Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Nels Madsen and Dr. Dan Marghitu
Email: madsenh@auburn.edu , marghdb@auburn.edu

Delivery Systems:

This course requires a computer with Internet access. You will need to be able to adjust settings, install software and plug-ins, and be able to create files on the computer you will be using. Please be advised that public\lab computers often prevent these types of activities. You should check to ensure that you have these capabilities before participating in this course.

Statics: Analysis and Design of Systems in Equilibrium , Sheri D. Sheppard, Benson H. Tongue, ISBN: 0-471-37299-4, Wiley Publishers

Engineering mechanics involves the development of mathematical models of the physical world. Engineering mechanics addresses the forces acting on and in mechanical objects and systems, and the impact those forces have on the motion, or lack thereof, of those systems. The class deals with the understanding of the mechanical behavior of complex engineering structures and components. We want to discuss the tools of formulating the mathematical equations and also the methods of solving them. Also included are numerical methods for solving the static problems using computer programs.

This class provides a thorough, rigorous presentation of statics, augmented with proven learning techniques for the benefit of instructor and student. The first objective is to present the topics thoroughly and directly, allowing fundamental principles to emerge through applications. The topics are vectors, forces, moments, free body diagrams, force systems, 2-D and 3-D equilibrium, friction, and geometric properties of plane areas. We emphasize concepts, derivations, and interpretations of the general principles.

The objectives of this course are to provide learners with the ability to predict the effects of forces and motion on the performance of physical systems based upon reasoning from fundamental principles of science and mathematics. This course is of general importance across the broad spectrum of engineering and is absolutely critical for some specific disciplines. As a logical step toward the development of this predictive ability, this course is designed to develop within sophomore engineering students working competency in analyzing various force systems in static equilibrium and in evaluating geometric properties of plane areas.

This course provides a thorough knowledge of the following topics.

1. Introduction, basic concepts and review of vector algebra with particular application to forces and moments.
2. Centroids and centers of gravity
3. Second moments of area
4. Equilibrium
5. Structures
6. Friction
7. Virtual work

1. Introduction, Basic Concepts of Vector Algebra with Application to Forces and Moments

This chapter is intended to give an introduction to mechanics. A discussion of units, computational accuracy and the significance of results is also included. This chapter will present some of the basic ideas concerning vectors (vector addition, product of a vector and a scalar, scalar (dot) product of vectors, vector (cross) product of vectors, etc.) The reason for this chapter is that many concepts in science used to describe the physical world, have a size or magnitude, but also they have associated with them the idea of a direction. Examples of such quantities include force, moment, and couple. This chapter should provide a starting point for students wishing to develop the basic principle of mechanics.

2 & 3. Centroids and Centers of Gravity & Second Moments of Area

This chapter will present the principles and the details of centroids (also known as the geometric centre or first moment of area) and surface properties, their meaning and importance. All the presentation will be detailed (centroid of a set of points, centroid of a curve, surface or solid, Guldinus-Pappus theorem, parallel-axis theorem) and in some cases followed by examples. This chapter goes into some detail about the calculation of moments of inertia. We consider first the definition of moments and products of inertia. We next present the concepts of the first moment (useful in determining centroids and analyzing distributed forces), and then go on the second moments of areas (useful in stress analysis and in fluid statics), wherein we carefully present transformation properties with respect to the rotation of axis. The concept of mass moment of inertia (useful in dynamics), principal axes and ellipsoid of inertia is the presented. The meaning and relationship between principal axes, product moments and second moment are established. We show how to calculate the area and mass moments of inertia of simple objects and then use results called parallel-axis theorems to calculate moments of inertia of more complex objects.

4. Equilibrium

In this chapter we analyze many of the equilibrium problems that take place in engineering applications. We state the equilibrium equations and we depict the various types of supports that are used. We determine unknown forces and moments acting on bodies using free-body diagrams and equilibrium equations.

If an object is in equilibrium, the moment about any point due to the forces acting on the object is zero and the sum of the forces is zero. We explain how to calculate moments and introduce the concept of equivalent systems of forces and moments.

5. Structures

In engineering, the term structure can refer to any object that has the capacity to support and exert loads. In this chapter we study structures composed of interconnected parts, or links. We determine the forces and couples acting on the structure as a total as well as on its individual members. We first study trusses, which are composed of two-force members and then we consider frames and machines.

6. Friction

Friction forces, in engineering applications, have important effects both desirable and undesirable. The Coulomb law of friction is used to find the maximum friction forces that can be exerted by contacting surfaces and the friction forces exerted by sliding surfaces. Threaded connections, bearings, and belts are analyzed.

7. Virtual Work

In this chapter we describe work and potential energy. The work performed when a spring is stretched is stored in the spring as potential energy. Raising an object increases its gravitational potential energy. We present in this chapter the principle of virtual work.

