Statics and Dynamics

This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering mechanics to the learner (i.e. Newton’s Laws of Motion, Energy, Work, Linear and Angular Momentum) and aims to builds the learners engineering confidence by showing the learner analytical methods which can be used to solve everyday engineering problems. Students are expected to attend lectures and to participate in problem solving in tutorials. The turorials are designed to show the learner how to implement the universally accepted methods described in the lectures.

1. • Use the Principles of statics equilibrium and Free Body Diagrams to solve problems in engineering statics
2. • Analyse engineering systems relating to forces in lightweight truss members using the method of section and the method of Joints
3. • Analyse engineering systems relating to 2D Frame and Machines which are in static equilibrium
4. • Determine the centroids of lines, area and volume as well as determining the centre of Gravity and use these concepts in statics to deal with distributed loads
5. • Analyse engineering statics problems which relate to friction
6. • Analyse basic engineering problems relating to the kinematics of particles using different coordinate systems (i.e. Cartesian, n-t and spherical)
7. • Solve engineering dynamics problems which are time depandent (i.e. Relative Position, Velocity and Acceleration)

8. • Represent and analyse practical engineering problems (i.e. Force, Energy, and Momentum) related to the kinetics of particles by drawing FBD's and using

     • Newton's Laws of Motion,
     • Principle of Work and Energy
     • The Conservation of Linear Momentum.
     • The Conservation of Angular Momentum