Lect1 - General Principles
Lect1 - General Principles
Statics (8012103-3)
Fall 2021
Today’s Objectives:
Students will be able to:
a) Identify what is mechanics / statics.
b) Work with two types of units.
c) Round the final answer appropriately.
d) Apply problem solving strategies.
Contents
• Mechanics
• Fundamental Concepts
• Units of Measurement
• The International System of Units
• Numerical Calculations
• General Procedure for Analysis
WHAT IS MECHANICS?
• Study of what happens to a “thing” (the technical name is
“BODY”) when FORCES are applied to it.
Mechanics
Statics Compressible
Incompressible
Dynamics
Rigid-Body Mechanics
Rigid-Body Mechanics is divided
into two areas
Statics: Dynamics:
The study of bodies 1. Kinematics – concerned
in equilibrium with the geometric aspects
(at rest or move with of motion
constant velocity) 2. Kinetics - concerned with
the forces causing the
motion
(Accelerated motion of bodies)
WHAT MAY HAPPEN IF STATICS IS NOT
APPLIED PROPERLY?
Fundamental Concepts
Idealizations. Models or idealizations are
used in mechanics in order to simplify
application of the theory. Here we will
consider three important idealizations.
The forces all meet at a point (ring),
Particle has a mass but a size that can be (the ring can be represented as a
neglected particle
Weight
In the case of a particle located at or near the surface of the earth,
however, the only gravitational force having any sizable
magnitude is that between the earth and the particle.
Consequently, this force, called the weight, will be the only
gravitational force considered in our study of mechanics.
UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
• Four fundamental physical quantities.
•Length
•Mass
•Time
•Force
• Newton’s 2nd Law relates them: F = m * a
• We use this equation to develop systems of units.
• Units are arbitrary names we give to the physical quantities.
Cont.: Units of Measurement
2. Plan: Think about major steps (or a road map) that you will
take to solve a given problem. Think of
alternative/creative solutions and choose the best
one.
3. Execute: Carry out your steps. Use appropriate diagrams and
equations. Estimate your answers. Avoid simple
calculation mistakes. Reflect on / revise your work.
ATTENTION QUIZ
1. For a static’s problem your calculations show the final answer as
12345.6 N. What will you write as your final answer?
A) 12345.6 N B) 12.3456 kN C) 1.23E4N
D) 1.235x104 N E) 123 kN