Engineering Physics – Introduction to Newton's Laws, gravitation, cosmology, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, special relativity, and fluids using introductory calculus - PHYS 1600 (Auburn University)

Co Requisite: Calculus III – Multivariate calculus: vector-valued functions, partial derivatives, multiple integration, vector calculus - MATH 2630 ( Auburn University )

In order to do the coursework, a computer with an internet connection is necessary. The access could be in labs at Auburn University or could be at home or at work. (If a computer at work at work is used, the access should be tested, because some organizations have protective "firewalls" that limit full internet access.)

1. Quizzes:

There are 7 quizzes at the end of each topic. These are made available and submitted in the course website on Blackboard. Quizzes consist of 1 or 2 problems. You are expected to download a PDF document, fill in or sketch the answers, scan the answers and submit for grading. You are given 30 minutes to complete the Quiz, Scan and Submit. Instructions for scanning your answer sheet are available at

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/assistance/HP030812501033.aspx.

2. Homework:

There are 13 homework assignments at the end of every session. These are made available in the course website on Blackboard and submitted using the “Assignment Tool” in the course website . Home works consist of 1 or 2 problems. You are expected to download a PDF document, fill in or sketch the answers, scan the answers and submit for grading. You are given 30 minutes to complete the Home work, Scan and Submit. Instructions for scanning your answer sheet are available at

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/assistance/HP030812501033.aspx.

3. Test 1 and Test 2:

Test 1 will cover the material from sections 1 – 3. It includes 4-7 problems for 65 minutes. It is a timed online test. Test 2 will cover the material from sections 4 – 5. It includes 4-7 problems for 65 minutes. It is a timed online test.

4. Final Examination:

The proctored final examination at the end of Topic 7 will be available via Blackboard. It will cover all the material from Topics 1 – 7, giving an opportunity to assess each learner's assimilation of the learning objectives of the course. It is a comprehensive examination and students will be permitted 2 ½ hours for completion. More information about the proctors is given in the Examination Process section in this document.

For the final examination, the learner must select a proctor to supervise the examination. Examples of approved proctors are academic administrators in the learner's locale: school superintendents or principals, academic deans or department heads at colleges, or an independent learning office test supervisor at another college, or an education officer at a military installation. All proposed proctors are verified for appropriateness by Distance Learning and Outreach Technology (DLOT) student services staff at 334-844-3106 or audl@auburn.edu. The proctor verification form is available at http://web6.duc.auburn.edu/outreach/dl/forms/dlot_proc_verify.pdf . At the time of the examination, the proctor and the student fill out the Examination Information Verification form available at http://web6.duc.auburn.edu/outreach/dl/forms/il_proc_final.pdf This form is mailed in a confidential self-addressed sealed envelope to DLOT office. When the form is received by DLOT, the staff records it and forwards it to the faculty for grading and reporting.

The class will be fully web-based and semi-self-paced. Each section assignment will be due at a specified time. Learners should stay on track, especially since the homework assignments are focused on each section's topic. This type of course allows quite a bit of freedom, for instance, in determining at what time of day and where they do their coursework. It does, however, entail quite a bit of self-discipline and determination in order to keep up with assignments. While not required, students are encouraged to participate via the web in the classes as they are presented to the on-campus students.

The learner's work in this course will be evaluated on the basis of the homework assignments, quizzes, the two tests, and the final examination.

Examinations will include material from the assigned readings in the text, the assigned exercises, and class lectures. The learners should expect to do well on the exams only if they read, study and understand the assigned readings in the text and complete the assigned exercises.

The final course average will be computed as follows. 

The final course grade will be determined by the final class average using the scale below, with the following constraint: to earn a passing grade in this course, a learner must earn a passing grade for the assignment (homework) average.

Changes may be made as needed during the semester. Learners will be notified as early as possible if a change is to be made.

Auburn University is committed to providing accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities. Any learner with a qualified disability which requires accommodations should contact The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, Auburn University, AL 36849, 334-844-2096 PH, 334-844-2099 FAX, haynemd@auburn.edu. More information is available on their website at www.auburn.edu/disability. The office will fax or mail the required forms to learners to apply for services. Learners who have questions to participate in this course should contact the above office in advance to ensure proper accommodations.

Plagiarism is the act of presenting directly or indirectly someone else’s work as your own. Plagiarism is a major type of academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Similarly cheating on tests in any way, falsifying bibliographies, fraudulent quotes, and similar practices are intolerable forms of academic dishonesty. The University’s policy for academic misconduct in the Learner Code of Conduct will be followed for this course (Tiger Club, pp. 83 and 92). If you have any questions regarding its contents, please contact the instructor.