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 bodies that are at rest or move at a constant velocity. Dynamics is the subsequent study of bodies moving at a variable velocity (accelerating or decelerating).
Prerequisites
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
Physics
- Introduction to physics
- Classical Mechanics
Learning Materials
Texts
Statics Lessons
Assignments
Preliminary Study guide
- Wikipedia article:Statics
- Wikipedia article:Force
- Wikipedia article:Particle
- Wikipedia article:Rigid Body
- Wikipedia article:Vector
- Wikipedia article:Newton's laws
- Wikipedia article:Units
- Wikipedia article:Free Body Diagram
Readings
- Peruse the appropriate sections of b:Statics
Activities
- Pass the "Concept Assesment Tool for Statics" Test; Carnegie Mellon
- Assignment 1: Introduction to Statical Principles and Methods for Solving
Extra credit
Solve the following: A ladder stands on a rough horizontal floor and against a "perfectly" smooth vertical wall. The ladder makes 30° with the vertical. A man weighing 209.4 lb stands halfway up the ladder. Assuming the ladder does not slip on the floor, find:
- The reaction between ladder and wall.
- The reaction and magnitude of the reaction of the floor on the ladder.
Take g=9.8m/s^2 & 209.439 pounds = 95 kg
See also
- Topic:Fluid statics
- Topic:Civil engineering
- Dept of Mechanical Engineering University of South Carolina: Online Lectures/Presentations
- Carnegie Mellon: Engineering Statics Full Course
References
Additional helpful readings include:
- Basic Structural Theory; 2007, MIT
- Bending Moment & shear force calculator
- Engineering Mechanics: Statics (4th Ed.); Meriam & Kraige, 1997, Wiley New York
- Vector Analysis Tutorial
- Structural Elements; 2007, Cornell