This course introduces the fundamental principles in mechanics. Structural design applications of a variety of problems are developed throughout the course using examples that elucidate the theory of mechanics. The primary aim of this course is to provide a solid foundation for students in the field of mechanical engineering. Specific topics include:

• Statics of particles; forces in a plane and in space
• Equivalent systems of forces; Cartesian vector and vector operations
• Equilibrium of rigid bodies; including free body diagrams
• Simple trusses
• Distributed forces; centroids, centres of gravity and moments of inertia
• Static indeterminacy and friction
• Internal forces; including shear and moment diagrams

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to-

1. Identify and manipulate forces and their resultants in one- two- and three dimensions.
2. Recognise and classify moments and couples created by forces.
3. Employ mechanical equilibrium and free body diagrams to solve mechanical statics problems, including bending moment diagrams.
4. Acquire skills for testing the bending of a beam and the construction of a bridge model subject to testing.
5. Analyse and demonstrate the stability conditions of mechanical equilibrium.
6. Define and evaluate the fundamentals of mechanical testing of materials (tension, compression, shear).

Professional Skills Mapping:
Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment and Professional Competencies