal Forces — forces and moments within beams and other rigid bodies. Your statics course may not cover all of these topics, or may move through them in a different order. Below are two examples of the types of problems you’ll learn to solve in statics. Notice that each can be described with a picture and problem statement, a free-body diagram, and equations of equilibrium. Equilibrium of a rigid body: Given the interaction forces at point 𝐶 on the upper arm of the excavator, find the internal axial force, shear force, and bending moment at point 𝐷. Figure 1.0.1. Map of how Statics builds upon the prerequisites of Calculus and Physics and then informs the later courses of Mechanics of Solids and Dynamics.